How to take off construction works - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 05:53, 2 September 2026

2026-09-02T05:53:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:53, 2 September 2026
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	= What is taking off? =		= What is taking off? =

−	The term ~~‘taking off’~~ or 'take off' or 'takeoff' refers to the process of identifying and quantifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This can be used to produce bills of quantities that can be issued to tenderers for them to prepare a price for carrying out the works. Contractors and subcontractors may also use the process to determine quantities required if these have not been provided to them.	+	The term 'taking off' or 'take off' or 'takeoff' refers to the process of identifying and quantifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This can be used to produce bills of quantities that can be issued to tenderers for them to prepare a price for carrying out the works. Contractors and subcontractors may also use the process to determine quantities required if these have not been provided to them.

	Taking off requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.		Taking off requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.
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	For more information see: Taking off construction works.		For more information see: Taking off construction works.

−	Taking off can carried out using paper-based techniques, but it is now more commonly done on spreadsheets or using specialist software. The introduction of building information modelling has allowed the automation of some tasks associated with taking off. Whatever the process adopted, the underlying mathematics remain the same as for the traditional paper-based technique as described below.	+	Taking off can be carried out using paper-based techniques, but it is now more commonly done on spreadsheets or using specialist software. The introduction of building information modelling has allowed the automation of some tasks associated with taking off. Whatever the process adopted, the underlying mathematics remain the same as for the traditional paper-based technique as described below.

	= Paper-based taking off =		= Paper-based taking off =
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	* The description column, where the description of the work item in relation to the measurements is written.		* The description column, where the description of the work item in relation to the measurements is written.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff1.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff1.JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff1.JPG]]

	= Dimensions for taking off =		= Dimensions for taking off =
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	* Square measurements (e.g. 3 m x 3 m), also known as superficial measurements.		* Square measurements (e.g. 3 m x 3 m), also known as superficial measurements.
	* Linear measurements (e.g. 3 m).		* Linear measurements (e.g. 3 m).
−	* Enumerated items (e.g. ~~‘Nr~~. 3’).	+	* Enumerated items (e.g. 'Nr. 3').
−	* Item (e.g. ~~‘Testing’~~).	+	* Item (e.g. 'Testing').

	Dimensions are usually set down in order of horizontal length, horizontal width or breadth, and vertical depth or height. It is important for the sake of consistency throughout the taking off that this order is maintained.		Dimensions are usually set down in order of horizontal length, horizontal width or breadth, and vertical depth or height. It is important for the sake of consistency throughout the taking off that this order is maintained.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff2.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff2.JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff2.JPG]]

	= Timesing for taking off =		= Timesing for taking off =
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	In the second example below, the same measurement, once multiplied by 2, is then multiplied by 4.		In the second example below, the same measurement, once multiplied by 2, is then multiplied by 4.

−	[[File:Takingoff3~~.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff2~~.JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff3.JPG]]

	= Dotting on =		= Dotting on =
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	In the second example below, the same measurement is multiplied by (1 + 4) 5, which is then multiplied by 2.		In the second example below, the same measurement is multiplied by (1 + 4) 5, which is then multiplied by 2.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff4.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff4.JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff4.JPG]]

	= Waste calculations =		= Waste calculations =
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	= Alterations =		= Alterations =

−	Where incorrect dimensions have been set down, they should be neatly crossed out with ~~‘nil’~~ written alongside in the squaring column. This indicates that the dimensions are cancelled. Care should be taken to avoid confusion with the ~~‘nil’~~ label in terms of how many figures are to be cancelled and which are still to be used in the calculations.	+	Where incorrect dimensions have been set down, they should be neatly crossed out with 'nil' written alongside in the squaring column. This indicates that the dimensions are cancelled. Care should be taken to avoid confusion with the 'nil' label in terms of how many figures are to be cancelled and which are still to be used in the calculations.

	In the example below, the square measurement 4.00 x 2.00 has been cancelled.		In the example below, the square measurement 4.00 x 2.00 has been cancelled.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff5.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff5.JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff5.JPG]]

	= Descriptions =		= Descriptions =

−	The description of the item being measured is included in the description column alongside the calculations. The contents of the description should correspond to the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). Where there ~~are~~ more than one set of calculations associated with the same description, then they can be bracketed together on the outside of the squaring column.	+	The description of the item being measured is included in the description column alongside the calculations. The contents of the description should correspond to the New Rules of Measurement (NRM). Where there is more than one set of calculations associated with the same description, then they can be bracketed together on the outside of the squaring column.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff6%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff6(corrected).JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff6(corrected).JPG]]

	= Anding-on =		= Anding-on =

−	This is where there are two or more descriptions that apply to the same measurement. The descriptions are separated in the description column by ‘&’ so as to clearly distinguish between them. They can also be bracketed together for clarity.	+	This is where there are two or more descriptions that apply to the same measurement. The descriptions are separated in the description column by '&' so as to clearly distinguish between them. They can also be bracketed together for clarity.

−	Where items are to be deducted or added, they are preceded by ~~‘Deduct’~~ or ~~‘Add’~~ in the description column.	+	Where items are to be deducted or added, they are preceded by 'Deduct' or 'Add' in the description column.

−	[[~~File:Takingoff7%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=~~File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]	+	[[File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]
		+
		+	The New Rules of Measurement (NRM) suite referred to above was reissued by RICS as practice information in October 2022, incorporating a 2021 update; RICS has confirmed that earlier editions of NRM are now out of date.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Advantages of a bill of quantities.		* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
−	* Area.
	* Bill of quantities.		* Bill of quantities.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).
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	= External references =		= External references =

−	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity ~~Surveying’~~ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)	+	'Willis's Elements of Quantity Surveying' (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005). The work is now in its 14th edition (Hills, R. and Lee, S., Wiley, 2024).

