Square Takeoff vs Countfire

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Our analysts compared Square Takeoff vs Countfire based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Square Takeoff Software Tool

Product Basics

Square Takeoff is designed to cater to the needs of contractors and construction businesses seeking a streamlined solution for both takeoff and estimating processes. It is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized firms that desire an intuitive platform for generating accurate cost estimates and material takeoffs. The software shines with its ability to automate measuring and scaling off of uploaded digital plans, which can significantly cut down on the time traditionally spent on manual takeoffs. Key features that resonate with users include cloud-based access for collaboration, integration capabilities, and dedicated customer support. While the tool delivers on essential functionalities, users should weigh pricing models that can vary based on usage, features, and number of users, with considerations towards the financial commitment that comes with subscription-based services. When compared to other offerings in the market, users have shown appreciation for its user-friendly interface and efficient project management, though the depth of features may differ compared to more expensive or specialized platforms.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Accurate estimates
  • Cloud-based collaboration
  • Mobile app for on-site takeoff
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for advanced features
  • May not be suitable for complex projects
  • Limited integration with some software
  • Customer support could be improved
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Countfire is an automation software that assists construction workers in performing seamless estimations. It has the capability to conduct automatic on-screen calculations and reduce overall estimation time. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors use it to automate counting and provide CAD and Excel integrations.

Improve accuracy with quality control reports and ensure drawings and estimations are comprehensive and complete. Estimators can create symbols to automatically count across the entire structure. It is cloud-based, allowing users to access work remotely through mobile devices and computers.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Collaboration features
  • Free plan available
Cons
  • Limited free plan features
  • Fewer integrations compared to competitors
  • Reporting tools can be basic
  • Customer support wait times
  • Limited customization options
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$75/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$99/User, 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

  • Gain Competitive Advantages: Calculate areas, share plans and more to perform quick takeoffs. Prepare bids faster to win work before competitors.  
  • Save Time and Money: Perform material estimations and takeoffs quicker with efficient tools. Make informed decisions to save on needless project costs.  
  • Remote Access: Leverage cloud capabilities to access work remotely. Ensure projects run smoothly from anywhere, anytime.  
  • Perform Quick Takeoffs:  Leverage automated tools to perform estimations and record calculations of floors and ceilings in seconds.  
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  • Enhanced Efficiency: Countfire automates tedious manual tasks like counting symbols and materials, significantly reducing takeoff time and effort. This allows estimators to focus on critical tasks like project analysis and pricing.
  • Improved Accuracy: Automated takeoffs minimize human error, leading to more accurate estimates and fewer costly rework scenarios. The software also includes built-in checks and audit trails for further quality assurance.
  • Increased Collaboration: Cloud-based access enables real-time project collaboration among team members and stakeholders, regardless of location. This facilitates faster decision-making and smoother project execution.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Countfire integrates seamlessly with various estimating software and data sources, eliminating the need for manual data entry and streamlining the overall workflow. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
  • Greater Scalability: Countfire accommodates projects of all sizes and complexities, making it suitable for growing businesses. The scalable pricing structure ensures affordability as your needs evolve.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Countfire provides valuable insights into historical data and project trends, enabling informed decision-making about pricing, resource allocation, and project management.
  • Enhanced Communication: The software generates professional reports and proposals with accurate takeoffs and pricing breakdowns, improving communication with clients and stakeholders.
  • Reduced Costs: By minimizing errors, streamlining workflows, and improving efficiency, Countfire helps businesses reduce overall project costs and improve profitability.
  • Competitive Advantage: Faster, more accurate estimates and efficient workflows enable businesses to submit competitive bids and win more projects.
  • Improved Client Satisfaction: Accurate estimates and clear communication lead to greater client satisfaction and trust, strengthening client relationships.
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  • Accounting: Keep track of project accounting and overall cash flow. Ensure that all payables are processed correctly and on time.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Accelerate the process of calculating material and labor costs for projects seamlessly. Calculate accurately to make better bids.
  • Templates: Leverage custom templates to prepare attractive bids to win work faster. Save time on creating layouts manually and speed up the bidding process.
  • Electrical Estimating: Get labor cost and materials data to put together total project costs. Construct bids based on data and submit them to clients.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Obtain regular reports of work done on an interactive dashboard. Extract actionable insights from analytics and improve certain project areas.
  • Electronic Plans: Save all work, material and labor plans electronically in a centralized database. Provide access to all relevant parties and prevent anyone from misplacing crucial information.
  • Takeoff: Perform accurate material and labor calculations to prepare bids for work. Accelerate the process by using a cloud-based platform and save on capital waste.
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  • Assembly Takeoff: Reduce time needed for conducting takeoffs and completing measurements quickly. Bid on more projects without hiring additional personnel.
  • Electronic Plans: Chart objectives and daily proceedings electronically. Secure digitized plans in the cloud to provide access to all workers.
  • Issue Management: Design and execute contingency plans in the event of a disaster. Back up data and files securely to ensure nothing is lost.
  • Project Management: Direct and coordinate materials and labor throughout project life cycles effectively. Achieve predetermined objectives and attain daily goals by allocating labor to the correct places.
  • Takeoff: Execute takeoffs to determine the number of materials and amount of labor needed for a project. Submit accurate bids to win more work quickly.
  • Estimating: Conduct accurate estimations to determine the viability of a project. Minimize unforeseen costs to increase client satisfaction and attract repeat customers.
  • Projections: Stay on top of project completion time and progress through projections. Align and redirect efforts to accelerate certain areas of projects based on data.
  • Drag & Drop: Save valuable time by dragging and dropping items in the dashboard. Complete measurements with just a few mouse clicks.
  • Performance Metrics: Stay on top of workers and daily project metrics. Allocate sufficient effort to areas needing improvement and ensure projects run smoothly.
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Product Ranking

