Best Takeoff Software
Takeoff software automates and helps standardize the process of establishing and estimating costs in a construction project. Construction takeoff, also referred to as quantity takeoff or material takeoff (MTO), counts, measures, and creates lists of any materials, labor, or other resources that a construction project requires. Takeoff exists firmly within the pre-construction (pre-con) phase of the construction project lifecycle; effective and efficient takeout software results in accurate construction estimates, which in turn mitigates any unrealistic expectations or increased costs at the end of a project.
Construction takeoff software digitizes the previously manual, time-consuming, and error-prone process to streamline the entire bidding process. Both project owners and contractors can leverage takeoff software to determine pricing for materials and resources when generating and publishing bills of materials (or bills of quantities) and bids. Construction takeoff software can exist as a standalone solution or bundled into the functionality of more comprehensive construction estimating software.
To qualify for inclusion in the Takeoff category, a product must:
Best Takeoff Software At A Glance
G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Autodesk Construction Cloud™ connects workflows, teams and data at every stage of construction to reduce risk, maximize efficiency, and increase profits. Autodesk Build is part of Autodesk Constructi
- BIM Manager
- Project Manager
- Construction
- Architecture & Planning
- 45% Mid-Market
- 30% Enterprise
282,821 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Procore construction software manages your construction projects, resources and financials from planning to closeout. The platform connects every project contributor to solutions built specifically fo
- Project Manager
- Project Engineer
- Construction
- Architecture & Planning
- 49% Mid-Market
- 41% Small-Business
16,210 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Bluebeam is the leading provider of digital productivity and collaboration solutions for industries that design and build our world. Trusted by over 3 million users in more than 160 countries, Blue
- Project Manager
- Project Engineer
- Construction
- Architecture & Planning
- 44% Mid-Market
- 36% Small-Business
7,097 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ConWize is a cutting-edge cloud-based software utilized today by general contractors, developers, subcontractors, and management companies. Our customers' biggest challenge in bid management and estim
- Estimator
- Bid Manager
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- 58% Mid-Market
- 32% Small-Business
57 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
PlanSwift is the #1 Takeoff and Estimating software in the world! Created by estimators for estimators, PlanSwift will save you time and money while greatly increasing your accuracy! With PlanSwifts
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- 59% Small-Business
- 28% Mid-Market
56,343 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Beam AI automates the construction takeoff process for general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. It reads site plans and spec sheets to deliver accurate material quantities—without manual tr
- Construction
- 58% Small-Business
- 42% Mid-Market
164 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Togal.AI is the fastest, most user-friendly takeoff tool built BY estimators, FOR estimators. With a combination of cutting-edge manual takeoff tools and easy-to-use AI features, Togal's pre-construct
- Construction
- 57% Small-Business
- 39% Mid-Market
335 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
On-Screen Takeoff® is proven to streamline all digital plans and takeoffs. You will be able to bid in less than a quarter of the time you did with paper, markers, and rulers, and greatly improve your
- Estimator
- Senior Estimator
- Construction
- 55% Small-Business
- 41% Mid-Market
56,343 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
From project evaluation to completion, contractors use STACK’s cloud-based software to help run their business and maximize their profits. STACK Takeoff & Estimate allow you to bid more projec
- Construction
- 85% Small-Business
- 8% Mid-Market
1,115 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Countfire is electrical estimating software that uses automation to help electrical estimators work faster and increase accuracy. Take off drawings 10x faster and win more work. Features include:
- Estimator
- Electrical Estimator
- Construction
- Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
- 63% Small-Business
- 31% Mid-Market
66 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Never miss the right job opportunity again. AI-powered estimating built for the busy builder who does it all. Designed for residential builders and remodelers, Buildxact helps you manage every sta
- Director
- Construction
- 93% Small-Business
- 5% Enterprise
664 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Now an Autodesk company, ProEst is the industry’s leading cloud-based estimating and pre-construction management software, offering contractors new levels of process efficiency, information accuracy,
- Estimator
- Construction
- 71% Small-Business
- 29% Mid-Market
282,821 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Speed up takeoff and reduce costly data entry errors with Trimble LiveCount, a cloud-based digital takeoff software for MEP Contractors. With multi-user support and fast Auto Count symbol recognition,
- Design
- Construction
- 45% Enterprise
- 38% Mid-Market
11,679 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Kreo Software is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software tool to help quantity surveyors, estimators and contractors save time and win more business. With Kreo you can automate rou
- Construction
- 75% Small-Business
- 25% Mid-Market
714 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Methvin is a comprehensive, cloud-based platform built to support construction professionals in producing precise estimates and managing projects with efficiency. By integrating advanced estimating me
- Construction
- Civil Engineering
- 64% Small-Business
- 19% Enterprise
15 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Simpro is a global leading provider of field service management software for the trades. At Simpro, we understand the unique challenges that trade and field service businesses face. From managing
- Office Manager
- Director
- Construction
- Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
- 76% Small-Business
- 24% Mid-Market
2,402 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
BIMcollab is the industry leader in driving BIM collaboration throughout the whole lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure. With solutions for BIM coordination, model checking, issue management, tak
- Construction
- Architecture & Planning
- 41% Enterprise
- 35% Small-Business
4,627 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Buildern is the complete residential construction project management software created to facilitate a flawless construction management experience both for home building and commercial construction ind
- Construction
- 95% Small-Business
- 5% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
WinEx Master is a cut and fill program for building and general construction takeoffs with routines for roof to calculate hips, valleys, and beams.
