Active Takeoff Software

Pros

Very simple to use and figure out without any prior knowledge of this software. Speeds up the process of doing takeoffs with the extensions features.

Cons

Although this is very good at figuring out the estimates for the basic trades, if you're looking for more niche trades, those have not been added yet.

Pros

Ease of use, functionality. It just makes finding the square footage of areas so simple than conventional take offs.

Cons

When doing take offs on wall types that use the same paint but differ in length, there isn't a simple way to use same colors under one name.

I reviewed at least 10 major companies who produce estimating software. I chose this one because of how easy it was to setup and use. You can import from PDF, jpeg, png. How much better can you get?

Pros

I watched all the tutorial videos first. I also read in the 'help' section - all pertinent areas pertaining to what type of estimating I would do. With that said - I found the software easy to use/setup. Once setup, I found getting the info easy. I did mostly house frame estimation. In about an hour, I could do a complete frame takeoff. Setup was key.

Cons

The report process. If I printed the PDF version- it used a lot of paper. There was no ability to change line spacing fonts etc. 1 simple house frame generated 15-30 pages of paper.

Currently using only for "estimated" quantities for pricing, freight and warehousing.
(due to deductions not on reports).
For example, a room is 12x12=144 sf area and 48 lf perimeter but there are 2 doorways at 3 lf each.
If I stop and start, too many #'s to track.
I've shown it to a couple of general contractors but they are using something else.

Pros

The 90 degree angle showing when doing a lineal takeoff.
The "panoramic" cursor to view about the sheet.
Enjoy all the colors but also the symbols & keys for marking areas.
Printable locally or can email.

Cons

Only PC operating system (no IOS interface).
28 key code to operate remotely.
Reports do not allow for "Deductions" from total sf or lf.

human error is reduced as you can see what you have taken off, i am very pleased that the company im working for allowed me to purchase this for use as an estimating tool.

Pros

its ease of use is , customization of scale feature

Cons

the initial cost is a lot per license, i feel that was you pay the large first up amount that multiple user licenses from there on should be more affordable

Pros

Quick learning curve, accurate, versatile and professional.

Cons

The main screen when doing takeoffs is a bit cluttered.

Pros

Ease of use, document / file organization and retention.

Cons

Cost can be steep for small business, light users.

Pros

The product is simple to use, with all the tools clearly labeled and it is fast to use.

Cons

There are a few selections I would like to see for the reports. Having a cubic yard item to total the takeoff with is handy, but I would like to see a little more flexibility with the quantification. For example, I would prefer to have the option to choose square yards of concrete rather than cubic yards, as I have to do a little additional multiplication.

Pros

It is really easy to use, and it is very fast for a rough estimate.

Cons

For our purposes of estimating rough distances, and quantity takeoff for the site, we don't use it enough to justify the hefty price tag. Also, it would be awesome if you can add joist estimation to the software, it would help us a lot more.

Saving time completing take-offs

Pros

Very easy to navigate around the system to access and use the features. The system has halved the time it takes to complete a take-off.

Cons

If the copy and paste feature was improved for example if it was possible to copy an item and paste in a specific location, currently the item overlays which means the copied item has to be moved to the required destination.

Also the extension feature could be improved.

I have used numerous takeoff softwares in the past and this one is by far the best. The ease of use is what sold me.

Pros

Love the ease of use! When you are doing a takeoff and you need to change something, it is extremely intuitive.

Cons

Havent found one yet! Im reluctant to say it, but i thing it might be the perfect takeoff software.

Safe me a lot of time getting an accurate Estimate

Pros

Easy to work with it even if you don't have experience on computers

Cons

I had some problems installing it but thank to the technical support I

If they was to fix the above problems and implement suggested updates then I would give this product 10 out of 10.

Pros

Easy to understand layout. Reasonable Price.

Cons

No Auto save so lose work unless you manually save all the time. Issues with memory, have to close other programs to make it function properly sometimes.

I think after trying a bunch of estimation software Active takeoff took the lead because everything was so intuitive and easy to learn so didn't have to spend time or extra money in taking any courses, and also the price of the software was reasonable

Pros

Very easy learning path, accurate estimation, possibility to include prices and also it runs smooth on my pc

Cons

I have no negative comments, overall it met my expectations

It really spends up my time trying to calculate how much a item will cost me.

Pros

It is so simple to use and gives you really close measurements. It really works with my estimating program,
Contractor Office.

Cons

I really don't have any problems to talk about.

Very quick to create a measured schedule but converting to a priced Schule is difficult

Pros

The take off element is very easy to use

Cons

The estimating element is not easy to use

None. Love the product.

Pros

The graphic user interface is familiar if you're a Windows user, and most of us are, so to me that's what makes the app so easy to use. In my opinion, if you've ever used the On Center On Screen app, learning how to use this app is a breeze.

Cons

No "cons" in my opinion. Fully functional from the time it's downloaded.

I use for construction estimating. It is so much easier than using a scale by hand.

Pros

Easy to use fast for basic take off and marking up take off

Cons

The printing function is a bit clunky. I’d like an easier way to print exactly what is on the take off or the on screen quantity table. Also the quantity table is often overlapping the plans.

So far my experience has been great. It has made quoting work and crating take offs much easier.

Pros

It makes quoting jobs a lot faster and easier.

Cons

It would be nice to have more options to close shapes without have to click multiple times to follow contours of drawings.

I think it shows great value for money.

Pros

I like the ease which old projects can be accessed and new measures can be set up.

Cons

I think the selection process and visibility around the measures can be improved during the takeoff process. I think it has everything there that is needed but not quite the intuitive feel of some other software packages.