HandbookBIM-Based Quantity Takeoff Workflow

BIM-Based Quantity Takeoff Workflow

ISO 19650-1:2018 · ISO 19650 — Information Management using BIM; IS 16187:2014 — Building Information Modelling
Workflow for extracting reliable quantity takeoffs from BIM models. Covers the step-by-step QTO process, element-wise mapping to BOQ items, software tools, and accuracy expectations at different Levels of Development (LOD).
ISO 19650
28 items shown
QTO Workflow Steps
Sequential workflow from model receipt to final BOQ comparison
StepActivityToolOutput
1Model audit and validationNavisworks / Solibri Model Checker / BIMcollabModel audit report — listing missing elements, naming errors, classification gaps
2Classification system mappingRevit / ArchiCAD classification managerAll elements tagged with Uniclass 2015 or OmniClass codes; mapping table to CPWD/DSR items
3Define extraction rules and parametersRevit Schedules / Dynamo scripts / custom parameter setsExtraction template defining: which parameters to extract, units, rounding rules, grouping logic
4Element-wise quantity extractionRevit Schedules / Navisworks Quantification / CostX / CubicostRaw quantity data in Excel/CSV — element ID, category, material, dimensions, quantity, unit
5Data cleaning and consolidationExcel / Power BI / Python scriptsConsolidated BOQ with grouped quantities by trade, floor, zone, and specification
6Comparison with manual BOQExcel diff / CostX comparison / custom scriptsVariance report: BIM QTO vs manual BOQ — item-wise percentage deviation
7Rate application and cost estimationExcel / estimation software (Candy, CostX, WinQS)Priced BOQ / cost estimate with BIM-linked quantities and market/SOR rates
8Revision tracking and model updatesBIM 360 / ACC / CDE platformChange log showing quantity impact of design revisions — auto-updated QTO
Element-wise QTO Mapping
Mapping BIM model elements to BOQ items — Indian construction practice
StepActivityToolOutput
Substructure — EarthworkExcavation, backfilling, disposalCivil 3D / Revit SiteVolume of excavation (m³), backfill (m³), disposal (m³); classified by soil type
Substructure — ConcretePCC, footings, raft, pile caps, grade beamsRevit Structure schedulesConcrete volume (m³) by grade; formwork area (m²); rebar weight (kg)
Superstructure — RCCColumns, beams, slabs, stairs, wallsRevit Structure schedulesConcrete (m³), formwork (m²), rebar (kg) — by floor and element type
MasonryBrick/block walls, partitionsRevit Architecture wall schedulesWall area (m²), volume (m³), number of bricks/blocks; deduct for openings
FinishesPlaster, paint, flooring, tiling, waterproofingRevit room/space schedules + finish schedulesFloor area (m²), wall area (m²), ceiling area (m²) — by room/zone and finish type
MEP — PlumbingPipes, fittings, fixtures, tanksRevit MEP pipe schedulesPipe length (m) by diameter and material; fitting count; fixture count
MEP — ElectricalConduits, wiring, panels, fixturesRevit MEP electrical schedulesConduit length (m), wire length (m) by size, switch/socket count, light fixture count
MEP — HVACDucts, equipment, diffusers, insulationRevit MEP duct schedulesDuct area (m²) by size, equipment count and capacity (TR/kW), insulation area (m²)
QTO Tools & Software
Commonly used tools for BIM-based quantity extraction in Indian projects
StepActivityToolOutput
Revit SchedulesNative quantity extraction from Revit model using built-in schedules and material takeoffAutodesk RevitExcel export of element-wise quantities with parameters
Navisworks QuantificationFederated model QTO with measurement tools and item cataloguesAutodesk Navisworks ManageQuantity workbook linked to 3D model; visual verification of measured items
CostX by Exactal2D and 3D quantity takeoff with live BIM links and revision comparisonCostXPriced BOQ with automatic revision tracking; 2D measurement backup
Cubicost by GlodonAI-assisted QTO from BIM and 2D drawings; strong in rebar and formworkCubicost TAS / TRB / TMEDetailed rebar schedules, formwork calculations, MEP quantities
Dynamo / Grasshopper scriptsCustom parametric extraction using visual programmingDynamo (Revit) / Grasshopper (Rhino)Custom formatted Excel/CSV with project-specific grouping and calculations
Power BI dashboardsVisual analytics and reporting of extracted BIM quantitiesMicrosoft Power BIInteractive dashboards showing quantities by floor, zone, trade, element type
Accuracy Levels by LOD
Expected QTO accuracy at different Levels of Development — per AIA E203 / BIM Forum LOD Spec
StepActivityToolOutput
LOD 100 — ConceptualArea-based estimation; no modeled elements, only massingRevit massing / SketchUpOrder-of-magnitude estimate: ±30–50% accuracy
LOD 200 — Schematic DesignApproximate quantities from generic elements with approximate size and locationRevit with generic familiesPreliminary estimate: ±15–25% accuracy
LOD 300 — Detailed DesignAccurate quantities from specific elements with correct size, shape, and locationRevit with specific families + schedulesDetailed BOQ: ±5–10% accuracy
LOD 350 — Construction DocumentationQuantities include connections, supports, and coordination elementsRevit + Navisworks + CostXConstruction-grade BOQ: ±3–5% accuracy
LOD 400 — FabricationFabrication-level detail; rebar bar-by-bar, steel connections modeledTekla / Revit with detailing add-insShop drawing-level quantities: ±1–3% accuracy
LOD 500 — As-BuiltVerified field quantities matching actual constructionPoint cloud + BIM model comparisonFinal measured quantities for payment and asset records
Notes
LOD 300 is the minimum Level of Development required for reliable quantity takeoff. Do not base contractual BOQs on LOD 200 or lower models.
Always audit the model before extraction — check for duplicate elements, unclassified families, missing floors, and linked model overlaps.
Non-modeled items (sundries, scaffolding, temporary works, contingency) must be added manually to the BIM-extracted BOQ — typically 5–10% of project cost.
For Indian government projects, map BIM quantities to CPWD DSR or state SOR item descriptions and units for billing compatibility.
Maintain a QTO extraction log recording: model version, extraction date, tool used, parameters extracted, and person responsible.
Rebar quantities from LOD 300 models are approximate (kg/m³ ratios); for accurate bar schedules, LOD 400 rebar detailing model is essential.
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