Construction takeoff is the process of pulling detailed information about a project from blueprints and calculating the materials and supplies needed. Traditionally, this has been done by hand using rulers and pencils, which is a very time-consuming and error-prone task.
Fortunately, companies have created mechanical takeoff software to help contractors speed up this process and improve accuracy. This software can also be used for other trades like landscaping and earthwork, HVAC, and masonry.
iSqFt Takeoff
iSqFt Takeoff is a software solution that helps construction professionals create accurate estimates for their projects. It can also help contractors avoid cost overruns and increase their productivity. It is available for a variety of industries and can be used by both contractors and architects.
iSqFt is an on-screen software that allows you to perform material and quantity takeoffs in a fraction of the time it takes to do it manually. It has a number of features to make the process easier and faster, including automatic measurement tools, estimating templates, and integrated CAD file integration.
Its estimating tools are built for many types of trades, including electrical, concrete, masonry, roofing and siding, and more. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to learn, with a number of tutorials available for new users.
The program includes a library of estimating templates that can be customized for a specific project, and it can be integrated with other tools, such as Excel or Google Maps. It is a popular option for contractors who are looking to automate their estimating and bid management processes.
Other time saving takeoff features include the ability to measure area and volume from 2D plans. This allows estimators to know exactly how much square footage of materials is needed for a particular job, such as drywall, tiling, or windows.
This is a basic feature, but one that can save contractors a lot of time on their jobs. It can also allow estimators to quickly create quotes for clients, which is important for building profitable relationships.
Some of the best takeoff software providers also offer a wide variety of add-on features, such as document management and communication management tools. These features help contractors keep all their critical project information in one place, and can cut their annual budgets by eliminating the need to print documents.
Besides these general time saving features, many takeoff providers will also provide advanced capabilities such as material / quantity takeoff summary reports. These reports can be exported as CSV or Excel files, and are often sent into estimating and bidding software that the takeoff provider integrates with.
Bluebeam Revu
The Bluebeam Revu tool suite offers a number of different tools for managing and collaborating on construction documents. It can be used by contractors, architects, and engineers to markup and organize PDFs, as well as to create takeoffs, estimating, design reviews, and punch list.
Bluebeam Revu is a cloud-based collaboration and markup solution that supports project teams through design, construction, and completion. It includes industry-specific tools that help architects, engineers, and contractors collaborate with project partners in real time and deliver high-quality results.
Its graphical takeoff capabilities allow users to calculate materials, quantities and counts without having to manually enter each individual piece of data. The software also helps users organize their drawings by creating plan overlays.
Another feature of Bluebeam Revu is its search tool, which allows users to quickly find specific information within a set of plans. This feature is particularly useful for construction estimators and contractors who need to identify specific measurements on a blueprint.
Architects and engineering firms are often in need of powerful software that helps them design, collaborate, and communicate with all project partners more effectively. This is why Bluebeam Revu is a popular choice among AEC companies.
For example, it helps architects and engineers improve accuracy levels in their designs by providing intuitive measurement tools. This can save time and increase overall productivity on a project.
Additionally, it can be used to keep track of changes made to a design during the review process. This way, users can ensure that only the most accurate version of the design is submitted to the client.
Finally, it can be used to manage and share files through a cloud storage service. This allows teams to upload, edit, and share files from Dropbox, Box, WebDAV, and ShareFile without having to worry about losing access to the files.
The Bluebeam Revu tool suite is available in three editions: Standard, CAD and eXtreme. Each edition of the software is designed to meet the needs of users and their projects. The Standard edition is suited for primarily markup-focused users, while the CAD and eXtreme editions are more suited for power users that want to use Revu for complex automated processes.
Active Takeoff
Active Takeoff is a software solution that allows construction estimators to view, measure and markup plans directly on their computer. They can calculate anything from drywall materials to gallons of paint and save time by eliminating repetitive work throughout the job cycle.
It is compatible with all digital plans, including PDFs and scanned plans. The program also offers Excel integration, allowing users to manage and export estimates to their local computers.
The software is also designed to improve productivity and reduce costs through its automated bidding estimating and measurement tools. It supports both metric and imperial systems and allows users to derive accurate results in less time.
In addition, it can be used to streamline payment scheduling and online invoicing processes. It is also equipped with a client dashboard and project timelines to help contractors monitor progress and ensure timely delivery of services.
It can also be used for issue management and subcontractor management to ensure efficient communication. It also has an optical character recognition feature that enables users to remove or make adjustments to objects in drawings seamlessly.
Another important feature is the ability to accurately measure complex volumes and areas. This can be especially helpful for HVAC, landscaping and earthwork, and masonry contractors.
For example, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors often need to accurately determine room volumes in order to properly estimate the required heat. This requires a software product that can easily and accurately measure the room volume, which will also help them to determine the amount of heating material needed for the project.
Similarly, masonry contractors often need to be able to accurately measure and calculate brick and stone sizes. This is particularly difficult to do without an accurate product database that can give contractors the right information.
Moreover, many mechanical takeoff software products offer a variety of other features to aid the estimating process. These include areas and volumes measurements, which can be used to determine the number of square feet or cubic meters of a certain material. They can also be used to measure roof angles and generate lists of necessary building materials.
Planswift
Designed to help contractors complete takeoffs quickly and accurately, PlanSwift is an online platform that caters to HVAC, drywall, electrical, concrete, plumbing and general contracting companies. It features a point-and-click interface, drag and drop functionality to add material and labor assemblies onto takeoff items and a print or export feature.
Despite its simplicity and low price, Planswift has become an indispensable tool for many contractors around the world. It can calculate square footage from on-screen CAD drawings and allows for unit costs to be added.
It can also be used for estimating quantities from electronic plans and is highly customizable. It can be easily integrated with other estimating software and is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices.
The on-screen digitizing interface is user friendly and can be used by anyone, even those with limited technical knowledge. It also has a variety of features to help estimators speed up the estimation process.
For example, it can detect the boundaries of a plan and suggests different takeoff options for that area. It can measure Area or Count and can be customized to suit the needs of any estimator.
Another important feature of this software is its ability to connect with Microsoft Excel. This feature enables users to live link and update Excel WorkBooks in real-time, initiate and add to PlanSwift takeoffs, navigate easily from Excel takeoff values to PlanSwift takeoff values, assign multiple properties to a single takeoff and export Excel templates from Excel back into PlanSwift.
Other important features of this software include a drag and drop interface, the ability to store and custom assemblies, an auto-calculate takeoff feature, and integration with other construction management tools. It can be customized to meet the needs of any contractor and can provide accurate estimates for any project.
The tool can be used for estimating HVAC, drywall and general construction projects of any size. It features a point-and-click visual interface, drag and drop functionality for adding material and labor assemblies to takeoff items, and the ability to print or export estimates.
It is also possible to email job plans, screenshots and SwiftJob files directly from the program. These can be sent to other members of the team as a reminder or for future use.