Best Quantity Surveying Software and Tools in 2024 [Updated]

What is required at every construction site is the presence of a quantity surveyor. To be more specific, when it comes to the management of money or the estimation of costs while simultaneously adhering to the building standards in an effective manner. In light of this, it is imperative that every construction company make an investment in the most qualified quantity surveyor who guarantees a substantial return on investment over the course of the project’s duration.

In order to earn the reputation of being a good quantity surveyor, you need to produce a good takeoff. This will ensure that the client is aware of the prices of the elements that have been identified, which is essential for the production of the Bill of Quantities.Many different kinds of businesses can choose from among the hundreds of different software packages that are available. Finding a package that is suitable for your requirements is the most difficult challenge.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

In the field of construction, a quantity surveyor is frequently considered to be a position that combines elements of the roles of an architect, engineer, contractor, lawyer, and accountant. The purpose of quantity surveying is to generate estimates of the anticipated costs of the project, forecast the length of time required to complete the work, and guarantee the most significant possible profits for all aspects of the project. Quantity surveyors are responsible for overseeing construction projects in essence. In order to generate an accurate cost estimate for each project, or at the very least, a figure that is within the range of the project’s actual cost, they investigate the minute details of each construction project.

The ability to collect data that is specific to a project and store it in a way that makes it easy to access is something that influential quantity surveyors are aware of. Among the many responsibilities that a quantity surveyor is expected to carry out, this is just one of them. Many of them are now using some of the most advanced quantity surveying software that is currently available in order to simplify the process. A quantity surveyor, who is also frequently referred to as a project estimator, is someone who is very knowledgeable about the components of a construction project.

It should come as no surprise that a significant number of quantity surveyors have shifted their focus from traditional methods to the utilization of software applications. This is because the most advanced quantity surveying software available today incorporates BIM capabilities, 2D and 3D takeoff, and report writers that can be customized. It is now possible for them to produce electronic takeoffs in a quick and simple manner. These takeoffs can quickly measure areas, lengths, and counts, and they can automatically extract numbers with just a few clicks each.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

QS software

The act of takeoff itself is one of the steps in the process of estimating the costs of a project that is both time-consuming and prone to errors. In the past, manual quantity takeoffs were typically executed with paper drawings serving as the foundation. Completing this task was not only challenging but also time-consuming.

Through the use of 3D BIM models, quantity surveyors are now able to directly collect quantities and measurements during the process of estimating the costs of a project. As a result of the fact that new measurements or revisions are automatically updated in the schedules, BIM tools guarantee that the information related to quantity surveying is consistent. When it comes to quantity surveying software, the best software can speed up the process and provide more accurate takeoffs, even when dealing with complex components. They are able to effortlessly enter takeoff data into the estimating program that is utilized by contractors the most frequently all over the world.

Users can anticipate that their tender values will be more in line with their estimates, that budget and value accountability will be higher, that addendum bills of quantities will be less likely to occur, that high-cost components will be identified early, and that building quality and performance will all be improved. All of these things will be possible because of the implementation of this system.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

Advantages of Using Quantity Surveying Software

One of the additional benefits of utilizing quantity surveying software is the capability to initiate the takeoff procedure directly from an image or blueprint file type by utilizing powerful point-and-click features. This is one of the advantages.

Taking measurements can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time by utilizing instruments that are capable of reproducing measurements. Software that is considered to be the best for quantity surveying also includes tools that enable you to copy measurements exactly as you want from one drawing to another. In essence, they combine all of the surveying and quantity data from the construction project into a single “electronic” file that is flexible and easy to access. This file contains drawing files, copies of the plans, measurements, and other information.

Quantity surveyors are responsible for ensuring that cost planning is carried out in an effective manner. This ensures that everything that takes place after a realistic project cost estimate has been agreed upon by the stakeholders, including the tender and the final project costs, is in accordance with the estimate.