#18

among all
Takeoff Software

#35

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

70
65
80
67
75
75
14
14
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Trades Management
Project Management
Reports and Dashboards
Project Management
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Square Takeoff
Countfire
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 80 75 14 77 78 88 86 91 67 75 14 81 72 100 86 64 0 25 50 75 100
80%
0%
20%
67%
0%
33%
75%
0%
25%
75%
0%
25%
14%
0%
86%
14%
0%
86%
76%
0%
24%
82%
0%
18%
75%
0%
25%
67%
0%
33%
88%
0%
12%
100%
0%
0%
86%
0%
14%
86%
0%
14%
91%
0%
9%
64%
0%
36%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

20%
0%
80%
10%
0%
90%

User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 16 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 290 reviews
88%
of users recommend this product

Square Takeoff has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 16 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

Countfire has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 290 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.0 (9)
4.71 (150)
4.9 (7)
4.7 (140)

Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Countfire and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Project Management. Countfire stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Project Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

User-friendly interface: Streamlined design and intuitive tools make it easy to learn and navigate, even for those new to takeoff and estimating software.
Faster and more accurate estimates: Automated takeoff, pre-built assemblies, and real-time cost updates reduce manual calculations and errors, leading to quicker and more precise estimates.
Cloud-based collaboration: Real-time project updates and accessible cloud storage enable seamless teamwork and communication, improving project management and efficiency.
Mobile app for on-site takeoff: Capture measurements and project data directly on-site with the mobile app, saving time and ensuring accurate data collection.
Affordable pricing: Competitive subscription plans and per-project options cater to various business sizes and budgets, making it accessible for contractors of all scales.
Integration with popular software: Connects with accounting and project management tools, streamlining data flow and eliminating manual data entry, saving time and effort.
Historical data and reporting: Provides insights into past projects, material usage, and costs, enabling informed decision-making and improved future estimating accuracy.
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Automatic Counting: Users appreciate that Countfire automates the process of counting symbols across multiple PDFs, significantly reducing the time and potential for error compared to manual counts.
Excel Integration: The ability to seamlessly export data to Excel is highly valued for simplifying the estimation process and allowing easy manipulation of counted data.
Scale Calibration: Countfire’s scale calibration feature assists in ensuring that measurements are accurate, enhancing the reliability of takeoffs.
Straightforward User Interface: The intuitive interface is frequently mentioned as being easy to navigate, making the learning curve for new users relatively short.
24/7 Access: Being cloud-based, Countfire gives users the flexibility to access their projects anytime and anywhere, which is particularly beneficial for professionals who are often on the move.
Dedicated Support: The responsive and helpful customer support team is often highlighted as a strong point, providing assistance whenever users encounter issues.
Continuous Improvement: Users are reassured by the fact that Countfire regularly updates its software, addressing bugs and adding new features based on user feedback.
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Limited customization: While offering pre-built assemblies, users mention limited options for creating highly customized assemblies or material lists, potentially impacting flexibility for specific project needs.
Learning curve for advanced features: Some advanced features, like cost breakdowns or integrations, might require more technical understanding, potentially hindering user experience for beginners or those unfamiliar with similar software.
Limited for complex projects: While suitable for many projects, users report potential limitations for highly intricate or specialized builds. These might require software with more advanced features like 3D modeling or detailed cost analysis.
Mixed customer support experiences: User reviews suggest varying experiences with customer support, with some praising responsiveness and helpfulness, while others mention occasional wait times or limited technical expertise.
Potential storage limitations: The free plan might have limited storage, requiring upgrades for larger projects, adding to overall costs. Users recommend carefully considering storage needs when choosing a plan.
