5 Best Construction Takeoff Software

Calculating a construction takeoff is complex with a spreadsheet. Try out these takeoff software programs to simplify it all!

Doing an accurate construction takeoff can be tough without some computational assistance. It involves estimating the material cost of each element of your construction project.

You can try to do your calculations by hand but we don’t recommend it! It’s a tedious process. Construction takeoff software gives you access to databases of average cost data to make estimating easier. It also enables you to send accurate estimates and proposals to clients directly for approval.

Without further ado, here are our favorite material takeoff software solutions on the market.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

1. PlanSwift – Best Overall

2. FreshBooks – Most Flexible Estimating Software

3. EasyEst – Best for Beginners

4. Projul – Best for Small Contractors

5. Contractor Foreman – Budget-Friendly

Key Takeaways

1. PlanSwift – Best Overall

Price: There is a free version. $1595 one time payment

PlanSwift is a very visual takeoff software that is great for estimating construction projects. It is a feature-rich program. It draws from your digitized blueprint to create accurate takeoffs. You can measure square footage, unit counts and linears with just a click. Accurate estimates are quick and easy to generate.

This is an ideal option for both commercial contractors and residential contractors. It works on a wide range of platforms however there isn’t a Mac application. If you have a Mac, you’ll have to use the cloud-based application.

2. FreshBooks – Most Flexible Estimating Software

Price: Available with all of our monthly plans starting from $6 per month

Our estimating software is incredibly flexible. Though it isn’t construction-specific, you can adapt it to your needs.

Create professional proposals with our fully customizable software. Add in the units you need to calculate and our estimator will make the calculations for you.

Best of all, you can transform your takeoff estimate into a client invoice. You can send the estimate to your client for approval and they can pay the first installment straight away. Our accounting software will calculate your taxes. Our collaboration tools allow you to keep your client up to date throughout the construction process.

For an estimator you can personalize to your needs, give our software a try.

3. EasyEst – Best for Beginners

Price: $389 one-time purchase

EasyEst is designed to be…well…easy! It’s perfect for small residential contractors wanting simple software to navigate. To make things even easier, EasyEst provides plenty of training videos and how-to articles to help you get started.

The software has advanced features like unique bid items and automated standard formulas. This makes your construction takeoffs painless to calculate.

The drawback is that EasyEst is only available as a desktop app for Windows devices. Once you’ve downloaded it, you’ll get access to all of its excellent takeoff estimating features. For a one-time purchase price, it’s great value for money too.

4. Projul – Best for Small Contractors

Price: from $69 per month

Projul is a construction takeoff software that is perfect for small contractors. It’s an intuitive, affordable software solution with flexible pricing packages. There are 5 digital plans to choose from.

This is one of the most universal software options on this list. It’s a cloud-based software that works on mobile devices and on desktop. Beyond the construction estimating capabilities, Projul also has some client management tools. For example, time tracking and task management tools are present here. Truly an all-in-one solution.

Projul helps you to create a detailed estimate that is easy to read for your clients. You can also markup photos and digital blueprints simply for client collaboration.

If it’s within budget for you, Projul is a fantastic option for construction professionals!

5. Contractor Foreman – Budget-Friendly

Price: from $49 per month

Finally, we have Contractor Foreman. This is the most budget-friendly pick as a monthly subscription. Its features are supreme for construction industry professionals.

You can create unlimited projects and have access to plenty of free training resources. Via iOS and Android apps, you can access your projects directly at any time.

This is an all-in-one construction management software that goes beyond just takeoff functionality. Key features include client portals, invoicing, time tracking and expense.

Key Takeaways

Simplify your takeoff process by creating digital takeoffs on reliable software. The right takeoff solution for you depends on the features you need. Do you want help with the entire project lifecycle? Or do you just want job costing and invoice management? How many users per month do you need? Do you need cloud-based solutions or desktop applications?

Figure out your needs to find the digital takeoff software for you.

For more remodeling and construction advice, check out our resource hub.

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