Villa quantity takeoff with every quantity tied to a sheet

How we take off a villa

A villa takeoff begins with reading the whole set and identifying addenda and revisions, then every item is measured on the sheet where it appears. The BOQ is arranged by trade: earthworks, concrete, masonry, plaster, insulation, finishes and then MEP.

• Each item has a unit and a visible formula in the cell.
• The source sheet or section is written beside the quantity.
• Quantities assumed because a drawing is incomplete are declared in a notes column.

We begin with a project-wide sheet holding floor areas, perimeters and clear heights, from which many quantities derive, such as plaster, paint and insulation. We then take off concrete element by element: footings, tie beams, columns, beams, slabs and stairs, with the dimensions of each element visible in the table so you can check them.

Structuring the villa

A typical villa has an annex, a boundary wall and sometimes a pool, so we separate the main building from the annex and external works. That makes pricing and bid comparison simpler. Items driven by opening sizes, such as doors and windows, are kept in separate schedules by size and count.

See the villa with pool and courtyard project for the type of drawings we work with, and our article on quantity takeoff step by step for the method.

For electrical work we count points, switches, panels and conduit and cable lengths from the drawings. For plumbing we count fixtures and pipe lengths by diameter, and for HVAC the number of units and duct lengths. Whatever is not shown on the drawings is declared as a separate estimate instead of being blended into the figures.

From takeoff to pricing

The work can stop at the takeoff or continue to pricing the BOQ with materials, labour and equipment, followed by indirect costs and profit. In both cases you get an Excel file that can be edited without breaking the formulas.

An independent second engineer reviews the takeoff before delivery and compares the main totals with ratios per square metre for similar buildings to catch large errors. The difference between the two services is explained on the quantity takeoff and BOQ pricing page.

The file opens with a summary of the main quantities and a table of notes and open questions that need a reply from the designer. You can then use the file directly to request subcontractor quotes, or to compare an offer you received against the real quantities.

Price

Quantity takeoff for all disciplines costs 90 SAR per 100 m2 of built-up area, minimum 2,000 SAR. BOQ pricing costs 55 SAR per 100 m2, minimum 1,500 SAR. Both are before VAT. Worked example only, for a villa with 600 m2 built-up area: takeoff 6 x 90 = 540 SAR, so the 2,000 SAR minimum applies; pricing 6 x 55 = 330 SAR, so the 1,500 SAR minimum applies; the total is 3,500 SAR before VAT, plus 15% VAT in KSA.

The delivery date is fixed in the quote according to scope. Quantities and rates are meant for your tender and negotiation; any drawings that accompany them are prepared for review, approval and stamping by your licensed engineer in the project country, and we do not stamp drawings.

To start, send the complete drawings and say whether you want the takeoff alone or with pricing. We review the set free of charge and confirm the built-up area on which the price is based, then send the quote. On delivery we explain the structure of the file and how to update it, so you can change specifications or rates later without repeating the takeoff.