As a result of continuous process monitoring, the risk of project overruns is reduced because it is now possible to identify them at an earlier stage and take corrective action more quickly. Quantity surveyors play an important role in assisting architects in comparing the costs of various building assemblies or finishings, as well as providing estimates of both budget and cost. The primary objective of the quantity surveyor is to generate a profit for the stakeholder. Inadequate craftsmanship and costly errors have put the project’s outcomes in jeopardy, which could have serious consequences. In the event that you, as a quantity surveyor, make mistakes that are expensive and disregard details, you run the risk of losing your career or your clients.

Utilizing quantity surveying software allows for the measurement, definition, and pricing of quantities with the least amount of labor that is feasible, while simultaneously significantly increasing productivity. Therefore, it is a good idea to make use of the best quantity surveying software that may be found.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

Quantity surveyors have been mentioned as having the potential to play crucial roles in the fight against corruption in the construction industry. Only a quantity surveyor is specifically trained to examine a project’s expenses, despite the fact that other members of a construction team, such as engineers and architects, are also capable of doing so. Quantity surveyors are able to quickly determine whether or not a budget is cloudy, and they are also able to pinpoint the causes of these cloudy budgets. Although the most advanced quantity surveying software has improved the overall effectiveness of quantity surveyors and elevated their position within a construction project, the knowledge that they possess is still required for the project. A bill of quantities can now be generated by a software program, but it is not able to determine whether or not it is possible to construct a shopping mall in a particular location. The use of takeoff and estimate software allows for the determination and management of the costs associated with a construction project. On the other hand, only a quantity surveyor is able to provide services such as viability assessments and provide specific advice.

It’s possible that some of those suggestions are founded on the principles of sustainable building or green built construction. In this scenario, the client would initially be required to spend a little bit more money on the project; however, in the long run, they would end up saving more money. The position of quantity surveyors is still extremely important, despite the fact that they may not be as dominant in certain fields that they once controlled.

For instance, the quantity surveyor is still accountable for safeguarding the client’s interests in the negotiation process. One of the most common things that an architect does is write down his dreams because they are often creative. There is a high probability that it will be a beautiful creation or a piece of art. The quantity surveyor will make use of software designed specifically for quantity surveying in order to guarantee that the plan is within the client’s financial constraints and that any necessary modifications will not deviate too far from the architect’s initial design.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

List of the Top Quantity Surveying software

Listed below are some of the most effective and leading quantity surveying software programs that are utilized in the construction industry.

1. Microsoft Excel

Excel is a program that is required for virtually all types of businesses and organizations. Microsoft Excel can be utilized for a variety of purposes, ranging from the creation of a simple calculation to the development of a complex Gantt chart.

It is possible to prepare a wide variety of documents, including bills of quantity, progress reports, bar schedules, financial accounts, and many others. Alternatives to Excel are also available for use with internet tools, Mac computers, and Windows computers.

As an alternative to the UQTO add-on toolbar, the most widely used program as well as an alternative is Microsoft Excel. Nearly eighty percent of the work is completed by a quantity surveyor through the use of the Microsoft Excel program. Excel is used for a variety of purposes, including the preparation of cashflows, budgets, bills of quantities, and comparative statements. The creation of charts, the validation of data, the use of conditional formatting, and the drawing of pivot tables are some additional significant yet common applications.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

2. PRISM

The PRISM Estimating software is a project cost estimation tool that is designed for companies that require uniformity and centralization of estimates and data related to estimating activities.

The users of PRISM Estimating have the ability to generate conceptual estimates for feasibility studies, which ultimately leads to a variety of comprehensive estimates that are helpful in the process of acquiring work and developing budgets that can be relied upon. The time has come for a better and more accurate estimate, despite the fact that Microsoft Excel is unable to control, validate, or standardize any of the inputs or formula computations that are contained within each estimate. We are aware that you have been completing the estimates using spreadsheets.

It is utilized by businesses that require consistent data estimation in order to estimate the costs of projects. Individuals who make use of the PRISM Estimating software are able to generate conceptual estimates in order to finish the work and develop a fair budget.

The program has benefits for teamwork and helps to align the budget and anticipated expenditures in order to eliminate potential risks associated with the project. Every one of the estimated classes can be managed by a single system. Carbon estimation capabilities are provided by PRISM Estimating in order to provide a unified platform for the estimation of costs and carbon from the cradle to the grave.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

When used in conjunction with the PRISM Cost module, this function within PRISM Estimating expands the capability to incorporate carbon tracking at the end of the period.

