What is a takeoff and why is it important?

What is a takeoff exactly?

It is a measurement of material requirements often based on plans or architectural drawings. It applies to all materials that will be needed for the build. Simplistically, one needs to understand how many 2x4s, 2x6s, 2x10s, sheets of plywood, shingles, and oh yes insulation they will need to order for a given job. Ordering too much or too little has obvious consequences in normal times. In today’s environment, these challenges are exacerbated. Ordering too much material can be costly if you overshoot the mark, not to mention wasteful as you’ll likely have to throw the excess away. Too little could lead to major delays as materials are increasingly difficult to get in the current surge of new construction and home improvement.

What are the specifics re: insulation?

Typically an insulation installer will visit a job site, or view plans, to conduct a takeoff and provide a quote to do the job. As explained above, the risks of an inaccurate takeoff are serious so one suggestion is to offer to pay for it. The fee will be de minimis and easily made up in accuracy. You might also try measuring yourself and comparing. If nothing else you’ll appreciate one of the many challenges of your project.

Does Havelock do takeoffs?

We don’t do takeoffs because we can basically only lose. If we do it and send too much product we’ve oversold you. If we come up short you have to wait for us to get more product out. As we increase the amount of stock we have around N. America the latter will become less of an issue. However, we have no interest in agitating our supporters so until we can figure out a useful way to provide the service we’ll hold off.

In the interim, it is fair to note that a contractor or subcontractor that will perform a takeoff often does not share the measurements. Try doing it yourself or considering a 3rd party which is inexpensive and will certainly pay for itself when your service providers understand you are well aware of material needs relative to the figures in your takeoff.

This is boring and seems like too much detail. What should I try to remember if I read this far?

Takeoffs are really important in the building process. They can very easily add to cost and material waste if not done properly. Encourage and maybe even incentivize your builder and their subs to get it right.