Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Environmental Compliance • BOOT • Construction Management

Quantity Takeoff

Term from Infrastructure Development industry explained for recruiters

Quantity Takeoff is a crucial process in construction where professionals measure and calculate the exact amounts of materials needed for a building or infrastructure project. Think of it like creating a detailed shopping list for construction, but at a much larger scale. This process helps determine project costs, create budgets, and ensure the right amount of materials are ordered. When someone mentions Quantity Takeoff in their resume, they're indicating they know how to read construction drawings and calculate material needs accurately, which is essential for cost estimation and project planning.

Examples in Resumes

Performed Quantity Takeoff and cost estimation for $50M highway project

Led team responsible for Quantity Take-off calculations on major commercial developments

Utilized software to conduct accurate Quantity Take Off for material procurement

Managed Material Takeoff processes for multiple concurrent construction projects

Typical job title: "Quantity Takeoff Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Cost Estimator Quantity Surveyor Construction Estimator Material Takeoff Specialist Construction Cost Analyst Estimating Coordinator Construction Quantity Takeoff Specialist

Where to Find Quantity Takeoff Specialists

Professional Associations

Online Communities

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you handle discrepancies between different sets of drawings when doing quantity takeoffs?

Expected Answer: A senior estimator should explain their process for coordinating with architects and engineers, maintaining detailed documentation of discrepancies, and their system for resolving conflicts while keeping projects on schedule.

Q: How do you validate the accuracy of your quantity takeoffs?

Expected Answer: They should discuss their quality control process, cross-checking methods, and how they use both manual calculations and software to verify results. They might also mention how they handle peer reviews and historical data comparison.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What software tools have you used for quantity takeoff, and what are their pros and cons?

Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common estimation software, their features, and when to use each one. Should also demonstrate understanding of both digital and traditional takeoff methods.

Q: How do you organize your quantity takeoff process for a large project?

Expected Answer: Should explain their systematic approach to breaking down projects into manageable sections, their documentation method, and how they ensure nothing is missed or counted twice.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic steps you follow when starting a quantity takeoff?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the process of reviewing drawings, organizing work areas, and basic measurement techniques. Should mention the importance of checking scales and units.

Q: How do you calculate areas and volumes for basic construction elements?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic math calculations, standard construction measurements, and common units used in the industry.