Ask five estimators to define a “takeoff” and you will get the same answer: the process of quantifying every stud, sheet of drywall, and labor hour required to build a home. The difference today is how that counting is done. Takeoff software automates the once-manual task of reading blueprints, measuring lengths, and filling out spreadsheets. With CountBricks, the process is pushed even further—voice-driven AI captures dimensions, applies local cost databases in real time, and instantly feeds the data into full estimates and invoices.
• Tight margins and rising material prices leave no room for quantity errors
• Homeowners expect quotes back in hours, not weeks
• Lenders and insurance underwriters demand transparent backup for every number
• Labor shortages make it critical to keep skilled field crews building, not measuring plans in the office
1. Voice-Activated Capture
Talk through each room while viewing the plan set. “Exterior walls: 2×6, 160 linear feet.” CountBricks transcribes, verifies, and adds the line item instantly.
2. AI Blueprint Recognition
Upload PDFs or DWGs. Our computer-vision engine identifies walls, openings, and symbols, suggesting quantities the estimator can approve with a tap.
3. Real-Time Cost Database
Materials, labor crews, equipment, and markups are pulled from live regional pricing so your numbers stay accurate even as markets fluctuate.
4. Instant Estimate & Invoice Generation
Approved quantities flow straight into templated proposals, progress billing schedules, and change-order forms hosted at CountBricks.com/services.
• Slash takeoff time by up to 80 % compared with paper and highlighter
• Reduce quantity overruns by leveraging AI cross-checks against typical assemblies
• Impress clients with professional, branded PDFs produced minutes after the walkthrough
• Sync accepted quotes to your project schedule to order materials just in time
Manual Method
1. Print plans 2. Highlight walls 3. Transfer numbers to Excel 4. Search supplier sites for pricing 5. Re-enter data into proposal software.
CountBricks Method
1. Upload plans or start a live call 2. Approve AI quantities 3. Adjust labor factors 4. Click Create Estimate.
• Missing hidden elements such as blocking or fire stops — the AI suggests them based on code requirements
• Forgetting waste factors — default waste percentages are applied automatically but remain editable
• Using old price sheets — live pricing prevents sticker shock on bid day
• Copy-paste errors between apps — single database from takeoff to invoice eliminates re-entry
CountBricks exports to common accounting packages and field management apps. For small builders without dedicated software, our dashboard provides a built-in schedule of values, daily logs, and client portal—no extra integrations required.
1. Book a demo at CountBricks.com/consultation
2. Import a recent plan set and your supplier list
3. Train the voice engine with your trade lingo (e.g., “bird-box eaves”)
4. Generate your first estimate under guidance of a CountBricks success coach
5. Roll out to project managers and field supervisors
Builders report recovering the subscription cost after two accepted bids. Faster, more accurate takeoffs mean fewer back-charges, tighter schedules, and stronger client trust—an unbeatable combination in competitive residential markets.
• Use voice snippets while onsite to capture remodel demolition quantities
• Tag line items with phases to auto-populate draw schedules
• Apply preset assemblies (e.g., “2,400 sf slab-on-grade”) for rapid spec home pricing
• Leverage the change-order wizard to turn client wish-list ideas into billable items instantly
• Archive awarded estimates to build a historical cost library for future bids
Join residential builders nationwide who moved from spreadsheets to AI-powered accuracy. Visit CountBricks.com/services to start your free trial and experience takeoffs reimagined for the way builders actually work—by talking, not typing.
Last quarter, North Ridge Builders approached CountBricks with a familiar challenge—create a fully backed estimate for a vaulted-ceiling custom home before the weekend open-house. Traditionally, their two-person estimating team needed three days just to measure framing and finish schedules.
• The project manager launched a voice session while scrolling through the PDF set, capturing walls, beams, and roof square directly into the platform.
• CountBricks AI detected 43 window openings and suggested corresponding header lengths, shaving off hours of manual tallying.
• Live pricing pulled regional SPF stud costs, asphalt-shingle bundles, and subcontractor drywall rates, auto-adjusted for the builder’s contractual markup.
• Complete materials and labor takeoff produced in 47 minutes
• Branded proposal emailed to the client the same afternoon
• Approval received within 24 hours, securing a $620K project
• Post-award, quantities flowed into the CountBricks schedule, allowing just-in-time lumber deliveries that reduced site clutter and theft risk
1. Identify a live project with a tight bid deadline.
2. Schedule a 30-minute onboarding at CountBricks.com/consultation.
3. Use the AI blueprint takeoff to establish a baseline, then fine-tune quantities with voice commands for site-specific tweaks.
4. Leverage the instant invoice feature to request deposits the moment a client signs.
5. Track actual vs. estimated usage within CountBricks to continually refine your cost database.
Housing demand remains unpredictable, but accuracy and speed will always win jobs. By adopting CountBricks now, you embed scalable processes that grow with volume—whether you are framing five custom homes or fifty.
Visit CountBricks.com/services to see how quickly your next takeoff could be done.
