The Kreo alternative
that reads the whole set.
Kreo brings AI auto-measure to 2D takeoff and estimating in the browser. Pilars goes further — fully automated AI takeoff that reads every sheet and the spec book together, resolves schedules, flags code issues, and prices it per trade instead of per seat.
What is Kreo?
Kreo is cloud-based AI takeoff and estimating software that uses automatic element detection and auto-measure to speed up 2D quantity takeoff, then turns measurements into cost estimates. It is a capable, modern browser-based tool with a strong auto-measure workflow for general contractors and subcontractors.
Where Pilars is different
Pilars is fully automated AI takeoff built for the entire bid. It reads the full plan set and the spec book together, resolves references across sheets and schedules (door, window, fixture), flags code-compliance issues against IBC, NEC, IPC, IMC, ADA and NFPA, and returns a confidence score on every quantity — for every trade, not just measurement.
Pilars vs Kreo
| Capability | Pilars | Kreo |
|---|---|---|
| Fully automated takeoff | Yes | AI auto-measure, assisted |
| Cross-sheet reference resolution | Yes | Limited |
| Reads door / window / fixture schedules | Yes | Limited |
| Spec-book parsing | Yes | No |
| Code-compliance flagging | Yes | No |
| Trade-specific counts (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) | Yes | 2D measure + estimating |
| Confidence score per quantity | Yes | Partial |
| Cloud — nothing to install | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing model | $100 per trade, per plan | Per seat / subscription |
Comparison based on public documentation as of 2026. Kreo is a trademark of its owner; this is an independent comparison.
Why teams switch from Kreo to Pilars
One pass, every trade
Pilars counts devices, fixtures and equipment and traces runs across electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete and drywall in a single automated pass.
Specs + drawings together
Pilars reads the spec book alongside the drawings and resolves schedule references, so scope that lives in the specs doesn't fall through the cracks.
Compliance built in
Every takeoff is checked against IBC, NEC, IPC, IMC, ADA and NFPA, surfacing risk before the bid goes out — not after.
Per-trade pricing
$100 per trade, per plan with no per-seat licenses, so a shared estimating team scales without seat creep.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Kreo alternative?
Pilars is the best fully automated Kreo alternative — it adds cross-sheet reference resolution, spec-book parsing, code-compliance flagging and confidence-scored quantities for every trade, at $100 per trade, per plan rather than per seat.
Is there a good alternative to Kreo?
Yes — Pilars is a fully automated alternative to Kreo. Where Kreo focuses on AI auto-measure for 2D takeoff and estimating, Pilars reads the entire plan set and spec book, resolves references across sheets and schedules, and flags code issues.
What is alternative software to Kreo for multi-trade takeoff?
Pilars is alternative software to Kreo that covers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, drywall and finishes with trade-specific models, returning bid-ready quantities sourced to the sheet.
Is Pilars cheaper than Kreo?
Pilars uses transparent $100-per-trade, per-plan pricing with no per-seat licenses, so shared estimating teams do not pay per user. Kreo is typically priced per seat / subscription.
How is Pilars different from Kreo?
Kreo auto-measures and estimates 2D drawings. Pilars reads the full plan set and spec book together, resolves schedules, flags compliance issues against IBC, NEC, IPC, IMC, ADA and NFPA, and returns a confidence score on every quantity.