Buildxact vs Active Takeoff

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Our analysts compared Buildxact vs Active Takeoff based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management and estimating software designed to streamline workflows for contractors of all sizes. It offers features like integrated takeoffs, real-time material pricing, proposal generation, project scheduling, and cost tracking. Buildxact is most suited for builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors seeking an all-in-one solution to improve efficiency and accuracy in bidding, project management, and financials. Users praise Buildxact's user-friendly interface, fast takeoffs, and pre-built templates that save time and effort. Integration with material suppliers and accounting software further enhances its appeal. Compared to similar products, Buildxact offers competitive pricing with various subscription tiers based on user count and project volume. While some users find its reporting features less robust than competitors, its ease of use and affordability make it a popular choice for many contractors.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoffs & templates
  • Integrated material pricing
  • Real-time project tracking
  • Affordable pricing tiers
Cons
  • Limited reporting options
  • Fewer customization options
  • Not ideal for large projects
  • Integration issues reported
  • Mobile app lacks features
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Active Takeoff streamlines construction takeoffs and estimates, helping businesses of all sizes manage costs efficiently. Users can upload and scale blueprints electronically, then precisely calculate areas and quantities of materials for tasks like flooring, roofing, and painting. It integrates with Excel for flexible cost management and generates professional proposals. While suitable for various construction roles, it particularly benefits estimators, contractors, and design firms seeking user-friendly software at a reasonable price (typically one-time fees or annual subscriptions). Compared to similar options, users praise Active Takeoff's intuitive interface, efficient scaling tools, and accurate calculations. However, some mention limitations in handling specific scales or complex project structures. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual needs and budget.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Accurate calculations
  • Efficient scaling tools
  • Integrates with Excel
  • Reasonable pricing
Cons
  • Limited scale options
  • Simple project view
  • Not ideal for complex jobs
  • Fewer features than some competitors
  • Occasional bugs reported
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$249/User, Monthly
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$59/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
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

  • Manage Projects Efficiently: With faster takeoffs and streamlined administrative processes, spend more time scaling up the business and increasing profits.  
  • Streamline Communications: Leverage the client portal to communicate with customers whenever required. Keep projects running smoothly with centralized communication. 
  • Track Project Costs: Stay on top of costs and profitability in real time. Track key financial points and change them to ramp up profits. 
  • Simplify Takeoffs: Bid adieu to paper plans and scale rulers. Convert digital plans into PDFs and complete takeoff on-screen in moments.  
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  • Increased Efficiency: Simplifies takeoffs with intuitive interface, reducing time spent on manual calculations and measurements.
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimizes errors with automatic scaling and dimensioning tools, ensuring precise material and labor estimations.
  • Cost Management Powerhouse: Integrates seamlessly with Excel for flexible cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Connects directly to plans and documents, eliminating the need for paper-based processes and manual data entry.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Enables easy sharing of takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients, boosting project transparency.
  • Proposal Generation at Ease: Generates professional proposals directly from takeoff data, saving time and effort in bidding processes.
  • Scalability for all Sizes: Caters to businesses of all sizes, from small contractors to large enterprises, with flexible pricing options.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to learn and use, even for those with limited technical expertise.
  • Data Security and Accessibility: Ensures data security with cloud-based storage and accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
  • Mobile-Friendly Access: Offers mobile app compatibility for on-site access to plans, measurements, and estimates, enhancing field productivity.
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  • Accounting: Sync invoices and purchase orders to keep track of cash flow. Reduce human accounting errors by automating the entire accounts payable process.
  • Activity Dashboard: Track and organize all project activities in an interactive dashboard. Manage areas that require improvement and allocate labor in necessary areas.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Measure material and labor quantity to get an overall cost estimation of the project. Streamline materials and project management.
  • Bid Management: Create and manage bids quickly to win more work. Carefully design attractive bids that capture the imagination of clients.
  • Billing: Automate traditional billing and make the process more productive. Reduce paper dependency and process bills faster.
  • Change Order Management: Manage work change and additional services from contractors in a single place. Never miss out on anything while calculating payable amounts.
  • Contractor Management: Update contractors daily with changes in project schedules. Keep them accountable for all services they provide.
  • Audit Trail: Keep track of cash invoices and all transactions and processes through audits. Stay on top of bills and project progress to maintain accountability.
  • Calendar Management: Organize the workforce to complete priority work first and on time. Designate effort to required areas and plan calendars accordingly.
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  • Electronic Plan Takeoff: Upload and scale digital blueprints directly in the software for on-screen measurements.
  • Automatic Scaling Tools: Utilize pre-defined scales or manually set custom scales for accurate calculations.
  • Multiple Measurement Tools: Choose from linear, area, volume, perimeter, and other measurement tools for diverse takeoff needs.
  • Material Libraries: Create and manage custom material libraries with specific costs and properties for efficient material takeoffs.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Estimate costs based on pre-defined assemblies of materials and procedures for repetitive tasks.
  • Integrated Cost Management: Seamlessly link takeoffs to Excel for cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Proposal Generation: Generate professional proposals directly from takeoff data, including material lists, labor costs, and overall project estimates.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients through cloud-based storage and access.
  • Mobile App Compatibility: Access plans, measurements, and estimates on the go with the mobile app for field productivity.
  • Reporting and Exporting: Generate detailed reports in various formats, including PDF, CSV, and XML, for further analysis and sharing.
  • User-Defined Calculations: Create custom formulas and calculations for specific project requirements and material properties.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster data entry and increased efficiency.
  • Customizable Interface: Personalize the user interface with preferred layouts and color schemes for a comfortable workflow.
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Product Ranking

