How accurate is AI takeoff?

It depends on the drawing quality, the objects you count and the AI model. In our CaseV-Bench benchmark, model scores on the same architectural sheets ranged from 20% to 92%. That is why we start with a free prototype on your own drawings: you compare its counts with your own takeoff before you commit.

Does an estimator need to check the results?

Yes. The tool does the counting and measuring and marks what it found on the drawing, so your estimator reviews and corrects the result instead of counting from scratch. The estimator stays responsible for the final quantities.

Which drawing formats does it support?

PDF drawing sets and plan images are the usual input. We have also built a tool that reads DWG files directly. The prototype runs on your own files, so you see how your formats are handled before the build starts.

Can it work with our existing software?

Yes. The tool exports to Microvellum, Cabinet Vision and Excel, and we can connect it to your ERP or quoting system so quantities are entered once. At Stevens Industries the takeoff loads straight into their quoting system.

How much does it cost?

The prototype is free. The build is a fixed fee that we quote after the prototype, based on your scope. After that you pay for AI usage at cost, with no per-seat or monthly fees.

How long does development take?

The free prototype takes about a week. The full build depends on how many object types you count, your integrations and your hosting setup. You get a timeline together with the quote after the prototype.

Who maintains the tool?

You own the tool and there is no monthly fee. We agree on support during the build, and you come back to us for updates, new features or a newer AI model when you need them.

What happens if the AI misses an item?

Your estimator adds or corrects it during review. Before the build we test the tool on your past projects, so you know which items and sheet types need an extra check.

Build your own AI takeoff tool

An AI takeoff tool built around your drawings, your estimating process and your security requirements.

What are the key features of a custom AI takeoff tool?

Custom means it fits all your workflows. Here are the most requested features we normally develop:

- [01]
  
  Count from drawings
  
  Count and measure items from bid and tender drawings without marking up every sheet by hand.
- [02]
  
  Get quantities ready to price
  
  Turn a drawing set into a quantity list that's ready to price, in your own format.
- [03]
  
  Track revisions
  
  Spot what changed between drawing revisions without redoing the whole takeoff.
- [04]
  
  Compare subcontractor quotes
  
  Send each trade its own quantity list, then line up the quotes that come back against your takeoff to spot missing scope.
- [05]
  
  Compare with past jobs
  
  Quickly compare a new bid with past jobs and their costs before you price it.
- [06]
  
  Check before you submit
  
  Catch what a single count can miss. Double-check a takeoff against a second count before the bid goes in.
- [07]
  
  Draft the proposal
  
  Turn the reviewed takeoff into scope and proposal text, ready to send.
- [08]
  
  Hand over to the project team
  
  Pass the quantities of a won job straight to purchasing and the project team, so nobody counts the drawings again.

AI takeoff for your trade

Custom AI tools are designed to match your drawings, takeoff methods, and requirements.

Millwork & cabinets

Cabinets, countertops and panels, counted from elevations.

Flooring

Floor areas by finish, measured from floor plans and finish schedules.

Doors & hardware

Doors, frames and hardware sets, counted from the door schedule.

Metalwork

Steel and glass partitions, railings and stairs, from plans and elevations.

Roofing

Roof areas, edges, drains and penetrations, from roof plans.

HVAC & ductwork

Duct runs measured by size, plus fittings and diffusers, from mechanical plans.

Why do you need your own tool?

[1]

Keep your costs low

No extra licence fees for every estimator, quantity surveyor or project manager. Pay for the initial build and AI usage at cost, without a markup on model usage.

[2]

Always use the best AI model

Your tool is not tied to one provider. You can switch models when another gives you better results, costs less or works better for your needs.

[3]

Keep your drawings secure

Control where your drawings are stored, who can access them and how long they are kept.

The tool can be configured so your drawings are not used for AI training. Hosting options can include the UK, EU or your own environment, depending on your requirements.

[4]

Built around your workflow

We build the tool around your drawings, the items you count and the way your team estimates.

Export results to Microvellum, Cabinet Vision and Excel, with options for ERP integration. Spend less time retyping quantities and moving data between systems.

[5]

Keep your expertise in-house

Your counting rules, pricing logic and past project decisions are built into a tool your company owns.

When someone leaves, the expertise stays.

How do I start?

[1]

Share a sample

Show us the drawings and quantities your team works with.

[2]

Try a prototype

See how the tool handles your drawings. The initial prototype takes about a week.

[3]

Build your tool

We adapt it to your counting requirements, estimating process and integrations.

[4]

Choose your setup

Deploy the tool to meet your security, hosting and access requirements.

AI takeoff tools we built

A tool that reads the full drawing set, highlights every cabinet and countertop on the elevations, and exports a takeoff that loads straight into the quoting system. Read the Stevens case →

A prototype that reads a roof plan, measures every plane, pitch and edge, and turns the takeoff into a bill of materials and a 3D roof you can check before the quote goes out.

Pricing

Get a custom prototype

We start with a short intro call. Then we take the type of drawings you work with and show you a demo of the AI counting and measuring the objects you need.

FREE / about 1 week

Ideal for:

Teams looking at AI takeoff for the first time
Testing on your own drawings before you decide

You get:

A prototype that runs on your drawings
Counts you can check against your own takeoff

Own your tool

A custom AI takeoff tool built around your drawings, workflow and security. Your estimators' expertise is built into the tool and documented, so it stays with your company.

Custom / quote

Ideal for:

Teams with steady bid and tender volume
Strict NDA or hosting requirements
Integrations with your own systems

You get:

Your own AI takeoff tool
AI usage at cost, no per-seat fees
No monthly fee. Add-ons only when you ask for them

Custom AI takeoff vs SaaS

Off-the-shelf tools may seem cheaper, but they often lack the flexibility, integrations, and security your team needs. A custom tool fits your systems and requirements, with a free prototype before you commit.

Your own AI takeoff tool compared with AI takeoff subscriptions
What matters	Your own AI takeoff tool	AI takeoff subscriptions
Cost	Build fee + AI at cost	$2,000–$3,588 per seat a year
Seats	No seat limits	1 seat per estimator
Accuracy	Tested on your drawings	Varies by tool
Security	Your drawings stay private	Vendor's terms, some train on drawings
Integrations	Any system: Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, Excel, ERP	The vendor's standard exports
Customization	You decide what to add	Fixed features

AI tools our clients own and run

Built on the clients' own drawings, around their own workflow.

AI/ML Software Development

Production Takeoff Tool for Stevens Industries

Read full case

[1]

Estimators used to spend 2–6 hours per project reviewing drawings by hand: counting cabinets, cross-referencing notes, transcribing into the quoting system. The tool reads the blueprints, detects cabinetry and outputs a structured estimate for their quoting workflow. Stevens owns and runs it, live since 2025.

Proof of Concept

Floor Plan Measurement for Rasa Floors