In 2024, civil construction professionals are finding themselves increasingly challenged to deliver projects within tighter budgets and more stringent timelines, especially as the scale and complexity of their work continues to grow. Given these demands, civil construction takeoff software has emerged as an invaluable solution for those looking to enhance their accuracy and efficiency.
At TCLI, we recognize the important role that takeoff software plays in optimizing project management and workflow. To assist you in selecting the best software for your unique needs, we've compiled a guide to the top five civil construction takeoff software programs for 2024. These tools feature user-friendly interfaces and powerful capabilities that simplify the takeoff process, ultimately saving time and money.
What is construction takeoff?
Construction takeoff is a critical step in the pre-construction phase. It involves the detailed counting and measuring of materials needed for a project. This crucial process develops accurate construction cost estimates, which are subsequently used for budgeting and financial planning. Project managers who can determine the required quantities of materials are then able to effectively forecast costs and prepare bids.
The accuracy of a takeoff directly influences a project's financial health and overall success. Takeoff errors can lead to cost overruns, and diminished profit margins. Civil construction takeoff software improves the efficiency and precision of these estimates, which is a boon for everyone.
Utilizing civil construction takeoff software automates and simplifies the takeoff process. It reduces human error and saves time by quickly analyzing blueprints and automatically calculating material quantities. This technology equips contractors to submit accurate and competitive bids, securing a critical advantage in a dynamic marketplace.
Discover the 5 best civil construction takeoff software programs of 2024
STACK
As one of the best takeoff software options available today, STACK offers a cloud-based solution for professional contractors across all trades and business sizes. With STACK, users can easily upload digital plans and perform takeoffs directly in the cloud using intuitive, lightning-fast tools. This capability reduces the time spent on takeoffs and estimations, allowing contractors to submit accurate bids more efficiently.
STACK enhances measurement accuracy with dedicated tools for areas, linear and arc measurements, pitches, counts, and volumes. The platform’s powerful automation features and extensive template library save valuable time by simplifying repetitive tasks. Users can also leverage up to 10 custom labels for effective organization and easy management of takeoff data.
A significant benefit of STACK is that it can handle projects of any size, from minor renovations to major construction. Being a cloud-based platform, it ensures that users can access their work from anywhere, providing the flexibility to work remotely and maintain productivity. Every STACK subscription includes unlimited training and support, ensuring that new users and those transitioning from other programs can quickly maximize their use of this civil construction takeoff software.
PlanSwift
PlanSwift is a construction takeoff software program that caters to a wide range of users, from commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential general contractors to subcontractors in nearly every construction trade. With its visual point-and-click interface, PlanSwift allows users to drag and drop parts or assemblies directly onto a digitized blueprint, facilitating rapid quantity takeoffs and kick-starting the estimating process with remarkable ease.
The software’s capability to measure linears, unit counts, square footage, pitches, and angles in seconds simplifies the takeoff process. Because it automates the calculations, PlanSwift saves users considerable time and effort, allowing them to focus more on competitive bidding and less on manual data entry. Additionally, PlanSwift is compatible with Microsoft Excel, so users can directly transfer takeoff quantities to existing estimating spreadsheets.
Recognized for its user-friendliness and customization options, PlanSwift can meet the specific needs of various trades. The program’s tools improve takeoff accuracy and estimating efficiency, saving time and enhancing the overall quality of project bids. Users consistently report quicker estimation times with PlanSwift compared to traditional methods, thanks to the software’s ability to upload digital plans and automatically generate precise quantities.
Buildxact
Buildxact is one of the best takeoff software programs currently available. This cloud-based platform eliminates paperwork by using digital plans and a simple point-and-click interface. Buildxact claims that it can help you produce quotes five times faster than traditional methods, reducing the frustration often associated with manual measurements and spreadsheet-based estimates.
The software’s digital construction takeoff capabilities allow users to measure and count materials efficiently, align costs accurately with materials, and easily integrate with estimating software to generate professional quotes. Buildxact also improves supplier collaboration through accurate online takeoffs, utilizing supplier recipes and current pricing to streamline even the most repetitive jobs.
With its checklist-style estimates, Buildxact ensures no item is overlooked, making it easier to create precise quotes that include labor and overhead costs. Users can submit material orders and request quotes at any time and from any location, leveraging detailed line items that expedite the creation of complete, high-quality proposals.
Integration with accounting and management software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Deputy allows for smooth data flow from takeoff to billing. Buildxact can also enhance bids with detailed specifications and photos, helping your company stand out from competitors.
Autodesk Takeoff
Autodesk Takeoff is designed to automate and simplify the material takeoff and cost estimation processes in civil construction projects. This advanced takeoff software allows professionals to easily calculate quantities from 2D and 3D models, streamline material identification, calculate area and volume, and generate detailed reports. These capabilities ensure a smoother workflow, minimizing errors and saving time for those involved in cost analysis and material procurement.
