In construction, accurate takeoffs are crucial for successful project planning and execution. But with so many takeoff solutions available, how do you choose the right one for your business?
Here are ten questions to ask to help you navigate this decision.
Does the software understand your needs?
Before diving into the sea of options, it’s important to understand what you need from a takeoff solution.
Are you looking for something that handles both residential and commercial projects, or are your needs more specific? Do you need advanced features like 3D modeling, or will a simpler solution suffice? By identifying your needs, you can narrow down your options and focus on solutions that best fit your business.
Is it easy to use?
A takeoff solution should make your life simpler, not more complex.
Look for software that’s intuitive and user-friendly. The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to figure out how to use it.
Many software providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to see how comfortable you are with the interface and functionality.
Is it accurate and precise?
In construction, accuracy is everything.
A good takeoff solution should provide precise measurements and accurate estimates. This ensures you’re neither overestimating nor underestimating materials and costs.
Read reviews, ask for recommendations and if possible, test the software to ensure it meets your accuracy standards.
What are its integration capabilities?
Consider how well the takeoff solution integrates with other software you’re already using, such as project management or accounting tools.
Seamless integration can save you a lot of time and hassle by allowing data to flow smoothly between different systems. This can lead to better project coordination and more accurate financial tracking.
Is it cloud-based or on-premise?
Takeoff solutions can be either cloud-based or on-premise.
Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, allowing you to access your data from anywhere. This is especially useful if you’re often on the go or have multiple team members working from different locations.
On-premise solutions on the other hand, can offer more control over your data and may be preferred if you have specific security requirements.
Weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which type best suits your business.
Is it scalable?
As your business grows, your takeoff solution should be able to grow with you.
Look for software that can scale to handle larger projects and more users. This ensures you won’t have to switch solutions down the line – which can be time-consuming and costly.
Do they offer customer support?
Good customer support is essential to success with takeoff.
Even the best software can encounter issues, and you’ll want to know that you can get help when you need it. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support, including phone, email and live chat options. Check reviews to see what other users have to say about their customer service experiences.
What does is cost?
Budget is always an important consideration when investing in technology.
Takeoff solutions can vary widely in price, so it’s important to find one that offers good value for money.
And don’t just look at the upfront cost. Consider the long-term value and how much time and effort the solution will save you. Remember, a more expensive solution might actually be more cost-effective in the long run if it significantly boosts your efficiency and accuracy.
Do they offer training resources?
A takeoff solution is only as good as your ability to use it.
Look for providers that offer training resources, such as tutorials, webinars and user guides. These can help you and your team get up to speed quickly and make the most of the software’s features.
Is there a free trial or demo?
Finally, take advantage of free trials and demos.
Many software providers offer these so you can test their product before committing. Use this opportunity to evaluate the software’s ease of use, functionality and overall fit for your business.
Pay attention to how well it integrates with your existing tools and whether it meets your accuracy and efficiency needs.
Is Square Takeoff right for you?
Choosing the right takeoff solution is a crucial decision that can impact the efficiency and profitability of your construction projects.
By understanding your needs and prioritizing factors like ease of use and accuracy, you can make an informed choice for your business.
Square Takeoff is the right solution for your building business because we combine user-friendly functionality with precise measurement tools, ensuring accurate estimates every time. Plus, our seamless integration with Buildertrend allows you to simplify your workflow and focus more on building your business.
Start your 14-day free trial today to see for yourself how we can add hours back to your day – and save you a ton of money.
Hear from other builders who are already seeing results with Square Takeoff
“I’ve already won several large bids, thanks to the program. Before Square Takeoff I was bidding “down and dirty” trying to come up with the perfect number per square foot. Occasionally I would get a job, but I would leave money on the table because my numbers were so skewed. Since using Square Takeoff, I now know my exact costs and can also show my clients that I’ve included everything in my bid. I have peace of mind submitting my bid (no more nail biters!) and I don’t have to worry if I’m going to short myself or look ridiculous because I bid too high. It’s a win-win for me! Thank you Square Takeoff for the AMAZING job you’re doing. I couldn’t do it without y’all!”
– Jennifer Holbrook, New Color Painting LLC
“As one of the largest lumber retail companies in the industry, we always work to stay up to date with new technology trends to ensure we provide our clients with the most accurate estimate for their construction projects. We were looking for a leader in the industry that could provide us with a stable software that would be able to meet our daily demands. The software and the team at Square Takeoff have gone above and beyond meeting every need and have helped us achieve the goals we’ve set forth as a company. Keep up the great work.”
– Estimating department, 84 Lumber Company