PlanSwift vs Bluebeam: Features, Pricing, Best Use Cases

If you are about to embark on a construction project and are looking for a construction estimating tool, then read this informative and valuable article. In this article, we are going to discuss two promising and advanced software programs, PlanSwift vs Bluebeam, with you in detail. We will also uncover their capabilities, pricing, and where they can be ideally applied.

In this day of age, the realm of construction has been completely taken over by technology. Whether it is construction itself or a project’s cost estimation, every segment of construction is now technology-driven in one way or another.

On top of that, professional contractors, cost estimators, and other key players now heavily rely on these modern tools. Incorporating these tools in construction activities ensures that you are always one step ahead at all times.

PlanSwift vs Bluebeam – A Comprehensive Understanding

Both of these platforms are used in the construction industry. But they are utilized for completely different purposes.

Note that choosing between these two requires you to do detailed research. Also, you need to know the parameters of your construction project. This will broaden your perspective, thus enabling you to make the right choice.

Furthermore, the discussion ahead will provide you with clarity on which is the Best Estimating Software that can ideally meet your project’s demands.

PlanSwift’s Role In Construction

This specialized software is popular for takeoffs and a project’s cost estimation. Professionals who mostly favor this tool are estimators, contractors, and builders.

The reason why this software is favored by these professionals is its ability to digitally calculate the required resources, especially materials and labour, right from construction plans. These plans can be drawings, blueprints, construction drafts, or sketches.

Cornerstone Features of PlanSwift

Digital Construction Takeoff

This tool provides a point and client feature for Construction Takeoff Services. It enables estimators to measure dimensions and calculate square footage directly from digital construction plans.

Built-in Cost Database

This software offers built-in cost databases, and you can also introduce your own pricing. On top of that, it automates the estimated cost total when a particular takeoff is performed.

Specific Trades Library

Planswift comes with comprehensive trade lineups, ranging from HVAC/plumbing through electrical, concrete, roofing, and many others. This enables one to make trade-specific takeoffs and estimates.

Assembled Estimation

With PlanSwift, you can develop customised assemblies of materials that provide you with automated quantity count and their costs. Thus, making it an optimal choice for the MEP system.

PlanSwift’s Pricing Mechanism

This software offers an unlimited license that comes in the form of:

Standard

The cost of a standard license for PlanSwift is around $1500, and this amount has to be paid just once.

Premium

A premium grade PlanSwift license cost starts from $1800, and can go up to $2000 depending on the features included.

Note that both of these licenses offer one one-time payment. But you may need to pay an amount of $355 for annual maintenance or an upgrade.

Best Case Scenarios

Planswift yields the best possible outcomes in the following cases:

• For cost estimation and takeoffs in a construction project.
• If there are take-offs that need to be made, such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and so forth.
• If you are in search of one-off costs, rather than yearly charges.
• When you want software that offers features tailored to estimation and bidding.

Protip

Based on the above discussion, it can be concluded that this tool can prove itself worthy for an MEP Estimating Company. This is because of its feature of trade-specific services.

A Wholesome Introduction to Bluebeam

Bluebeam is considered an essential tool in the AEC industry. This is because of its vast collaborative capabilities, which are based on the PDF formatting. However, it is not considered an estimation software, but it provides exceptional takeoff capabilities because of its measuring tools.

Bluebeam’s Imperative Features

PDF Editing

This tool offers the ability to create, edit, and combine PDFs. It possesses professional-grade tools that allow experts to exclude any information.

Promotes Collaboration

Bluebeam enables real-time collaboration among different professionals. In other words, several professionals can view the same information simultaneously.

Takeoff Services

This tool is equipped with measurement tools. These tools are primarily used for dimensional calculations, such as height, width, volume, and like. Note that it is not as dedicated as PlanSwift, which, along with takeoff, also provides estimating features.

3D Support

Bluebeam also offers 3D PDF file viewing. This means that it can be very useful for viewing BIM models of a construction project.

Bluebeam’s Pricing System

This tool offers a subscription-based pricing system, which is divided into the following:

Standard

This subscription offers an amount of $32 a month, or if you want a yearly subscription, it would cost around $346.

Complete

A Complete subscription to Bluebeam with cloud collaboration will cost you $51 per month and $577 per year.

Best Application Cases

• For construction documentation management in a detailed PDF format.
• When team collaboration is a priority in a project.
• For documentation comparison to evaluate change orders and track costs
• For assessing a 3D BIM model of a construction project.

Protip

Bluebeam proves its urgency in project management and for field supervision. Also, it is utilized to coordinate designs and control quality and project documentation.

The Movement Towards Digitalization

The construction industry has observed a major trend of digitalization. This has helped in ensuring that each process in the construction, from planning to the end result, is flawless. Because these errors are minimized, outcomes are more productive.

Other than PlanSwift and Bluebeam, there are also various tools that are known for their diligence. These tools are capable of streamlining the entire construction project.

A few most recognized tools in the construction industry are:

• Xactimate
• Trimble
• Quest Estimating
• ConEst
• FastDuct Estimating
• FastPipe Estimating
• STACK
• Building Information Modeling

Closing Remarks

PlanSwift vs Bluebeam – Which is the right tool for you? Well, the answer to this question has been efficiently discussed in this information-driven article. In this article, an introduction to each of these software has been thoroughly discussed, along with what features they possess and how much they cost. Moreover, before choosing, you also need to understand what your construction project requires. Because either it’s PlanSwift or Bluebeam, each has its own characteristics and plays different roles in a construction project.