The software elevates the preconstruction process by supporting the creation of realistic and precise takeoffs, ensuring projects adhere to schedule and budget constraints. Autodesk Takeoff also promotes enhanced collaboration by providing a centralized platform that unifies all project stakeholders, thus improving accuracy and consistency across projects.
Autodesk Takeoff is praised for its user-friendly interface and integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, making it particularly valuable for managing large-scale and complex projects. Its powerful automation capabilities optimize repetitive tasks and aid in organizing estimation packages by the scope of work. This structure helps users boost their accuracy, facilitate informed decision-making, and reduce the risk of budget overruns.
With its robust feature set and integration with other applications within the Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Takeoff is a popular choice among professionals who want to strike a balance between advanced features and affordability.
Trimble Business Center
Trimble Business Center is civil construction takeoff software that can calculate earthwork and material quantities for bids, prepare data for construction stakeouts, build 3D models to optimize equipment operation, and deliver top-tier as-built documentation. This program streamlines the entire construction process, from initial data preparation to final documentation, ensuring smooth operations and improved productivity.
Trimble Business Center offers six subscription options tailored to meet the needs of any size company, from small firms to large enterprises. These include:
- Site + Field: Focused on data prep, survey, surface, alignment, and corridor planning.
- Survey + Mapping: Ideal for survey, scanning, and mapping workflows.
- Construction: Covers complete data prep, survey, takeoff, mass haul, and advanced corridor planning.
- Aerial Survey: Designed for UAV processing and survey applications.
- Mobile Mapping: Tailored for customers who use Trimble’s MX9 mobile mapping system.
- Enterprise: A comprehensive solution for all core and vertical surveying and construction workflows, including aerial surveying and tunneling.
The software enhances bidding processes and improves profit margins through advanced construction site modeling capabilities. Its surface modeling capability allows for simplified and customizable takeoffs, providing detailed earthwork summary reports to assist in bidding and estimating. Trimble Business Center supports users in rapidly preparing accurate, 3D constructible models for machine control, construction surveying, and quantity estimating, greatly increasing the chances of winning bids.
How TCLI’s Estimating Link® complements civil construction takeoff software
Estimating Link® is estimating software that complements civil construction takeoff software and is specifically designed to enhance accuracy and efficiency in heavy construction projects. Created by a contractor with the heavy construction industry's unique demands in mind, this intuitive program allows users to create their first estimate on day one.
The software simplifies project setup by supporting the easy creation of new items or by importing project data from spreadsheets or state DOT electronic bidding platforms. Once data is imported, it automatically fills in critical details such as item numbers, descriptions, units of measure, and bid quantities.
Estimating Link® gives users the ability to add costs across six primary resource categories: labor, owned equipment, rental equipment, material, subcontractor, and a customizable category. Users can also incorporate pre-populated crews or assemblies that include these resources. The program also supports adding markups to the entire project or individual resource categories, along with overhead and indirect costs.
For in-depth project analysis, Estimating Link® includes tools for conducting "what if" scenarios, reallocating funds, and applying sophisticated markup strategies. It also helps users make competitive bids by comparing vendor and subcontractor pricing, allowing for last-minute adjustments to ensure the lowest possible costs. The Check Bid feature is designed to catch potential issues, such as zero quantities or unmarked items before bid submission.
Estimating Link® also allows for generating, saving, and sharing professional, customizable reports and proposals. When used alongside civil construction takeoff software, Estimating Link® dramatically enhances the accuracy and efficiency of project estimates, giving contractors the confidence they need to manage costs effectively on projects of any size.
We invite you to learn more about how Estimating Link® is optimized for heavy civil construction and encourage you to download a free trial to see how it can enhance your workflow.
Boost precision and efficiency in your projects with civil construction takeoff software
Choosing the right civil construction takeoff software is essential for professionals tackling complex projects within tight budgets and stringent deadlines. These platforms enhance the accuracy of your estimates and ensure efficiency across every phase of your project, from initial takeoff to final construction. With advanced takeoff software, contractors can achieve a new level of precision and control over their project outcomes.
Civilverse’s insightful article Efficient Construction Takeoff for Streamlining the Project can provide a deeper understanding of the construction takeoff process and its benefits. This piece also explores common takeoff mistakes that can cause costly errors and delays, providing valuable lessons for avoiding these pitfalls.
Additionally, we encourage you to check out our other construction takeoff blogs: What is Takeoff in Construction, the 11 Best Earthwork Takeoff Construction Software Programs to Consider in 2024, and Construction Estimating Software vs. Construction Takeoff Software. These resources offer extensive insights into the takeoff process and the software options that can enhance your operations.
In the competitive civil construction industry, staying informed and equipped with the best software tools is vital to maintaining a competitive edge and ensuring project success. Explore our recommended solutions and see how they can transform how you estimate, plan, and execute your construction projects.
