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Directory / Estimating & Takeoff

Takeoff Beam (construction.live)

Free desktop app for Mac and Windows that does PDF markup and quantity takeoff with a built-in AI agent that sets scale, counts symbols and measures runs on the sheet you have open, for you to review. Runs a local model by default; also has a CLI and MCP server. Very new (v0.0.x). The same Open Construction page offers a free Mac app, construction.live Desktop, for chatting with your own project files locally.

Estimating & TakeoffOpen sourceFree option
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CategoryEstimating & Takeoff
PricingFree, open source (Apache-2.0); no account needed(summary; confirm on vendor site)
Free pathFree signed download for Mac (Apple Silicon) or Windows, or build from source; use a local model or your own AI subscription
Official sitehttps://www.construction.live/openLink last checked 2026-10-27

Research notes

How we research

Listed because it fits the Estimating & Takeoff category. Listings are free; sponsored placements, if any, are labeled and never change rankings.

Alternatives

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Kreo

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Buildxact

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Handoff

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AI estimates and proposals for remodelers in minutes.

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CostLogic

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Framework

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AI construction project workspace: an agent reads your drawings and documents, answers questions, and drafts takeoffs, estimates, schedules, RFIs and submittals. Its Takeoff Agent (beta) measures on the PDF; check every takeoff it produces.

Hobby $0 (1 project, up to 3 documents, 5 AI messages/week); Starter $24/seat/mo ($20 yearly), Pro $40/seat/mo ($34 yearly), Plus $148/seat/mo ($125 yearly); 7-day trials on paid plansFree option

PataBid Quantify

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AI estimating and takeoff for electrical, mechanical, plumbing and fire protection subs, with live supplier pricing and proposals.

See site

Klorra AI

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AI takeoff and estimating service for custom home builders: upload a plan PDF and get back a takeoff, cost estimate (160+ cost codes), scope of work and conflict report in about 4 hours. A paid done-for-you service, not DIY software.

First takeoff free (no card); $299 per bid pay-as-you-go; yearly plans from $2,990 (14 bids)Free option

Struvia

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Upload a PDF plan set and it measures every sheet, prices the estimate on your own rates, markups and price book, then emails your subs for bids, for you to review before sending. Aimed at commercial GCs and subs. Brand-new (launched Oct 26, 2026); the only source so far is the company's own launch post, with no independent coverage yet.

Usage-based, no subscription or seats: credits at $0.20 each. Floor-plan sheets from $6 to measure (no sheet over $27), estimate from about $10, bid emails $0.10 each. Company says real plan sets have cost $30-$85, about $45 typicalFree option

BuildFolio

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Estimating and invoicing app for small residential trades, roofing first: AI Quote and AI Estimate draft an editable estimate (roofers can measure the roof from the job address using aerial imagery), you review every line and send it, and the customer picks options and signs on their phone. The company says to check measurements on site before a final bid. Sources so far are the company's own pages; no independent coverage yet.

Free $0/mo (3 estimates and 5 AI estimates a month, no card); Pro $39/mo plus tax (unlimited estimates and AI actions, card payments, QuickBooks sync, CSV import/export); no per-user fees; no annual billingFree option
Visit Takeoff Beam (construction.live)