Bluebeam vs BuildTools

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs BuildTools based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

BuildTools Software Tool

Product Basics

Bluebeam is a software platform designed to streamline construction workflows, particularly in the areas of project management, takeoff and estimating. It caters to a wide range of professionals in the construction industry, from architects and engineers to quantity surveyors and contractors. One of its core strengths lies in its ability to centralize and manage project documents efficiently. This includes features like real-time collaboration tools, markups and annotations, and integrated document control. Additionally, Bluebeam offers robust takeoff and estimating functionalities, enabling users to extract quantities, generate bids, and track project costs effectively. When compared to similar products, Bluebeam stands out for its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and comprehensive set of construction-specific tools. User reviews often praise its intuitive design, efficient workflows, and ability to improve communication and coordination across teams. However, it's important to consider the pricing structure, which can be based on per-user licenses or tiered subscription plans, depending on the specific features and functionalities required.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Accurate takeoff tools
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Improved communication
Cons
  • Subscription cost
  • Limited Mac support
  • Advanced features complexity
  • Minor interface quirks
  • Learning curve for beginners
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BuildTools by ECI is a construction project management module designed for remodelers, specialty contractors, home builders and custom builders. It is cloud-based and helps organize and keep track of project data such as documents, scheduling, communication and budgeting in a single centralized location.

It lets users create and customize quotes while sending and managing proposals. It also includes bid management, scheduling, budgeting and daily logs. It supports tracking change orders, purchase orders and financial statements while generating financial statements and work-in-progress reports. Its integrations let users track and control costs across all budget codes. Its modules let users boost accountability and reduce errors.
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$369/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
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Linux
Android
Chromebook
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Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time markups, shared workspaces, and centralized document storage streamline communication and feedback loops across project teams, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Improved Efficiency: Automated workflows, batch processing tools, and powerful search functionalities significantly reduce manual tasks and accelerate project delivery timelines.
  • Accurate Cost Estimation: Integrated takeoff and estimating capabilities with industry-standard tools and libraries ensure precise material calculations and bids, leading to better project budgeting and cost control.
  • Reduced Rework & Errors: Robust markup and annotation tools with version control and issue tracking minimize miscommunication and ensure everyone works on the latest information, minimizing costly rework.
  • Increased Transparency & Accountability: Centralized document management and audit trails provide clear visibility into project progress, changes, and responsibilities, fostering accountability and stakeholder confidence.
  • Optimized Field Management: Mobile apps and offline capabilities allow for seamless data access and markups on the go, improving field data collection, communication, and punch list management.
  • Scalability & Customization: Flexible licensing models and customizable toolsets cater to the needs of projects of all sizes and complexities, ensuring a scalable solution that grows with your business.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into project performance, resource allocation, and collaboration trends, enabling data-driven decision making for future projects.
  • Enhanced Security & Compliance: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Strong User Community & Support: Access to extensive online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support empowers users to get the most out of the software and address any challenges efficiently.
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  • Create Quotes: Streamline the sales process by creating and customizing quotes within the interface.  
  • Send Proposals: Use pre-loaded templates to generate proposals during the sales process.  
  • Change Schedules: View employee and subcontractor project schedules for all projects.  
  • Organize Communications: Keep comments and messages in a centralized inbox. Filter by module or project to track communication between team members and clients.  
  • Maintain Selections: Build a selections library from existing projects for future use. Organize selection by location or cost code to provide access to project selections.  
  • Manage Documents: Lets users view documents from anywhere across devices. Customize permissions on folders to manage access to data. Provides unlimited storage of documents, blueprints, photos and other files.  
  • Change Orders: Create change orders to modify selections, budget codes and specifications for accountability and reduce painful closings.  
  • Match Purchase to Invoice: Create and share purchase orders and document and track project costs.  
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  • Real-time Collaboration: Simultaneous markups and annotations with team members across various locations.
  • Centralized Document Management: Secure cloud storage and version control for all project documents.
  • Advanced Markup Tools: Diverse annotation tools like text boxes, stamps, shapes, and freehand drawings.
  • Integrated Takeoff & Estimating: Measure lengths, areas, and volumes directly from PDFs for accurate material calculations and bids.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks like scaling, stamping, and adding headers/footers to multiple documents.
  • Quantity Link with Excel: Synchronize takeoff data with spreadsheets for detailed cost analysis and reporting.
  • Studio Sessions: Real-time collaboration environment for markups and discussions on specific project documents.
  • Mobile Apps: View, annotate, and manage documents on the go with dedicated iOS and Android apps.
  • Dynamic Stamps: Create custom stamps with variable data fields that automatically update based on project information.
  • 2D Photo Markups: Embed and annotate photos directly within PDFs for clear visual communication.
  • Document Comparison & Overlay: Visually compare different versions of PDFs and identify changes efficiently.
  • Scripting & Automation: Create custom scripts to automate complex workflows and repetitive tasks.
  • Advanced Security: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance.
  • Openness & Integrations: Integrate with various construction management platforms and BIM software for seamless data exchange.
  • Extensive Training & Support: Access to online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support.
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  • Sale Process Management: Simplify quote creation and use templates to create and send proposals to get projects.  
  • Integrations: Integrates with QuickBooks Online and Desktop to manage contacts, budgets, purchase orders and invoices. Also integrates with Xero to manage accounting from mobile devices.  
  • Financial Statements: Record payment history, actuals vs. budget, subcontractor invoices, order analysis and outstanding invoices. Send a detailed draw request for payments.  
  • Meeting Minutes: Record conclusions, meeting details, action to be taken and attachments presented during the meeting.
  • Project Poster: Distribute documents and simplify interactions with contractors in the field. Access documents and schedules in real time, report incidents and progress, and upload photos. Does not require training, log in or app installation.  
  • Drawing Management: View drawings and their revisions and create redline notes, private notes, client changes, electrical markups and corrections. Link photos, tasks, change orders and enter list items within the drawing to reduce errors.  
  • Budget Management: Connect schedule phases, purchase orders, change orders, selections and specifications to their respective budget codes to control costs.
  • Bid Management: Reduce time taken during the bidding process. Create bid packages with selections, drawings and relevant specifications. Send reminders, revisions, addendums and clarifications.
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#43