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Learning Curve: New users often report a significant learning curve with Countfire's interface and functionalities, which can impede the initial adoption and efficiency of the software.
Cost Considerations: Some users find Countfire's pricing to be on the higher end compared to other takeoff solutions, which might be a deterrent for smaller businesses or those with tighter budgets.
Integration Limitations: Countfire may not integrate seamlessly with other construction management platforms or ERP systems, creating potential data silos and workflow disruptions.
Customer Support: A few users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness or effectiveness of Countfire’s customer support during critical times.
Feature Set: Countfire may lack some advanced features that are offered by competing products, which could limit the software’s appeal to users with complex or specific needs.
Performance Issues: Occasional software slowdowns or crashes have been reported, potentially affecting large-scale projects with numerous drawings.
File Compatibility: There are instances where users have encountered difficulties with uploading or processing certain file types, hindering project progress.
Reporting Tools: The reporting capabilities of Countfire may not meet the expectations of all users, particularly those needing detailed or custom reports for project analysis.
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Square Takeoff garners mixed reviews from users in the construction industry, often highlighting its ease of use, affordability, and cloud-based collaboration as key strengths. Newcomers to takeoff and estimating software appreciate its intuitive interface and pre-built assemblies, which streamline tasks and reduce errors compared to manual calculations. Additionally, its competitive pricing plans cater to various business sizes, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious contractors. The cloud-based nature facilitates seamless collaboration and information sharing, keeping teams and clients on the same page throughout projects. However, some users point out limitations compared to competitors. Square Takeoff might lack the extensive customization options and advanced features found in pricier software, potentially hindering its suitability for highly complex or specialized projects. For instance, users mention limited flexibility in creating custom assemblies or detailed cost breakdowns, which are crucial for intricate builds. Additionally, while offering integrations with popular software, some users report occasional limitations or technical hurdles compared to more established competitor offerings. Ultimately, user satisfaction hinges on project complexity, budget, and individual preferences. For contractors comfortable with a standardized approach and prioritizing affordability and user-friendliness, Square Takeoff offers a compelling solution. However, those tackling intricate projects or demanding extensive customization might find its limitations outweigh its strengths, necessitating exploration of more advanced competitor options.

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Analyzing user reviews of Countfire from the past year reveals a generally positive sentiment towards its efficiency and user-friendliness. Users praise its automated takeoff capabilities, particularly for repetitive tasks like counting fixtures or conduit runs, highlighting significant time savings compared to manual methods. This automated aspect is often contrasted favorably with competitors, who may require more manual input or lack intuitive interfaces. Another strength frequently mentioned is Countfire's customer support, described as responsive and helpful. Users appreciate the quick resolution of issues and the availability of training resources. This stands out compared to some competitors who might have less accessible or limited support options. However, some reviews mention limitations in handling highly complex projects with unique geometries or extensive custom requirements. While Countfire offers advanced tools, users suggest it may not be as adept in these scenarios as certain competitors known for robust 3D modeling integration. Additionally, the subscription-based pricing model might be perceived as less cost-effective for smaller businesses or infrequent users compared to perpetual license options offered by some alternatives. Overall, Countfire seems to be a strong choice for electrical contractors seeking to streamline takeoff and estimating processes, especially those valuing user-friendliness, automation, and responsive support. However, for highly complex projects or budget-conscious users, exploring competitor offerings with advanced 3D modeling or perpetual licensing might be worthwhile.

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Screenshots

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