s more efficiently end up planning their jobs more carefully, which means their workers become more productive. Trade contractors who have gone through this process generally become better managed and more profitable on all their jobs.While builders can no longer afford their Starbuck’s latte in the current residential building market, they can stop the drip by implementing a takeoff and cost-management plan.Clark Ellis is a principal with FMI Corporation and founder of FMI’s Residential Building Practice. He may be reached at 919.785.9376, or via e-mail at cellis@fminet.com.