Bluebeam vs BuildingBlok

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Our analysts compared Bluebeam vs BuildingBlok based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Management Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Bluebeam is a software platform designed to streamline construction workflows, particularly in the areas of project management, takeoff and estimating. It caters to a wide range of professionals in the construction industry, from architects and engineers to quantity surveyors and contractors. One of its core strengths lies in its ability to centralize and manage project documents efficiently. This includes features like real-time collaboration tools, markups and annotations, and integrated document control. Additionally, Bluebeam offers robust takeoff and estimating functionalities, enabling users to extract quantities, generate bids, and track project costs effectively. When compared to similar products, Bluebeam stands out for its user-friendly interface, collaborative features, and comprehensive set of construction-specific tools. User reviews often praise its intuitive design, efficient workflows, and ability to improve communication and coordination across teams. However, it's important to consider the pricing structure, which can be based on per-user licenses or tiered subscription plans, depending on the specific features and functionalities required.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Accurate takeoff tools
  • Streamlined workflows
  • Improved communication
Cons
  • Subscription cost
  • Limited Mac support
  • Advanced features complexity
  • Minor interface quirks
  • Learning curve for beginners
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BuildingBlok is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to streamline and optimize business processes. It provides SSL/TLS encryption to secure web communications. Project managers can access documents off-site via mobile devices. Create accurate estimates and track finances using accounting modules.

