As 2024 unfolds, the construction industry continues to evolve, with technology playing a key role in shaping project outcomes. One indispensable tool that has emerged is construction takeoff software, which is not just a convenience but a necessity for estimators and project managers. This software simplifies the complex processes of measuring and estimating materials—important factors in the success of large-scale heavy construction projects.
In civil construction involving large-scale projects such as roads, bridges, and land development, earthwork takeoff software is a specialized tool that calculates the volume of soil to be excavated or filled, streamlining the estimation process for earthmoving tasks. Earthwork takeoff software enhances accuracy and efficiency, which is beneficial for managing costs and resources in heavy construction projects.
As the market is flooded with software options, selecting the ideal program can be overwhelming. This is where our guide comes in, highlighting the best takeoff software to consider in 2024. We’ll cover each program’s unique features, pricing, and user reviews, providing a comprehensive overview to help you make an informed decision.
Our objective is to equip you with the knowledge needed to select the best construction takeoff software for earthwork, ensuring it aligns perfectly with the specific demands of your projects.
Autodesk Construction Cloud is one of the most well-known construction management programs, emphasizing real-time insights into project costs, schedules, and more. A key component of this platform is Autodesk Civil 3D, specifically designed for earthwork takeoff tasks.
Autodesk Civil 3D is priced at $350 a month, $2,780 a year, and $8,340 for three years per user.
Feedback on Autodesk Civil 3D praises its feature-rich environment and supportive online resources. However, newcomers might face a steep initial learning curve.
PlanSwift is a versatile cloud-based takeoff and estimating program. The Earthwork Pro plugin can be added to PlanSwift, providing several tools and templates that can assist in the earthwork takeoff process.
PlanSwift Professional, available at an annual subscription of $1,749, includes comprehensive support, regular software updates, and a two-hour training session. The Earthwork Pro plugin costs $899.99.
PlanSwift has received praise for its user-friendly learning curve and efficiency in organizing construction takeoffs. However, users should be aware of potential performance issues, such as slower loading times when managing a large number of files, which may require periodic file removal for optimal operation.
InSite Elevation Pro is specialized earthwork software aimed at enhancing the bidding process for earthwork projects. It is known for its integration with GPS machine control modeling, enhancing project accuracy and efficiency.
InSite Elevation Pro is priced at $3,540 annually.
InSite Elevation Pro is commended for its visual representation capabilities and fast subgrade information processing. However, users note a limitation in printing takeoff details directly from the program.
Roctek’s WinEx Grade and WinEx Master specialize in on-screen excavation takeoff and earthwork calculations, delivering precise volumes for cut and fill, material estimates, and measurements for site work and utilities.
WinEx Grade is available at $5,470, including a perpetual license and a year of support. The advanced WinEx Master is priced at $8,550, also with a perpetual license and one year of support.
Rocktek is highly regarded for its technical support and customer service. Some users suggest that the summary reports in WinEx could benefit from a more user-friendly layout to enhance readability.
Trimble Business Center is a software tool for calculating earthwork and material quantities essential for bidding, preparing construction stakeout data, optimizing machine operations, and tracking productivity.
Pricing details for Trimble Business Center are not publicly listed; those interested are encouraged to contact Trimble directly for quotes.
Online reviews are scarce, but an article from Geo Week News praises Trimble Business Center as an effective cloud-based tool for surveying.
Buildsoft's Mudshark Earthworks Software is a specialized onscreen takeoff tool designed for precise earthwork estimating. It caters to the unique demands of civil and groundworks projects, especially in bulk earthworks calculations.
Mudshark is available for purchase at just under $2,000, or via a subscription model at around $125 per month.
User testimonials on the Mudshark website praise the program for its efficiency in handling complex earthworks, noting significant time and cost savings.
AGTEK, a cloud-based software for estimation and material quantifying, is designed to streamline construction modeling and progress measurement. Its Gradework suite is specially designed for efficient earthwork takeoff.
AGTEK encourages potential users to reach out directly for pricing information.
Users commend AGTEK Gradework for its robust functionality and the technical support team's helpfulness in navigating the learning curve.
Trakware EarthWorks is a specialized excavation software tailored for construction professionals, enabling them to accurately conduct excavation planning and takeoffs.
Trakware EarthWorks can be purchased outright for $4,000, with network and cloud licenses each priced at $4,500.
Users praise EarthWorks' simplicity, ease of use, valuable customer support, and educational resources, making it a preferred choice for efficient excavation takeoff and planning.
Carlson Takeoff, a comprehensive CAD-based program, specializes in calculating earthwork volumes and creating 3D models. It supports estimations through digitized paper plans, PDF imports, or CAD files, offering flexibility in transitioning from traditional to digital planning methods.
Carlson Takeoff can be purchased for $7,500.
Users praise the program for its effective technical support, aiding in the swift resolution of any issues. However, newcomers to CAD may find the interface challenging, highlighting a steep learning curve for those less experienced with CAD platforms.
Methvin is an online construction bid and estimating suite designed to assist contractors in quickly generating accurate cost estimates and competitive bids. This comprehensive suite offers a range of user-friendly tools, including estimating, scheduling, collaboration, takeoff, and a tender portal. It also has specific functions for excavation and earthwork.
Methvin offers a free version, with more advanced features available in the business version at $27 per month and the enterprise version at $179 per month.
Users commend Methvin for its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive coverage of construction stages from tendering to execution and closeout. A noted challenge is occasional difficulties with logging into the program.
Vertigraph SiteWorx/OS is a specialized tool for creating detailed surface models and accurately calculating excavation quantities, designed to make the excavation planning process more manageable, cost-effective, and efficient.
The cost for a SiteWorx/OS license is $2,795, which includes unlimited support and training for the first year.
Reviewers on Vertigraph’s website commend SiteWorx/OS for its efficiency in handling cut and fill volume calculations and its compatibility with multiple file formats, including DWG, PDF, and AutoCAD files.
As we wrap up our guide on the best construction takeoff software for 2024, it’s evident these technologies have become necessary for project planning and execution, especially for handling the earthwork takeoff process on complex heavy construction projects.
However, these tools are just the beginning. For those in search of all-encompassing construction management solutions, TCLI’s Estimating Link®, Field Link®, and Billing Link® offer advanced capabilities that go beyond what takeoff software can provide. Estimating Link® enhances the accuracy of estimates and bids, Field Link® bridges the gap between bidding and actual fieldwork by tracking production, and Billing Link® streamlines job progress tracking while facilitating timely billing.
Together, these programs create a robust ecosystem that complements the functionalities of top takeoff software, ensuring seamless project management from start to finish. By integrating these solutions into your workflow, you can achieve new levels of efficiency and accuracy in your construction projects.