Ultimate Guide to Quantity Take Off in Construction: Step-by-Step Process (2026)

Ultimate Guide to Quantity Take Off in Construction: Step-by-Step Process (2026)

If you’re planning to build, extend, or refurbish a house, the biggest fear is simple: “How much will this really cost?” The most reliable starting point is a quantity take off — a clear list of what materials and work your project needs. This guide explains it in plain English, with easy examples.

1) What is a quantity take off?

A quantity take off (often shortened to “QTO”) is a measured list of what your project needs. Think of it like a shopping list + measurement sheet.

It tells you How much brick, concrete, plasterboard, tiles, paint, etc. you need.
It helps you Compare builder quotes “like-for-like” so you don’t overpay.
It prevents Hidden extras because missing items usually become expensive variations later.

Simple idea: If the quantities are correct, your cost estimate becomes much more accurate. If quantities are missing, your final bill usually grows.

2) Why a quantity take off matters for house owners

When you ask a builder, “How much to build this extension?” they will guess unless they have measured quantities. A proper quantity take off turns guessing into a measured plan.

It protects your budget in 3 ways

  • Less waste: ordering the right amount reduces leftovers and repeated deliveries.
  • Better pricing: you can price materials and labour more accurately.
  • Clear scope: everyone knows what is included, so disputes reduce.

Example: why “missing quantities” becomes expensive

If a quote forgets items like insulation, waste removal (skip), or scaffolding, those costs don’t disappear — they arrive later as “extras.” A quantity take off reduces these surprises by listing items early.

3) What we need from you to do a good quantity take off

The better the information, the better the estimate. For a typical house project, we usually need:

  • Plans/drawings: floor plans, elevations, sections (PDF is fine).
  • Dimensions: room sizes, wall lengths/heights, ceiling heights.
  • Specification: what finishes you want (tile type, flooring, kitchen level, windows/doors type).
  • Structural info: foundations type (if known), steel beams (if any).
  • Services scope: plumbing/heating/electrical changes (basic or full rewire, new boiler, etc.).

Example: “specification” explained simply

“Flooring: laminate” is not enough. Prices vary. “12mm laminate, AC4 rating, include underlay + skirting” gives a realistic cost.

4) The quantity take off process (step-by-step)

Below is the practical workflow used for house estimates. Don’t worry — you don’t need to be technical. This is how we turn drawings into a clear list of quantities.

Step 1: Confirm what you’re building

We define the project scope in one sentence: “Single-storey rear extension + new kitchen + minor electrical updates.” This avoids mixing different assumptions.

Step 2: Break the job into sections (like a checklist)

A house is measured in logical parts, for example:

  • Groundworks (excavation, foundations)
  • Structure (walls, beams, roof)
  • Openings (doors, windows)
  • Internal finishes (plaster, paint, flooring)
  • Kitchen/bathroom
  • Electrical and plumbing
  • External works (paving, drainage connections)

Step 3: Measure quantities from drawings

This is the core of a quantity take off. We measure lengths, areas, and volumes, such as: wall area (m²), floor area (m²), concrete (m³), skirting length (m), number of doors (No.).

Example: measuring a simple room (easy)

Room size: 4m x 3m
Floor area = 12m² (used for flooring, screed, tiles, etc.)
Skirting length ≈ perimeter = (4 + 3 + 4 + 3) = 14m (minus door openings if needed)

Step 4: Add “hidden but real” items (so your estimate is honest)

Many overruns happen because these are forgotten:

  • Waste removal (skip hire, haulage)
  • Access/scaffolding
  • Fixings (screws, adhesives), trims, sealants
  • Protection (dust sheets, floor protection)
  • Temporary works (supports, propping)

Step 5: Convert quantities into an estimate

Once quantities are ready, pricing becomes much easier: materials + labour + plant/tools + waste + overheads. This is where you get a realistic budget range.

Example: turning quantities into a cost line

If your floor needs 12m² of laminate, the estimate includes:
Laminate (12m²) + underlay (12m²) + skirting (14m) + trims + labour + waste allowance.

Step 6: Create a clear summary you can understand

A homeowner-friendly output is simple: a list of major items, quantities, and estimated costs — so you can compare quotes and plan your budget.

Tip: Ask your builder to quote against your quantity take off list. This makes it harder for important items to be “missed.”

5) Common mistakes people make with quantity take off

  • Using old drawings: small changes (like moving a window) can change costs a lot.
  • No specification: “standard” means different things to different builders.
  • Forgetting waste allowance: many materials need extra for cuts and breakage.
  • Not counting finishes: paint, skirting, trims, grout, sealant add up.
  • Ignoring access: narrow access or occupied home can increase labour and time.

Example: why waste allowance matters

Tiles for 12m² floor usually need extra because of cuts and breakage. A reasonable allowance might be 5–15% depending on tile size and layout.

6) Simple checklist before you request a house estimate

Use this quick checklist to speed up your estimate and improve accuracy:

  • ✅ Latest drawings (PDF)
  • ✅ Your address/postcode (for local pricing context)
  • ✅ Project goal: extension / loft / refurb / new kitchen, etc.
  • ✅ Finish level: basic / mid / premium (or share inspiration photos)
  • ✅ Are you living in the property during works? (Yes/No)
  • ✅ Target start date (even an estimate helps)

Best result: When your project details are clear, your quantity take off becomes cleaner — and your budget becomes more reliable.

FAQ: quantity take off for homeowners

Is a quantity take off the same as a builder quote?

Not exactly. A quantity take off is the measured list of what’s needed. A builder quote is the builder’s price to supply and install it. When you have both, you can compare quotes more fairly.

Can I do quantity take off myself?

You can do a basic version (like room measurements), but full house estimates usually need experience because drawings can include details that are easy to miss (structure, foundations, insulation, drainage, etc.).

How accurate is a quantity take off?

It depends on the quality of drawings and the specification you provide. Clear drawings + clear finishes = a much tighter estimate range.

Need a clear house estimate based on a proper quantity take off?

If you share your drawings and finish level, Brand BOA can help you understand the quantities and budget in a homeowner-friendly way.

Request an Estimate

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