AI Estimating Software, Starting at the Takeoff
ContractorCounter brings AI to the part of construction estimating that eats the most time: the takeoff. The assistant counts, measures, and sets the drawing scale from a plain-English chat, then quantities flow into a bill of quantities and a priced quote, with you reviewing each step.
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Verdict
Choose ContractorCounter if the slowest part of your estimate is the takeoff itself — the assistant counts, measures, and sets scale on the drawing, you approve each result, and the quantities land in a live Bill of Quantities from US$14/month. Choose a full cost-database estimating suite instead if you need assembly libraries and pre-loaded labour rates; this is takeoff-first and the pricing layer stays yours.
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AI where estimating actually slows down
Most estimating time goes into measuring and counting the drawing. The assistant does that first pass (counts and calibrated measurements), so you spend your time checking and pricing, not clicking.
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From AI takeoff to a priced quote
AI-placed quantities roll into the same bill of quantities and takeoff-to-quote workflow as manual ones, so the estimate — and the bid you send from it — is built on numbers you reviewed, not a black box. For what the AI does and does not decide, AI construction estimating software explained goes through it in detail.
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AI estimating for every trade on the drawing
The first-pass takeoff works whatever you estimate — electrical, plumbing, HVAC, drywall, concrete, masonry, roofing, and earthwork. Ask the assistant for the counts and measurements on that trade's symbols and runs, review them, and the quantities flow into the same bill of quantities and quote.
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Ask in plain English, get markups on the drawing
Say "count every power outlet" or "measure the wall lengths on level 2" and the assistant places the counts and calibrated measurements directly on the sheet. No tool-by-tool clicking to start.
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Built on real scale calibration
Accurate quantities need an accurate scale. The assistant detects and sets the drawing scale (using a higher-accuracy model for this step), so areas and lengths are measured against the right reference.
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Honest about scope
ContractorCounter is takeoff-first: it is strongest at marking up, measuring, counting, and turning that into a quote. It is not a full cost-database estimating suite, and it is AI-assisted, so you stay in control of every number. Weighing the wider category, choosing construction estimating software for your trade sets out what each type of package is good at.
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What the AI allowance actually includes
Pro and Team plans include 1,000 agent credits per rolling week (capped at 400 a day so one session can't drain the week). A typical assistant turn costs 3–4 credits, which works out to roughly 250–330 AI requests a week — enough for daily takeoff work without metering anxiety. Heavier weeks can add one-time top-up packs from US$5 for 400 credits (no subscription change), and scale detection always runs on the higher-accuracy model regardless of settings, because a wrong scale would corrupt every quantity.
Common questions
Questions about AI estimating
Does the AI write the whole estimate for me?
No. ContractorCounter uses AI to speed up the takeoff (counts, measurements, and scale) and flows those quantities into a bill of quantities and a quote. You review every result and apply your own pricing and judgment. It is an assistant for estimators, not an auto-estimator, and it is takeoff-first rather than a full cost-database suite.
Can I use this as AI bidding software?
Yes, in the sense that matters: the bid is the priced quote at the end of the chain. The assistant takes the first pass at the takeoff, the quantities land in a [bill of quantities](/quantity-takeoff-software), and rates price it — yours, or AI-suggested with reasoning you can check. What ContractorCounter does not do is auto-submit bids or manage tender pipelines; it builds the estimate behind the bid, with you reviewing every number before it goes out.
How much AI usage is included?
Pro and Team include 1,000 agent credits per rolling 7-day window, throttled to 400 per day and 200 per 5-hour session so the weekly allowance spreads across real working days. A typical assistant request costs 3–4 credits (roughly 250–330 requests a week). If you run out mid-bid, one-time top-up packs are US$5 for 400 credits, US$10 for 1,000, or US$20 for 2,400 — no plan change required.