STACK Estimating Software
STACK Estimating from STACK Construction Technologies is a cloud-based on-screen takeoff and estimating tool for professional contractors of all business sizes in most trades.
With STACK Estimating, users are able to produce bids with user-defined pricing, allowing them to calculate costs more accurately. Users are able to execute their own takeoffs within the program, or they can request the STACK team to do the work for them with a single click via the STACK To-Go tool.
The reporting module organizes data by location, division, or trade while a coverage rate calculator helps determine the quantity and type of materials required for a project.
STACK Estimating also provides pre-built catalogs for some trades that include in-depth lists of equipment, labor, and materials users need based on customizable historical experience.
STACK Estimating is accessible on Macs, PCs, and mobile devices so users can bid for work from anywhere.
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Plans tab -
Takeoff tab -
Markup -
Assemblies -
Takeoff summary report -
Item cost report
Supported Operating System(s):
Mac OS, Web browser (OS agnostic), Windows 8
536 Reviews of STACK Estimating
Luis from ABD Construction Company
Specialty: General contractor
Employees number: 2-10 employees
February 2018
February 2018
Great for begginers
Pros
User friendly, easy to upload drawings, great technical support, and gives you a nice material list.
Cons
There is a lot of input that you have to create, I wish that you can add the material, and labor price from the report sheets.
Jerry from E. Vaughan Rivers, Inc.
Specialty: Construction manager
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2018
February 2018
An efficient software
Pros
The software is a cloud stored, every easy to store and access. The update is frequent and the support is good in general.
Cons
Still have some compatibility issues with all the devices we use in office and on site, but I guess it will get updates to solve the problem later.
Erica from ACE Roofing
Specialty: Roofing & siding
Employees number: 2-10 employees
February 2018
February 2018
Looking forward to a year with STACK!
Pros
STACK allows our company to provide accurate bids in a timely manner. The interface is easy to learn and use. The customer support has been fantastic.
Cons
I am looking forward to learning more about the assemblies capabilities in the program. I am sure that once I get some training from one of the STACK trainers - I will get all of my questions answered.
John from Premier Painting and Coating
Specialty: Finishing contractor
Employees number: 11-50 employees
January 2018
January 2018
Out of the box ease of use.
I have not had time to get any training yet but it looks like there is a lot available on youtube and I know it is available on the site and one on one.
Pros
Pretty straight forward for paint and drywall. Put in a few parameters and it's click calculate.
Jim from Arktos Incorporated
Specialty: Electrical/teledata
Employees number: 11-50 employees
December 2017
December 2017
Excellent takeoff software
Love this product.
Per user license pricing is too high for companies with multiple users. Especially when some of the users are not in Estimating roles (support, review, etc.)
Pros
Ease of use, Training support, Tech Support, accessible anywhere.
Cons
Pricing. Per user license pricing is too high for companies with multiple users. Especially when some of the users are not in Estimating roles (support, review, etc.)
Lauren from Proficient Contracting
Specialty: Roofing & siding
Employees number: 2-10 employees
October 2017
October 2017
Amazing, easy to use Take Off Software
Overall for my small roofing business with only one estimator I found this software really affordable, easy to use, and a new huge asset to our company. Will recommend to my fellow contractors for their estimating and take off needs.
Pros
This software is easy to learn and use, especially for a beginner (like myself) with take off software. Great for our small roofing company that needs simple tools. Biggest bonus is this software can calculate cost in materials, labor and print off easy to read reports. Great software for the price since many other companies will charge much more and tend to be less user friendly. Great for specialty companies that have specific products they use because they will add any of your items to your special items list for you if it is not already in the program. This software is accessible where ever you go (compatible with google earth), so if you work from an office or work from the field you will always be able to get accurate numbers to your customers in a timely fashion.
Cons
It is a yearly subscription and also you have to pay per user per year
Joe from Integrity Blinds & Shutters
Specialty: Other specialty contractor
Employees number: 2-10 employees
July 2017
July 2017
Stack, Simple and Effective
Pros
Stack has a very simple user interface which can be learned quickly. It is very fast and effective for its job.
Cons
I would like to have a desktop application in addition to the web based program, this would allow more streamlined excel integration.
Laura from Aetos Construction, LLC
Specialty: Utility contractor
Employees number: 11-50 employees
July 2017
July 2017
Basic but Good
Pros
The customer service department is beyond exceptional!! They will go out of their way to help you navigate and understand the software!
Cons
I feel that the program is somewhat slow to load when opening on our computers. There are several unecessary features as well.
Scott from Allcom Electric
Specialty: Electrical/teledata
Employees number: 11-50 employees
July 2017
July 2017
Wasn't really the answer I was looking for
I probably would have liked it better with better training so I was comfortable with it.
