.webp)
Beam AI vs Autodesk Takeoff
Why Top Contractors are Switching from Autodesk to Beam AI
Beam AI is the best alternative to Autodesk Takeoff as it fully automates takeoffs, saving 90% of your time while you bid 2X more jobs.
Trusted by 900+ businesses across the US & Canada
.png)
.png)
%201.svg)
Get your AI takeoff in 4 simple steps
Beam AI does automated takeoffs for you and delivers them in 24-72 hours, once reviewed by a Quality Assurance team.
Beam AI vs Autodesk Takeoff: Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison
Beam AI
Autodesk Takeoff
Fully AI-based takeoffs
Fully automated via AI with no manual tracing — Upload site plans, define scope, and AI takes off quantities.
Semi-automated — still requires manual selection in 2D; automation primarily through 3D BIM integration
QA reviewed takeoffs
Multi‑trade coverage
Automated addenda handling
Cloud-based software
Apply custom calculations and classifications
Model & drawing support
Manual controls/customization
Export formats
Team collaboration
Seeing something inaccurate? Let us know
Beam AI vs Active Takeoff: Feature-by-feature Comparison
Autodesk Takeoff
Beam AI
AI-based automated takeoffs
Cloud-based software
Multi-user configuration
Automated addenda handling
Takeoff reviewed by experts
Takeoffs for 15+ trades
Auto-save takeoffs after editing
Auto-detect plan scale
Real-time collaboration
Seeing something inaccurate? Let us know
Automated takeoffs & quality-checked results - Why Beam AI is the Best Autodesk Takeoff Alternative
100% automated takeoffs
Beam AI auto-detects specs, symbols, and keyed-in notes to do complete takeoffs for you, just like an estimator would. Our AI-based takeoff software completely automates the process and delivers the final bid-ready takeoffs within 24-72 hours. Beam AI automatically extracts material quantities for you, saving you time and reducing human error.
Get a demo
Takeoff accuracy guaranteed
Every takeoff is processed by AI and then meticulously checked by the quality assurance team, guaranteeing ±1% of your in-house takeoff accuracy.
Get a demo
.webp)
Full trade coverage vs. partial scope
Unlike Autodesk takeoff, where trade coverage is reliant on user-defined categories and BIM model content, Beam AI supports 15+ trades, including HVAC/mechanical, concrete, electrical, plumbing, masonry, flooring, drywall, painting, and more.
Get a demo
Why Our Customers Vouch for Beam AI
How does Beam AI help businesses save 90% of the time, help bid 2X more, and secure more projects? Hear directly from our customers about their success.
"With Beam AI, we’ve doubled our revenue from $6M to $12M and cut our bid turnaround from five days to just two. Beam AI has been exceptionally helpful!"
John C Meyer
Project Manager & Business Development Services, Legacy Companies, Inc
"With Beam AI, we’re saving up to a full day on large projects, increasing bid volume, and improving turnaround time. We’ve submitted 50 more bids in just 6 months, and focused more on estimating, project management, and team expansion!"
Ryan Meers
Estimator/Project Manager, Bommarito Construction
Beam AI has proven to us that their AI is more than capable of handling the most complicated and detailed takeoffs beyond perfection... They take it to a level of art. The Takeoff presentation is so stunning I want to print out large scale reproductions to hang around the office so I can admire their architectural beauty all day long. We are BEAM believers!
Bram Bessoff
ADG Services
Using Beam AI's automated takeoff software has significantly improved our estimating process. It has allowed me to keep up with the 3 to 4 invitations and prepare more bids than my competitors. We have already begun to see our first successful bid with Beam - which we wouldn't have won without it.
Philip Butler
CEO, Spalding Concrete Company
"With Beam AI, we’re saving 2 days of work each week. Our bid volume has doubled, our win rate has skyrocketed, and we’ve grown from $900K to $2M in just a couple of months!"
Bryan Ramirez
Senior Estimator, Rays Stairs Inc.
Beam AI has been a game-changer for the business with its accurate, auto-generated takeoffs that keep my bids competitive. Their support team is incredibly responsive and ensures any issue is resolved quickly. I couldn’t recommend them more!
Steve Conley
Omnia Site Management
Beam AI has been fantastic, allowing me to focus more on reviewing every detail and specification instead of doing the takeoffs. It makes the bidding process more efficient, eliminates errors, and improves the accuracy of each deliverable.
Irana Perez
Estimator, Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors Inc.
Beam AI's automated takeoff software has streamlined our takeoff process, saving time and improving accuracy. I can now handle more bids than ever, and the seamless support made the transition easy.
Josh Tuttle
Senior Project Manager, Builders Stone and Supply
Beam AI delivers accurate takeoffs, ensuring no hassle in estimating, which has simplified our bidding process. It's a game-changer for contractors across all trades, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
David Smith
Impressions in Concrete Inc.
Beam AI has drastically reduced our bidding time, enabling us to take on more bids with fewer estimators. The team’s support has been exceptional, and we’re excited to see where this partnership takes us.
Dylan Wiman
Rocky Mountain Steel
Beam AI has been instrumental in streamlining our bidding process. Their dedicated team and excellent communication have made it easier for us to meet tight deadlines, providing much-needed relief during busy periods. We’re confident in the bright future ahead with Beam AI and truly appreciate the outstanding work they do.
Brent Wright
Senior Estimator
With significantly less time spent on takeoffs, we can focus on other critical aspects of the project—getting pricing from suppliers, checking material availability, and ensuring bid competitiveness.
Laura De Sanctis
Assistant Director, JBG Flooring and Installation Ltd.
I used to spend 25 hours a week on takeoffs, now it's just 5. Beam AI has freed up enough time that I could potentially handle 800 projects a year instead of 400, without hiring another estimator.
Henry Greenberg
President, Guardian Roofing & Exteriors Inc. and Director of Sales & Marketing, T.U.F.F. Exteriors Inc.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are the takeoffs from Beam AI?
Every takeoff from Beam AI goes through a QA review and is guaranteed to be within ±1% accuracy of your in-house takeoff standards.
Can Beam AI handle multiple trades in one project?
Yes. Beam AI supports 15+ trades, including concrete, steel, drywall, HVAC, electrical, and more. Autodesk supports trades based on user-defined categories and BIM model data, but doesn’t list predefined multi-trade coverage.
Which alternative to Autodesk is best for small businesses?
For small businesses looking for Autodesk alternatives, Beam AI is a top choice due to its automation, accuracy, and ease of use. Its 100% automated takeoffs, built-in quality check, and auto-detection of changes make it a time-saving takeoff software for small teams with limited resources.
What does the pricing structure look like?
Beam AI operates on an annual subscription model, granting you credits in the form of workable sheets for your takeoffs. The annual subscription is built to meet your requirements. You can find all the information related to pricing here. You can book a personalized demo today with our product expert to learn more.
All trademarks and brand names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.
