At Fast Estimator, we take pride in delivering work that is both accurate and practical. Recently, we completed a takeoff for a villa project in Abu Dhabi, and this one came with its fair share of challenges.
Working with Drawings
Sometimes drawings provided at the start are far from complete. Rather than allowing this to hold the project back, our team can drew on experience and local knowledge to fill the gaps. We always refer to common building practices in the locality and set out clear assumptions to keep the process transparent.
By doing this, we can ensure that the client always have a reliable set of quantities to move forward with, even where the information is not fully defined.
Covering the Essentials
The takeoff captured all of the key areas you would expect in a villa project:
- Site works excavation, backfilling, and allowances for boundary walls.
- Structure foundations, slabs, beams, and columns.
- Masonry and partitions blockwork and plaster finishes.
- Roof and insulation meeting local energy efficiency requirements.
- Finishes flooring, wall treatments, and ceilings.
- MEP systems electrical, plumbing, and HVAC provisions.
- Joinery and metalwork windows, doors, and external features.
Every element was broken down in a way that gives the client a clear picture of the materials and scope ahead.
More Than Just Numbers
What makes a takeoff valuable isn’t only the list of quantities – it’s about helping the client make decisions with confidence. For this project, we highlighted unclear items, included provisional allowances and suggested where market checks with local suppliers would be worthwhile.
This approach ensures that the project team has a dependable foundation to build from.
Final Thoughts
This Abu Dhabi villa project was a good reminder that construction estimating isn’t just about counting bricks – it’s about bringing clarity to uncertain situations. At Fast Estimator, our goal is always to give clients the confidence to move forward, no matter the challenges.