Pros
The interface seems (on paper) easy to use once you get to grasp the options. I love the cloudbased option because my company has issues with servers losing connections onsite.
Cons
The learning curve seems very steep. Drawings took a long time to load, switching between drawings also takes a long time. The reporting needs to be enhanced or modified to allow more updating by the user.
Adam from Construction
Specialty: General contractor
Employees number: 1 employee
May 2017
May 2017
Supportive and highly valuable!
Great experience and I will continue to use it for all my projects.
Pros
Functionality and support. It makes building reliable estimates and bids fast and accurate. It minimizes potential errors.
Cons
Building your own pricing and custom items takes some getting used to. Once they are built it's a breeze.
David from Transition Films
Specialty: Design/build firm
Employees number: 2-10 employees
April 2017
April 2017
I loved it!
Pros
The customer support staff was excellent!! I am new to this and they were super helpful! I don't dread contacting them in the future.
Cons
I don't have any cons on this software yet. I have only used it for about 5 days so far, but currently I have no complaints.
Rachel from Aetos Construction, LLC
Specialty: Utility contractor
Employees number: 2-10 employees
April 2017
April 2017
Simple but Effective
Pros
Stack Takeoff is Easy to Use and they have Excellent Customer Service! You can chat with a representative online or over the phone
Cons
Stack Takeoff has just the basic functionality for take-off software, nothing advanced. The price is slightly above comparable programs.
Liz from KelTech Plastics, Inc
Specialty: Other specialty contractor
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2017
February 2017
STACK Takeoff
This product was suggested to me from a 3rd party site. I had never heard about it.
Pros
Quick take off of plans.
Cons
Limited capabilities beyond takeoff and searching.
JoAnna from America's Best Concrete
Specialty: Concrete
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2017
February 2017
Must Have Takeoff Software
Our company used a competitors software that was not anywhere near as functional. In addition, the main computer crashed and all the functionality was lost. We had to pay an additional fee to set them back up if we chose too. That is when we found Stack.
Pros
Extremely User Friendly
Cloud Based
Excellent Customer Support
Priced appropriately
Specific to.our scope
Cons
Would like project management software incorporated with the takeoff and estimating functionality.
Jeff from Classic Landscape LTD
Specialty: Landscaping
Employees number: 51-200 employees
January 2017
January 2017
STACK is the Best
We have 3 estimators and were all blown away with how fast it is to do take offs now. This is the best product on the market hands down. Will renew next year!
Jerry from Bridgeway Contracting, LLC
Specialty: General contractor
Employees number: 51-200 employees
January 2017
January 2017
Owner of Bridgeway
I have been with Phil Ogilby and his takeoff company for the past 8 years. He and his team never rest and are always working to improve their takeoff software with the mindset of making "My" job easier!
Pros
Everything
Cons
Wish I could get into old files from 3 years ago. They use a different format that changes our old access from Cloud to Stack
Advice to Others
Want to save time. Money and have more time with family and friends. The stack is the key to a fast life in the world of estimating!
Paul from Concreate
Specialty: Other specialty contractor
Employees number: 11-50 employees
January 2017
January 2017
STACK software
The system is well organized and easy to work with. The calendar, the take-off lists, and the reporting functions are better than any other system that I have used. I rated features and functionality at 3 stars because I am having difficulty getting a linear take-off done. My cursor is not following the path that I try to take the drawing.
Pros
Integrated take-off and estimating functions
Cons
I would like a cost to price conversion feature and proposal writing feature in the software.
Advice to Others
Buy it!
Tanyanika from Cornish Concrete Construction
Specialty: Concrete
Employees number: 11-50 employees
January 2017
January 2017
Stacks Take Off
Stacks is a decent product but is kind of confusing unless you really take the time to watch the video on using the product. However, their support team is by far superb. They are quick to jump in and lend a hand and are extremely patient in helping out.
I do feel as though there should be free webinars (don't remember seeing any that are open to the public in general) for people to slowly become familiar with everything that this product offers. This is one that a lot of the general contractors links their prints too so that it loads for subcontractors automatically, but if you are not comfortable with the product, it doesn't do any good.
Pros
The layout and the features that are offered for your trade
Cons
Understanding the features and trying to pull together a quote from taking off
Advice to Others
Take advantage of the trial period when you do not have a bid that is due soon. Take your time, watch the videos and take advantage of the support team for extra help.
John from Mid-South Irrigation & Landscape
Specialty: Landscaping
Employees number: 11-50 employees
January 2017
January 2017
In a saturated market... STACK stands above all competition!!
I use this product every day... Over my 20 year career in the commercial construction industry, I have have been hands on with multiple take-ups-off software programs. STACK outperforms them all by far!
