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.
InSite Elevation Pro
InSite Elevation Pro is a specialized construction takeoff software designed to help you calculate earthwork cut and fill volumes, subgrades, and material quantities from digital PDF plans or GPS data.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | FastPIPE | InSite Elevation Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Website | fastpipe.com | insitesoftware.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | Custom |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 0 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 | 1995 | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Palm Coast, USA | Rochester, USA |
Overview
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.
InSite Elevation Pro
InSite Elevation Pro provides you with a dedicated environment for performing site work takeoffs and earthwork calculations. You can import digital PDF files, CAD drawings, or drone data to create accurate 3D models of your existing and proposed site conditions. The software automatically calculates cut and fill volumes, stripping, and topsoil replacement while accounting for different strata like rock or clay.
You can generate professional reports and high-resolution 3D visualizations to verify your estimates and present them to clients. By using the built-in subgrade adjustment tools, you ensure that your material quantities for stone, asphalt, and concrete are precise. It is built specifically for site contractors, engineers, and estimators who need to move away from manual scaling and paper blueprints to a faster, digital workflow.
Overview
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.
InSite Elevation Pro Features
- PDF and CAD Import. Load your digital blueprints directly into the system to start tracing contours and spot elevations without needing paper copies.
- 3D LiveView. View your site from any angle in real-time to spot errors in your data entry and visualize the finished grade.
- Automatic Cut and Fill. Calculate earthwork volumes instantly between existing and proposed surfaces while accounting for shrinkage and subsidence factors.
- Subgrade Modeling. Define various site improvements like paving or building pads to automatically adjust your earthwork totals based on material depth.
- Strata Calculation. Input boring log data to determine exactly how much rock, clay, or topsoil you need to excavate across the site.
- GPS Export. Export your completed surface models directly to Topcon, Trimble, or Leica machine control systems for use in the field.
Pricing Comparison
FastPIPE Pricing
InSite Elevation Pro Pricing
Pros & Cons
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
InSite Elevation Pro
Pros
- Excellent 3D visualization helps identify plan errors quickly
- Highly responsive technical support and personalized training
- Handles complex multi-strata calculations with high precision
- Easy integration with field GPS machine control systems
Cons
- Significant learning curve for users new to 3D modeling
- Initial setup and data entry can be time-consuming
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic 2D takeoff tools