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.
STACK
STACK is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software designed to help contractors quickly upload digital plans, perform accurate quantity measurements, and create professional project bids from any device.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Carlson Takeoff | STACK |
|---|---|---|
| Website | carlsonsw.com | stackct.com |
| Pricing Model | One_time | Freemium |
| Starting Price | $99/month | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 1983 | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Maysville, USA | Cincinnati, 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.
STACK
STACK is a cloud-based platform built to streamline your pre-construction process by combining takeoff and estimating tools in one place. You can upload digital blueprints, perform lightning-fast quantity takeoffs, and instantly turn those measurements into detailed cost estimates. It eliminates the need for paper plans and manual spreadsheets, allowing you to collaborate with your team in real-time from the office or the field.
The software helps you reduce costly errors and bid more work in less time by automating complex calculations and providing a centralized hub for project documents. Whether you are a specialized subcontractor or a general contractor, you can customize the platform to match your specific trade requirements and material catalogs. It scales with your business needs, offering a free version for basic use and tiered paid plans for advanced reporting and integration capabilities.
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.
STACK Features
- Cloud-Based Takeoff. Upload your digital plans and perform measurements from any device with an internet connection—no software installation required.
- Auto-Count Technology. Save hours of manual work by using AI-powered symbols recognition to automatically count items across your entire plan set.
- Customized Estimating. Build detailed cost estimates by attaching real-world material and labor costs directly to your takeoff measurements.
- Real-Time Collaboration. Invite your team to view and edit the same project simultaneously to ensure everyone is working from the latest version.
- Hyperlinking & Callouts. Navigate through complex plan sets instantly by creating automated hyperlinks between detail callouts and floor plans.
- Professional Proposals. Generate branded, professional-looking bid proposals with one click to impress your clients and win more contracts.
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
STACK Pricing
- 1 concurrent project
- 10 uploads per month
- Basic takeoff tools
- Standard support
- Cloud storage
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited projects
- Unlimited plan uploads
- Advanced takeoff tools
- Basic estimating features
- Standard material libraries
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
STACK
Pros
- Extremely intuitive interface that is easy for beginners to learn
- Cloud access allows for seamless transitions between office and field
- Fast plan processing speeds even with large document sets
- Excellent customer support and extensive training resources available
Cons
- Annual billing requirement can be a high upfront cost
- Advanced estimating features have a steeper learning curve
- Occasional lag when working with very high-resolution blueprints