Pros
Inventory of jobs is essential in my trade
Cons
Can be a little glitchy when printing off reports & plans
Advice to Others
Buy this software now!!! Pays for itself in no time at all...
Chad from Best Wash Inc.
Specialty: Other specialty contractor
Employees number: 11-50 employees
January 2017
January 2017
Making Takeoffs Easy
I have been using this product for over a year. It saves so much time and allows you to go back to previous jobs to review takeoffs.
Pros
Can upload all prints and related documents and can access them from anywhere.
Cons
The fact that after two accounts it jumps to ten to open any more accounts. We are a small company and it would not make sense to have 12 accounts as there is only 3 of us that do takeoffs.
Advice to Others
Yes watch the online training very helpful
Matthew from Government Administration
Employees number: 51-200 employees
April 2018
April 2018
Neat and very organized cloud-based estimating tool for professional contractors
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
This cloud based application makes it very easy to store and access data. excellent support and I love the facts that updates are done on a regular basis. Pretty straight forward application. punch in the parameters and click calculate. Tons of training "how to" videos on YouTube
Cons
Not much to not like other than the fact that its a yearly subscription that is very budget draining especially after the fact you also have to pay per user on an annual basis as well
Jeff from Carlisle Development
February 2018
February 2018
I love the way Stack helps me do my take offs with ease. So much easier to zoom, scroll, edit files
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
I love how easy it is to get accurate measurements, and make notes on plans. Customer support is excellent as well.
Cons
Deleting measurements etc. is a cumbersome multistep process. Not a deal breaker but as most everything else in this program is very intuitive I find myself highlighting and hitting delete a couple times before remembering the proper process of deleting requires clicking edit, going back to the edit arrow on the menu and selecting delete. I would love to see that power given to the delete key on the computer keyboard.
Brian from Division 9 Painting & Wall Covering
February 2018
February 2018
Stack is great, we use it for the Commercial painting , i Highly recommend
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
Stack allows you to customize the things needed to do a accurate takeoff, allows you to keep a detailed report. i have found very few flaws
Trevor from PaintMyCondo.com
February 2018
February 2018
STACK Pro had brought our company's estimating to a while new level!
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Accurate painting takeoffs for commercial & residential construction projects.
Pros
The Items & Assemblies feature of STACK Pro allow us to create estimates that are accurate and detail focused.
Cons
Although STACK has already started deploying hot keys in their estimating software, we would really like to see a "DELETE" hot key. We also think having the ability to move drawing tabs around in the plan screen (similar to how one can move Google Chrome tabs in their browser) would help keep drawings in-order if they have been opened out of sequence.
Nick from K&P Roofing
February 2018
February 2018
Frustrating but helpful
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
It does provide accurate take-offs. The support when there is an issue is pretty good although most of the time they just point you to a youtube video, which works most of the time.
Cons
The functionality is very frustrating at times, things seem to be harder then they need to be, (like deleting a mistake) no "back" button.
brett from copeland olson construcion
February 2018
February 2018
Stack is helpful when it comes to customer support
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
ease of use and customer support is responsive. Would like to have a user handbook showing features and procedures so I can learn from others. I feel I am teaching myself this program.
Cons
cant turn off a takeoff on each page in order clean up for a task. Similiar to autocad by turning on and off layers. Also software glitches in certain commands and program has to be turned off to refresh. Would be nice if you had a user handbook and guidelines showing the features and tools.
RAY from STOCKER INNOVATIONS
February 2018
February 2018
Works well
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
It allows me option to set up my calendar, and a way to establish a scale on drawings where that information is not listed. The ability to highlight in different shades and cloud.
Cons
Files are to hard to handle. It take a long time to go through and eliminate files that are not needed and a lot of times there is no good option the way files are received. It is not always easy to use the file preview to determine what file you are looking for.
Sharon from FreshCoat Painters
February 2018
February 2018
Program is easy to understand and navigate.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
Makes my estimating more efficient and program is very user friendly. A beginner can learn this program quickly and saves training time with helpful tutorials.
Cons
When directly downloading from contractors site, the ability to move project to another date on calendar.
Salena from Herman's Supply Company
February 2018
February 2018
Very helpful in quickly creating estimates for exterior building products.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
The time saving element is key - because time is money! Whether you are a contractor, building supplier or even a DIY master - rolling out a paper take off to work from is time consuming. You have to use pencil and ruler, all while taking copious notes to ensure accuracy. Stack CT makes it easy to create an organized take off with accurate measurements and an easy to read report at the end to give you a material list.
Cons
Some functions have a learning curve - but once you take advantage of the training support, removing items, editing take offs etc. become easier.
