Active Takeoff vs Methvin

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Our analysts compared Active Takeoff vs Methvin 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

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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Methvin is a takeoff and estimating software designed to streamline construction project bidding and cost management. It caters to contractors of all sizes, but its comprehensive features and integrated functionalities might particularly benefit medium-sized businesses handling complex projects. Users can extract quantities directly from plans, generate bills of materials, and create detailed cost estimates. Integration with scheduling and resource management modules allows for comprehensive project oversight. Methvin is praised for its ease of use, powerful automation, and ability to handle diverse project types. Compared to similar offerings, Methvin emphasizes visual takeoff tools, comprehensive cost databases, and seamless integration across estimating, scheduling, and resource management. However, user reviews suggest its pricing might be less competitive for smaller firms, with costs typically based on a per-user, annual subscription model.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Integrates with other tools
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Customer support can be slow
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$59/User, Monthly
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$27 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
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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
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
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FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • 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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  • Speed Up Takeoffs: Measure areas in both imperial and metric scales with the web-based takeoff tool. Achieve accurate calculations to prepare attractive bids. 
  • Access Work Remotely: Communicate with teams or individual contractors from anywhere, anytime. Stay connected and updated with the progress of the project remotely.
  • Incorporate Multiple Integrations: Export to Excel, create PDFs and much more with multiple third-party integrations.
  • Manage Projects Efficiently: Starting from tendering up to the execution phase, touch all stages of the construction project to stay updated.
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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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  • Audit Trail: Obtain documentary evidence about project progression from audits. Stay updated with the associated costs of events and processes that occurred.
  • Templates: Leverage custom templates to build designs and send measurements seamlessly. Add notes and color areas showing changes and updates.
  • Electrical Estimating: Generate cost estimates and win bids efficiently. Link worksheets to multiple tasks and divide them accordingly to perform accurate pricing.
  • Historical Database: Transform historical construction data into useful information to incorporate in projects. Avoid the pitfalls of construction processes by implementing corrections based on data.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Extract actionable insights from reporting to make improvements to projects. Leverage metrics to plan daily tasks to increase productivity.
  • Project Management: Stay on top of required materials and labor and track project progress. Address areas needing improvement to run projects smoothly.
  • Takeoff: Perform fast and accurate takeoffs remotely. Measure material perimeters and length and count elements. Maintain complete oversight throughout the process.
  • Subcontractor Management: Keep subcontractors updated on changes and project progress. Allow them to access necessary documents.
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Product Ranking

#29

among all
Takeoff Software

#31

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards
Trades Management
Project Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Active Takeoff
Methvin
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 73 75 0 52 70 73 86 100 67 58 57 58 72 88 71 100 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 186 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 35 reviews
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.

90%
of users recommend this product

Methvin has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 35 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

n/a
4.4 (17)
4.64 (94)
n/a
4.6 (92)
4.6 (18)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

Methvin 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: 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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User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Methvin for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies the learning curve and accelerates the adoption process for new users.
Flexible Estimating Tools: The estimating suite in Methvin is often praised for its flexibility, allowing users to create detailed and adjustable estimates that can be easily tailored to different project requirements.
Collaborative Features: The platform promotes team collaboration, enabling multiple stakeholders to work on the same estimate simultaneously, which enhances efficiency and reduces errors.
Integration Capabilities: Users favor Methvin’s ability to integrate with other software systems, expanding its functionality and fitting well into existing technology ecosystems.
Responsive Customer Support: Responsive customer service garners positive feedback, as users find the support team helpful and quick to resolve any issues that arise.
Cloud-Based Solution: Being a cloud-based platform, Methvin offers accessibility from various devices and locations, which is crucial for teams that are often on-the-go or working remotely.
Comprehensive Reporting: Methvin’s reporting capabilities are considered robust, enabling users to generate insightful reports that assist with decision-making and project tracking.
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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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Limited Integration Capabilities: Users often find Methvin's integration with other systems lacking, making it challenging to achieve a seamless workflow between various construction management tools.
User Interface Complexity: Some users report that Methvin's user interface can be less intuitive and more complicated than similar platforms, leading to a steeper learning curve.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software's slow performance, especially when handling larger, more complex projects, which can hinder productivity.
Customer Support Concerns: Users have expressed frustrations with customer support, indicating slow response times and lack of effective solutions to technical problems.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that Methvin is not as feature-rich as competing estimating solutions, lacking advanced functionalities that could streamline the estimating process.
Mobile Experience: Users needing robust on-the-go access have pointed out that Methvin's mobile experience doesn't measure up to its desktop counterpart.
Reporting Inflexibility: The software's reporting tools are sometimes described as inflexible, offering limited customization options for users who need detailed and specific reports.
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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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Sifting through user reviews of Methvin paints a picture of a user-friendly, affordable takeoff and estimating software ideal for smaller to medium-sized projects. Customers consistently praise its intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, and budget-conscious pricing compared to feature-rich competitors like OnCenter or PlanSwift. However, when complexity ramps up, some users find Methvin's capabilities limited. While its basic shapes and scaling tools handle standard takeoffs well, intricate details or curved walls might require exploring alternatives with advanced 3D modeling features. Collaboration shines as a major strength. Real-time data updates and integrations with project management platforms like Asana streamline communication and ensure everyone's on the same page. This is particularly valuable for geographically dispersed teams, a common scenario in construction. Ultimately, Methvin's value proposition lies in its user-friendliness, affordability, and collaborative features. If your projects prioritize ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and team-based workflows within moderate complexity, Methvin emerges as a strong contender. But for highly specialized needs or extensive 3D modeling, exploring competitors with more robust functionalities might be necessary.

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Screenshots

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