Carlson Takeoff
Carlson Takeoff is a comprehensive construction estimation software providing site supervisors and estimators with integrated tools for CAD design, accurate dirt-work volumes, and automated machine control file preparation.
Esticom
Esticom is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed to help electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors automate material counting and generate professional project bids quickly and accurately.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | Esticom |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | esticom.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Subscription |
| Starting Price | $99/month | $108/month |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1983 | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | Austin, USA |
Overview
Carlson Takeoff
Carlson Takeoff gives you a specialized toolkit designed specifically for construction estimators and site supervisors. You can transition from raw paper plans or digital PDFs to finished 3D models and precise material quantities without jumping between different programs. It combines powerful CAD capabilities with automated routines to calculate cut and fill volumes, identify topsoil stripping areas, and account for subgrade depths across your entire project site.
You can use the software to prepare your project for the field by creating surface models and linework for GPS machine control systems. It helps you catch design errors before the first shovel hits the ground by visualizing the site in 3D. Whether you are working on a small residential pad or a massive highway project, you can generate professional reports that clearly break down costs and quantities for your bids.
Esticom
Esticom provides a unified platform where you can handle everything from digital takeoffs to final project proposals. Instead of toggling between spreadsheets and paper plans, you can upload digital blueprints and use automated tools to count symbols and measure lengths instantly. This integration ensures your material quantities and labor costs remain synced throughout the bidding process.
You can manage your entire pre-construction workflow in the cloud, allowing your team to collaborate on estimates from the office or the field. The platform specifically targets specialty subcontractors like electrical, low voltage, and mechanical trades who need to produce high-volume, accurate bids to stay competitive. By moving your estimating process to this digital environment, you eliminate manual counting errors and significantly reduce the time spent on every bid.
Overview
Carlson Takeoff Features
- PDF to CAD Conversion Convert static PDF plans into intelligent vector data so you can start your takeoff process in minutes rather than hours.
- Digitizing & Tracing Trace paper blueprints or digital images with automated contour following to capture site elevations and boundaries accurately.
- Material Quantities Calculate exact volumes for dirt, stone, asphalt, and concrete while accounting for shrinkage and swell factors automatically.
- Subgrade Modeling Define complex subgrade surfaces for roads and building pads to ensure your excavation totals include every necessary inch.
- Machine Control Export Create and export 3D surface files directly to Topcon, Trimble, and Leica systems to keep your field equipment running accurately.
- Trenching & Pipe Takeoff Calculate excavation volumes for utility lines and manholes based on pipe size, bedding requirements, and trench sloping.
- 3D Site Viewing Inspect your finished model in a 3D environment to spot design flaws or missing data before sending plans to the field.
- Automated Reporting Generate detailed Excel or PDF reports that break down your volumes by area, layer, or material type for precise bidding.
Esticom Features
- Auto-Count Technology. Search for specific symbols across all your project drawings and count them instantly with built-in optical recognition tools.
- Linear Measurements. Calculate conduit, piping, and wiring runs quickly by clicking points on your digital plans to get exact lengths.
- Area Takeoffs. Measure square footage for flooring, roofing, or wall areas with a few clicks to ensure accurate material orders.
- Integrated Estimating. Link your takeoff quantities directly to a built-in cost database to generate detailed labor and material estimates automatically.
- Professional Proposals. Convert your completed estimates into branded, professional bid documents that you can send to clients immediately.
- Cloud Collaboration. Access your projects from any device with an internet connection so your team stays synced on every revision.
Pricing Comparison
Carlson Takeoff Pricing
- Includes built-in AutoCAD engine
- Full 3D site modeling
- PDF and paper digitizing
- Material quantity reports
- Machine control file export
- Perpetual license ownership
- Runs on AutoCAD or IntelliCAD
- Includes Construction module
- Includes CADnet module
- Includes Trench module
- Includes GeoTech module
- Advanced boring and soil analysis
Esticom Pricing
- Full digital takeoff tools
- Automated symbol counting
- Integrated estimating module
- Professional bid generator
- Cloud storage for plans
- Standard material database
- Everything in Annual, plus:
- Discounted per-user rates
- Centralized team management
- Shared project access
- Priority technical support
- Custom onboarding options
Pros & Cons
Carlson Takeoff
Pros
- Perpetual licensing avoids the cost of monthly subscriptions
- Excellent compatibility with various GPS machine control brands
- Powerful PDF cleanup tools save significant drafting time
- Highly accurate volume calculations for complex subgrades
- Responsive technical support from knowledgeable industry experts
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to CAD
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Initial purchase price is a significant upfront investment
Esticom
Pros
- Auto-count feature saves significant time on large electrical drawings
- Cloud-based access allows for easy remote work and collaboration
- Intuitive interface makes it easy for non-technical users to learn
- Combining takeoff and estimating in one tool reduces data entry
Cons
- Initial setup of custom material databases can be time-consuming
- Occasional lag when loading very large high-resolution plan sets
- Limited advanced features for general contractors compared to specialty trades