Takeoff and estimating software is an essential tool in the ever changing construction industry. Why spend your precious time doing your bid by hand when there’s software that will do it for you in a fraction of the time with impeccable accuracy? In this article, we review the top 3 rated takeoff and estimating software on the market in 2018.
PlanSwift
PlanSwift if the number one takeoff and estimating software on the market today with more than 60,000 professionals in over 60 countries using it. PlanSwift was created specifically for the construction industry but isn’t limited to any certain trade or even industry. From general contracting all the way to framing and electrical work, PlanSwift will enhance your business while lightening your workload every time.
PlanSwift has multiple unique features like the Single-Click Takeoff tool along with being one of the few programs that has CAD tools including in the software. PlanSwift makes creating assemblies of commonly used materials, waste, and labor easier than you thought possible. Simply drag and drop your assemblies onto your takeoff items for an accurate estimate of all your costs.
Business.com’s verdict for PlanSwift was “PlanSwift has a nice layout and powerful tools that make navigating through the program easy while still creating accurate estimates.” PlanSwift also received an overall rating of 4.33 / 5 stars on Software Advice.
An anonymous review says PlanSwift is “an estimators best friend” continuing with “overall PlanSwift would make an excellent addition to any company or end user looking to do material takeoffs. PlanSwift also has a great backlog of videos that can be used to help you along the journey if you were vey to get stuck on a particular feature.
Pros: PlanSwift is one of the best and affordable products for anyone looking to do estimating. The ability to create folders and well ask auto count items makes for a simple yet efficient process.
Cons: Although a great product, PlanSwift like most can be very expensive. However the efficiency of the software far outweighs the cost.”
PlanSwift is as easy as 1, 2, 3…
Point and Click – If it’s colored in PlanSwift, it’s counted, complete your takeoff and estimate in a matter of seconds.
Drag and Drop – Just drag and drop your material and labor assemblies onto your takeoff for a quick and simple solution.
Print or Export – PlanSwift is fully Excel compatible making sharing your estimate easier than ever before.
On-Center Software: On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff is a construction estimating and takeoff solution made primarily for contractors but also works for other industry professionals across various different trades. This software helps with generating and completing more bids faster and more accurately than the traditional by hand method.
On-screen takeoff received an overall rating of 4.42 / 5 stars on Software Advice. Quinn from Granite Excavation, INC. was quoted saying “At first I did not stick to a specific process and my takeoff- got messy and difficult for others to understand. Once I figured out a system, I stuck to it and the results were clear. My take-offs are clean and easy to understand. My production has more than doubles and the results are better.
Pros: The organization of the takeoff- items is great. Easy to export the results and easy to use.. Once you have learned the software. As long as I stick to my workflow I created I do not have any problems.
Cons: If you get off you order of operations or workflow.. It can get a bit messy. Use the layers and stick to a color scheme that fits the jobs. Figure out and be consistent with it and it will work amazing.”
On-Screen Takeoff includes an electronic quote system, cost databases organized by trade, and accounting integration. On-Screen Takeoff also has a “bid wizard” that helps guide new users through all dialogues while they’re creating a bid.
Integration with On-Screen Takeoff is simple and painless, this software works with Quick Bid, Excel, and multiple other accounting applications that allow contractors to manage cost estimates and budgets from multiple different applications.
McCormick Systems
McCormick Systems is a Windows-based electrical contracting estimating software. This software was designed for commercial, industrial, and residential contractors. McCormick Systems offers four different levels of estimating programs.
- WIN 1000
- WIN 3000
- WIN 4000
- WIN 6000
McCormick Systems received an overall rating of 4.47 / 5 stars on Software Advice. Ed from Jeffers & Leek Electric Inc. left a review saying McCormick Systems was a “Great overall product.
Pros: Tech Support – there is plenty of estimating software company’s that can get the job done. We tried a few of them and they all glitch with new updates. The biggest difference is in the tech support! When windows updates and you are under the gun to get a proposal out, you will be in good hands knowing that the issue will be fixed in a timely manner.
Cons: Other than the upfront cost it is great. We started out with the 3000 and as we grew we increased to the 6000.”
McCormick Systems offers more than 25,000 pre-built assemblies to help contractors complete their service estimates more accurately. This system also lets contractors build their own pricing database and charge their own price for their items. McCormick Systems also has digital takeoff capabilities, design build estimating, CAD, change order tracking, time management, and material billing.
Though only 3 of the top takeoff and estimating software were featured in this article there are many other great options for takeoff and estimating software out there and it’s important to find one that works right for your business. Save yourself time, money, and effort by getting yourself a software that will basically do all the work for you.