A good takeoff software program helps users create accurate estimates that save time and money. It also allows them to present their bids with confidence.
Linear Measurement – Virtually all takeoff tools give users the ability to identify and count linear components on digitized plans, such as piping, wiring or trim. Some even offer auto-count technology.
Cost-effectiveness
If you’re in the market for takeoff software, it’s worth comparing features and pricing between different options. Many vendors offer free trials that allow you to try the software out and see if it fits your needs. You can also get feedback from other industry professionals to help make your decision. The playing field is getting more level as the latest digital tools are developed at competitive prices that suit most budgets.
Using takeoff software helps contractors win more work in less time, while improving accuracy and efficiency. It also reduces the risk of project errors caused by miscommunication between team members. Rather than relying on traditional methods such as paper blueprints, takeoff software uses digitized versions of project plans that are easily accessible to construction teams in real-time. This improves the speed and accuracy of quantity takeoff and estimating, which ultimately leads to cost savings.
Takeoff software is also designed to eliminate errors that may occur with manual measurements and calculations. Its advanced capabilities enable you to measure surface areas, dimensions and distances, and calculate volumes. Most takeoff tools will also include a database of material and parts costs based on distributors and locations, which can save you a significant amount of time and money. In addition, most takeoff tools feature image annotation functions, which let you mark up images and add notes to them with arrows, boxes or freeform shapes.
Accuracy
Takeoff software helps you increase your estimation accuracy by eliminating human error. Manual calculations leave room for errors, and mistakes can be costly. When it comes to construction estimating, every little mistake can add up to significant cost overruns and project delays. The best way to prevent these errors is by using a digital construction takeoff tool that will automatically perform all the necessary calculations for you.
Most takeoff programs allow you to input plans in a variety of formats and sources. They can also work with other construction estimating, bidding, and project management tools to create more comprehensive estimates. Some products even offer optical character recognition to search blueprints for specific words, much like a text editor or a web browser. This feature can save you a lot of time, especially if you need to find information in annotations and callouts.
Another feature that many takeoff programs have is area measurement. This lets you identify and measure linear components on the digitized plans, such as piping, wiring, trim, and more. This can significantly speed up your construction takeoff and improve your estimation accuracy.
It’s important to consider how these features can impact your business before deciding on a takeoff software. While there are a wide range of options available, it’s essential to choose one that’s right for your needs and budget. Consider whether you’ll be using the program on-the-go or need to access it from remote locations, and what system requirements it has.
Flexibility
The flexibility of takeoff software can save construction professionals significant time and money. It can also reduce the likelihood of errors in quantity takeoff measurement tasks; material estimating calculations; and bid proposal preparation activities. Many programs also allow for collaboration and editing by multiple users simultaneously, reducing the risk of miscommunication. Moreover, they allow for the use of both imperial and metric measurements.
Construction teams can access a digital version of the plans with takeoff software and collaborate in real-time, minimizing the cost of paper blueprints and increasing efficiency. Furthermore, a cloud-based takeoff program will be available on any computer with an internet connection, allowing team members to access the information anywhere. This will minimize the amount of errors that are typically associated with printing and re-reviewing of the plans, and also ensure that everyone has the most up to date version of the plans.
Choosing the right takeoff tool will depend on your specific needs. Look for programs that offer the features you need and are compatible with other software tools, such as project management, bidding, or building information modeling (BIM) solutions. Also, make sure that the takeoff program you choose supports file formats and file types that are used in your industry.
While many takeoff programs are expensive, there are new affordable options that can save your company money. These inexpensive programs are based on Excel and offer the same functionality as more expensive options, such as Planswift or On-Screen Takeoff. They also have an intuitive interface, making them easy to learn.
Integrations
Takeoff software can integrate with a variety of other types of construction and business applications to streamline the bidding process. For example, it can sync with estimating and costing tools to enable more accurate material calculations and help contractors bid more competitively. It can also be integrated with project management tools to track progress on a job and ensure all team members are using the same data sets.
Having the ability to integrate with other business applications can make it easier for contractors to collaborate on projects, especially during times when work can be difficult due to COVID-19 restrictions or other challenges. It can also help reduce the time required for manual takeoff calculations by eliminating duplicate data entry.
It’s important to find a takeoff tool that supports the file formats and sources of input that you most commonly use. You’ll want to make sure the takeoff software can read multiple formats, including PDFs, CAD files, JPEGs, and more. Some software even has optical character recognition technology, which can search blueprints for text like counts and descriptions.
The best takeoff software can also save contractors time by automatically generating quantities from 3D models and 2D electronic takeoffs. Some can also generate a summary of materials and quantity counts that can be imported into an estimating tool. In addition, some can help identify design conflicts early in the process, making it easy to avoid costly mistakes.