Takeoff Live vs Countfire

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

Takeoff Live Software Tool

Product Basics

Takeoff Live is a digital estimation software assisting architects in performing accurate calculations of square feet and volumes. Ideal for contractors, architects and subcontractors, it digitizes construction calculations and measurements to make the entire process hassle-free. It provides users the much-needed flexibility and features to streamline their daily work.

Some capabilities are accessible in the basic, free pricing tier, with additional functionality offered in paid standard and extended packages. It provides exports to Excel and allows users to work off of PDF drawings. All changes are color-coded, which simplifies progress tracking. It speeds up manual calculations and saves time for contractors.

Pros
  • Fast project setup
  • Easy collaboration
  • Scalable platform
  • Cost-effective
  • User-friendly interface
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer integrations
  • Learning curve for features
  • Support response time
  • Limited offline capabilities
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Countfire is an automation software that assists construction workers in performing seamless estimations. It has the capability to conduct automatic on-screen calculations and reduce overall estimation time. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors use it to automate counting and provide CAD and Excel integrations.

Improve accuracy with quality control reports and ensure drawings and estimations are comprehensive and complete. Estimators can create symbols to automatically count across the entire structure. It is cloud-based, allowing users to access work remotely through mobile devices and computers.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Collaboration features
  • Free plan available
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Fewer integrations compared to competitors
  • Reporting tools can be basic
  • Customer support wait times
  • Limited customization options
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$99/User, Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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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

  • Improved Efficiency and Speed: Streamline processes with automated takeoff, estimates, and material lists, saving you time and resources.
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Real-time project updates and shared workspaces facilitate seamless collaboration between teams, improving project transparency and communication.
  • Accurate Costing and Budgeting: Generate precise estimates based on real-time market data and historical project information, ensuring accurate budgeting and financial planning.
  • Reduced Errors and Risk Mitigation: Eliminate manual errors with automated calculations and standardized processes, minimizing risk and ensuring project quality.
  • Increased Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing project demands with a scalable platform that accommodates diverse project sizes and complexities.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage comprehensive reporting and analytics to gain valuable insights into project performance, enabling informed decision-making.
  • Improved Project Visibility and Control: Gain real-time visibility into project progress, costs, and resource allocation, fostering better control and decision-making.
  • Enhanced Mobile Accessibility: Access project information and manage tasks on the go with mobile app compatibility, increasing flexibility and agility.
  • Simplified Workflows and Streamlined Processes: Automate repetitive tasks and implement standardized workflows, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities.
  • Improved Communication with Clients and Stakeholders: Share project updates, reports, and visualizations with clients and stakeholders in real-time, fostering transparency and trust.
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  • Enhanced Efficiency: Countfire automates tedious manual tasks like counting symbols and materials, significantly reducing takeoff time and effort. This allows estimators to focus on critical tasks like project analysis and pricing.
  • Improved Accuracy: Automated takeoffs minimize human error, leading to more accurate estimates and fewer costly rework scenarios. The software also includes built-in checks and audit trails for further quality assurance.
  • Increased Collaboration: Cloud-based access enables real-time project collaboration among team members and stakeholders, regardless of location. This facilitates faster decision-making and smoother project execution.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Countfire integrates seamlessly with various estimating software and data sources, eliminating the need for manual data entry and streamlining the overall workflow. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Greater Scalability: Countfire accommodates projects of all sizes and complexities, making it suitable for growing businesses. The scalable pricing structure ensures affordability as your needs evolve.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Countfire provides valuable insights into historical data and project trends, enabling informed decision-making about pricing, resource allocation, and project management.
  • Enhanced Communication: The software generates professional reports and proposals with accurate takeoffs and pricing breakdowns, improving communication with clients and stakeholders.
  • Reduced Costs: By minimizing errors, streamlining workflows, and improving efficiency, Countfire helps businesses reduce overall project costs and improve profitability.
  • Competitive Advantage: Faster, more accurate estimates and efficient workflows enable businesses to submit competitive bids and win more projects.
  • Improved Client Satisfaction: Accurate estimates and clear communication lead to greater client satisfaction and trust, strengthening client relationships.
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  • Import Multiple Files: Save time on lengthy file conversions by importing all construction-related files into a single software.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Calculate the total materials and staff required for a project quickly. Provide accurate estimates to clients and win more work.
  • Excel Export: Export component data, measurements and charts to Excel and make them accessible to all. Save additional paper costs and keep adding new data to Excel sheets.
  • Highlighter: Color the necessary parts of a drawing that require attention. Track changes by coloring new additions to bring them to everyone’s attention.
  • Sheet Manager: From accounting sheets to blueprints, collect and coordinate sheet storage in a centralized location. Ensure that the team has access to all required files.
  • Insert Notes: Highlight important portions or add additional information in the form of notes in drawings. Resolve issues and get approval faster.
  • Estimating: Submit accurate project estimates to clients on time. Carefully review material quantities and workers required to complete the project successfully.
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  • Assembly Takeoff: Reduce time needed for conducting takeoffs and completing measurements quickly. Bid on more projects without hiring additional personnel.
  • Electronic Plans: Chart objectives and daily proceedings electronically. Secure digitized plans in the cloud to provide access to all workers.
  • Issue Management: Design and execute contingency plans in the event of a disaster. Back up data and files securely to ensure nothing is lost.
  • Project Management: Direct and coordinate materials and labor throughout project life cycles effectively. Achieve predetermined objectives and attain daily goals by allocating labor to the correct places.
  • Takeoff: Execute takeoffs to determine the number of materials and amount of labor needed for a project. Submit accurate bids to win more work quickly.
  • Estimating: Conduct accurate estimations to determine the viability of a project. Minimize unforeseen costs to increase client satisfaction and attract repeat customers.
  • Projections: Stay on top of project completion time and progress through projections. Align and redirect efforts to accelerate certain areas of projects based on data.
  • Drag & Drop: Save valuable time by dragging and dropping items in the dashboard. Complete measurements with just a few mouse clicks.
  • Performance Metrics: Stay on top of workers and daily project metrics. Allocate sufficient effort to areas needing improvement and ensure projects run smoothly.
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Product Ranking

