Online Takeoffs Need Zero Paper
Blueprinting is an outdated practice and has been around for almost two centuries. Today, working with and viewing construction blueprints can be achieved using online takeoff™ software. Contractors can view plans, share, collaborate, measure areas and lengths, and markup plans on any computer or mobile device, without ever printing a single page.
Products like Square Takeoff™ offer other aspects as well. With additional aspects such as a built-in estimating software, you can complete measurements in half the time and then calculate material quantities needed for the project. For example, by digitally clicking around a blue-print plan onscreen and measuring an exterior wall, you can instantly calculate the framing material along with the exterior finishes all at the same time! You are even able to estimate the material cost and labor that is needed.
In turn, this allows you to determine the cost of a job, and then bid on the project. It reduces miscalculations and helps you avoid over or under bidding a job. Ensuring a higher bid win ratio.
ROI on Takeoff Software vs Cost of Paper Plans
Most estimating and takeoff software costs around $1000 to $1500, that initial software investment seems larger than the $4 cost of printing a single blueprint page. However, the software will quickly pay for itself by eliminating printing needs and improving the speed and accuracy of estimating jobs. Here is a simple example that illustrates how quickly this software could pay for itself:
Let’s say your construction company bids on 25 jobs a year. For each job, you print 3 copies of a 20-page blueprint. At a nationwide average cost of $4 per page to print, you are looking at $6,000 in expense just for blueprints. Within the first 5 jobs, this software has already paid for itself; job 6 and all the rest are straight profit.
Let’s say your construction company bids on 25 jobs a year. For each job, you print 3 copies of a 20-page blueprint. At a nationwide average cost of $4 per page to print, you are looking at $6,000 in expense just for blueprints. Within the first 5 jobs, this software has already paid for itself; job 6 and all the rest are straight profit.
25 Jobs per Year * 3 Copies * 20 Pages per Print * $4 per Page = Total Cost Of $6000
Reasons for Using Construction Software
One of the best sayings in the construction industry is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It is often tough to make the change to something new. Even though companies were built on the foundation of techniques and tools that have shaped this industry, change can drive innovation and innovation will allow those processes and tools to evolve. Growing up in this industry, with a hammer in my hand, I watched some of the longtime veterans of our industry frown on the use of pneumatic nail guns. Nevertheless, by making that change, the time it took to frame a home or shingle a roof was cut in half. Takeoff and Estimating Technology is here to do the same. I have always followed the motto “work smarter, not harder” and with such great advancements in tech, your estimating techniques can evolve into an even better and proficient process.
So, what is holding you back?
Want to look at how technology could help take your business to the next level? If so, sign up for your FREE 14-Day Trial of Square Takeoff. One of our Reps are standing by to show you how to get started.