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.
ProEst
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software that combines digital takeoffs, cost estimating, and bid management into a single platform to help you create more accurate project bids faster.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | ProEst |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | proest.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 | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | San Diego, 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.
ProEst
ProEst helps you move away from fragmented spreadsheets and manual processes by centralizing your entire pre-construction workflow in the cloud. You can perform digital takeoffs directly from your project plans, apply up-to-date material and labor costs from integrated databases, and generate professional proposals in minutes. By eliminating manual data entry, you reduce the risk of costly errors and ensure your bids remain competitive and profitable.
The platform is designed for commercial contractors, home builders, and specialty trades who need a scalable way to manage high bid volumes. Because it lives in the cloud, your entire team can collaborate on estimates from the office or the field in real-time. You can also track your bid pipeline and win rates through built-in reporting tools, giving you better visibility into your business growth and estimating accuracy.
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.
ProEst Features
- Digital Takeoffs. Perform electronic takeoffs directly on screen to calculate areas, lengths, and counts with high precision and speed.
- Cost Database. Access and maintain a centralized database of labor and material costs to ensure every estimate is based on current market rates.
- Bid Management. Track all your active bids in a single pipeline and manage deadlines to ensure you never miss a submission opportunity.
- Custom Reporting. Generate detailed cost reports and professional proposals that you can customize with your company branding to impress clients.
- Cloud Collaboration. Work on the same estimate simultaneously with your team members from any location using a secure web browser.
- Workflow Integration. Connect your estimates to project management and accounting tools to eliminate double entry once a job is won.
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
ProEst 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
ProEst
Pros
- Unlimited user licensing allows for company-wide collaboration
- Integrated takeoff and estimating eliminates data transfer errors
- Cloud-based access enables estimating from any job site
- Professional proposal templates help win more client contracts
Cons
- Initial setup and database configuration takes significant time
- Learning curve for users moving from simple spreadsheets
- Annual pricing may be high for very small contractors