Best Construction Takeoff Software Overview 2023

The construction industry is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and software solutions. In this digital era, construction estimating software has emerged as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way contractors calculate material quantities, costs, and expenses. It is estimated that the global construction takeoff software market will reach a staggering $4.15 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% from 2021 to 2026.

These statistics highlight the scale and impact of construction takeoff software, making it essential for contractors to embrace these technological advancements to stay competitive in the industry. Whether it’s for digital takeoffs, building takeoffs, quantity takeoffs, or cost estimating, construction takeoff software offers a wide range of benefits that streamline project planning, improve accuracy, and enhance overall efficiency.

In this article, we will explore the best construction takeoff software options available in 2023. We will delve into their features, benefits, and pricing to help you make an informed decision and maximize your construction estimation capabilities.

PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a popular digital construction estimating software designed for both commercial and residential projects. With its advanced features and intuitive interface, PlanSwift helps contractors streamline their estimation process and ensure accurate quantity takeoff.

One of the key features of PlanSwift is its ability to import project drawings in various formats such as PDF, TIF, and DWG. Contractors can take advantage of the software’s scalable digitizing feature to calculate lengths, areas, and volumes of different items. This makes it easy to create detailed flooring takeoffs, estimate drywall quantities, and accurately assess material requirements for any construction project.

Additionally, PlanSwift allows users to count doors, windows, accessories, and other items, ensuring that every component is taken into account during the quantity takeoff process. This attention to detail helps contractors avoid costly errors and ensures precise estimates.

PlanSwift also offers the flexibility to set unit rates for different items, making it easy to calculate material costs and create comprehensive estimates. The software allows users to export the takeoff data in Excel format for further analysis and integration with other tools and systems.

This digital construction estimating software is compatible with Windows systems and requires a minimum of 4GB RAM. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it a favorite among contractors looking for a reliable and efficient solution for their estimating needs.

Bluebeam

Bluebeam is a highly accurate construction estimation software that provides advanced tools for construction professionals. With Bluebeam, estimating services and preparing construction proposals becomes efficient and precise. The software allows users to import PDFs from design software like Revit, Navisworks, and Sketchup, enabling seamless collaboration among different stakeholders.

One of the standout features of Bluebeam is its markup functionality, which allows users to annotate project documents with lines, clouds, callouts, symbols, and even images. These markups serve as visual aids and help communicate changes and requirements effectively. The software also supports file overlay, enabling users to compare changes between different versions of a file.

Bluebeam is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. Its versatile capabilities make it accessible to a wide range of construction professionals, ensuring accurate cost estimating and efficient project management.

Esticom

Esticom is an innovative cloud-based construction estimating software that specializes in MEP estimation and civil works. It offers a range of powerful features that streamline the estimation process and empower contractors to win more bids.

• Cloud-Based Application: Esticom’s cloud-based nature allows users to access their estimating projects from any device with internet connectivity. This flexibility ensures seamless collaboration among team members, enabling them to work efficiently.
• Accounting Integration: With Esticom’s accounting integration capabilities, contractors can easily import and export financial data, reducing manual entry errors and saving time. The seamless integration simplifies the overall project estimation workflow.
• Project Management: Esticom provides project management features that help contractors stay organized and on track. Users can create tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress, ensuring efficient project execution.
• HVAC Estimating: Esticom offers specialized tools for HVAC estimating, allowing contractors to accurately estimate material quantities and associated costs. This feature eliminates guesswork and ensures precise estimations.
• Project Analytics: With Esticom’s project analytics feature, contractors can analyze and track project performance, identifying areas of improvement and making data-driven decisions. This data-driven approach leads to more accurate estimations and better project outcomes.

Esticom provides a user-friendly experience, making it accessible to contractors of all skill levels. The software also offers a 14-day free trial that requires no credit card, allowing users to explore its capabilities without any commitment.

Esticom’s competitive pricing options make it a cost-effective solution for contractors looking to enhance their estimating process. Whether opting for a monthly subscription or a one-time fee, Esticom offers excellent value for money.

Experience the power of Esticom and revolutionize your construction estimating process. Sign up for the 14-day free trial today!

ProEst

ProEst is a powerful construction estimating software that facilitates seamless project team collaboration. It offers a range of features designed to enhance the estimating process, making it a valuable tool for construction professionals. With ProEst, estimators and quantity surveyors can work together efficiently on a project’s quantity takeoff, ensuring accuracy and precision.

One of the key advantages of ProEst is its ability to integrate with existing accounts, allowing for streamlined workflow and seamless data transfer. This integration capability simplifies the estimation process and improves overall project management.

ProEst also provides industry-specific estimation capabilities, including plumbing estimation and HVAC estimation. This allows construction professionals to generate accurate estimates for specialized areas of a project, ensuring that costs are correctly calculated.

Another noteworthy feature of ProEst is its extensive library of pre-built templates. These templates serve as a starting point for estimators, saving valuable time and effort. By utilizing these templates, contractors can quickly generate estimates and easily customize them to suit specific project requirements.

The ProEst software is web-based, offering flexibility and accessibility to users. It also provides a free demo, allowing construction professionals to explore its features before making a purchase decision. However, it is important to note that ProEst’s annual subscription price starts at $5000, which may be a consideration for some users.

