Still using paper takeoffs in 2025...

I finally switched to digital takeoff software last month after my old boss retired. He swore by the printed blueprints and colored pencils, said it was the only way to catch mistakes. I did a 40,000 square foot commercial roof estimate in 3 hours on Bluebeam versus 2 days by hand. Has anyone else made the jump away from paper and felt like they were betraying the old guys?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordan_henderson132d ago

felt like you were betraying the old guys"... it's a piece of software, not a family heirloom. I still use paper sometimes for quick rough sketches on site, but spending two days on a takeoff when you can do it in three hours isn't loyalty, it's just wasting time.

mark_green2d ago

Man I felt this in my soul lol. I remember my first time using digital takeoff software I was so paranoid I was gonna mess something up I double checked everything by hand anyway. Ended up taking just as long but with the added bonus of a headache.

alice9282d ago

A buddy of mine started working at a new company and they used this fancy takeoff software. He spent the whole first week doing everything by hand after the software was done because he didn't trust it. His boss finally pulled him aside and told him if he didn't start using the tool right they'd have to let him go. Now he swears by it and says he'd never go back to paper unless the power goes out. Funny how fear of getting fired can change your mind real quick.