among all
Construction Management Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Good User Sentiment 68 reviews
93%
of users recommend this product

Bluebeam has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 2083 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

78%
of users recommend this product

BuildTools has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 78% when considering 68 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
n/a
4.5 (298)
n/a
4.68 (880)
3.96 (35)
4.7 (778)
3.8 (33)
4.4 (111)
n/a

Awards

Bluebeam stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The solution provides all the necessary tools and features required to perform quick and accurate takeoffs, according to 76% of users.
Ease of Use: According to 94% of users, the application’s user interface is slick and user-friendly. They found it easy to navigate and find desired features.
Support: About 94% of users who mentioned this pro praised the quick response and ability to solve issues quickly.
Sharing & Collaboration: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that the solution separates documents in order and exports them to a designated folder seamlessly.
PDF Viewing: According to 99% of users, the software offers an optimum PDF viewing experience that streamlines takeoff measurements.
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Intuitive User Interface: Users appreciate the straightforward design that makes it easy to navigate and find the information they need quickly.
Comprehensive Functionality: BuildTools offers a wide range of features that cover all aspects of construction management, from project planning to execution.
Real-Time Collaboration: The platform enables seamless collaboration among project stakeholders, ensuring everyone has access to the latest project information.
Cost-Effective Solution: BuildTools provides a cost-effective way to manage construction projects, eliminating the need for multiple software solutions.
Excellent Customer Support: Users praise the responsive and knowledgeable customer support team that provides timely assistance when needed.
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Speed & Performance: In spite of having top features, the solution is laggy and hangs from time to time, according to 62% of users.
Deployment: According to 76% of users, the software lacks dynamic integration capabilities with in-house systems.
Training: About 58% of users who mentioned this con said the application has a steep learning curve.
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Lack of Real-Time Collaboration: BuildTools' collaboration features are limited, making it difficult for teams to work together efficiently on projects.
Limited Customization Options: BuildTools offers limited customization options, making it challenging to tailor the software to specific project needs.
Cumbersome Interface: The BuildTools interface is often criticized for being cluttered and difficult to navigate, slowing down workflow.
Inconsistent Data Management: Users have reported issues with data management within BuildTools, leading to errors and inaccuracies in project information.
Lack of Mobile Accessibility: BuildTools' lack of mobile accessibility limits its usefulness for teams working remotely or on-site.
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Bluebeam's user reviews in the past year paint a picture of a powerful and versatile construction software with some room for improvement. Users praise its intuitive interface, extensive PDF editing and markup features, and seamless integration with popular project management platforms. These strengths are particularly valuable for streamlining communication and collaboration across disciplines, as exemplified by a reviewer who noted how Bluebeam "eliminated the need for paper markups and endless email chains" on their project. However, some users find Bluebeam's takeoff functionalities less robust compared to dedicated takeoff software like OnCenter or PlanSwift. While Bluebeam offers basic auto-scaling and dimensioning tools, complex projects often require manual verification and lack features like real-time material cost integration. This can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize advanced takeoff capabilities. Another point of contention is the subscription pricing model, which some users find expensive compared to perpetual licenses offered by competitors. However, others appreciate the continuous updates and access to cloud-based features that come with the subscription. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness depends on individual needs and project scale. In conclusion, Bluebeam excels in collaboration, communication, and general PDF management for construction projects. It's a strong choice for teams seeking a user-friendly platform to streamline workflows and centralize information. However, users requiring advanced takeoff functionalities or those on a tight budget might find other options more suitable.

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BuildTools is a popular Construction Management Software software that has received mixed reviews from users in the last year. Many users praise its intuitive interface, robust features, and excellent customer support. They find it easy to use and appreciate its ability to streamline their construction projects. BuildTools also integrates with a variety of other software, making it a versatile option for businesses of all sizes. However, some users have complained about BuildTools' pricing, which they find to be higher than that of similar products. Additionally, some users have reported experiencing occasional bugs and glitches, which can be frustrating. BuildTools' reporting capabilities have also been criticized as being somewhat limited, making it difficult to generate the reports needed for specific purposes. Overall, BuildTools is a solid Construction Management Software software with a wide range of features. It is easy to use, integrates with other software, and has excellent customer support. However, its pricing may be a deterrent for some businesses, and its reporting capabilities could be improved. BuildTools is best suited for businesses that need a comprehensive and easy-to-use Construction Management Software software.

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