Overall, ProEst is a reliable and feature-rich estimating tool that facilitates project team collaboration and enhances the accuracy of construction estimates. While it may have a higher price point, the software’s functionality and specialized estimations make it an attractive option for construction professionals.

Square Takeoff

Square Takeoff is a mobile-friendly and cloud-based construction cost estimation software that caters to the needs of contractors and construction professionals. It offers a range of features to streamline the estimation process, helping users accurately estimate quantities and construction costs for bidding purposes. With Square Takeoff, you can take your estimating process to the next level, ensuring precise calculations and efficient project planning.

Key Features of Square Takeoff:

1. Mobile-Friendly: Square Takeoff is designed to work seamlessly on both Windows and Mac devices, providing on-the-go access to your construction cost estimation tools. Contractors can easily input and review estimates directly from the field, improving efficiency and accuracy.
2. Cloud-Based: As a cloud-based software, Square Takeoff allows you to access your estimations from any device with an internet connection. This not only ensures flexibility but also enables secure data storage and collaborative workflows.
3. Digitize PDF Documents: Square Takeoff enables you to quickly digitize PDF documents, making it easier to measure and calculate quantities for accurate estimations. This feature saves time and reduces the risk of errors associated with manual measurements.
4. Unit Cost Input: With Square Takeoff, you can easily input unit costs for materials, labor, and other project expenses. This feature enhances cost estimation accuracy by allowing you to customize rates based on your specific needs and market conditions.
5. Customized Templates: Square Takeoff provides predefined templates for various construction specialties, such as electrical, plumbing, and landscaping. These templates can be customized to fit your project requirements, saving you time and effort in creating estimates from scratch.
6. Client Collaboration: Square Takeoff facilitates collaboration with clients by allowing you to share digital estimations for review and feedback. This feature enhances communication and transparency, helping to build trust with your clients.
7. 14-Day Free Trial: Square Takeoff offers a 14-day free trial, giving you the opportunity to explore its features and evaluate its suitability for your construction cost estimation needs. This trial period allows you to make an informed decision without any financial commitment.
8. Pricing: After the 14-day free trial, Square Takeoff requires a first-year fee of $1000, followed by an annual fee of $399 for continued access to the software. This pricing structure ensures affordability and long-term value for construction professionals.

Archdesk

Archdesk is a leading construction management software that is designed to meet the specific needs of the construction industry. With its comprehensive tools and features, Archdesk helps streamline the estimation process and improve overall project management efficiency.

One of the key features of Archdesk is its ability to import and export PDF files, making it easier for contractors to work with project drawings and documentation. This feature enables users to seamlessly integrate their estimation process with the digital files they receive, minimizing errors and ensuring accuracy.

Archdesk also provides a user-friendly interface that allows contractors to create and revise estimates easily. The software works seamlessly with spreadsheets, making it convenient for users to input pricing information and perform calculations efficiently. With Archdesk, contractors can be confident in the accuracy of their estimates and have greater control over their pricing strategy.

When it comes to reputation, Archdesk has received high ratings from both Capterra and G2, two reputable platforms in the software industry. With a Capterra rating of 4.8/5 and a G2 rating of 4.3/5, Archdesk has proven to be a reliable and effective solution for construction professionals.

With its powerful features, user-friendly interface, and positive ratings, Archdesk is an excellent choice for contractors looking to streamline their estimation process and improve project management efficiency.

Active Takeoff

Active Takeoff is an on-premise construction takeoff solution designed to support construction managers, design firms, and finishing contractors in the estimation process.

The software offers a range of features to enhance accuracy and efficiency, including PDF import/export, Excel integration, and customizable templates. This allows users to seamlessly import project drawings and export takeoff data in various formats for further analysis and collaboration.

Active Takeoff also provides the flexibility to work with both metric and imperial units of measurement, catering to different project requirements.

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive functionality, Active Takeoff offers a reliable option for accurate quantity takeoff. By streamlining the estimation process and reducing manual errors, contractors can save valuable time and resources.

Active Takeoff has received positive ratings on Capterra, with a rating of 4.6/5, reflecting its effectiveness and customer satisfaction. This further validates its position as a trusted solution in the construction industry.

Trimble

Trimble is a renowned industry leader in providing a comprehensive range of construction solutions, and their robust takeoff tool is no exception. With its comprehensive takeoff capabilities, Trimble is particularly well-suited for general contractors and trades specialists. The software’s advanced features enable professionals to accurately estimate material quantities and costs, empowering them to make precise calculations for their construction projects.

One of the key strengths of Trimble is its ability to enhance project management and ensure accuracy in cost estimation. By leveraging its advanced takeoff capabilities, construction professionals can streamline their workflow and optimize resource allocation. Trimble offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily navigate through various functions and efficiently carry out their quantity takeoff tasks.

For general contractors and trades specialists, Trimble provides a powerful toolset that simplifies and enhances the estimation process. With its comprehensive features, users can quickly generate detailed takeoff reports, identify potential cost-saving opportunities, and make well-informed decisions when preparing bids. Trimble’s industry reputation and proven track record make it a trusted solution for professionals in the construction industry.