Construction Company Software - Estimating / Take Offs

[beancounter]

Hi

I work for of a small construction company specializing in Drywall. I noticed that their QS’s are using Bluebeam/pdf readers to read and measure 2D architectural drawings. It is a tedious process translating the lines on the drawings to real life measurement. It is all done manually for each wall/each line on the drawings using calculators and PDF readers to do the measure, then they take the data in Excel. There must be some automated tools which can do the measurement.

Just wondering if anyone from the relevant field can share some suggestions / experience on what software packages they use to do Estimating and take offs.

Thanks

 

[MJD12]

My drylining company has been using QuickScale for the last 10 years. Pretty simple software.

 

[Patrickswayze]

Hi

I work for of a small construction company specializing in Drywall. I noticed that their QS’s are using Bluebeam/pdf readers to read and measure 2D architectural drawings. It is a tedious process translating the lines on the drawings to real life measurement. It is all done manually for each wall/each line on the drawings using calculators and PDF readers to do the measure, then they take the data in Excel. There must be some automated tools which can do the measurement.

Just wondering if anyone from the relevant field can share some suggestions / experience on what software packages they use to do Estimating and take offs.

Thanks

For automating drywall measurements and improving efficiency in estimating and takeoffs, consider tools like PlanSwift, AutoCAD, and On-Screen Takeoff. These software options offer features for quick digital measurements directly from architectural drawings, and they integrate well with Excel to simplify data management. Trying out demos or free trials could help determine the best fit for your company's needs.

 

[Jimmy Holder]

For automating drywall measurements and improving efficiency in estimating and takeoffs, consider the following software options:

1. PlanSwift: Offers digital measurements directly from architectural drawings with easy integration into Excel for data management.
2. AutoCAD: Widely used for detailed digital measurements and supports various plugins for estimating and takeoffs.
3. On-Screen Takeoff: Provides tools for quick digital measurements and integrates well with other software for seamless data management.

Additionally, QuickScale is another option that has been in use for over a decade by some companies for its simplicity and effectiveness.

 

[boxlot]

I've found construction estimating softwares to be overly complex, I tried few of them. Since I don't use them frequently, it takes a long time to complete an estimate when I do need to use them. Instead, I've opted to use estimating services in recent years. For instance, for an extension or loft conversion quote, I typically pay between £80 and £150 plus VAT, depending on the size of the project. This fee covers the quote, bill of quantities, cost summary report, materials order schedule, materials used, sales price including overheads and profits, and time schedule. This is the service I currently use https://costestimator.co.uk/.

 

[BubbaWY]

Im in electrical contracting and use Quickscale for things such as containment and cable runs.