1. BIM based visual estimation with Quantity takeoff
BIM based computerized quantity take-off and cost-estimating solution has flourished in the last
4-5 years. Quantity take off procedure can be enhanced with BIM as estimate of the quantities
are derived from BIM models and the model contains the information on all the objects in the
building in addition to their dimensions.
It is a very useful that can be widely utilized for Revit, AutoCAD Architecture, and Civil 3D in
different purposes like estimation and costing, initial pricing, report tabulation of materials,
bidding, unit cost for specific items, time spent counting within a project, measuring items within a
project, labor costs and estimates project costs.
With Quantity Takeoff, estimators can be benefited with property data to measure, count, and
price building objects for example walls, doors, and windows, automatically or manually. The
results will be printed, exported to Microsoft® Excel® software, or published to DWF™ file format
It can be also utilized for evaluating the building design, grouping objects into proper assemblies
for construction, setting congregation and item variables, and pricing the objects by taking off
these assemblies or items.
Quantities that have already included the estimate are represented by a $ sign, and all the cost
items are verified visually in the estimate with colors in the 3D view at any point and keep away
from over- or under-estimating. In the case of any change is made to the design, the cost items
and the estimate can be updated automatically as all the objects and quantities are connected
with cost items.
The estimator can open up a Timberline database, and drag and drop the quantified objects
generated in the previous step into Timberline assemblies or items, resulting in detailed cost
items taken-off into a Timberline estimate file.
QTO can be organized to perform any size estimate and for checking a BIM model for precision.
Data is transferred to any of the project management, or estimating systems, or amount produced
as an Excel “spread sheet” file. QTO will also receive component information from cost analysis
services for instance RS Means.
Unlimited component subassemblies facilitate categorization and counting of materials to an
important level of detail. The Search Takeoff function make possible for quick takeoff of
intellectual drawing objects, whereas the Manual Takeoff function sustains non-intelligent image
formats for instance JPG and TIF.
Quantity Takeoff mechanically produces quantities tied to particular objects that results speedy,
well-organized change management. One is able to mark up and round-trip comments with
incorporated, redlining tools, and visually cross-reference individual objects and items.
Quantity Takeoff Process
 Place the paper plans for digitization on the tablet. In the case of working with scanner
version scan the plans. In the case of on-screen version, load the image. On-screen
programs should work with all file types, including AutoCAD DWG, PDF, and TIFF
 Initiate the Take-Offs program

2.  Enter the scale units, English or metric
 Enter the scale or compute the scale from the plans by digitizing a recognized distance.
 Select the digitize area, length, perimeter, counts, multiple line segments or sum of line
segments
 Digitize the item using the digitizing tablet
 Digitizing can be point to point, or continuous curves.
 Digitized items are put on view on screen while digitizing
 The software estimates the item from the digitized data. Do again for other items.
 Print a report with an image diagram of the digitized data and a table of results.
 If contractors get AutoCAD DWG files, certain programs may enable them to perform a
direct CAD import without the need to digitize.
 One can export the take-off result by pressing the excel button to the excel spreadsheet.
The report can also be published to DWF file format.
Useful Links:
http://www.quantity-akeoff.com/services.htm
http://www.quantity-takeoff.com/quantity-takeoff-process.htm
Ref :
http://www.aecbytes.com/buildingthefuture/2006/VisualEstimating.html
Summary:
This publication provide information ‘How BIM based visual estimating can be speed up with
Quantity take-off.’
Company Information:
Global Associates performs a quantity takeoff with absolute precision on an entire building
information model by collecting information relevant to construction directly from BIM design tools
resulting faster and more accurate cost estimating for contractors and cost estimators.
Company Address:
P-100, Block-A, Lake Town
Kolkata, India,
Zip-700089
Phone - +91(033)2521-8508
Toll Free – 866-493-4944
Website : www.quantity-takeoff.com
Email: info@quantity-takeoff.com