#12

among all
Takeoff Software

#29

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

66
62
73
73
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75
57
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Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards
Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Buildxact
Active Takeoff
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 73 50 57 58 72 73 86 100 73 75 0 52 70 73 86 100 0 25 50 75 100
73%
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27%
73%
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27%
50%
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50%
75%
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25%
57%
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43%
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100%
59%
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41%
53%
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47%
67%
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33%
67%
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33%
75%
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75%
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25%
86%
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14%
86%
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14%
100%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

30%
0%
70%
10%
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90%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 165 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 186 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Buildxact has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 165 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

Active Takeoff has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 186 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.57 (97)
4.64 (94)
4.6 (68)
4.6 (92)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-friendly interface: Praised for its intuitive design and clear navigation, Buildxact minimizes the learning curve and empowers users to quickly grasp its functionalities, even with limited software experience.
Fast and accurate takeoffs: Integrated tools and pre-built libraries streamline the takeoff process, saving users time and reducing errors in material calculations, leading to more precise estimates and bids.
Real-time project tracking: Buildxact offers a centralized dashboard for tracking project progress, costs, and tasks in real-time, enabling better decision-making and proactive issue management.
Improved communication & collaboration: Built-in communication tools and shared project data foster seamless collaboration between teams, subcontractors, and clients, enhancing project transparency and efficiency.
Time-saving automation: Features like automated report generation and proposal creation free up valuable time for contractors to focus on core business activities and strategic planning.
Affordable pricing: Buildxact's tiered subscription plans cater to various company sizes and project volumes, offering a cost-effective solution compared to some competitors, making it accessible to a wider range of contractors.
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User-Friendly Interface: Active Takeoff provides an intuitive and easy-to-use platform, which reduces the learning curve for professionals managing construction takeoffs and estimates.
Precision: Users appreciate the high degree of accuracy in measurements, which is crucial for effective takeoff and estimating processes.
Flexibility: The software supports various file formats, including PDF, CAD, and image files, enabling versatility in handling different types of construction plans.
Customization: Active Takeoff allows users to customize materials and labor costs, ensuring the estimates are tailored to specific project requirements.
Integrated OCR: The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature streamlines the takeoff process by quickly converting plans into actionable data.
Cloud-Based: Being cloud-based facilitates easy access to project data from any location, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
Scalability: It suits a variety of project sizes, making it a practical solution for both small contractors and larger construction firms.
Responsive Support: Users report a positive experience with customer support, highlighting their responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues.
Cost-Effective: Many find Active Takeoff to be affordable without compromising on functionality, striking a good balance between cost and value.
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Limited reporting options: While Buildxact provides basic reports, some users find them less customizable and comprehensive compared to competitors, limiting in-depth data analysis and insights.
Fewer customization options: Buildxact offers limited flexibility in customizing workflows and user interfaces, potentially hindering adaptation to highly specific needs or complex project types.
Mobile app limitations: While the mobile app allows basic project access, users report shortcomings in managing complex tasks or leveraging full functionalities compared to the web version.
