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.
FastPIPE
FastPIPE is a specialized mechanical estimating software designed to help commercial contractors quickly perform digital takeoffs and generate precise bids for plumbing, HVAC, and industrial piping projects.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | FastPIPE |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | fastpipe.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Custom |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No 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 | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | Palm Coast, 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.
FastPIPE
FastPIPE provides you with a dedicated environment for mechanical estimating, specifically tailored for plumbing and HVAC contractors. You can perform on-screen takeoffs directly from digital plans, allowing you to measure pipe lengths and count fittings with just a few clicks. The system automatically calculates labor hours and material costs based on a comprehensive built-in database, which you can customize to match your specific shop standards and local labor rates.
You can generate professional bid proposals and detailed reports that break down costs by section, system, or phase. By moving away from manual scaling and paper plans, you reduce the risk of mathematical errors and significantly cut down the time spent on each bid. It integrates your takeoff and estimating workflows into a single process, ensuring that your final quotes are both competitive and profitable.
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.
FastPIPE Features
- On-Screen Takeoff. Perform digital takeoffs directly from PDF files by clicking points on your screen to measure pipes and fittings.
- Mechanical Database. Access a pre-loaded library of thousands of items including pipes, valves, and hangers with pre-assigned labor and material units.
- Excel Integration. Export your takeoff data directly into formatted Excel spreadsheets for further analysis or custom reporting.
- Specification Driven. Set up project-specific specs so the software automatically selects the correct materials and joints as you perform your takeoff.
- Visual Audit Trail. Review your work easily with color-coded overlays on your original plans to ensure you haven't missed any sections.
- Custom Assemblies. Create your own assemblies for common configurations like bathroom groups to speed up repetitive counting tasks.
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
FastPIPE Pricing
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
FastPIPE
Pros
- Extremely fast learning curve for experienced mechanical estimators
- Highly accurate material and labor calculations for piping
- Excellent customer support and personalized training sessions
- Seamless transition from digital takeoff to final bid
Cons
- Initial setup of custom databases takes time
- Interface feels dated compared to modern web apps
- Pricing is not transparent for small contractors