Jorge from McDonnell Landscape, Inc.
February 2018
February 2018
Excellent tool for estimating and/or being able to confirm dimensions.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Able to quickly estimate several project in a week. As well as accurately.
Pros
Ease of use and the ability to have access to your documents at will. With a simple internet connection
Cons
Lacks some seemingly simple features, Volume of materials could use some compaction feature. being able to select something as tons.
Michael from Legacy Roofing LLC
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2018
February 2018
Easy learning curve. Intuitive functionality.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
We can run nearly all aspects of our business with this software. We can grow into more functionality.
Pros
You can run production from your phone in most situations. The amount of data available 24-7.
Customer website pages.
Cons
Moving documents around within Buildertrend. Switching back and forth between Leads and Jobs screens. Some search functions are a little clunky.
Brandon from John T. Morgan Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc.
February 2018
February 2018
Easy to Use and Learn
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Quick take-offs!
Pros
Ease of use and easy to learn. Also great customer service staff who are always willing to help you when you need it.
Cons
Sometimes there is a lag while using. This happens especially while waiting on plans to load, but can happen at other times as well.
Valerie from J-Seal-Tight, LLC.
Employees number: 2-10 employees
February 2018
February 2018
I need to famaliarize myself with some of the features, such as copying measuresments.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
It's a huge toime saver!
Pros
I can print out pages with the takeoff to file away for future reviews. The calendar shows me what projects are bidding on what day. I can use the samne page to use for multiply takeoffs, such as, control joints and windows to break out the footage.
Cons
Some features that I don't use often, I can not recall how to do and need to call for assistance. When I call usually I have to wait for someone to return my call, which puts my project on hold until a receive a call back.
Ronnie from Houston Window Fashions
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2018
February 2018
The program is ok but it needs some user functions
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
It works
Pros
I like how it creates the spreadsheet The ability to download the pages that has the marks on it is very to save for future reference.
Cons
Having worked with AutoCad for several years, where you are able to preset your text and dimension heights, create tabs, drop-down boxes, this program doesn't. Stack ct makes you select the same function over and over from the right side of the screen, very time consuming.
It doesn't let you preset your text size or dimension height. Every time you put the legend on the page you have to change the size again. It needs more function tabs and drop-down boxes to select an operation and make using it much easier.
Rami from B&M Roofing
Employees number: 51-200 employees
February 2018
February 2018
Overall it has been good.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
The program has been really easy to use. We utilize it for take-offs but would like to move into using the estimating part of the software.
Cons
We've had various glitches with the upload of the drawings not having the page numbers or the title of the page come thru the first time.
February 2018
February 2018
Easy to use, great for organizing and tracking
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
I recommend this product for all estimators. You can track all past bids, and it is very user friendly if you have used any past estimating software.
Pros
Favorite feature is the calendar which allows you to view all projects and track dates when completed.
Cons
Stack need a faster way to view and flip through pages. Sometimes it lags and gets stuck. Also need an overlay tool for incoming revisions and addendum's
Derek from SGO Roofing
February 2018
February 2018
Having someone call and ask us if we needed help with the site have been awesome
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
One main thing we use it for is quick sqft quotes and it's great for that, also keeping track of all the jobs we have coming up, using the calendar
Cons
I wish we could pull certain details and copy them on a different page, that way we could start to do job site review plans all in one software.
Dan from Curley Brothers Brick
February 2018
February 2018
Great cloud based, access plans anywhere & anytime
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
My job is a lot easier and i acomplish many more takeoffs than trying to do them off paper plans.
Pros
Cloud based, great that its not just on one dedicated computer like some sofewares I've used in the past and you have the freedom to log in on any device with internet connection.
Cons
Internet sometimes at my home or office isnt always up to par and that sometimes affects the speed of the takeoff I'm doing.
Anna from Paintzen
February 2018
February 2018
Have been using Stack's online takeoff platform for over a year now for company takeoffs.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
Pros
Stack's online platform is easy to use and allows me to keep all my projects in one, easily accessible place.
Cons
As for all online-web based platforms, from time to time the program will run slowly. This could be due to internet speed or browser issues.
Chance from Allied insulation
Employees number: 11-50 employees
February 2018
February 2018
Software works as described. Great tool for takeoffs.
Ease-of-use
Usability
Functionality
Functionality
Product Quality
Quality
Value for Money
Value
Support
I have been able to quickly do takeoffs for customers and know they will be very accurate.
Pros
Straight forward to work in. I have to train new employees pretty often to get them up to speed and this is pretty easy process and very intuitive.
Cons
Sometimes the site seems to bog down. We have fastest internet available and it still skips some times. This is while doing takeoff, not when uploading which I understand could be slower.
