What users are saying about
35 Ratings
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Based on 35 reviews and ratings
4 Ratings
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Based on 4 reviews and ratings
Likelihood to Recommend
On-Screen Takeoff
I think most of the reasoning was just provided on the previous pros and cons questions. On-Screen Takeoff (OST) is well suited for doing either quick takeoffs or getting into an elaborate, detailed takeoff. All though the viewing tools are quick and easy, I would still very much prefer using BlueBeam for looking through an overall set of drawings. With all of the hyperlink and bookmark functions of BlueBeam, OST doesn't compare and I rarely use OST unless I'm actually doing a takeoff.

Verified User
Professional in Other
Construction Company, 1001-5000 employeesWinEst
WinEst is truly built for everyone. Their assemblies/database linking is perfect for self perform and subcontractors while their database management and custom reporting is perfect for GCs. While Excel set the bar, WinEst is on another planet. With the immediacy required by today's markets, WinEst allows you to deliver a superior product while being more accurate.
Estimator
Power ConstructionConstruction, 201-500 employees
Feature Rating Comparison
Construction Project & Field Management
On-Screen Takeoff
6.7
WinEst
—
Plan distribution & viewing
On-Screen Takeoff
8.9
WinEst
—
Plan markups & sharing
On-Screen Takeoff
8.5
WinEst
—
Issue tracking & punchlists
On-Screen Takeoff
5.0
WinEst
—
Photo documentation
On-Screen Takeoff
1.1
WinEst
—
Jobsite reports
On-Screen Takeoff
9.0
WinEst
—
Document sharing
On-Screen Takeoff
7.0
WinEst
—
RFI tools
On-Screen Takeoff
7.5
WinEst
—
Collaboration & approvals
On-Screen Takeoff
4.0
WinEst
—
As-built drawings
On-Screen Takeoff
6.4
WinEst
—
Mobile app
On-Screen Takeoff
9.0
WinEst
—
Estimating
On-Screen Takeoff
7.4
WinEst
8.6
Takeoff tools
On-Screen Takeoff
9.6
WinEst
3.0
Job costing
On-Screen Takeoff
8.0
WinEst
10.0
Cost databases
On-Screen Takeoff
6.0
WinEst
10.0
Cost calculator
On-Screen Takeoff
7.1
WinEst
10.0
Bid creation
On-Screen Takeoff
6.1
WinEst
10.0
Pros
On-Screen Takeoff
- The biggest thing for me is that it is so easy to use, which allows it to be used widely throughout our organization without a lot of intense training.
- Another great thing is that it does not matter how big or little the scope of the take off may be, it works just as well for a whole 12 story building take off as it does for a stretch of sidewalk.
Project Engineer
Okland ConstructionConstruction, 501-1000 employees
WinEst
- It's very flexible when building an estimate and selecting items to include. You can either click your way to the datebase or quickly copy and paste similar items.
- The numerous ways to view and estimate whether it's by CSI, Uniformat, Master Format, or any view you'd like to see. One of ours is by program area, i.e. Sitework, Tower, Parking Deck, etc. After that, you can sort by Bid Package, CSI, etc. Quick buttons can be created far all the views you'd need which allows changing between views a breeze.
- The visual interface is pleasing and easy to read.
- It's easy to create your own database using Excel. Once you tag an item with unit costs, sort codes, etc., Winest will import it. You can also build it manually within the program but Excel was faster.
Senior Preconstruction Manager
Balfour Beatty Construction USConstruction, 1001-5000 employees
Cons
On-Screen Takeoff
- It would be nice if you could select an object that occurs on multiple sheets, copy, and paste it into change orders or alternates.
- If you could search for where a certain condition is being used (which sheet) and go directly to that page or pages, that would be cool.
Senior Estimator
Spacecon Specialty Contractors, LLC.Construction, 51-200 employees
WinEst
- At times, WinEst controls feel counter intuitive. Also the tools available for actually developing the database can feel clunky. This means that if you do not take the time to create a robust import file, you will spend a serious amount of time fixing your errors.
- WinEst is also an object based database which means that it is difficult to do mass dumps of information (mainly takeoff) into the program. While this is great for ensuring that everything is done purposefully, it does lead to extended hours of data entry
- It takes hours upon hours of use before you begin to realize the true potential. The sheer number of tools is overwhelming and their help resources are very basic and only explain how to correctly enter the data but not the feature's best use cases.
Estimator
Power ConstructionConstruction, 201-500 employees
Support Rating
On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff 8.7
Based on 6 answers
The On-Screen Takeoff support staff has helped several coworkers and myself on a wide array of issues. They are typically fast in their response time and willing to help no matter the issue. During one call in particular, I was able to get my issue resolved and even learned a feature of the product that I didn't previously know about. A++ rating!

Verified User
Employee in Other
Construction Company, 51-200 employeesWinEst
WinEst 10.0
Based on 2 answers
Doug Quinn was our trainer and travels all over the country. Whenever I have an issue I shoot him an email and he quickly responds as soon as his training gets a break.
Senior Preconstruction Manager
Balfour Beatty Construction USConstruction, 1001-5000 employees
Alternatives Considered
On-Screen Takeoff
Being able to train individuals in a single afternoon on the program and trusting them to get you something usable as soon as possible is quite invaluable. It is also something that I feel is unique to this program. It is just easier.

Verified User
Employee in Other
Construction Company, 501-1000 employeesWinEst
WinEst simply blows excel and Timberline out of the water. The shear depth of functionality is unparalleled. Not only does WinEst deliver a better product, it also shortens the amount of man hours required for each bid, alternate, pricing exercise, etc. On top of this, it has a number of redundant safeguards for catching errors that the others don't have.
Estimator
Power ConstructionConstruction, 201-500 employees
Return on Investment
On-Screen Takeoff
- The software has more than paid for itself because the company has been able to save lots of money when awarding to subs since it is easy to verify quantities to qualify their bids.
- Less of a chance of under-ordering products since the visible audit trail improves accuracy. Also you spend less since you aren't ordering more than you should be.

Verified User
Project Manager in Other
Architecture & Planning Company, 11-50 employeesWinEst
- We've not measured the rate of return but WinEst has made us much more efficient and organized.
Senior Preconstruction Manager
Balfour Beatty Construction USConstruction, 1001-5000 employees
Pricing Details
On-Screen Takeoff
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No
WinEst
General
Free Trial
—Free/Freemium Version
—Premium Consulting/Integration Services
—Entry-level set up fee?
No