Integration issues: Some users encounter challenges with integrations between Buildxact and other software, requiring troubleshooting or workarounds, potentially impacting workflow efficiency.
Not ideal for large projects: Buildxact's scalability might be limited for very large or intricate projects, where more robust features and advanced management capabilities might be necessary.
Learning curve for complex features: While generally user-friendly, some advanced features might require more in-depth training or support, especially for users unfamiliar with construction software.
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Complex User Interface: Some users find Active Takeoff’s user interface overly complex, which can lead to a steep learning curve for new users, particularly those who are not tech-savvy or unfamiliar with takeoff software.
Limited Integration: Users have cited limitations in integrating Active Takeoff with other construction management tools and platforms, potentially creating extra steps in the workflow.
Performance Issues: There are reports of the software occasionally running slowly or lagging, especially when handling larger projects with more extensive takeoff requirements.
Cost Prohibitive: For small businesses or independent contractors, the cost of Active Takeoff can be a barrier, with some users feeling it does not offer a sufficient cost-to-benefit ratio for less frequent use.
Limited Customer Support: A few users have mentioned challenges in getting timely and effective customer support when encountering issues or needing assistance with the software.
No Mac Support: Active Takeoff is not natively available for Mac OS, which can deter users who are working on Apple's platform and do not wish to use emulation or other workarounds.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that while the basic takeoff features are solid, Active Takeoff lacks advanced features and customizations that are available in competing products.
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Buildxact garners positive reviews for its user-friendly interface, efficient takeoffs, and affordability, making it a popular choice for contractors seeking to streamline workflows and improve project management. Users appreciate its intuitive design, which minimizes the learning curve and empowers even beginners to quickly grasp its functionalities. Integrated tools and pre-built libraries expedite takeoffs, saving time and reducing errors in material calculations, leading to more accurate estimates and competitive bids. However, some users find its reporting capabilities less versatile compared to competitors. While Buildxact offers basic reports, they lack the customization and depth desired for comprehensive data analysis and insights. Additionally, customization options are limited, potentially hindering adaptation to highly specific needs or complex projects. While a mobile app exists, its functionality is restricted, making it less suitable for managing intricate tasks on the go. Buildxact stands out for its affordability, with tiered subscription plans catering to various company sizes and project volumes. This makes it accessible to a wider range of contractors compared to some competitors with similar features. Users also praise its customer support, with most reporting prompt and helpful responses. However, during peak seasons or for complex issues, wait times might be longer. In conclusion, Buildxact is a user-friendly and affordable construction management software with strengths in takeoff speed, accuracy, and ease of use. However, its reporting and customization capabilities are less robust, and the mobile app has limitations. Users considering Buildxact should weigh its strengths against its limitations and compare it to competitors based on their specific needs and budget.

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Active Takeoff garners praise for its user-friendly interface and efficient scaling tools, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the construction industry. Users commend its intuitive layout, streamlined workflows, and accurate calculations, often highlighting its time-saving benefits compared to manual takeoff methods. Compared to competitors, some users find Active Takeoff less feature-rich, particularly for complex projects. However, its affordability and ease of use are often cited as major strengths, attracting users who prioritize user experience and value over advanced functionalities. One key differentiator is Active Takeoff's cloud-based storage and mobile app compatibility. Users appreciate the accessibility and convenience of accessing plans, measurements, and estimates from any device, boosting field productivity and collaboration. Additionally, its integration with Excel allows for flexible cost management and reporting, something users value when dealing with diverse project requirements. Ultimately, user reviews suggest Active Takeoff is a solid choice for contractors, estimators, and design firms seeking user-friendly and efficient takeoff software at a reasonable price. While it might not be the most feature-packed option, its strengths in usability, affordability, and accessibility make it a compelling solution for various construction needs.

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Screenshots

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