Share project files with team members, promoting a collaborative work environment. Contractors can generate and analyze cost and activity reports to help make strategic business decisions. Manage projects from inception to completion from an accessible location.
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$50 Monthly
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time markups, shared workspaces, and centralized document storage streamline communication and feedback loops across project teams, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Improved Efficiency: Automated workflows, batch processing tools, and powerful search functionalities significantly reduce manual tasks and accelerate project delivery timelines.
  • Accurate Cost Estimation: Integrated takeoff and estimating capabilities with industry-standard tools and libraries ensure precise material calculations and bids, leading to better project budgeting and cost control.
  • Reduced Rework & Errors: Robust markup and annotation tools with version control and issue tracking minimize miscommunication and ensure everyone works on the latest information, minimizing costly rework.
  • Increased Transparency & Accountability: Centralized document management and audit trails provide clear visibility into project progress, changes, and responsibilities, fostering accountability and stakeholder confidence.
  • Optimized Field Management: Mobile apps and offline capabilities allow for seamless data access and markups on the go, improving field data collection, communication, and punch list management.
  • Scalability & Customization: Flexible licensing models and customizable toolsets cater to the needs of projects of all sizes and complexities, ensuring a scalable solution that grows with your business.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into project performance, resource allocation, and collaboration trends, enabling data-driven decision making for future projects.
  • Enhanced Security & Compliance: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance with industry regulations.
  • Strong User Community & Support: Access to extensive online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support empowers users to get the most out of the software and address any challenges efficiently.
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  • Simplify Workflows: Automate business operations to save time. Create to-do lists to manage tasks. Distribute memos to team members to keep everyone on the same page. Convert Excel spreadsheets to CSV to better organize data. 
  • Improve Productivity: Enable employees to track hours using electronic timesheets. Keep teams connected using communication modules such as automated notifications and virtual meeting rooms. 
  • Manage Finances: Predict project costs to avoid financial risks. Generate weekly cost reports to evaluate the company’s economic performance. Create and send electronic invoices to contractors for speedy payments. 
  • Generate Error-free Schedules of Values: Automatically calculate project costs when subcontractors complete specific tasks. Enable subs to submit payment applications to help administrators focus on other vital activities. 
  • Stay Mobile: Access project information from remote locations using internet-enabled devices. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Store data in an accessible location. Grant role-based access permissions to workers to protect sensitive information. 
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  • Real-time Collaboration: Simultaneous markups and annotations with team members across various locations.
  • Centralized Document Management: Secure cloud storage and version control for all project documents.
  • Advanced Markup Tools: Diverse annotation tools like text boxes, stamps, shapes, and freehand drawings.
  • Integrated Takeoff & Estimating: Measure lengths, areas, and volumes directly from PDFs for accurate material calculations and bids.
  • Batch Processing: Automate repetitive tasks like scaling, stamping, and adding headers/footers to multiple documents.
  • Quantity Link with Excel: Synchronize takeoff data with spreadsheets for detailed cost analysis and reporting.
  • Studio Sessions: Real-time collaboration environment for markups and discussions on specific project documents.
  • Mobile Apps: View, annotate, and manage documents on the go with dedicated iOS and Android apps.
  • Dynamic Stamps: Create custom stamps with variable data fields that automatically update based on project information.
  • 2D Photo Markups: Embed and annotate photos directly within PDFs for clear visual communication.
  • Document Comparison & Overlay: Visually compare different versions of PDFs and identify changes efficiently.
  • Scripting & Automation: Create custom scripts to automate complex workflows and repetitive tasks.
  • Advanced Security: Secure cloud storage, user access controls, and audit trails ensure data privacy and compliance.
  • Openness & Integrations: Integrate with various construction management platforms and BIM software for seamless data exchange.
  • Extensive Training & Support: Access to online resources, training programs, and responsive technical support.
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  • Cost Management: Manage and monitor financial activities to avoid budget overshoots. 
    • Estimating: Allocate resources to the right tasks to help prevent negative cash flow. Track and share financial data with employees to avoid costly errors. Automatically estimate labor costs according to project requirements. View and analyze contracts using accounting functionality. 
    • Job Costing: View current and projected costs to help make data-driven decisions. Review, approve or reject budget proposals directly from the system. Generate daily and weekly financial reports to analyze spending patterns. 
    • Change Orders: Create and access change orders from a centralized location. Add revision notes to COs generated by team members. Prepare forecast models to avoid unnecessary expenses. 
    • Payment Applications: Automatically calculate wages based on total work completed by team members. Enable subcontractors to submit payment requests. 
    • Invoice Tracking: Manage invoices electronically, eliminating the usage of paper trails. Encourage workers to submit invoices directly through the system. Create customized bills to ensure smooth transactions. 
  • Project Management: Access project details and share documents using the mobile app. 
    • Bidding: Check whether subcontractors downloaded bid requests, declined to bid or submitted bids. Grant permissions to access and download blueprints to subcontractors to give them a clear understanding of the tasks involved. 
    • Bid Invitations: Create invitation lists and keep track of bid statuses. Add notes to bid invites and send them via email with just a click. 
    • Submittals: Assign submittal items to respective employees and keep teams informed about project updates. Attach relevant files to submittals to gain in-depth insights about projects. 
    • Punch Lists: Create punch lists to avoid missing out on important safety procedures. Mitigate risks by generating inspection reports. 
    • RFIs: Create and send RFI requests to subcontractors. Respond to RFIs quickly to keep projects on track. Prepare questionnaires to extract essential details from subcontractors. 
  • To-do Lists: Receive notifications about task completions and plan further operations without delays. Create checklists to ensure all procedures are completed in a timely manner. 
  • Timesheets: Enable employees to clock in and out from job sites via mobile devices. View workers’ locations in real time using GPS technology. Encourage project managers to track workers’ actions to help maintain productivity levels. 
  • Reporting: Create reports to help predict timelines and manage tasks effectively. Compare daily reports side by side to help monitor project progress. Track labor hours using man-count functionality. 
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Product Ranking

#17

among all
Construction Management Software

#90

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Construction Management Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 2083 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 20 reviews
93%
of users recommend this product

Bluebeam has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 93% when considering 2083 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

92%
of users recommend this product

BuildingBlok has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 20 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.4 (16)
n/a
4.5 (298)
n/a
4.68 (880)
4.6 (10)
4.7 (778)
4.6 (10)
4.4 (111)
n/a

