Choosing the right takeoff software for your business is an important decision. The software you choose can help you manage your projects, and even give you a competitive edge. But you should keep in mind that you need to know more about the product before deciding on one. Here are some of the features you should consider.
Bluebeam Revu
Architects, contractors, and construction estimators use Bluebeam Revu to make accurate takeoffs and to build competitive bids. This takeoff software provides users with an intuitive interface, powerful tools, and customizable quantity takeoff tools. Unlike traditional estimating methods, Bluebeam Revu helps users increase productivity and minimize risk while capturing true scope of a project.
Bluebeam Revu takes advantage of the dynamic power of the PDF file format. This makes it possible for users to take measurements, assign responsibilities, and manage PDF data in a more efficient way. Using Bluebeam, estimators can perform takeoffs and create bids in less time.
The Search Tool helps contractors locate plans, documents, and other related data. Search by subject, region, or source. This feature is particularly useful when a contractor needs to quickly review a set of plans.
The Search Tool has an internal OCR engine that allows users to search character strings. This feature is also useful for reading construction drawings.
The tool also includes an auto-counting function. This function helps avoid potential errors while measuring multiple rooms or objects. The tool also allows users to quickly add or remove objects.
The search feature has a number of functions, including the ability to sort notes and markups by subject. Its memory function helps users remember markups used in previous takeoffs. This function also allows users to add hyperlinks between pages. The tool also allows users to reapply markup in whole or in part.
PrebuiltML
Whether you are a general contractor, framer or builder, PrebuiltML takeoff software is a powerful tool for construction estimating. It helps you optimize output and stay on schedule. PrebuiltML offers a range of features for all users, including a 3D floor rendering and hanger scheduling tool.
The software is designed to help construction professionals optimize output, streamline processes, and control project budgets. It allows users to create custom material kits.
In addition, the software offers advanced 3D takeoff technology. It also allows users to create layered takeoffs. Users can choose from two versions of the software: Takeoff Live and PrebuiltML X. Both products are suitable for builders, framers, and dealers.
One of the most basic features of takeoff software is area measurement. It is an important feature because it helps you determine the amount of material you need to complete a project. You can input the square footage of the project, the type of materials used, and the number of workers needed. The software then calculates the materials needed to complete the project. You can then export the list of materials to Excel or send it directly into bidding tools.
Another feature is collaborative takeoff. This feature allows subcontractors and general contractors to work together. It also helps prevent errors in estimates.
The software’s user interface is easy to use, with straightforward controls. The software includes an auto-counting function for callouts and annotations. It also has a filter feature that allows you to choose measurements based on specific WBS codes.
STACK
Stack takeoff software offers a detailed reporting tool that is useful to general contractors. The software can be used on an internet-connected device to create a takeoff ten times faster than traditional methods.
The software is also helpful for roofing contractors because it has a number of features to help them locate and retrieve specific details about a project. The software also offers an autocount feature and a cost code.
Another impressive feature is the cloud. This feature allows you to access your documents from anywhere and at any time. This allows your team to be more productive. You can also take advantage of disaster recovery features.
Other notable features include the ability to make changes to documents in real time. You can also control which team members have access to what information. You can also make changes in your office or on a job site.
The RFI creation feature allows you to insert a file and include pictures. You can also export your materials list as an Excel file.
Another feature is optical character recognition technology, which is useful for searching blueprints for text. You can also use plan overlays to create a more organized takeoff.
In addition to the software’s many other features, Stack offers free training and support. This is a major plus for any contractor. The software is easy to use, so you can get up and running quickly.
BidScreen XL
Using BidScreen XL is an efficient way to measure, analyze and document a takeoff in Excel. In fact, using BidScreen XL is a more efficient way to measure and document a takeoff than using an onsite measuring device.
With BidScreen XL, you can measure areas, lengths, and counts in Excel. You can also apply various drawing features such as color, area fill patterns, and line styles. You can also pan and zoom images.
BidScreen XL also includes an excellent audit trail. For instance, you can see that your measures are accurate if you compare them to the original drawing. The application also makes use of the cloud for saving your workbook files. The application also comes with a set of sample estimating Excel template files.
BidScreen XL is not only one of the best Excel based construction estimating software products, it’s also one of the most affordable. It’s also an easy-to-use tool, and it doesn’t require any additional hardware. It’s also compatible with Microsoft Office and other popular spreadsheet programs.
It also comes with an impressive set of features, including a ‘Create Template’ command and an ‘excellence’-sized style library. This is definitely the best Excel based construction estimating software that you can purchase today. Lastly, BidScreen XL also comes with a set of sample takeoff and estimating spreadsheets.
Overall, BidScreen XL is the best Excel based construction estimating software on the market. It’s affordable, simple to use, and provides an impressive audit trail.
Estimating capabilities
Using construction takeoff software can improve the efficiency of your estimating process. It can provide accurate information about your materials and labor, saving you time and money. It can also help you prepare tenders and bill of materials.
The most basic estimating feature of takeoff software is the ability to measure an area. This could be the square footage of windows or tiling, for example. Then, you can calculate the volume of material needed. It can also help you determine the size of a room or a set of masonry assemblies.
Some takeoff software integrates with third-party estimating software. This can streamline the process by allowing you to combine your prices with your quantity estimates. You can also export your takeoff list to an Excel file or send it directly into your bidding software.
Some software providers offer a free trial version of their takeoff tool. This is a good idea, as it gives you a chance to try out the tool before you commit. You should also consider the tools’ compatibility with the file formats you use. If you’re using an Excel template, it’s important to know that your takeoff software is compatible with it.
Some takeoff software offers features like AI-assisted auto-counts. This feature enables you to select points, and then eTakeoff will automatically perform the necessary calculations.
The software will also allow you to use the SnapAI feature, which enables you to select polylines based on the points you’re interested in.
Integration with project management software
Using takeoff software is a great way to simplify the process of estimating. Whether you’re looking for a simple solution, or a full-featured takeoff tool, there are plenty of options to choose from. Choosing the right takeoff tool for your business can save you time and money.
Some of the best takeoff software solutions include estimating tools and labor calculations. These tools also enable users to create digital assemblies. This allows estimators to take a look at blueprints and then estimate materials and labor. These solutions are also useful for designing, remodeling, and residential buildings.
Many takeoff products include optical character recognition technology to search blueprints for text and annotations. These tools also allow users to count specific items on a plan. Some of these products are cloud-based, while others are installed locally.
PlanSwift is a cloud-based takeoff tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features. It’s also a popular option for contractors in a variety of trades. The software is easy to use, and it offers a wide range of features for a variety of construction projects.
Square Takeoff is a more complete takeoff solution than other takeoff tools on the market. It has a robust interface, and users can easily upload files from their computer. It also integrates with other software to make it easier to create winning bids.
Depending on the software provider, users can choose from four subscription tiers. The free version offers a limited number of features, while the paid versions are unlimited. The price of a subscription varies by the number of users.