- 60% Small-Business
- 20% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
eTakeoff is an electronic viewer and takeoff solution for estimators across all construction disciplines with the ability to manage productivity, accuracy, share and review takeoff details, and more.
- 80% Small-Business
- 20% Mid-Market
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
On Center’s blueprint takeoff software is a free tool that helps to manage projects easily and collaborate across teams without any stacks of paper. Learn why PlanViewer helps lead the way in material
- 50% Small-Business
- 50% Mid-Market
56,343 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Free Contractor Software est. 1989 | | | 1 TAKEOFF and MEASURING: view and can Take-Off the PDF plans & CAD, calculate materials, count objects, measure lengths, calculate areas and volumes |
- Construction
- 82% Small-Business
- 18% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
EarthWorks packs a top level cut-and-fill takeoff program into an affordable, easy to use package. With EarthWorks you can complete site takeoffs faster than ever, and you won't have to spend weeks le
- 67% Mid-Market
- 33% Small-Business
25 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
iSqFt allows you to manage your bid process and streamline your vendor selection, project sharing and document distribution.
- Construction
- 56% Mid-Market
- 44% Small-Business
56,343 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
QuoteSoft is a cloud-based estimating software solution that allows you to work across multiple plans with features to help you manage your costs and time.
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
828 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Designed by experienced industry professionals, The EDGE is the most effective takeoff to estimate solution in the industry. Not only is The EDGE customized to your trade, but also to your business, s
- 50% Mid-Market
- 50% Small-Business
299 Twitter followers
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Archdesk is the only business management platform built for the construction industry. It covers everything the modern business needs, including project, finance and asset management. Archdesk is con
- Construction
- 67% Small-Business
- 33% Mid-Market
290 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Construction Cost Estimator is an estimating solution that allows you to create a project estimate on-site, and then email a pdf to your customer or print a hard copy with features and functions to he
- 100% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Earthwork takeoff solution providing built-in phasing, GPS modelling, and graphical reporting for paving, sitework, highway, and pipe.
- Construction
- 125% Mid-Market
- 25% Enterprise
266 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
FastPIPE is state-of-the-art plumbing and mechanical estimating software designed for commercial and industrial contractors who need a fast and accurate tool to estimate material and labor constructio
- 50% Small-Business
- 50% Mid-Market
696 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Groundplan is a cloud-based takeoff & estimating tool, focused on the trades & construction industries. We've digitised an old paper-and-highlighter process. No need for printing, simply loa
- 100% Small-Business
212 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
PriMus IFC is the bim quantity software that allows you to extract accurate metric data directly from the project's BIM model. With PriMus IFC open and view any BIM model in the IFC file format, the w
- 50% Mid-Market
- 50% Small-Business
2,114 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
For MEP contractors who need an estimating solution tailored to their workflows, Trimble Estimation helps produce detailed estimates faster than with manual methods and spreadsheets. With connected di
- 100% Small-Business
11,679 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Offers powerful takeoff capability from paper drawings with a digitizing tablet, and seamless linking to estimate pricing programs such as Microsoft Excel, with the finesse of the more basic program.
- 50% Mid-Market
- 50% Enterprise
39,976 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Attentive.ai's takeoff software automates your takeoffs built on aerial imagery and blueprints, helping outdoor services sales teams save time, bid more, and win more. This one-stop cloud-based takeo
- 100% Small-Business
164 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
🛠️ Buildee: Your Go-To Takeoff & Estimating Software Since launching in 2018, Buildee has been a game-changer for over 1,000 construction SMBs. Forget those clunky, old-school platforms; we're al
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Efficient and accurate estimating and takeoff in one seamless process.
