In construction estimating, demolition and asbestos takeoffs are often underestimated—both in complexity and cost. Many contractors rely on rough estimates instead of conducting a detailed quantity takeoff, which can lead to significant financial overruns during execution.
At True Bid Data, we help builders, estimators, and general contractors avoid these costly mistakes through accurate, spec-based demolition and asbestos quantification. Here’s why precision matters and what you need to look out for in your bid documents.
Demolition Takeoff: More Than Just Square Footage
Demolition might seem straightforward—just remove what’s shown, right? Wrong. Many bids assume a flat square footage price for demolition, especially when removing parts of a structure. But construction drawings and specifications often include detailed demolition requirements that are easy to miss, such as:
- Selective demolition of fixtures (e.g., steel stairs, guardrails, storefronts)
- Protection and storage of components to be reused
- Reinstallation of salvaged elements
- In such cases, there are three distinct costs involved:
- Removal/demolition
- Temporary storage
- Reinstallation or reconfiguration
Example of a Costly Oversight
Let’s say a scope includes “Demolition of steel stairs and storefront.” A contractor might estimate this based on square footage. However, the specs and notes may require salvaging, storing, and later reinstalling the stair or storefront systems—a much more labor-intensive process.
Failure to include these extra steps results in:
- Underbidding
- Absorbing extra costs
- Potential disputes during construction
That’s why we always recommend doing a line-by-line demolition takeoff, not a blanket estimate.
Asbestos Abatement: A Specialized Scope That Requires Quantification
Asbestos-related work is another commonly misunderstood area in public bid documents. It’s a regulated, licensed, and high-risk activity that must be carefully scoped and priced. Here’s why a proper asbestos takeoff is critical:
- Asbestos abatement must be handled by certified professionals
- Disposal and handling costs are significant
- Asbestos quantities are often included in bid documents, but spread across various sections
- You might find asbestos-related information in:
- Architectural notes
- Hazmat reports
- General conditions/specifications
- Addenda or bid clarifications
Skipping the asbestos takeoff or assuming “a lump sum” can be a major risk. You must extract exact quantities (e.g., square footage of asbestos floor tile, linear footage of pipe insulation) and submit to licensed abatement subcontractors for accurate quoting.
Best Practices for Demolition and Asbestos Takeoff
At True Bid Data, we follow a meticulous approach for both demolition and hazardous material quantification:
- Review all documents – including drawings, general notes, architectural/MEP specs, and hazmat reports
- Break down demolition tasks – selective removal, salvage and reinstallation, disposal
- Categorize materials – structural, architectural, MEP, specialty items
- Identify hidden scopes – items like slab cutting, embedded items, roofing or ceiling demolitions
- Mark asbestos areas – using referenced locations and material types
- Get subcontractor quotes – from abatement firms based on provided quantities
Deliverables You Can Expect
Our demolition and asbestos takeoff packages include:
- Detailed quantity spreadsheets
- Categorized CSI Division breakdowns
- Scope flags for salvage and reinstallation
- Marked-up demolition plans (PDF)
- Separate asbestos material schedules (if available)
Relevant CSI Divisions
Here’s how these scopes align with the CSI MasterFormat:
Division 02 – Existing Conditions
- 2 41 00 – Demolition
- 02 82 00 – Asbestos Remediation
- 02 83 00 – Lead Remediation (if applicable)
Understanding the CSI division ensures proper classification in your estimate, bid package, and project tracking.
Conclusion: Don’t Guess. Quantify.
Demolition and asbestos takeoff are not scopes you want to “guesstimate.” With so much buried in notes and referenced documents, relying on experience alone can lead to overlooked costs and liability issues.
True Bid Data ensures your bid is grounded in precise, document-based quantity takeoffs—giving you the confidence to bid competitively and profitably.
Contact True Bid Data
Need help with a demolition or asbestos takeoff? Reach out to True Bid Data for accurate, reliable estimates that save you time, money, and legal headaches.