Electrical Estimation Services

Understanding the Basics of Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs)

LantroTech Estimation and Design

January 27, 2025

LantroTech Estimation & Design

Accurate estimation is essential in today’s fast-paced construction industry. Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) are pivotal in preparing precise estimates for construction project costs, resources, and timelines. By analyzing the dimensions of materials, labor, and equipment, QTOs enable effective planning for projects
ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings.

Infographic highlighting the benefits of Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) in construction estimation at LantroTech.


In the ever-evolving construction industry, accurate quantity takeoff has become indispensable. Modern estimating tools like Planswift and Bluebeam optimize the process, reducing errors, saving time, and improving teamwork. At LantroTech, we lead estimation and design services by delivering customized QTOs for various building projects. Our global clientele reflects our commitment to precision, efficiency, and project success at every phase. Continue reading our blog for understanding the basics of Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) and to get a deeper insight into its importance for construction professionals aiming to achieve accuracy and success in every project.


QTOs systematically measure and document all construction materials, labor, and resources. This process forms the backbone of project planning, enabling:

Illustration showcasing resource allocation, cost estimation, and risk mitigation through analyzing blueprints and extracting material quantities.

From small-scale residential buildings to large commercial infrastructure, precise QTOs are critical. The quantity takeoff process involves analyzing project drawings, blueprints, and specifications to extract quantities for materials, including Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) components.

Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) encompass all equipment and contingencies needed to complete the project. QTOs are generally prepared at the early stage of the project to develop a proper budget, resource allocation, and timelines. It provides a comprehensive look at a project’s requirements, enabling teams to better manage construction material prices, mitigate unit cost slippage, and improve planning. QTOs are commonly aided by advanced tools such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and construction softwares to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Material Takeoffs (MTOs), on the other hand, focus specifically on quantifying the materials, labor, and equipment required for a construction project. While QTOs cover all equipment, MTOs focus strictly on pricing and labor for material resources. This is a strategy that is largely witnessed in the acquisition stage to ensure appropriate materials are made in the correct order to defend against materials deficits or over-ordering. MTO is regionally operated as a crucial subset of the QTO process, but it is more material-centric and concerned with the availability and specifications of materials. Now, let’s discuss some core objectives of quantity takeoff methods.

Illustration showcasing the difference between Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) and Material Takeoffs (MTOs) at LantroTech.

At LantroTech, we employ a range of advanced quantity takeoff software tools to streamline the estimation process and ensure precise quantity takeoffs for our projects. Initially, we utilize Autodesk and PlanGrid to skim through project plans comprehensively. These tools allow us to review project drawings and documents, providing a clear understanding of the scope of work and identifying all critical components required for accurate estimation. By analyzing plans in these software tools, we can pinpoint areas requiring detailed quantity takeoffs and ensure no detail is overlooked during the estimation process.

Once the project is thoroughly analyzed, we move to the detailed quantity takeoff stage. For that, we utilize PlanSwift and Revu for precise measurements and quantity takeoffs (QTO) to ensure the highest accuracy in estimating project costs. In PlanSwift, we organize QTOs by creating separate folders for each phase of the project, such as power, distribution, and other key components, especially for smaller commercial or residential projects. We also extract quantity takeoff sheets from these estimating softwares to keep an offline record. This method allows us to break down each phase systematically and maintain organized records. For more complex high-rise residential projects, we apply the unit quantity takeoff method, which involves creating distinct folders for each building section, such as common areas and individual units. This structured approach helps us ensure that every detail is captured, regardless of the project’s size or complexity.

In addition, we make separate folders for any potential alternate designs or changes that may arise during the project. This is especially useful if any addendum or revisions occur in the future. By organizing these folders early in the process, we ensure that we can easily update estimates if the project scope evolves. This method not only streamlines the takeoff process but also ensures that we can adapt to changes seamlessly while maintaining a high level of accuracy in our estimations. After completing the QTOs, we integrate the exact quantities into Conest IntelliBid, a dedicated estimation tool for material and labor takeoffs. IntelliBid helps in cost estimating accurately by factoring in the precise quantities, labor rates, and material prices, ensuring that our estimates are both reliable and competitive. These integrated tools enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our estimation workflow, enabling us to deliver high-quality project bids. Take a look at our project case studies on residential building, commercial high rise & hospitality suites

Illustration of residential and commercial high-rise buildings at LantroTech.

Quantity takeoffs (QTOs) are essential for construction professionals as they provide precise measurements of materials needed, like conduits, pipes, and fixtures. By accurately defining the project scope, QTOs help avoid material shortages or overestimations that could disrupt schedules. They also improve competitive bidding by enabling clear, data-driven proposals and fostering trust among stakeholders. In the end, QTOs streamline planning, control costs, and support efficient, on-time project delivery.

  1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Project Drawings: Being a contractor, you must be familiar with the missing details, errors, or revisions in drawings that can lead to incorrect takeoff quantities. You should always be ready to make assumptions based on your previous experience.
  2. Software and Tool Limitations: While digital tools streamline takeoffs, outdated software, a lack of user expertise, or software mismatches can hinder accuracy and efficiency. Selecting the right tool for the task is crucial to maximize productivity and save time.
  3. Coordination with Other Trades: Aligning takeoffs with other disciplines, such as architectural and structural systems, can be challenging when resolving overlaps or conflicts. Additionally, understanding your responsibilities in relation to other trades is crucial. For example, electrical contractors are frequently responsible for handling security system installations.

Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) are vital for accurate planning and execution in construction projects, providing precise calculations of materials, labor, and equipment. They help reduce costs by controlling budgets and minimizing unnecessary expenses while preventing delays through efficient resource allocation. By providing accurate quantities of equipment, QTOs promote sustainability and minimize waste. Additionally, they enhance communication among stakeholders by providing clear and reliable data, fostering better collaboration. Unlike Material Takeoffs (MTOs), which focus exclusively on determining raw material requirements for procurement, Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) provide a comprehensive estimate of all project needs. This includes quantities of materials, labor, equipment, and other resources necessary for construction, ensuring a more holistic view of project requirements. With advanced tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and automation, QTOs ensure greater accuracy and efficiency, making them indispensable in modern construction. At LantroTech, we deliver expert Quantity Takeoffs and innovative design solutions, prioritizing cost efficiency, timely delivery, and sustainable practices. Our experienced estimation team utilizes cutting-edge tools to streamline construction processes. Contact us today to bring precision and excellence to your project planning and execution.





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