- 100% Mid-Market
78 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
FastDUCT is ready-to-go HVAC estimating software designed to meet the needs of commercial and industrial sheet metal contractors who need a fast and accurate tool to estimate construction costs. We su
- 100% Small-Business
696 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SAPPHIRE Supply is designed to be an one-stop solution for whole-house estimating, EWP and lumber design.
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
PrebuiltML is a take-off software for dealer, builder and framer that automate the management of customer preferences, stocking lengths and preferred product while communicating the information gained
- 100% Small-Business
4 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
QuickMeasure OS is a construction takeoff software that allows you to complete your takeoffs with the click of a mouse with tools to help you manage accuracy and more.
- 100% Mid-Market
25 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Estimating Takeoff Software allows you to view and measure the drawing on your computer screen and integrate results with your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Save time and resources with onscreen takeoff. SureCount takeoff software will dramatically improve the way you estimate and increase your ability to takeoff more projects in less time.
- 100% Mid-Market
1,140 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Takeoff Live is a construction takeoff and estimating software that provides a paperless way to help you manage your costs and productivity.
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Trimble AutoBid SheetMetal is an estimating solution for sheet metal contractors that includes OnScreen View takeoff which allows you to digitally takeoff 2D drawings. Imported drawings are taken off
- 100% Mid-Market
11,679 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Vu360 is a FREE Windows Desktop .pdf document viewer that enables easy viewing, takeoff, markup and communication of your construction documents. Vu360 also has built-in smart links to The Blue Book N
14,889 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Thanks to its inherent simplicity, Active Takeoff will instantly boost your productivity on all your takeoff jobs. Even if you've never used a computer before! Stop spending countless hours measuring
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Applan.io is an online takeoff software that helps architects and construction professionals create accurate and efficient takeoffs. It is a web-based application that can be accessed from any compute
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ArcSite lets you easily create professional-looking drawings on an iPad, Android tablet, or Windows device in minutes, and then automatically generate a takeoff, calculate cost and margin, and even pr
- 75% Small-Business
- 25% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
BidWorx is an estimating and takeoff software designed with customizable features to help you manage your business.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Quantity takeoff directly in Excel. Works with vector and raster files. Color coded takeoff stored in the cell. Templates included
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
build.works is a BIM model information based business management software (SaaS) for manufacturing, prefabrication of building elements and on-site construction. build.works offers solutions for end-t
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Carlson Takeoff is a cut/fill volumes and data prep (for layout or machine control) program that can estimate jobs using paper plan digitizing, PDFs, or electronic CAD files. • Calculate site cut &a
2,254 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
With Construction Cost Estimation Software Services, our industry experienced developers build platforms that will save you time and money by eliminating manual completed takeoffs, provide easy-to-use
3,623 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
CostMiner is a simple-to-use yet powerful construction estimating software that runs in the Cloud and can be accessed form anywhere as long as there is an Internet connection. With its on-screen takeo
6 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cost-OS covers all 5 classes of estimates, from conception to (FEED) phase, for the Oil and Gas sector. Its powerful parametric engine can be used to value engineer projects and fully support critica
- 100% Small-Business
89 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Construction estimating software with 2D and 3D takeoff, integrations with Autodesk's BIM 360, Procore, Togal, PowerBI, and Join platforms, fully customizable filtering, data shaping and analysis, and
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Contractors are discovering the advantages of working with electronic plans. Eliminating the cost and time by using Digital Screen Takeoff.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Software that allows you to create digital takeoffs, create accurate estimates & quickly build professional proposals.
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Drawer AI is the intelligent takeoff solution built to make electrical estimators faster, more accurate, and more competitive. It takes on the mundane tasks, like device detection, branch routing, and
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Industry leader in helping contractors use their electronic plans for takeoff.
854 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
On-screen PDF take-off software designed for construction contractors and proven to help save time, increase accuracy and reduce costly errors. Ensign PDF Take-off Software is designed specifically
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Fast Estimate is a building estimate software that puts you back in control of your project tenders with spreadsheet and databases.
