Minutes, not days, and you can audit every count. An honest comparison of doing the takeoff in software versus sending it out.
Outsourced estimating services typically take 24 to 48 hours per project and charge per project. Takeoff software reads your plan set when you upload it, and you can trace and check every count yourself. ReadMyBlueprint covers drywall, metal framing, wood framing, insulation and CMU takeoffs, and your first plan set is free, no card needed.
| Takeoff software (ReadMyBlueprint) | Outsourced estimating service | |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | Minutes after upload | Typically 24 to 48 hours |
| Billing model | Self-serve; first plan set free, no card needed | Typically charged per project |
| Auditing the counts | Every count traces to the wall and sheet it came from; uncertain walls are flagged for you | You receive a finished takeoff; checking means redoing parts of it |
| Addenda and revisions | Re-run on the new set yourself | Usually another request and another wait |
| Judgment on odd details | You make the call at the confirm step | An experienced person may catch unusual details |
| Capacity at bid crunch | No queue | Depends on the service's workload |
On a real multifamily set, Freeport Square Apartments (21 pages), 68.9% of walls were auto-matched, and 99.8% after one "Confirm all". See the full test and how we think about accuracy.
Outsourced estimating services typically return a takeoff in 24 to 48 hours and charge per project. Exact turnaround depends on the provider and their workload.
Takeoff software reads the plan set when you upload it, so counts come back in minutes rather than days. ReadMyBlueprint then lets you confirm each count before it goes in a bid.
With ReadMyBlueprint, yes. Counts trace to the wall they came from, uncertain walls are labeled ambiguous or needs confirmation, and a confirm step lets you review every count.
Drywall, metal framing, wood framing, insulation and CMU/masonry.
Yes. Your first plan set is free, no card needed, and there is a tour at www.readmyblueprint.com/tour.
Your first plan set is free, no card needed. Or take the tour first.
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