What AI tool should I use to read plans and do takeoffs?
Measure and count off PDF plans. The AI tools auto-detect rooms, walls and symbols so you just check the numbers.
The industry-standard PDF markup and measurement tool for construction drawings.
Verdict: Not really an AI tool, but if your builders send Bluebeam sessions you'll need it. Pair it with an AI takeoff tool for the smart stuff.
Price: Basics US$260, Core US$330, Complete US$440 per user/year (list price).
Cloud takeoff and estimating for Australian trades, with AI Count Assist.
Verdict: Great value for trades who price off plans. Count Assist is a real time-saver for sparkies counting GPOs and lights.
Price: A$99 per seat/month, or A$990 per seat/year. No lock-in. 7-day free trial, no card.
Online takeoff software with AI auto-measure and auto-count.
Verdict: Cheaper than Togal with solid AI measuring. Worth a trial if you do a lot of takeoffs and don't need AU supplier price integration.
Price: Pro $175 per user/month billed annually (AI tools included). Business $250 per user/month billed annually. Enterprise custom. 7-day free trial. Check currency on site.
AI-powered automated takeoffs from construction drawings.
Verdict: One of the most capable AI takeoff tools, priced for commercial estimators. A small residential builder will likely get better value from Groundplan or Buildxact.
Price: Growth US$299 per user/month, billed annually. Teams of 4+ go on a custom-priced Business plan.
Done-with-you AI agent workspace for Australian builders: plans in, quote pack out.
Verdict: More a managed implementation than an app you sign up for. Best for established builders who want AI across the whole business and have budget for a rollout.
Price: See site. Pricing given on a demo.
Estimating, takeoffs and job management for residential builders and renovators.
Verdict: The go-to estimating platform for many AU residential builders. The AI costs extra, so trial the base product first and add Blu AI if takeoffs are your bottleneck.
Price: Foundation A$199, Pro A$399, Master A$599/month (ex GST, unlimited users). About 15% off with annual billing. Blu AI add-ons A$99–A$149/month.
Buildsoft's takeoff and estimating software, with an AI Estimating add-on.
Verdict: A pro estimator's tool. Excellent for detailed takeoffs, but the 12-month minimum term makes it a bigger commitment than the cloud alternatives.
Price: From A$170/user/month billed annually (+GST); monthly billing from A$204. 12-month minimum term. AI Estimating add-on A$20/user/month + GST. 14-day free trial.
Field service management for larger trade contractors, with the Lightning AI layer.
Verdict: Powerful but heavy. Great for multi-crew electrical, plumbing, HVAC and security contractors. Overkill for a one-ute operation.
Price: See site. Quote-based pricing; setup fee applies.
AI checks your drawings and BIM models against the NCC and returns a cited pass/fail report.
Verdict: Useful for pre-submission checks before drawings go to the certifier. It's aimed more at designers and certifiers than at trades on the tools.
Price: See site.
Prices are as published by each vendor when we last checked. Some are in USD, some AUD; some include GST and some don't. Always confirm on the vendor's site before you buy. Pricing last checked 2026-10-19.