- 100% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
FastWRAP is ideal for the mechanical insulation contractor and provides insulation support for mechanical, industrial piping, plumbing, equipment, HVAC piping, HVAC duct, industrial duct and fire-stop
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Geometra is a uncomplicated take-off tool that measures length and area directly on drawings and gets your values quickly. In Geometra, you can make detailed lists of quantities or short lists. The to
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Super fast, accurate take-off and estimating software for costed estimates of building plans. Seriously simple. Improve quote accuracy and save time.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
InSite Elevation Pro is the ultimate solution for lightning-fast earthwork takeoffs and GPS machine control modeling from PDF and CAD files. The software is incredibly user-friendly and quick to grasp
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Cloud-based takeoff and project management software crafted specifically for landscape and irrigation contractors. Upload you landscape plan PDFs or use satellite imagery to count objects, measure are
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
LEMOS is the go-to solution for owners, architects, and contractors seeking instant access to valuable and hard-to-get quantity information so that they can spend more time adding value and less time
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Measure Square Corp (formerly Floor Covering Soft) brings to market the best for measure estimating on the best computer platforms available. Over the years, generations of its products have shaped th
- 100% Mid-Market
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ML Estimation is an AI-powered takeoff software designed specifically for HVAC manufacturers and contractors. It simplifies project planning by allowing estimators to upload project plans, where the s
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Plumbing estimating for all size companies. Bid small to million dollar jobs with our flexible database, takeoff modules and bid proposals.
854 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Take-Off software that allows you to automatically obtain a Bill of Quantities from a DWG or DXF drawing by extracting material quantities directly from a PDF, JPG, or BMP.
2,114 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
ProContractor 2D TAKE OFF is a leading construction takeoff software that offers advanced tools and features and is easy to learn and share with company staff and customers.
- 100% Enterprise
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
RapidBid gives you control over your time again, and costs just a tiny fraction of the money you'll save. The higher packages save you even more by offering even more powerful features.
2 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Road-Ex is an Excavation and Cut & Fill takeoff program for station-based Cross-sectional road works. It combines the digitizer and on screen capabilities and functions into a single, seamless pla
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SmarteBuild is a cloud-based estimating and Construction Project Management software, offering builders and tradies a new level of cost estimating, accuracy, and confidence. Our online software combi
- 100% Small-Business
4 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Snaptrude is a web-based 3D modeling software (BIM) for Architects and Designers. Designers use Snaptrude to create better buildings faster with the help of data and automation. Unlike other design to
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SOFTScale features an advanced Custom Measurement function that allows complex formula based takeoffs, that will provide customized calculated quantities or even costs, as specified by the user.
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
SolidBuilder Design-Build is the ideal design software for Builders and Remodelers. The Design-Build product contains 100% of the SolidBuilder Design Center's easy to use interface with its stunning v
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Square Takeoff, Inc. is a construction software company specializing in the automation of the construction takeoff, estimating and bid management process for the commercial and residential constructio
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Stratosphere represents the next evolution in construction takeoff technology. Our revolutionary cloud platform gives you access to your plans from anywhere, and packs a full suite of cutting edge tak
25 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Specialize in preparing material takeoffs and material lists for every construction trade.
4 Twitter followers
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
Valesco Estimating is a software solution available to construction and civil engineering industries that is designed to help you work from an imported bill of quantities or from a manually created bi
- Overview
- Pros and Cons
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
WenPipeestimating programs provide fast, accurate takeoff with the a comprehensive and accurate pre-loaded labor man-hours and material pricing available.
- 100% Small-Business
- Overview
- User Satisfaction
- Seller Details
zzTakeoff is the easiest online takeoff software for construction. It features real-time collaboration, AI-driven tools like page renaming and scaling, and a professional community for shared growth.
Learn More About Takeoff Software
What is Takeoff Software?
Takeoff software helps construction professionals manage the takeoff process during the preconstruction phase of a project. Takeoff, also referred to as quantity or material takeoff, is the process of estimating how much of each type of material is needed for a particular project and how much those materials will cost. Takeoff solutions digitize what has traditionally been a time-consuming manual process. The material cost is then added to operational and labor costs to produce a comprehensive estimate of the entire project's cost. The takeoff is vital to construction professionals, as it helps establish baselines against which to compare subcontractor estimates, ensuring that pricing across the project is fair, and guarding against artificial inflation based on overestimates of material costs. Construction takeoff software helps automate and streamline the entire takeoff process.
For example, a construction project manager or a general contractor is tasked with building a commercial warehouse. Before actually breaking ground and building the warehouse, they need to plan. During the planning phase, they would use takeoff software to create accurate estimates of how much of each material they need to complete the project as well as the cost of those materials.