	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Designing Buildings at 11:23, 9 November 2022

2022-11-09T11:23:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:23, 9 November 2022
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	Taking off requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.		Taking off requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.
		+
		+	For more information see: Taking off construction works.

	Taking off can carried out using paper-based techniques, but it is now more commonly done on spreadsheets or using specialist software. The introduction of building information modelling has allowed the automation of some tasks associated with taking off. Whatever the process adopted, the underlying mathematics remain the same as for the traditional paper-based technique as described below.		Taking off can carried out using paper-based techniques, but it is now more commonly done on spreadsheets or using specialist software. The introduction of building information modelling has allowed the automation of some tasks associated with taking off. Whatever the process adopted, the underlying mathematics remain the same as for the traditional paper-based technique as described below.

Designing Buildings at 11:21, 9 November 2022

2022-11-09T11:21:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:21, 9 November 2022
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−	= ~~Introduction~~ =	+	= What is taking off? =

−	The term ‘taking off’ refers to the process of identifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This ~~is necessary~~ to produce bills of quantities ~~and requires~~ that the ~~design is complete~~ and ~~a specification has~~ been ~~prepared~~.	+	The term ‘taking off’ or 'take off' or 'takeoff' refers to the process of identifying and quantifying elements of construction works that can be measured and priced. This can be used to produce bills of quantities that can be issued to tenderers for them to prepare a price for carrying out the works. Contractors and subcontractors may also use the process to determine quantities required if these have not been provided to them.

−	~~= Dimension paper =~~	+	Taking off requires that the design is complete and a specification has been prepared.

−	~~Traditional taking~~ off ~~uses dimension~~ paper ~~which~~ is ~~made~~ of ~~a series~~ of ~~columns~~. ~~The columns are:~~	+	Taking off can carried out using paper-based techniques, but it is now more commonly done on spreadsheets or using specialist software. The introduction of building information modelling has allowed the automation of some tasks associated with taking off. Whatever the process adopted, the underlying mathematics remain the same as for the traditional paper-based technique as described below.

−	* 1. The timesing column, which gives the factor of multiplication for the measurements in the dimension column.	+	= Paper-based taking off =
−	* 2. The dimension column, where the measurements are set down as taken from the drawings.	+
−	* 3. The squaring column, where the calculated volumes, areas, and so on, are set out.	+	Traditional taking off used dimension paper which is made of a series of columns:
−	* 4. The description column, where the description of the work item in relation to the measurements is written.	+
		+	* The timesing column, which gives the factor of multiplication for the measurements in the dimension column.
		+	* The dimension column, where the measurements are set down as taken from the drawings.
		+	* The squaring column, where the calculated volumes, areas, and so on, are set out.
		+	* The description column, where the description of the work item in relation to the measurements is written.

	[[File:Takingoff1.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff1.JPG]]		[[File:Takingoff1.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff1.JPG]]

−	= Dimensions =	+	= Dimensions for taking off =

	The dimensions that are measured will be in one of the following forms:		The dimensions that are measured will be in one of the following forms:
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	[[File:Takingoff2.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff2.JPG]]		[[File:Takingoff2.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff2.JPG]]

−	= Timesing =	+	= Timesing for taking off =

	This is a method in which several items that have the same measurements can be set down without having to replicate calculations multiple times.		This is a method in which several items that have the same measurements can be set down without having to replicate calculations multiple times.
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	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)		* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)

−	~~[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]~~ [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

102.23.98.21 at 11:36, 8 June 2022

2022-06-08T11:36:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 8 June 2022
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	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)		* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)

−	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Designing Buildings at 08:27, 4 January 2022

2022-01-04T08:27:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:27, 4 January 2022
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	[[File:Takingoff7%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]		[[File:Takingoff7%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Advantages of a bill of quantities.		* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
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	* NRM 2.		* NRM 2.
	* Quantity surveyor.		* Quantity surveyor.
		+	* Size.
	* Spot items.		* Spot items.
	* Taking off construction works.		* Taking off construction works.
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	* Working up construction works.		* Working up construction works.

−	=== External ~~resources ==~~=	+	= External references =

	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)		* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)

	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]		[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 17:13, 19 February 2021

2021-02-19T17:13:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 19 February 2021
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	* Taking off construction works.		* Taking off construction works.
	* Tender.		* Tender.
		+	* Working up construction works.

	=== External resources ===		=== External resources ===

Designing Buildings at 13:14, 31 August 2020

2020-08-31T13:14:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 31 August 2020
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	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)		* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)

−	[[Category:~~Standards_/_measurements~~]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Project_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 11:44, 17 September 2018

2018-09-17T11:44:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 17 September 2018
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	[[File:Takingoff7%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]		[[File:Takingoff7%28corrected%29.JPG\|link=File:Takingoff7(corrected).JPG]]

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Advantages of a bill of quantities.		* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
		+	* Area.
	* Bill of quantities.		* Bill of quantities.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).
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	* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)		* ‘Willis’s Elements of Quantity Surveying’ (10th ed.), LEE, S., TRENCH, W., WILLIS, A., Blackwell Publishing (2005)

−	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]	+	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Editor at 15:05, 9 August 2018

2018-08-09T15:05:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:05, 9 August 2018
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	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

		+	* Advantages of a bill of quantities.
	* Bill of quantities.		* Bill of quantities.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).

Editor at 13:48, 9 August 2018

2018-08-09T13:48:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:48, 9 August 2018
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	* Bill of quantities.		* Bill of quantities.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).
		+	* Common mistakes in bill of quantities.
	* Computers in tendering.		* Computers in tendering.
	* Conversion of material volumes.		* Conversion of material volumes.