A neat and clean presentation of a takeoff makes a project more understandable and precise. It also makes the review process easier and more pleasant for reviewers. Thus, presentation plays a vital role in quantity takeoffs.
The presentation of a project revolves around a few areas; these include:
- Qualification/Project Detail File
- Extraction of important sections from the specification manual and highlighting key points
- Takeoff Notes
- Placement of legends and Takeoff Notes
- Proper 3D visualization
- One-Sheet on a Tab Criteria
- Formation of Unit Matrix in Excel File
Qualification/Project Detail File
When each material and finish is made, following specific criteria and a defined format, a well-organized and aesthetically pleasant project detail file is formed. This ensures that the data is not scattered and remains well structured.
Extraction of important sections from specification manual and highlighting key points
The specification manual consists of many sections, and most of them may not be within the project scope. Thus, when scope-related sections are extracted and key points are highlighted on these sections, an extracted specifications PDF is created, which is specifically tailored to the project and thus, not only saves the reviewer’s time but also provides ease and comfort.
Takeoff Notes
Indeed, takeoff notes play a vital role in making a project understandable. Notes that are too long and repetitive can be confusing, while notes that are too short may be vague.
Thus, it is very important to provide well-structured and to-the-point notes for any understanding and discrepancy.
Placement of Legends and Takeoff Notes
Takeoff notes look more organized and aesthetically appealing when placed in empty spaces on the sheets (preferably on top of the sheet) and not over the sheet notes or plans.
It is always a good practice to avoid arrowed-notes and only use if really needed. Too many arrowed-notes create a mess.
Finish Legends should also be placed on empty spaces. The size of the notes, as well as legends should be readable.
3D visualization
3D visualization is one of the most important parts of a project. A few estimates can be performed without proper 3D visualization; this may provide the same quantities and take less time, but it is less appealing and generally considered a poor estimation practice. This also limits the proper visualization.
On the other hand, if 3D visualization has been given importance and consideration, the result is not only an aesthetically appealing project but also satisfactory in terms of accuracy and visualization.
One-Sheet on a Tab Criteria
Importing more than one sheet onto a single tab can make the tab heavier and this is also very unsuitable in terms of overall PDFs or takeoff plans. This negatively affects the presentation of a project.
Thus, in order to ensure good presentation, only one sheet should be imported on a tab.
Formation of Unit Matrix in Excel File
Often, unit matrix is not provided in the drawing set. In this case, units can be estimated in two different ways, that is, to paste units on the overall plans or apply multipliers on unit enlarges by manually counting units from the overall plans.
If multiplier-method is considered, just manually counting units and applying the multipliers is not enough; an Excel file containing a unit matrix must be created. This provides ease and accuracy and thus, the takeoff looks appealing.
Conclusion
A good presentation results in client or reviewer satisfaction and can be a guarantor of authenticity, accuracy and precision.
This factor is just as important as the numbers or quantities in a project. This also reflects the estimator’s interest, efforts and dedication to the project.
At MARA Group, project presentation is always given its due importance and attention.
