Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about AI-assisted takeoffs. From accuracy rates to pricing, we cover the questions contractors ask most.
Our AI handles the complexity so you can focus on winning work
Works with any PDF construction plan - commercial or residential
Claude AI understands construction plans semantically - not just OCR
The AI provides initial counts - you review flagged items and make final calls
Download as Excel or CSV - import into your existing estimating software
Getting Started
Common questions about using TakeoffBuilder for the first time
Do I need to install software?
No installation required. TakeoffBuilder runs entirely in your web browser. Upload your PDF plans, select your trade, and download results. Works on any device with internet access.
- Browser-based - no downloads or installations
- Works on desktop, laptop, or tablet
What format should my plans be in?
We work with PDF files. Most construction plans are already in PDF format. If you have paper drawings, scan them to PDF first. The cleaner the PDF quality, the better the AI accuracy.
- Standard PDF format required
- Scanned plans work - higher resolution is better
Can I try it before I buy credits?
Yes. Your first takeoff is free on plans under 20 pages. No credit card required. Upload a real project from your pipeline and see how it works on your actual plans.
- Free test takeoff - no credit card needed
- Use your own plans to test accuracy
Should I verify the AI counts?
We recommend spot-checking, especially on your first few takeoffs. The AI flags items with lower confidence for your review. Most users find they can trust the bulk count and just verify flagged items - that's still hours saved.
- Spot-check flagged items for confidence
- Build trust over first few takeoffs
What if I find an error in the count?
That's what the toggles and modifiers are for. You can mark up quantities instantly - add 10% for waste, adjust individual counts, flag items for follow-up. You're in control of the final numbers.
- Toggles let you adjust any count instantly
- Add waste factors or markups with one click
Is my project data secure?
All data is encrypted at rest and in transit. We are SOC 2 compliant and never share your drawings or data. Your plans are deleted after 90 days unless you're on an enterprise plan with custom retention.
- SOC 2 compliant data handling
- Encrypted storage and transmission
Accuracy & Results
What to expect from AI-assisted takeoffs and how to interpret results
Will it work on residential plans?
Yes. We work well on both commercial and residential plans. Commercial plans with standard symbols give the best results, but residential plans work too. Hand-drawn details or unusual symbols may need manual review.
- Commercial and residential both supported
- Standard symbols work best
What format is the output?
Download as Excel or CSV. Counts are organized by category matching standard estimating workflows for your trade. Import directly into your existing estimating software or use as-is.
- Excel and CSV export formats
- Organized by trade-specific categories
Does it calculate labor hours?
Yes. We provide labor hour estimates based on material counts and industry standards. These are starting points - you adjust based on your crew's productivity and specific job conditions.
- Industry-standard labor estimates included
- Adjust for your crew and conditions
What about code compliance?
Set your code year, project type, and location conditions. We adjust recommendations automatically. NEC 2020, 2023, 2026 supported for electrical. Similar coverage for plumbing and mechanical codes.
- Multiple code years supported
- Compliance notes included with output
Can I use it with PlanSwift or Bluebeam?
Yes. Export our counts and import into your existing workflow. We handle the tedious counting, you handle pricing and markup in tools you already know. Addition, not replacement.
- Export compatible with major estimating tools
- Complements your existing process
What if my plans are complex?
We've processed 47-page permit sets with full A/V systems. Complex is what we're built for. 1,091 symbol definitions, 487 trade abbreviations recognized. Unusual custom symbols get flagged for your review.
- 1,091+ construction symbols recognized
- Unknown symbols flagged automatically
See what AI-assisted takeoffs look like
Watch It WorkPricing & Credits
How credit packs work and what you get for your investment
Do I need a monthly subscription?
No subscription. Buy credits when you need them, use them when you want. Credits never expire. Pay only for the takeoffs you run - no monthly fees or minimums.
- Pay-per-use with credit packs
- Credits never expire - use at your pace
How many credits does a typical takeoff cost?
Credits are based on plan page count. 1-20 pages: 1 credit. 21-50 pages: 3 credits. 51-100 pages: 5 credits. Most commercial projects are 3-5 credits. A standard rate is $199 per takeoff, but credit packs offer discounts up to 40%.
- Typical 30-50 page set: 3 credits
- Credit packs offer 25-40% savings
Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied?
Full refund within 14 days if not satisfied. Pro-rated refunds available for annual plans cancelled after 14 days. We want you to try it on real projects and see the value.
- 14-day money-back guarantee
- Pro-rated refunds on annual plans
Is there a team or enterprise option?
Yes. Enterprise plans include unlimited takeoffs, custom integrations, dedicated account manager, and SLA guarantees. Contact us for custom pricing based on your volume.
- Unlimited takeoffs for enterprise
- Custom integrations with your ERP/PM tools
What's included in the output?
You get material lists with quantities, full counts with toggles, editable PDF with annotations, and exports in Markdown, JSON, Excel, and CSV. Everything you need to take the data into your own systems.
- Material lists + labor estimates + annotations
- Multiple export formats for any workflow
How does this compare to hiring an estimator?
Pay $250-1000 for a takeoff service and you still end up verifying it anyway. TakeoffBuilder gives you a starting point that's fast to verify and adjust. Same outcome, fraction of the cost, and you're in control the whole time.
- Fraction of outsourcing cost
- You maintain control and verify counts
Ready to try your first takeoff?
Start Free TrialStill Have Questions?
Upload your plans and see TakeoffBuilder in action. Your first takeoff is free - no credit card required. Test it on a real project from your pipeline.
- Free test takeoff on plans under 20 pages
- Results in 10-15 minutes - see it work on your plans
- No installation, no training, no credit card