Material takeoff software.
A material takeoff is the bill of what a project needs before anyone prices it. Get it wrong and the whole estimate is wrong. Here's how AI gets it right.
What it is
Material takeoff software determines the exact quantities of materials a project requires — the counts, lengths, areas and volumes pulled from the drawings and specs that feed the estimate. Done by hand it is slow and error-prone; a single missed dimension can cost thousands. AI-powered material takeoff automates the extraction so the estimator validates a structured list instead of building it from scratch.
How Pilars does it
Pilars produces material quantities with trade-specific models across 48 CSI divisions, applies real waste-factor and assembly logic where it matters, reconciles against schedules, flags code issues, and exports a clean material list to Excel, Sage or WinEst — every line confidence-scored and sourced to the sheet.
Everything Pilars does
Reads the whole set + spec book
Pilars reads every sheet and the specification book together, resolving references across sheets and schedules — not just one floor plan in isolation.
Trade-specific models
Counts devices, fixtures and equipment and traces runs across 48 CSI divisions — real trade takeoff, not generic area measurement.
Code-compliance flagging
Every takeoff is checked against IBC, NEC, IPC, IMC, ADA and NFPA, so compliance risk surfaces before the bid goes out.
Confidence score on every line
Each quantity carries a confidence score sourced to the exact sheet, so review is fast, targeted and defensible to the GC.
Cross-sheet reasoning
Resolves door, window and fixture schedules and one-line references the way a senior estimator would — catching scope the plan alone hides.
Cloud, with clean exports
Nothing to install. Export bid-ready quantities to Excel, Sage, WinEst and your estimating tool of choice.
Why estimating teams choose Pilars
- 8x faster bidding — a multi-hour takeoff becomes a short review of confidence-scored quantities.
- 94% takeoff coverage on the first pass, so estimators refine rather than rebuild.
- Bid 2–3x more jobs without hiring — and for subs, win rate rises with bid volume.
- $100 per trade, per plan — no per-seat licenses, unlimited projects.
- Quantities sourced to the sheet with a confidence score — defensible to owners and GCs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a material takeoff?
A material takeoff (MTO) is the list of material quantities a project needs — counts, lengths, areas and volumes — derived from the drawings and specifications.
How is material takeoff different from quantity takeoff?
They're largely synonymous; “material takeoff” emphasizes the materials list, “quantity takeoff” the measurement process. Both produce the quantities that feed the estimate.
Does material takeoff software calculate waste factors?
Pilars applies trade-appropriate waste and assembly logic — for example board optimization in drywall — rather than a single flat factor across everything.
Can I export the material list to my estimating tool?
Yes — Pilars exports to Excel, Sage, WinEst and other estimating tools.
Which trades does material takeoff cover?
Pilars covers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete and rebar, drywall, finishes, doors and windows, flooring, structural steel, roofing and millwork.
How much does Pilars cost?
Pilars is $100 per trade, per plan, with no per-seat licenses and unlimited projects — so a shared estimating team scales without seat creep.
Which trades does Pilars support?
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete and rebar, drywall, doors and windows, finishes, flooring, structural steel, roofing and millwork — trade-specific models across 48 CSI divisions.
Does Pilars replace estimators?
No. Pilars automates the extraction and validation — the counting, measuring, reconciliation and code checks — while the estimator owns pricing, scope judgment and risk. It removes the bottleneck, it doesn't remove the expert.
Does Pilars read specifications, not just drawings?
Yes. Pilars reads the spec book alongside the drawings and resolves references across sheets and schedules, so scope that lives in the specs is captured in the takeoff.
Are there free takeoff calculators I can use right now?
Yes — Pilars publishes eight free takeoff calculators with downloadable, formula-driven Excel templates (no sign-up): drywall, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, concrete, rebar, door hardware and windows. They turn quantities you type in into complete material lists; for bid-grade takeoffs read straight off your plans, Pilars AI is $100 per trade.