Month: June 2025

How to choose the best estimate software for your growing construction business

Posted on by Julia Thompson

Still using spreadsheets to estimate your construction jobs? As your business grows, those manual methods can slow you down and cost you work.

The right estimate software helps you bid faster, more accurately and with more confidence. Here’s what to look for when choosing a solution that fits your business now – and as it grows.

Why estimate software matters

Manual estimates lead to errors, delays and missed opportunities. Software streamlines your entire estimating process – from digital takeoffs to cost calculations to proposals – so you can focus on building, not crunching numbers.

Must-have features

When comparing estimate software, make sure it includes:

  •  Digital takeoffs from PDFs or plan files
  •  Custom pricing for materials and labor
  •  Professional proposals you can send instantly
  •  Cloud access to work from anywhere
  •  Team collaboration features
  •  Reporting tools to track cost and profit

These features keep you organized, help avoid scope creep and ensure every bid is backed by solid numbers.

Ease of use is key

You need tools made for contractors – not tech pros. Choose estimate software with:

  • A simple interface
  • Quick onboarding
  • Helpful customer support
  • Minimal learning curve

If it takes weeks to figure out, it’s not worth your time.

Scalable pricing that grows with you

Avoid expensive enterprise tools or software with long-term contracts. Look for:

  • Affordable monthly plans
  • Flexible user options
  • Tools you can scale up as your team or project load increases

This ensures you’re not overpaying now but still have room to grow.

Why small contractors choose Square Takeoff

Square Takeoff is built for small and growing construction businesses. It offers:

  • Built-in takeoff and estimating tools
  • Custom cost databases
  • Fast proposal generation
  • Cloud access from any device
  • Simple pricing and no bloat

Try it free for 14 days – no credit card required

Upgrading to the right estimate software helps small contractors save time, reduce errors and win more bids. If you’re ready to grow, it’s time to leave the spreadsheets behind.

Start your 14-day free trial of Square Takeoff today.

The case for investing in preconstruction: It’s not overhead – it’s strategy

Posted on by Square Takeoff Staff

Let’s be real – in construction, every dollar counts and every minute matters. So, when you hear the word preconstruction, your first thought might be, “Great, more overhead.”

But hang on. Before you write it off as a cost center, let’s flip the script.

Preconstruction isn’t a drain on your budget. It’s a strategic powerhouse that sets the stage for smoother builds, happier clients and bigger profits. And with tools like Square Takeoff, investing in preconstruction has never been easier – or smarter.

What is preconstruction, really?

Think of preconstruction as your project’s blueprint for success – and we don’t just mean the architectural kind. It’s the phase where ideas are clarified, scopes are defined, materials are priced, schedules are built and risks are identified. All before a shovel hits the ground.

In short: Preconstruction is where the magic happens. Or at least where you prevent the madness.

Why preconstruction isn’t just overhead

We get it. On paper, preconstruction tasks like estimating, takeoffs and scheduling don’t build walls or pour concrete. But here’s what they do build:

1. Stronger bids

Preconstruction planning means uncovering problems early – before they become change orders, delays or budget busters. A little planning up front means a lot less stress later.

2. Fewer surprises

Preconstruction planning means uncovering problems early – before they become change orders, delays or budget busters. A little planning up front means a lot less stress later.

3. Better client confidence

Clients notice when you come to the table prepared. Detailed plans and reliable numbers make you look like the pro you are – and help them feel good about signing on the dotted line.

4. More profitable jobs

The fewer the surprises, the better the outcomes. And better outcomes mean better profits. Preconstruction helps you control the controllables – and that’s where the money is.

Where Square Takeoff comes in

Now for the fun part: making preconstruction actually easy.

Square Takeoff takes the heavy lifting out of preconstruction by letting you perform fast, accurate digital takeoffs and estimates – from anywhere, on any device. With cloud-based access, collaborative tools and real-time updates, it’s like having a full estimating department in your back pocket.

Forget printing blueprints or squinting at scaled paper plans. Square Takeoff turns your screen into a smart workspace that saves you time, increases accuracy and lets you bid with confidence.

The bottom line: Preconstruction = profit strategy

Investing in preconstruction is like sharpening your tools before swinging the hammer. It’s not wasted time or overhead — it’s how you protect your margins, win more bids, and build smarter from the start.

So, are you still thinking of preconstruction as a cost? Or are you ready to use it as a strategic advantage?

Ready to turn your preconstruction process into a profit engine?

Start your free 14-day trial of Square Takeoff today.No credit card. No pressure. Just smarter takeoffs and a stronger start to every build.