The calculation of embedded carbon takes place at the resource level and occurs at the same time that the estimate is generated in PRISM Estimating. When the estimator makes adjustments to the materials that are being considered and the construction methods that are being utilized, the organization is able to monitor how the cost and carbon will change as a result of these modifications. As a result of the software’s carbon tracking capabilities, project groups are able to take into consideration a variety of options when comparing costs and carbon emissions. By doing so, we provide our customers with a straightforward method for evaluating the trade-offs between costs and carbon emissions.

3. Vector Snape

In addition to qualified quantity surveyors, this software is utilized by professionals who specialize in building measurements. This device is utilized by quantity surveyors as a digitizer and CAD measure for the purpose of Direct Entry measuring.

In addition to this, it is utilized in the process of preparing financial accounts, resource analyses, cost plans, and accurate estimates for construction projects. The results can be exported to several different formats, including paper, Excel, and C.I.T.E. Vector is utilized by hundreds of surveyors on a daily basis in order to generate detailed building estimates, cost plans, and bills of quantities for clients of every conceivable type. Vector is essential to the day-to-day operations of a significant number of these businesses and individuals.

Vector is a truly cutting-edge Bill of Quantities program that features drag-and-drop functionality, unlimited undo and redo of any action you take, and all the other capabilities that you would anticipate to find in the most exceptional contemporary Windows products.

More importantly, Vector provides you with a wide range of tools that enable you to deliver documents in a format that is suitable for both you and your client’s temperament. In the same way that you would anticipate an excellent toolkit to include a wide variety of screwdrivers of varying sizes and types, Vector also provides you with the ability to handle the various jobs that come your way in an effective manner.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

4. CostX 

The program known as CostX is among the most popular programs for estimating the costs of construction projects. The capabilities of estimating and takeoff are included in it.

The CostX software includes workbooks, a comparison of subcontractors, and a BIM takeoff in both two and three dimensions. For the purpose of meeting the requirements of the client, you are able to generate cost plans and bills of quantities by producing a personalized report.

There is a seamless integration between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional takeoff, estimation, and configurable reporting that are all available on the same platform. Through the streamlining of your processes, the increase in transparency, and the elimination of misunderstandings, the estimating and takeoff software will be of assistance in streamlining performance.

5. PlanSwift

In terms of quantity takeoff software, PlanSwift is the best option. It can be utilized to compute accurate estimates for any construction project that you may be working on. Downloadable versions of the trial versions are available for free.

For the purpose of organizing material and labor assemblies onto your takeoff, you can make use of the drag-and-drop functionality of this software. PlanSwift is the one that is suggested for use by small businesses.

PlanSwift is one of those programs that is easy to customize to fit your specific profession. Simply put together the waste, supplies, labor, and materials that are used on a regular basis. After that, you will be able to quickly and accurately estimate your expenditures by dragging those assemblies onto the takeoff items!

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

6. PriMus TAKEOFF

PriMus TAKEOFF is widely considered to be among the best software programs for quantity surveying. The removal of the measurement information from your drawing files enables QS to provide accurate cost estimates, which is made possible by this.

This premium software is available in a trial version that is completely free of charge. You are able to draw and modify CAD drawings whenever you need to take off measurements.

Through the process of removing measurement information from project files, the quantity takeoff tool known as PriMus TAKEOFF enables you to generate cost estimates that are both accurate and quick. You can easily extract measurement data from files saved in AutoCAD® DWG or DXF, Adobe® PDF, and images scanned in BMP or JPG with the help of PriMus TAKEOFF thanks to its user-friendly interface. Additionally, the quantity surveyor is able to store both the drawing information and the associated cost estimate data in the DWG file. This is made possible by the fact that PriMus TAKEOFF unifies the two document types, which is something that other software processes are unable to do.

By utilizing this method, it is guaranteed that any modifications made to the drawing will be in complete accordance with the information that is contained within the construction estimate. Naturally, the computer-aided design (CAD) program must be able to work directly with the DWG drawing.