#34

among all
Takeoff Software

#35

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

52
65
73
67
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75
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14
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Trades Management
Project Management
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Takeoff Live
Countfire
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 73 50 0 69 64 0 29 100 67 75 14 81 72 100 86 64 0 25 50 75 100
73%
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27%
67%
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33%
50%
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50%
75%
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25%
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100%
14%
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86%
71%
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29%
82%
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18%
58%
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42%
67%
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33%
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100%
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29%
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71%
86%
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14%
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64%
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36%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

20%
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80%
10%
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90%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 63 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 290 reviews
84%
of users recommend this product

Takeoff Live has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 63 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

Countfire has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 290 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.5 (1)
n/a
4.16 (31)
4.71 (150)
4.2 (31)
4.7 (140)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Countfire and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Project Management. Countfire stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Project Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Effortless Takeoffs: Users praise the intuitive interface and point-and-click simplicity for quick material quantification, saving them hours compared to manual methods.
Accuracy Boost: Reviewers highlight the software's precise measurements, reducing errors and ensuring accurate estimates, leading to cost savings and project efficiency.
Flexibility for All: Takeoff Live's compatibility with various file formats (PDFs, CADs, photos) and scaling options cater to diverse project types and data sources.
Collaboration Made Easy: Users appreciate the real-time collaboration features, enabling teams to work on projects simultaneously, share tasks, and track progress, improving communication and project management.
Time-Saving Automation: Macros and scripting features automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work and reducing the risk of human error in calculations.
Budget-Friendly Choice: Compared to competitors, Takeoff Live's pricing is seen as affordable and accessible, making it a valuable tool for small businesses and individual contractors.
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Automatic Counting: Users appreciate that Countfire automates the process of counting symbols across multiple PDFs, significantly reducing the time and potential for error compared to manual counts.
Excel Integration: The ability to seamlessly export data to Excel is highly valued for simplifying the estimation process and allowing easy manipulation of counted data.
Scale Calibration: Countfire’s scale calibration feature assists in ensuring that measurements are accurate, enhancing the reliability of takeoffs.
Straightforward User Interface: The intuitive interface is frequently mentioned as being easy to navigate, making the learning curve for new users relatively short.
24/7 Access: Being cloud-based, Countfire gives users the flexibility to access their projects anytime and anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for professionals who are often on the move.
Dedicated Support: The responsive and helpful customer support team is often highlighted as a strong point, providing assistance whenever users encounter issues.
Continuous Improvement: Users are reassured by the fact that Countfire regularly updates its software, addressing bugs and adding new features based on user feedback.
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Learning Curve Concerns: Some users find the initial learning curve steeper than expected, requiring extra time to become proficient in using all features effectively.
Limited Mobile Options: While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a dedicated mobile app is lacking, which can hinder flexibility and on-site project management for some users.
Occasional Glitches: Some users report encountering occasional bugs or glitches that can disrupt workflow, although updates are frequent.
Customization Limitations: While Takeoff Live offers flexibility, some users wish for more advanced customization options for specific workflows or complex project needs.
Limited Free Trial: The free trial period is considered short by some users, making it difficult to fully evaluate the software's suitability for their needs.