Awards

Bluebeam stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

BuildingBlok stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The solution provides all the necessary tools and features required to perform quick and accurate takeoffs, according to 76% of users.
Ease of Use: According to 94% of users, the application’s user interface is slick and user-friendly. They found it easy to navigate and find desired features.
Support: About 94% of users who mentioned this pro praised the quick response and ability to solve issues quickly.
Sharing & Collaboration: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that the solution separates documents in order and exports them to a designated folder seamlessly.
PDF Viewing: According to 99% of users, the software offers an optimum PDF viewing experience that streamlines takeoff measurements.
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Intuitive Interface: Users praise BuildingBlok for its user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and manage projects, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Centralized Communication: BuildingBlok acts as a central hub for all project-related communication, streamlining collaboration and reducing the risk of miscommunication.
Real-Time Progress Tracking: The platform provides real-time updates on project progress, allowing users to stay informed and make informed decisions.
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Speed & Performance: In spite of having top features, the solution is laggy and hangs from time to time, according to 62% of users.
Deployment: According to 76% of users, the software lacks dynamic integration capabilities with in-house systems.
Training: About 58% of users who mentioned this con said the application has a steep learning curve.
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Difficult to Use: Some users have reported that BuildingBlok is not user-friendly and requires extensive training to use effectively. This can be a major drawback for construction companies that need a system that is easy to learn and use.
Limited Functionality: BuildingBlok may not have all of the features that construction companies need to manage their projects effectively. For example, some users have reported that the software lacks robust reporting capabilities.
Poor Customer Support: Some users have complained about the quality of customer support provided by BuildingBlok. This can be a major problem for construction companies that rely on timely and effective support to resolve issues.
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Bluebeam's user reviews in the past year paint a picture of a powerful and versatile construction software with some room for improvement. Users praise its intuitive interface, extensive PDF editing and markup features, and seamless integration with popular project management platforms. These strengths are particularly valuable for streamlining communication and collaboration across disciplines, as exemplified by a reviewer who noted how Bluebeam "eliminated the need for paper markups and endless email chains" on their project. However, some users find Bluebeam's takeoff functionalities less robust compared to dedicated takeoff software like OnCenter or PlanSwift. While Bluebeam offers basic auto-scaling and dimensioning tools, complex projects often require manual verification and lack features like real-time material cost integration. This can be a dealbreaker for users who prioritize advanced takeoff capabilities. Another point of contention is the subscription pricing model, which some users find expensive compared to perpetual licenses offered by competitors. However, others appreciate the continuous updates and access to cloud-based features that come with the subscription. Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness depends on individual needs and project scale. In conclusion, Bluebeam excels in collaboration, communication, and general PDF management for construction projects. It's a strong choice for teams seeking a user-friendly platform to streamline workflows and centralize information. However, users requiring advanced takeoff functionalities or those on a tight budget might find other options more suitable.

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Are you curious if BuildingBlok is the cornerstone of construction management software? BuildingBlok has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews for its user-friendly interface, robust features, and competitive pricing. Users consistently highlight its ease of use, even for those who aren't tech-savvy, as a major strength. They praise its intuitive design and straightforward navigation, which allows them to quickly adapt and manage projects efficiently. Another standout feature is its comprehensive suite of tools, covering everything from scheduling and budgeting to document management and communication. This breadth of functionality eliminates the need for multiple software solutions, streamlining workflows and reducing costs. Users also appreciate BuildingBlok's affordability compared to competitors like Procore and Smartsheet, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. However, some users have pointed out limitations in its reporting capabilities and customization options. While BuildingBlok offers basic reporting features, they desire more advanced analytics and customizable reports to gain deeper insights into project performance. Additionally, some users express a need for greater flexibility in tailoring the software to their specific workflows and industry requirements. Despite these minor drawbacks, BuildingBlok remains a highly praised construction management software, particularly for its ease of use, comprehensive features, and affordability. It's an ideal solution for construction businesses seeking a centralized platform to manage projects, improve collaboration, and enhance overall efficiency.

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