7. QS Plus

QS Plus, also known as QS+, is a piece of software that was developed specifically for quantity surveyors and consulting construction estimators to use in order to estimate costs. Professional estimators are able to generate detailed Bills of Quantities, Cost Plans (Estimations), Valuations, and the Final Account with the help of this cutting-edge software. With the assistance of this software, you will be able to complete tasks in a more expedient and productive manner by entering take-off quantities in a manner that is both convenient and logical.

For the purpose of efficiently managing office paperwork and keeping track of ongoing work on-site, a quantity surveyor will require QS Plus four modules. Each of the four modules of the program can be compared to a phase in the process of managing the finances associated with a construction project. When it comes to construction projects, the first step is to create cost estimates, and the final step is to create final accounts. Every phase of a project is represented by one of the following modules in QS+:

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

QS Plus includes a module that can evaluate and compute the cost of rough sketches created by architects. This module is associated with cost planning and estimation. This can be thought of as either a cost plan or a cost estimate. The program uses a format that is based on the Elemental approach to estimating in order to determine the estimated cost of a building project that is being proposed.

Bill Production: Once the architect has completed the production of working drawings, you can use the QS Plus Bill Production module to create a comprehensive Bill of Quantities during the pre-tender phase of the project. For the purpose of the tendering process, the quantity surveyor is required to develop a BOQ. You can accomplish this in one of two ways: either by converting an elemental estimate to a bill or by measuring the quantities from scratch by removing them from an architectural plan and entering them in the BOQ dimension sheet. Both of these methods are viable options.

Assessments of value: QS Plus will be of assistance to an Estimator in the process of preparing valuations and progress payments throughout the duration of the contract stage. The quantity of work that has been finished, the amount of funds that are available, and particular goods (which can be valued by percentage, quantity, or amount to date) are all factors that can influence the valuations that the QS Plus Valuation Module can provide.
Account Final: Following the conclusion of the contract, an Account Final is compiled. Together with the assistance of the QS+ Final Account module, you will be able to finish the contract amount.

8. WinQS

For the purpose of estimating construction costs, WinQS can be utilized by experts in the fields of quantity surveying, cost engineering, and estimation. Before the development of desktop estimating software, consulting firms used to create bills of quantities on Excel sheets. This was a laborious and time-consuming process that required a lot of time and effort.

Utilizing computer software such as WinQS makes it possible to increase your output in today’s world. Measurement and bill preparation are straightforward tasks that can be completed in a short amount of time thanks to technology that features on-screen take-off. Because WinQS eliminates the need for an estimator to create columns, rows, algorithms, and formatting in the same way that you would on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, it enables them to enter measurements on the take-off interface in a much more expedient manner. While simultaneously saving time, the estimate application helps to reduce the inaccuracies that are typically found in spreadsheet bills. Building a home, office building, commercial property, or government building is not a one-time task; rather, it is a lengthy process that begins with planning the budget (cost estimate) and ends with negotiating the final contract amount. This process begins with the planning of the budget. It is important that you are aware of this if you work as a construction consultant and are responsible for managing construction costs.

One of the seven modules that make up WinQS is able to handle each phase of the contracting process. Modules that are considered to be the most important include those that deal with estimating, bill production, progress valuations, cost reports, and payments.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

9. STACK Estimating Software

Small and medium-sized businesses are able to incorporate the highly effective STACK product into their operations. The web-based estimating and on-screen takeoff capabilities that this product offers are designed specifically for the most qualified contractors, and it proudly displays them.

STACK allows users to precisely estimate costs and establish user-defined prices for bids, which is a feature that most users appreciate. In STACK, the reporting modules can be arranged in a manner that corresponds to the location of the data, the division of the data, or the trade coverage rate. If you want to create the ideal estimating tool for your needs, you can choose from the Basic, Plus, or Pro editions of STACK.

STACK Estimating Software’s main characteristics;

• Accurate measurement using equipment for the area, linear, count, volume, and surface
• Team member management is simple.
• Project organization thanks to the sophisticated OC and bookmarking tools.

