Builders often use “takeoff” and “estimate” interchangeably, but they are different deliverables, and asking for the wrong one can leave you with more work or less control than you wanted.
A takeoff measures
A quantity takeoff is a measured list of what has to be built: square metres of linings, lineal metres of skirting, cubic metres of concrete, counts of doors and windows. It does not include rates or prices.
A takeoff is the right choice if you have your own rates and supplier relationships and want to keep control of pricing. It removes the slowest part of estimating while leaving the commercial decisions with you.
An estimate prices
An estimate takes measured quantities and applies material and labour rates to produce a cost. A good estimate is laid out by trade or element, with margins, contingency and GST shown as separate lines.
An estimate is the right choice when you need a number quickly, when you are pricing an unfamiliar trade, or when you want an independent check against subcontractor quotes.
What a good deliverable includes
Either way, you should get an itemised spreadsheet, marked-up drawings showing what was measured, and a list of assumptions and exclusions. Without marked-up drawings, you cannot check the quantities, and without assumptions, you cannot tell where the risk sits.