Do you have an all-in-one platform for
estimating and takeoff?

There are two main differences between 2D and BIM takeoff: the data source and the method. 2D takeoff is the traditional method, where the estimator or quantity surveyor manually extracts information directly from 2D drawings and blueprints in a paper or digital format. While many software solutions have digitized 2D takeoff, the process still heavily relies on time-consuming manual tasks that can be subject to errors.

On the other hand, BIM takeoff extracts data from a 3D model containing detailed information about every aspect of the building. This allows users to automatically extract quantities with a high degree of accuracy, saving hours of time and helping prevent the risk of manual errors. Plus, a 3D BIM model can provide additional precise information about the properties of certain components for quality assurance purposes, making the entire project more accurate and profitable.

That said, 2D takeoff is not going anywhere, and software providers must offer capabilities to integrate 2D and BIM takeoff into a single solution. RIB CostX does just that, and offers advanced 2D takeoff features and support for multiple file formats (including 2D sketches, PDF files, 2D CAD, and more), helping to boost efficiency.

With BIM technology, the estimating process is more automated, making it up to five times faster than before. While the time-saving benefits are greatly appreciated, the most significant benefit of BIM takeoff tools for estimating is improved accuracy. Construction cost estimation has been done manually with a scale ruler and calculator for decades, and no matter how experienced the QS or estimator is, manual errors or inconsistencies can happen. The most concerning thing is that these errors can go unnoticed and cause rework, leading to delays and budget overruns, which can affect the project’s profitability.

This issue is eliminated using professional BIM cost estimating software, which allows you to automatically extract the necessary information directly from the model, significantly enhancing the accuracy of estimates. Paired to that, the information provided by the model is quite detailed which allows for better cost control and overall resource management.

With so many solutions in the market, choosing the right quantity takeoff software for your specific needs is not easy. The first thing you should do before investing in any software is to think about your goals and objectives, as these might influence your end decision. That being said, there are some key features that industry-leading solutions should offer. These are:

• Integration of 2D and 3D takeoff: A centralized platform to simultaneously work with 2D and 3D files. This prevents errors, saves a lot of time, and ensures you always have the capacity to take on any projects.
• BIM Support: Support of BIM files to take advantage of faster, smarter & more accurate quantity takeoff and overall efficiency for the entire project lifecycle.
• Revisions Tracking: This feature maintains an audit trail of any design changes or revisions to ensure transparency and analyze the effects of each change.
• Collaboration features: Professional quantity takeoff software should allow users to work simultaneously on drawings, takeoff, and estimating. This solves the ever-pressing issue of communication in construction projects while boosting productivity.
• Live-Linked Spreadsheets: This feature links spreadsheet-based workbooks to drawings and their cost database, consolidating all necessary information for estimates in one place. This feature also allows teams to understand the impact of design changes on project costs.
• Cloud-based environment: Cloud-based construction software allows you to access your project data from any device and location; you only need an internet connection. This level of accessibility is highly appreciated in the building industry, as stakeholders often work from multiple locations.

In this blog post you can explore the essential features and basics of RIB CostX.

Drawing revisions are one of the key quantity surveyor responsibilities, which can take a lot of time, especially if done manually. RIB CostX’s Auto-Revisioning feature eliminates the pain of revisions by allowing users to automatically detect and highlight changes between different versions of a drawing. All they need to do is upload the new revision into the system, and the software will automatically identify and highlight the differences between the two versions of the drawings, including added or removed elements. This information can then be used to update the estimate, creating a comprehensive audit trail. This not only saves the QS hours of manual work that can be dedicated to improving other areas of the project, but it also allows for a quick understanding of the impact of revisions on the project scope, enhancing the accuracy of decisions.

Traditional takeoff and estimating software struggles to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the building industry. This is mainly due to processes like takeoff and estimating still being slow and tedious, which affects the entire project timeline. In addition, construction companies face pressure from clients and regulators to reduce the environmental impact of projects by sourcing greener materials and tracking the environmental impact of their processes, which is not an easy task.

RIB CostX is a unified costing platform that integrates takeoff, estimating, and carbon tracking, all in a single platform. Thanks to BIM technology, taking off quantities becomes much more efficient and accurate. The extracted quantities, rates, and more can be live-linked to estimates to analyze project costs and make the smartest decisions for the project. Additionally, our platform offers carbon accounting functionality that helps users track the environmental impact of their decisions to make projects more environmentally friendly.

RIB CostX has been a leading provider in takeoff and estimating for over twenty years. With clients in over 100 countries worldwide, our hard work and innovative thinking have earned us the title of the best Estimation & Valuation Software at the Construction Computing Awards five times, all thanks to the feedback and support of our users. Our experience and commitment to making construction companies more productive, efficient, and sustainable differentiate us from other solutions in the market.

Yes, you can. While CostX is ideal for the preconstruction phase, RIB offers a range of products that address challenges across the entire project lifecycle. This includes scheduling, resource management, procurement, prefab, project and cost control, all the way through to handover. By combining CostX with RIB’s suite of solutions, teams can optimize workflows, enhance collaboration, and achieve greater efficiency from inception to completion.

To learn more, please have a look at our other construction software solutions.

You can download the latest version of the software in our TechWeb. Alternatively, you can refer to the RIB CostX Client Resources section of our website. If you are on a subscription or maintenance plan, no manual update is required from your end as the RIB team takes care of this.