Short answer: a takeoff service gets you a finished takeoff in about 24 to 48 hours but quotes every project. Software is usually a per-user subscription and you do the work yourself. ReadMyBlueprint gives you the finished counts on your first plan set free, with no card and no call.
Figures from vendor pages and listings checked on 2026-10-16. Prices change; check the vendor.
| Done-for-you service | Takeoff software | ReadMyBlueprint | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who does the work | The service team | You, with the tool | You send the plan set and get the finished counts back; you confirm them |
| Cost | Quoted per project | Per-user subscription (check each vendor's current terms) | First plan set free, see pricing |
| Turnaround | 24 to 48 hours | Depends on you and the plan set | Not checked as a fixed promise |
| Try before paying | Quote first; some offer a sample or new-client discount | Mostly a 7 to 14 day trial or a demo | First plan set free, no card, no call |
| Commitment | Per project | Often annual | Start with one plan set |
It depends on volume. Done-for-you services quote per project, so you pay each time. Takeoff software is usually a per-user subscription, so it gets cheaper per bid the more bids you run.
Done-for-you services typically quote 24 to 48 hours turnaround, per our 2026-10-16 check of vendor pages.
Most software offers only a 7 to 14 day trial or a demo. Some trials need a card or a booked demo.
You send a plan set and get the finished counts back. Your first plan set is free, with no card and no call. See pricing for what comes after.
On one real test, the 21-page Freeport Square plan set, 68.9% of walls matched automatically and 99.8% after one Confirm all click. That is one plan set, not a guarantee. Other sets can match less, so you confirm before the numbers go in a bid.
Yes. ReadMyBlueprint is assisted takeoff. You verify every bid before it goes out.
Related: all comparisons · drywall takeoff · drywall takeoff services
Your first plan set is free. No card, no call. You get the finished counts back.
Send my plan set