What is a Takeoff?
In the world of construction, the pre-construction phase sets the stage for everything that follows. At the heart of this critical phase lies the takeoff process. A takeoff involves measuring and listing the quantities of materials and labor required, based on the project’s plans and specifications, to create a detailed estimate. An accurate takeoff is not just a step in the estimating process; it is the bedrock of a successful project, influencing budgets, timelines, and overall feasibility. Without a precise takeoff, the risk of cost overruns, resource shortages, and missed deadlines increases significantly.
Most construction companies will leverage takeoff and estimating software to streamline processes, build more accurate estimates, and produce competitive bids that win more work. That’s why HCSS’s HeavyBid software has recently improved its takeoff integration feature, allowing customers to quickly and easily import their takeoffs to an estimate in HeavyBid.
Easily Import Your Takeoff into HeavyBid
Any takeoff software that has the capability of exporting takeoff data can be imported into HCSS’s Pre-Construction and HeavyBid software. Users simply import their takeoff data into Pre-Construction, HCSS’s solution for tracking a project from opportunity to completion, and link it to the appropriate project. From there, all of the takeoff details are now attached to that project in HeavyBid and users can start customizing their estimates by linking the takeoff data to existing line items or create new line items as they see fit.
Link Your Takeoff to Existing HeavyBid Line Items
Utilizing the takeoff data that was attached to the Pre-Construction project, the user can now easily link those quantities to any combination of biditem, activity, or resource. Line items within the estimate will now have all the necessary information to ensure the costs are as accurate as possible to prevent under or over estimating.
Easily Create New HeavyBid Line Items from Your Takeoff
Users will also have the ability to create new line items from the takeoff lines. This includes bid items, activities, or resources. This function will allow users to build their estimate from scratch utilizing the takeoff data if they prefer. As all of this information is updated in HeavyBid, the Pre-Construction software automatically receives it so stakeholders can assess and see real-time changes.
For example, users can see which quantities have been assigned to a bid item, activity, or resource in HeavyBid and which haven't. They can then make an informed decision about which quantities still need to be assigned to items in HeavyBid without the need to tie up a license in HeavyBid.
Easily Update Estimates as Change Orders Occur
Change orders are quite common in construction and can happen at any point in the project life cycle. Estimators need to be able to quickly make adjustments without any mistakes. HeavyBid’s takeoff integration allows users to re-upload the new takeoff quantities into Pre-Construction and users can select the specific changes they want reflected in their estimates in HeavyBid.
Faster Bid Creations and More Accurate Estimating
Utilizing the new takeoff integration allows estimates to be built from the previously unavailable takeoff file. This will not only reduce the time it takes to create an estimate from a takeoff but also reduce potential manual errors.
These benefits reflect HeavyBid’s core purpose: helping users win more accurate bids in less time.
Watch How Users Integrate a Takeoff Into HeavyBid
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