What is a material's take-off list? A materials take-off list is a detailed list of all materials that are needed to build a specific house, and this really does include everything. This includes roof fasteners to mortar mix, nails, windows, door knobs, you name it. It is usually a pretty long list of items, which is not surprising since there are a lot of elements in building a house. However, it is something you really need to have, otherwise it will be next to impossible to get accurate bids, and therefore an accurate cost estimation. So, get started and create the most detailed and accurate material's take-off list you can.

Depending on where you go your plans, they may or may not come with materials take-off lists, some don't. If your plan does come with one, make sure you know what it includes, and what it doesn't include (for example, it may not include the driveway concrete, or exterior painting materials).

If your plans don't come with a materials take-off list you will need to develop one. You can have a drafting service do this for you, or you can get it done for free. This is something that you can do by taking your plans to a materials supplier and ask them to bid on the materials, they will need a materials take-off list to do this, so they will need to write one up. You get a materials take-off list, and you got it without having to pay for it. That is a pretty nice perk! Your subs and contractors can help you create accurate materials take-off lists as well, and they won't mind doing this because they will want to ensure you have everything they need in order to do the work they are contracted out for.

Even if you think your materials take-off list is complete you should have a contractor or sub review it again at no cost, to make sure you did not overlook anything. Most subs will want to do this anyway to make sure there is enough of whatever they are using: nails, screws, that the carpet length is right, that you have the right sizes and good quality materials. Having the wrong or an insufficient list will cause delays which means they lose money--that is their motivation, which is why they will do it for free.

You will also want to have someone familiar with your plans look at your materials take off list. You really should think of the materials take-off lists included with plans, if there should be a set included, as more of a checklist than anything else. They are not always as accurate as they should be, and there is no way to get the cost estimation to be accurate if your materials take-off list isn't accurate. You should crunch your own numbers with the help of subs and suppliers to get accurate needs. If you don't want to take the time to do this, use what you have, but don't be surprised if you are missing items, and if your cost estimation is off. Material's take off lists are worth the time they take if you can make them good.