Support Response Times: While support options exist, some users report occasional delays in receiving responses from customer service.
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Learning Curve: New users often report a significant learning curve with Countfire's interface and functionalities, which can impede the initial adoption and efficiency of the software.
Cost Considerations: Some users find Countfire's pricing to be on the higher end compared to other takeoff solutions, which might be a deterrent for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.
Integration Limitations: Countfire may not integrate seamlessly with other construction management platforms or ERP systems, creating potential data silos and workflow disruptions.
Customer Support: A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness or effectiveness of Countfire’s customer support during critical times.
Feature Set: Countfire may lack some advanced features that are offered by competing products, which could limit the software’s appeal to users with complex or specific needs.
Performance Issues: Occasional software slowdowns or crashes have been reported, potentially affecting large-scale projects with numerous drawings.
File Compatibility: There are instances where users have encountered difficulties with uploading or processing certain file types, hindering project progress.
Reporting Tools: The reporting capabilities of Countfire may not meet the expectations of all users, particularly those needing detailed or custom reports for project analysis.
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Users' experiences with Takeoff Live in the past year paint a picture of a user-friendly, accurate, and affordable takeoff software solution, but not without its limitations. While lauded for its intuitive interface, time-saving automation, and budget-conscious pricing compared to competitors like Planswift and OnCenter, Takeoff Live faces critiques for its initial learning curve, lack of a mobile app, and occasional technical glitches. Positive reviews highlight the ease of use, with users particularly impressed by the ability to quickly quantify materials from diverse file formats and scales. This efficiency translates to significant time savings compared to manual methods, a crucial advantage for busy contractors. Accuracy is another strength, with users praising the software's precise measurements, leading to more reliable estimates and reduced project costs. Additionally, Takeoff Live's pricing structure is seen as more accessible for small businesses and individual contractors, making it a standout in a market dominated by pricier options. However, some users found the initial learning curve steeper than anticipated, requiring extra effort to master all features. The absence of a dedicated mobile app also presents a hurdle for users seeking on-site project management flexibility. While Takeoff Live offers cloud access, a mobile app would further enhance its usability and cater to the increasingly mobile workforce. Occasional bug reports and limited customization options raise concerns for specific workflows and complex projects. Finally, the short free trial period and reported delays in customer support responses leave some users wanting more. In conclusion, Takeoff Live's strengths lie in its user-friendliness, accuracy, affordability, and diverse file format compatibility. However, a steeper learning curve, lack of mobile app, and occasional technical issues are noteworthy weaknesses. Ultimately, users seeking an intuitive and cost-effective takeoff solution will find Takeoff Live a valuable tool, but those requiring advanced customization, extensive mobile functionality, and immediate customer support might need to consider alternative options.

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Analyzing user reviews of Countfire from the past year reveals a generally positive sentiment towards its efficiency and user-friendliness. Users praise its automated takeoff capabilities, particularly for repetitive tasks like counting fixtures or conduit runs, highlighting significant time savings compared to manual methods. This automated aspect is often contrasted favorably with competitors, who may require more manual input or lack intuitive interfaces. Another strength frequently mentioned is Countfire's customer support, described as responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the quick resolution of issues and the availability of training resources. This stands out compared to some competitors who might have less accessible or limited support options. However, some reviews mention limitations in handling highly complex projects with unique geometries or extensive custom requirements. While Countfire offers advanced tools, users suggest it may not be as adept in these scenarios as certain competitors known for robust 3D modeling integration. Additionally, the subscription-based pricing model might be perceived as less cost-effective for smaller businesses or infrequent users compared to perpetual license options offered by some alternatives. Overall, Countfire seems to be a strong choice for electrical contractors seeking to streamline takeoff and estimating processes, especially those valuing user-friendliness, automation, and responsive support. However, for highly complex projects or budget-conscious users, exploring competitor offerings with advanced 3D modeling or perpetual licensing might be worthwhile.

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