Type “best takeoff software for construction” into any search bar and you will see thousands of options promising faster estimates and tighter margins. Yet most of those platforms were built for commercial megaprojects or generic trade workflows. Residential contractors require speed, flexibility, and real-time cost certainty that mainstream tools rarely deliver. CountBricks was designed specifically for small-to-medium residential builders who need to win more jobs and manage them with confidence.
Residential projects move quickly. Drawings change after every client conversation, material prices fluctuate weekly, and trade availability can make or break a handover date. Relying on spreadsheets or complicated enterprise software drains time you could spend on site. With CountBricks you can:
• Capture exact quantities from PDFs, paper plans, or scanned sketches in seconds
• Convert voice notes taken on site into line-item estimates automatically
• Pull live local material pricing, labour rates, and surcharge information with one click
• Export branded proposals that impress homeowners and lenders alike
1. Voice-Driven Estimating Engine
Speak naturally: “Allow for 80 m² of 12.5 mm plasterboard on ground floor ceilings.” CountBricks’ AI transcribes, measures, and prices that instruction instantly. No keyboard, no manual lookup tables.
2. Real-Time Cost Data
Local merchants feed live pricing streams into CountBricks. As timber, insulation, or fixings rise or fall, your estimate adjusts. You quote today’s real cost—not last month’s average.
3. AI Blueprint Takeoffs
Upload a plan set, mark your scale, and let the software auto-detect walls, slabs, openings, and roof planes. You review quantities, apply assemblies, and publish the estimate without tracing every line.
4. Integrated Invoicing & Variations
Accepted quotes convert to stage invoices with a tap. Client-requested changes trigger variation orders that track extra labour and materials automatically, protecting your margin.
• Pre-construction: Generate takeoffs 80 % faster, freeing evenings once spent juggling rulers and highlighters
• Tendering: Issue polished proposals branded with your logo, scope notes, and terms in minutes
• Construction: Sync estimates to a live budget dashboard and flag overruns before they hit your pocket
• Handover: Produce a detailed cost report for clients and lenders, complete with warranty dates and supplier information
1. Open the CountBricks project workspace and select “Start New Takeoff.”
2. Upload the latest PDF drawings or take a site photo with the mobile app.
3. Tap the microphone icon and describe each task in plain language.
4. The AI maps voice commands to plan regions, applies the correct assemblies, and pulls current pricing.
5. Review, adjust mark-ups, and hit “Generate Proposal.” CountBricks packages your quote, payment schedule, and terms instantly.
Can I still use manual measurements? Absolutely. Trace-assist tools let you click points for custom areas or lengths, ideal for bespoke features.
What if my supplier is not in the live price feed? Add custom price files or request an integration via CountBricks.com/services and we will connect their catalogue.
Does it work offline on site? Yes. Record voice notes offline and sync when you reconnect—your data remains secure.
Residential builders across the UK are cutting estimate time by up to 70 % with CountBricks. Book a live demo at CountBricks.com/consultation, or dive straight in with a 14-day free trial inside your browser. Finally spend less time counting and more time building.
The Maple Grove project combined a rear kitchen extension with a loft conversion—classic residential work notorious for hidden extras. Using traditional methods, the builder projected five days for measurement and pricing. With CountBricks they completed a detailed takeoff in under two hours.
• Voice commands captured 62 individual line items, from RSJs to tap-ware allowances, without manual typing
• AI blueprint analysis calculated roof joist lengths within a 2 % tolerance, cutting structural waste
• Live material feeds flagged a 14 % timber price increase, allowing the contractor to lock in supply early and protect margin
During construction, the homeowners requested Velux upgrades and bespoke cabinetry. Variation orders were generated inside CountBricks; the client approved digitally, and updated costs flowed straight into the budget dashboard. Final profit came in 6 % above forecast—proof that the right software pays for itself.
• Record site walks on your phone and tag each room; CountBricks auto-sorts tasks by location
• Set default wastage percentages for materials so every estimate meets your personal risk profile
• Use template assemblies for common tasks like “50 m² engineered flooring” to apply labour, adhesive, and trims in one click
• Share read-only estimate links with subcontractors so they can price their portion without altering your data
• Sync accepted quotes to your accounting package via CountBricks.com/services for seamless invoicing
If your crew still burns weekends measuring plans, it’s time to switch. Visit CountBricks.com/consultation, schedule a 30-minute walkthrough, and see how the best takeoff software for construction empowers residential builders to work faster, quote accurately, and grow confidently.
