The PlanHub alternative
for the actual takeoff.
PlanHub is really a bid marketplace — it's where GCs and subs find each other and manage invitations, with takeoff added on. If what you need is the takeoff done well and fast, that's a different tool. Here's the honest split.
PlanHub solves sourcing; Pilars solves takeoff
PlanHub's core value is the network and bid management — finding projects, sending and tracking invitations, organizing the bid pipeline. Its takeoff is a convenience feature, digital and assisted. Pilars does one thing: turn a plan set into bid-ready, confidence-scored quantities automatically, with spec reading and code flagging. They're not really competitors so much as different layers of the bid stack.
When you'd pick Pilars
When the bottleneck is the takeoff itself — when you're declining invitations because you can't get the quantities done fast enough. Many teams keep PlanHub (or another bid board) for sourcing and run Pilars for the takeoff, then push quantities into their estimate.
| Capability | Pilars | PlanHub |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Automated takeoff | Bid network / sourcing |
| Fully automated takeoff | Yes | Assisted |
| Reads the spec book | Yes | No |
| Code-compliance flagging | Yes | No |
| Confidence score per quantity | Yes | No |
| Pricing | $100 per trade, per plan | Subscription / network |
Based on public documentation as of 2026. PlanHub is a trademark of its owner; this is an independent comparison.
Questions estimators actually ask
Is PlanHub a takeoff tool or a bid platform?
Primarily a bid network and preconstruction platform — sourcing and managing invitations — with takeoff added. If takeoff quality and speed is your need, a dedicated tool like Pilars fits better.
Can I use both?
Yes, and many do — PlanHub (or another bid board) to find and manage work, Pilars to actually produce the takeoff fast.
Does Pilars help me find projects to bid?
No — Pilars is focused on the takeoff. It helps you bid more of the projects you already have invitations for by removing the takeoff bottleneck.
Pricing?
Pilars is $100 per trade, per plan, no per-seat fees, unlimited projects.