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What brought that on?? Looking at the activity on the other threads I don't understand how you think there is no involvement. Not only are there plenty of informative threads available, but taking for instance the "considering markup" thread, I would say you're lucky some of the posters are reposting stuff that has been gone thru multiple times already!
There is a "search" function, as well as just reading thru as much as possible before trying to cut corners :-)
You'd actually want to compare Planswift to OnScreen Takeoff- QuickBid is On Center Software's estimating package. There are a number of folks around here who use PlanSwift and are happy with it, and the same goes for TakeoffLive. Personally, I use OnScreen, and wouldn't change, but there's a substantial cost difference- $2,500 for OST vs $1,000 for Planswift or $300 for Takeoff Live. If you ever plan to use an estimating package like QuickBid, spend the extra $$ for OST, as they integrate seamlessly.
We use Planswift, but we are a subcontractor doing primarily large commercial insulation jobs. We also use it for gutters, metal roofing, shelving, door hardware and acoustical ceilings. It handles what we need very well and we don't really use all of its capabilities. They have a major update coming out soon (version 9.0).
We use Planswift, but we are a subcontractor doing primarily large commercial insulation jobs. We also use it for gutters, metal roofing, shelving, door hardware and acoustical ceilings. It handles what we need very well and we don't really use all of its capabilities. They have a major update coming out soon (version 9.0).
i'm a sub as well. I would be using it for framing,drywall,acoustic ceilings and plaster. Also doors and trim. Mostly commercial.
We use PlanSwift too, does a great job for just about everything I can think of. I've never regretted getting it. I'd say try the free trial they offer and see what you think because in the end that is all that matters.
i'm finding both TOL and PS simple enough to use, however it's obvious PS is a much stronger program. i haven't used the ESTIMATING part of PS yet, just the takeoff part. The images are much clearer and more visible with PS. However, for my purposes, I can easily calculate number of studs, boards etc with just a good takeoff. So in the end, maybe TOL will be a better bargain. Still, if i really get surgical about PS I may find it to be the better bargain. No decision yet.
@drock - I think they are both good programs.....I was privvy to a sneak peek at Takeoff Live Estimating Edition and it was downright stunning. As far as I could tell it does everything Planswift and Oncenter do, but with a Timberline style ability to build a detailed cost estimate .....as you can probably tell from my postings, I'm a big fan of TKL.
Sounds like everybody is rolling out new versions as summer gets here. PlanSwift is allow some testers to see version 9.0. I'm told it should be out soon for everybody.
Have the latest versions come out? If so, what are your thoughts? Those of you using Timberline, how is the integration and are they server based?
Thanks
There's no mention of the "Estimating version" of Takeoff Live on their website, so it appears that it still doesn't exist for mass consumption. I'm somewhat suspect of the post above that mentions the beta version being "downright stunning" as it was posted by someone who made a total of 4 posts- all referencing Takeoff Live- and then disappeared. If the estimating functionality is on par with the takeoff functionality of the program, I don't think "stunning" is a word I'll be using to describe it- more like "mediocre".
Of the two programs, I'd say Planswift would be the better choice, and they are showing a fully-integrated package for Timberline, though I haven't used it. We use OnScreen Takeoff, and aren't about to make the switch away from the flagship product in the industry.
I've stated my opinions of TOL. it's not all that bad, it's cheap and it gets the job done. it has alot of strange little quirks. In reality it's SLOWER than working with actual drawings and a tight spread sheet. The only thing that makes it worth it for me is the savings of not having to print up drawings. Most GC's just send me PDF's.
here is list of drawbacks: (i hope the guys at T.O.L. are reading this)
-the audit spread sheet is sloppy. If you filter out area measurments for linear foot walls, it also hides area measurments of ceilings. it would be better if it just accumulated the data as you collect it. never mind the bells and whistles.
- should be able to toggle back and forth between wall and ceiling types. right now you have to do 1 type per pass and keep selecting 'continue measurment' ITS REDUNDANT and allows room for major errors. if you missed you have to name a new type.
-when you use the arrow scroll button, the page does not change, just the tab. I screwed up an entire page by accident this way.
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