7 Must-Have Features to Look For in a Takeoff Software

How do you know if a takeoff software is the right fit for your business? With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Takeoffs are the foundation of accurate estimates and successful project planning, and the right software can make all the difference. The right solution helps estimators work faster, bid smarter, and deliver projects within budget.

In this post, we'll break down the seven must-have features that every estimator should look for when evaluating takeoff software, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

5 Signs You Need AI Takeoff Software

Before exploring the specific features to look for in takeoff software, it's important to identify the signs that indicate your current process may need an upgrade. Here are five key indicators that suggest it’s time to switch to a more advanced solution:

Sign 1: Racing Against Tight Deadlines
If you’re often under pressure to submit bids faster than your competitors, your current software may be slowing you down. Upgrading to a more efficient system can help you meet deadlines and stay competitive.

Sign 2: Spending Hours on Manual Reviews
Manually reviewing and reading through numerous plan sheets can be a huge drain on your time and  productivity. An AI-automated takeoff software can automate these tasks, freeing up valuable time.

Sign 3: Struggling with Addenda
Identifying plan changes and redoing takeoffs for addenda is tedious and time-consuming. AI-powered software can simplify this process, helping you quickly integrate changes without starting from scratch.

Sign 4: Missing Project Opportunities
If your team doesn't have the bandwidth to handle additional estimates, you could be missing out on new projects. Advanced software can streamline takeoff processes, allowing your team to take on more work without sacrificing quality.

Sign 5: Cumbersome Data Sharing
Sharing takeoff data with stakeholders should be seamless. If your current system makes this process difficult, it could be hindering collaboration and slowing down decision-making. Modern software solutions simplify data sharing, improving communication and efficiency.

Features to Look in a Takeoff Software 

1. Artificial Intelligence 

Estimators are under constant pressure to meet tight deadlines while ensuring accuracy in every estimate. Traditionally, takeoff software required extensive manual input, with estimators spending countless hours meticulously drawing polygons on-screen to measure quantities.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way takeoffs are done. Fully automated takeoff software, such as Beam AI, scans the plansets and automatically calculates the quantities required for a project, and gives back ready-to-use quantities for creating estimates faster. 

As a result, estimators have more time to focus on other important aspects like refining estimates, value engineering, and aligning with customer’s needs. 

2. Multi-Project Management Software

As an estimator, you will always find yourself juggling between multiple projects. However, the tight turnaround between estimates and bid deadlines often leaves little room for value engineering or refining estimates, which are critical for staying competitive.

This is where the right takeoff software makes all the difference. Look for software with robust multi-project management capabilities that allow you to handle several takeoffs simultaneously so you can reclaim the time spent on takeoff and focus on other important activities. 

Features like real-time tracking of a project’s takeoff progress, functionality to prioritize which takeoffs to process first, and clear visibility into estimated turnaround times help you stay organized, manage workloads effectively, and ensure you meet tight deadlines.

3. Efficient Handling of Addendums

Handling addendums can be challenging, particularly when last-minute changes in project scope or design impact your bid schedules. Efficiently managing these changes is essential to maintain accuracy and meet deadlines.

When selecting takeoff software, prioritize solutions that streamline the management of addendums. The ideal software should automatically detect changes in project plans and update your takeoffs accordingly, eliminating the need for manual revisions. This automation reduces the risk of errors and ensures your estimates stay accurate and current as project details evolve, helping you stay on track and maintain project integrity.

4. Collaboration Features 

Collaboration is a critical component of any project, as multiple stakeholders - such as estimators, project managers, and subcontractors - need access to the same data to make informed decisions.

When adopting a takeoff software, prioritize one that facilitates seamless collaboration, particularly through cloud-based systems. The ability for multiple users to view, edit, and share takeoffs in real time ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date information. Strong collaboration features not only enhance communication but also speed up decision-making, helping you stay on schedule and deliver projects more efficiently.

5. Advanced Takeoff Tools 

Every construction project has its own unique requirements and challenges to counter. That’s why the ability to customize takeoffs is crucial in ensuring accuracy and profitability during the bids. As an estimator, having the flexibility to tailor takeoffs to meet the specific demands of the project is essential for success. 

When selecting a takeoff software, ensure that it includes advanced takeoff tools that give flexibility to make adjustments and customization in the takeoffs.

For example, if an estimator needs to update measurements or add missing components, they should be able to do so without redoing the entire takeoff. Beam AI provides advanced editing tools that allow users to modify, tag, and adjust takeoff data easily, ensuring their estimates remain accurate and aligned with project needs.

6. Ease of Use

Even the most feature-packed software becomes ineffective if it’s difficult to navigate. As an estimator, your priority is delivering accurate estimates, not battling with complex software interfaces.

When choosing takeoff software, prioritize one with an intuitive, user-friendly design that allows you to get up and running quickly without the need for extensive training. The features should be straightforward and easily accessible, enabling you to perform complex tasks with minimal effort.

7. Integration Capabilities

Integration between one tool and another has always been a bottleneck. Estimators often depend on multiple platforms across different project stages.Integrating these tools can save time, reduce errors, and increase productivity. 

Therefore, it is pivotal to prioritize a takeoff software with integration capabilities. The software should easily connect with the tools you already use, such as estimating software, BIM platforms, and project management systems. A well-integrated solution ensures smooth data flow from the initial takeoff to the final estimates. 

The Bottom Line 

Choosing the right takeoff software is a strategic decision that can greatly impact the efficiency, accuracy, and success of your construction projects. The features we’ve highlighted - AI-driven automation, advanced editing tools, and seamless collaboration - are essential for meeting the industry’s evolving demands.

If you're aiming to enhance your estimating process and gain a competitive edge, consider exploring Beam AI’s AI-powered takeoff software. Beam AI leverages advanced technology and a user-friendly interface to streamline the entire takeoff process, enabling your team to produce more accurate estimates in less time.

Don’t just keep pace with the industry - lead it. Book a personalized demo of Beam AI today to discover how our innovative software can transform your pre-construction workflow and help you secure more bids with confidence.