What are the Common Features of Construction Takeoff Software?
The following are some core features within takeoff software that can help users:
Document markup: Takeoff solutions contain document markup features that allow users to alter plans, typically PDFs that users have uploaded, within the tool. The markup functionality gives users the ability to exert some manual control over the document and step in to complement the automation that takeoff and estimating software introduces into the quantity takeoff process.
Document management: Takeoff software manages documents related to specific projects. Users can collaborate on these projects and alter documents within the tool to help produce the most accurate takeoff possible. Instead of endless excel spreadsheets for specific projects, construction professionals can use construction takeoff software to streamline the process.
Construction solution integrations: Takeoff solutions often integrate with construction management solutions to provide a seamless transition from the takeoff process to the remainder of the preconstruction and construction phases of a given project. Takeoff solutions almost always integrate with construction estimating software, mainly if they don’t provide comprehensive estimating functionality. For cloud-based solutions, these integrations are easier than ever before, so takeoff solutions are becoming part of the preconstruction technology fabric.
What are the Benefits of Construction Takeoff Software?
Enhance takeoff accuracy: Takeoff software helps improve the accuracy of the material takeoff that construction companies produce during the preconstruction phase of a project. Takeoff has historically been an arduous, mostly manual process. Takeoff solutions digitize that process and help construction professionals produce the most accurate material takeoff possible. The more accurate the takeoff, the more accurate the project cost estimate. Construction professionals asking for subcontractor bids on particular parts of a given project can use the information produced during the takeoff process to better understand which bids are higher quality and in line with the costs laid out in the takeoff.
Win more bids: Companies looking to streamline their takeoff process and win more bids by creating more accurate takeoffs can utilize takeoff solutions. These solutions can help construction companies respond to bid packages faster and with more accurate information. Certain construction takeoff software may include specific features tailored toward specific sub-industries like roofing, drywall, landscaping, or HVAC.
Who Uses Construction Takeoff Software?
General contractors: Construction industry professionals, specifically general contractors, use takeoff software to improve their quantity takeoff by introducing automation into the workflow of producing material lists.
Subcontractors: Subcontractors looking to win more bids and enhance their takeoff accuracy can use takeoff solutions to improve their business. Specialty contractors may use the tools to automate part or all of their takeoff process by implementing a digital takeoff that automatically takes into account square footage and project plan details.
Software Related to Construction Takeoff Software
Related solutions that can be used together with takeoff software include:
Construction project management software: Takeoff solutions often integrate with construction project management software. Some comprehensive construction management suites contain native takeoff functionality.
Construction estimating software: Construction takeoff software often contains estimating functionality. If a particular takeoff software doesn’t include full-fledged estimating features, it should have native integrations with a construction estimating solution.
Challenges with Construction Takeoff Software
Takeoff solutions can come with their own set of challenges.
Interoperability: Takeoff is one part of the preconstruction process. Quantity takeoff solutions need to integrate with either estimating solutions or, ideally, with comprehensive construction project management tools to provide buyers with a seamless transition from the preconstruction phase of a project to the building phase.
Return on investment (ROI): ROI is one of the most important considerations for software buyers. While takeoff software provides obvious benefits, proving ROI is often difficult. To address this difficulty, users should track time saved during the takeoff process, takeoff accuracy, and bids won as inputs to calculating the ROI for the tool.
How to Buy Construction Takeoff Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Takeoff Software
The selection team should put together the requirements list. The list should include any necessary integrations and contain security requirements compiled by the relevant security professionals.
Compare Construction Takeoff Software Products
Create a long list
The long list should contain products that meet the selection team's core requirements. These products should fall within the general range of acceptable prices.
Create a short list
The short list should be more cost and ROI-conscious and hone in on products with nice-to-have features. The short list should only have products that have been vetted for security concerns and those that will fit seamlessly into the company’s existing tech stack.
Conduct demos
During the demo process, the selection team should bring a list of questions and scenarios specific to the business. The demos should involve testing the various scenarios the business is likely to encounter.
Selection of Construction Takeoff Software
Choose a selection team
The selection team should include finance professionals, IT professionals with knowledge of the company’s technology stack, and the actual users. Selection team members should have in-depth knowledge of the core requirements and the goal of software selection.
Final decision
The selection team should decide based on the available information acquired during the vetting process. The decision should be based on functionality, ease of use, and demonstrated ROI as long as all core requirements have been met.
