Active Takeoff vs Countfire

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Our analysts compared Active 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.

Product Basics

Active Takeoff streamlines construction takeoffs and estimates, helping businesses of all sizes manage costs efficiently. Users can upload and scale blueprints electronically, then precisely calculate areas and quantities of materials for tasks like flooring, roofing, and painting. It integrates with Excel for flexible cost management and generates professional proposals. While suitable for various construction roles, it particularly benefits estimators, contractors, and design firms seeking user-friendly software at a reasonable price (typically one-time fees or annual subscriptions). Compared to similar options, users praise Active Takeoff's intuitive interface, efficient scaling tools, and accurate calculations. However, some mention limitations in handling specific scales or complex project structures. Ultimately, the best fit depends on individual needs and budget.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Accurate calculations
  • Efficient scaling tools
  • Integrates with Excel
  • Reasonable pricing
Cons
  • Limited scale options
  • Simple project view
  • Not ideal for complex jobs
  • Fewer features than some competitors
  • Occasional bugs reported
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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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$59/User, Monthly
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$99/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Simplifies takeoffs with intuitive interface, reducing time spent on manual calculations and measurements.
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimizes errors with automatic scaling and dimensioning tools, ensuring precise material and labor estimations.
  • Cost Management Powerhouse: Integrates seamlessly with Excel for flexible cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Connects directly to plans and documents, eliminating the need for paper-based processes and manual data entry.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Enables easy sharing of takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients, boosting project transparency.
  • Proposal Generation at Ease: Generates professional proposals directly from takeoff data, saving time and effort in bidding processes.
  • Scalability for all Sizes: Caters to businesses of all sizes, from small contractors to large enterprises, with flexible pricing options.
  • User-Friendly Experience: Designed with a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy to learn and use, even for those with limited technical expertise.
  • Data Security and Accessibility: Ensures data security with cloud-based storage and accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
  • Mobile-Friendly Access: Offers mobile app compatibility for on-site access to plans, measurements, and estimates, enhancing field productivity.
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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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  • Electronic Plan Takeoff: Upload and scale digital blueprints directly in the software for on-screen measurements.
  • Automatic Scaling Tools: Utilize pre-defined scales or manually set custom scales for accurate calculations.
  • Multiple Measurement Tools: Choose from linear, area, volume, perimeter, and other measurement tools for diverse takeoff needs.
  • Material Libraries: Create and manage custom material libraries with specific costs and properties for efficient material takeoffs.
  • Assembly Takeoff: Estimate costs based on pre-defined assemblies of materials and procedures for repetitive tasks.
  • Integrated Cost Management: Seamlessly link takeoffs to Excel for cost breakdowns, markups, and instant cost reports.
  • Proposal Generation: Generate professional proposals directly from takeoff data, including material lists, labor costs, and overall project estimates.
  • Collaboration Tools: Share takeoff data and estimates with colleagues and clients through cloud-based storage and access.
  • Mobile App Compatibility: Access plans, measurements, and estimates on the go with the mobile app for field productivity.
  • Reporting and Exporting: Generate detailed reports in various formats, including PDF, CSV, and XML, for further analysis and sharing.
  • User-Defined Calculations: Create custom formulas and calculations for specific project requirements and material properties.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Utilize keyboard shortcuts for faster data entry and increased efficiency.
  • Customizable Interface: Personalize the user interface with preferred layouts and color schemes for a comfortable workflow.
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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

#29

among all
Takeoff Software

#35

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Trades Management
Reports and Dashboards
Project Management
Reports and Dashboards

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Active Takeoff
Countfire
+ Add Product + Add Product
Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 73 75 0 52 70 73 86 100 67 75 14 81 72 100 86 64 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

10%
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90%
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 186 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 290 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Active Takeoff has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 186 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.

4.64 (94)
4.71 (150)
4.6 (92)
4.7 (140)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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: Active Takeoff provides an intuitive and easy-to-use platform, which reduces the learning curve for professionals managing construction takeoffs and estimates.
Precision: Users appreciate the high degree of accuracy in measurements, which is crucial for effective takeoff and estimating processes.
Flexibility: The software supports various file formats, including PDF, CAD, and image files, enabling versatility in handling different types of construction plans.
Customization: Active Takeoff allows users to customize materials and labor costs, ensuring the estimates are tailored to specific project requirements.
Integrated OCR: The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature streamlines the takeoff process by quickly converting plans into actionable data.
Cloud-Based: Being cloud-based facilitates easy access to project data from any location, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders.
Scalability: It suits a variety of project sizes, making it a practical solution for both small contractors and larger construction firms.
Responsive Support: Users report a positive experience with customer support, highlighting their responsiveness and helpfulness in resolving issues.
Cost-Effective: Many find Active Takeoff to be affordable without compromising on functionality, striking a good balance between cost and value.
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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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Complex User Interface: Some users find Active Takeoff’s user interface overly complex, which can lead to a steep learning curve for new users, particularly those who are not tech-savvy or unfamiliar with takeoff software.
Limited Integration: Users have cited limitations in integrating Active Takeoff with other construction management tools and platforms, potentially creating extra steps in the workflow.
Performance Issues: There are reports of the software occasionally running slowly or lagging, especially when handling larger projects with more extensive takeoff requirements.
Cost Prohibitive: For small businesses or independent contractors, the cost of Active Takeoff can be a barrier, with some users feeling it does not offer a sufficient cost-to-benefit ratio for less frequent use.
Limited Customer Support: A few users have mentioned challenges in getting timely and effective customer support when encountering issues or needing assistance with the software.
No Mac Support: Active Takeoff is not natively available for Mac OS, which can deter users who are working on Apple's platform and do not wish to use emulation or other workarounds.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that while the basic takeoff features are solid, Active Takeoff lacks advanced features and customizations that are available in competing products.
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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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Active Takeoff garners praise for its user-friendly interface and efficient scaling tools, making it a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the construction industry. Users commend its intuitive layout, streamlined workflows, and accurate calculations, often highlighting its time-saving benefits compared to manual takeoff methods. Compared to competitors, some users find Active Takeoff less feature-rich, particularly for complex projects. However, its affordability and ease of use are often cited as major strengths, attracting users who prioritize user experience and value over advanced functionalities. One key differentiator is Active Takeoff's cloud-based storage and mobile app compatibility. Users appreciate the accessibility and convenience of accessing plans, measurements, and estimates from any device, boosting field productivity and collaboration. Additionally, its integration with Excel allows for flexible cost management and reporting, something users value when dealing with diverse project requirements. Ultimately, user reviews suggest Active Takeoff is a solid choice for contractors, estimators, and design firms seeking user-friendly and efficient takeoff software at a reasonable price. While it might not be the most feature-packed option, its strengths in usability, affordability, and accessibility make it a compelling solution for various construction needs.

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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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