Choosing estimating & takeoff software

Questions to ask on every demo

• Which file types does it read: PDF plan sets, scans, CAD or BIM models?
• Can I bring in my own unit costs and assemblies, or am I locked into a cost database?
• When the software measures automatically, how do I review and correct what it found?
• What does a finished estimate look like to a customer, and can I put my own branding on it?
• Can I export quantities and totals to my accounting or project software?
• What happens to my past estimates and cost data if I leave?

What to watch for

• Automated takeoff still needs a person who knows the trade to check it. Ask to see your own plans measured, not a polished sample.
• Per-user pricing can climb quickly once estimators and project managers both need access.
• A tool built for commercial plan sets can be overkill for small residential bids, and the reverse.

If you are a small firm

Take one recent bid you already priced by hand and ask each vendor to run it through their tool. Compare the time and the numbers.

Terms you will hear

Computer vision

AI that analyses images or video. In construction it is used to read plan sheets, measure roofs from aerial images, track progress from site photos and spot hazards on camera.

MasterFormat

A standard system for organising construction specifications and costs into numbered divisions by trade or work type, such as Division 09 for finishes.

Takeoff

Measuring and counting quantities from plans, such as square feet of drywall or number of outlets, as the basis for an estimate.

Full glossary →

The 13 tools in this category

Alphabetical. Tick “Compare” on the category page to put up to four side by side.

Beam AI AI Takeoff and estimating platform for commercial work, offering self-serve and done-for-you takeoffs that combine automation with human review. Starting price listed Bidflow (LuxTakeoff) AI Takeoff software for commercial lighting estimates, producing first-pass fixture counts and linear quantities from drawing sets for review. Quote on request Free trial Bluebeam AI PDF markup, measurement, document management and collaboration software (Revu) connecting office and field teams on construction drawings. Published pricing Free trial C Contractor+ AI Contractor software for estimates and jobs, with a combined inbox for calls, texts and email and desktop and mobile apps, offered with a free tier. Free plan + paid tiers Free planFree trial ER Estimate Rocket CRM, estimating and project management platform for service contractors, with trade-specific estimate templates, proposals, scheduling and reporting. Published pricing Free trial Handoff AI Residential construction software combining AI estimating with proposals, CRM, scheduling, client portals and invoicing. Published pricing Free trial Joist AI Estimating, invoicing and payment software for contractors, with jobs and scheduling, client management and homeowner financing options on estimates. Starting price listed Free trial Kreo AI Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software that works with PDF, CAD and image drawings, aimed at quantity surveyors, estimators and contractors. Published pricing Free trial PlanSwift AI Takeoff and estimating software for measuring, counting and pricing on PDF, CAD and image plans, using assemblies that build the estimate. Published pricing Free trial Quotr AI Takeoff and estimating software plus a managed estimating service and materials procurement, for contractors and developers. Published pricing Free trial STACK AI Cloud construction platform covering plan management, takeoff and estimating, plus field tools such as daily reports and punch lists. Starting price listed Free planFree trial Togal.AI AI Cloud takeoff software that measures and compares quantities on construction drawings, with trade-specific workflows for estimators. Published pricing Xactimate AI Verisk's property claims estimating software for restoration and repair work, with sketching, localized pricing and AI-assisted line-item recommendations. Quote on request