Articles
Software Takes Off
What needs to be done? What has been done? This is the easy way to find out.
Some experts in the field of takeoff software are rare specimens. They know a lot about their subject, they know how it works, they know how it can help us, but they don’t talk as if they are the know-it-alls and the rest of us are the ignorant pupils. It’s most refreshing, if rare.
Good Reasons for Using Takeoff Software
Every profitable estimate starts with an accurate takeoff and wise contractors are moving away from cumbersome paper takeoff processes to improve their accountability, accuracy, and efficiency. Maxwell Systems offers digital takeoff for those contractors who want to eliminate the cost and hassle of paper blueprints. With digital takeoff, contractors can perform takeoffs quickly and accurately right on their monitor. “The manual method was very difficult, as odd shapes were tough to takeoff and it was challenging to get precise values,” explains Bret Chumbley, vice president at Anderson Commercial Concrete. “We needed to increase the number of takeoffs we were doing, and it was tough because of the time-consuming manual process we used.” Anderson automated its takeoff and estimating processes by turning to Maxwell Systems. “At first we primarily used Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX software for takeoff, and it made a big difference in both speed and accuracy,” notes Chumbley. “Since then it has really sped up our processes and enables us to develop very accurate estimates and more of them.” By using software for takeoff—with digitized or digital plans—sitework contractors can work more efficiently, bid more jobs, win more jobs, and make more profit.
Maxwell Systems will provide solutions specifically tailored for earthwork, so contractors can efficiently takeoff existing contours, proposed contours, spot elevations, and any sitework elements; calculate grade; and quickly identify borings, substrata, swell, and yield. Plus estimators can raise or lower the elevations and strip or replace topsoil as needed to balance their cut-and-fill work for important savings. DG Frondorf and Associates LLC uses Maxwell Systems software for earthwork. “If we do an earthwork takeoff manually, there is a greater opportunity for error,” asserts company founder Daniel G. Frondorf, CPE. “The Maxwell Systems program does exactly what we would do manually, but it’s quicker and more reliable. We can nail down the details to the last cubic yard, eliminating guesswork and waste on the projects. We are able to plug in numbers with certainty and be more accurate in cost estimating and bids.” Maxwell Systems digital takeoff also gives estimators the ability to overlay addendum drawings, flag changes, and eliminate the possibility of missing the changes and additional costs. Because change orders can drastically affect a project’s profitability, some contractors have seen their takeoff software pay for itself with a single won change order.
Maxwell Systems also offers verification features, such as interactive 3D Visual Assemblies, realistic aerial views of existing and proposed elevations, a virtual fly-by tool to survey the site, and a tool to balance an entire site in mere seconds. These features help contractors accomplish takeoff faster and with precision, providing comprehensive data to see the job come together. Christian Mayeske, project manager and estimator for Milton Mayeske & Sons Inc., values these software capabilities in his Maxwell Systems solution: “We have a process that gives us speed and the ability to turn estimates out quickly. And with the verification tools, we can ensure our calculations are not thrown off by errors during takeoff,” comments Mayeske. “Speed and accuracy are critical in an economy that requires contractors to bid more work to remain in business.” Beyond the takeoff and estimate, Maxwell Systems offers seamless business management solutions that help construction companies streamline processes throughout the project life cycle. Tory Tesauro is president of PT Masonry, a contractor using Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX software as its complete, end-to-end business management solution. “ProContractorMX will help us get and stay organized and know our bottom line. Having our plans available in our estimating process and through final payments will be a major benefit. We believe this all-in-one tool will help us run our company more efficiently and increase our profits.”
There is still a place for doing takeoff by hand. It is the foundation for a solid understanding of estimating in general, but companies that don’t also use software—such as that described in this article—are putting themselves at a disadvantage today…and tomorrow.
Note: These are selected excerpts from full article, available as PDF.
Author's Bio: Paul Hull is a freelance author and writes on construction topics for several magazines.