10. QE Pro

The most important piece of software that was developed specifically for the purpose of quantity estimating and project planning is called QE-Pro. In addition to educational institutions, practicing civil engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, builders, and contractors, the program provides a great deal of beneficial information. It is possible to incorporate architectural models into the process of generating cost projections.

The following features and capabilities are included in the software:

When a construction model is created, the program will calculate the quantities for the various components. This figure is referred to as the bill of quantities.

For the purpose of obtaining an abstract cost estimate for the construction project, simply multiply the values with the corresponding item rates discovered through the rate analysis. Additionally, reports on resource utilization are generated by the software.

When reports are generated, the quantities that are measured by QE-Pro are automatically arranged in LBD format. It is possible to print and open the document in either Microsoft Excel®, Microsoft Word®, or HTML format.

A library database that is built in and contains more than a thousand entries is available. Users will have the choice to either create a new library or include and specify the library that already exists. Both options will be available to them. The things that are produced by Excel can be easily copied and pasted into this collection through the use of this collection.

Depending on the item, it is categorized into a variety of different heads and groups. Under the category of “Brick Masonry,” for instance, brick walls of varying thicknesses are categorized alongside one another. On the other hand, excavation materials, fills, PCC, plinth masonry, and soling are all sub-categories that fall under the heading “Sub-structure Work.”

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

Conclusion

Numerous software tools have brought about a revolution in the field of quantity surveying, which has resulted in an increase in both accuracy and efficiency. For individuals who are looking for solutions that are both cost-effective and convenient, there are options for free downloads of quantity surveying software. These software programs offer fundamental functionalities that are perfect for individual professionals or smaller projects. The list of software available for quantity surveyors is extensive, designed to meet a variety of requirements and aspects of the job, ranging from the estimation of costs to the management of projects.

The availability of quantity surveying software in India is adapted to meet the local construction standards and practices. This is the case in India. The specific needs of the Indian construction industry were taken into consideration during the design process of these tools. Free tools for quantity surveyor software are readily available for those who are looking for options that do not require any financial investment. These tools provide essential features without the need for a financial commitment. In the field of civil engineering, quantity surveying software plays an essential role because it equips professionals with the tools necessary for precise measurement, cost estimation, and project planning applications. The most effective software for quantity surveying typically combines user-friendliness with comprehensive features such as tracking projects, analyzing data, and producing reports.

Within the realm of quantity surveying, one of the most well-known tools is the CostX software, which is renowned for its sophisticated capabilities in the areas of cost estimation and takeoff. There is BIM software designed specifically for quantity surveyors that can be used for projects that involve Building Information Modeling (BIM). This software enables the seamless integration of quantity surveying tasks with BIM models, which in turn improves their ability to collaborate and their accuracy. Another piece of software that is widely utilized in the field of quantity surveying is called Planswift. It is well-known for its user-friendliness and effectiveness in digital plan management and takeoff. As a result of its customization to conform to the norms and procedures that are frequently used in the Indian construction industry, quantity surveying software India is an indispensable instrument for professionals working in the country.

For those who are looking for solutions that do not cost anything, the free versions of quantity surveying software offer fundamental functionalities that are perfect for beginners or projects of a smaller scale. There is a general consensus that the best quantity surveying software provides an optimal combination of advanced features, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for a wide variety of projects. Lastly, CostX quantity surveying is noted for its detailed approach to cost planning and management, which makes it a preferred choice for professionals who are looking for solutions that take a comprehensive and integrated approach to quantity surveying.

The most advanced software for quantity surveying also includes tools that enable you to copy measurements exactly as you want from one drawing to another for your convenience. They combine all of the survey and quantity data for building projects, such as drawing files, plan copies, measurements, and so on, into a “electronic” file that is extremely flexible, user-friendly, and easily accessible. The responsibilities of a quantity surveyor will continue to be important for as long as buildings are being constructed and maintained. When it comes to the construction industry, having a comprehensive understanding of the tools and methods mentioned above could be beneficial to you in the long run. Even though there are a lot of things that need to be done, we might be able to harness technology in order to provide you with management that is more precise and focused on your successful career.

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!

Become a certified Quantity Surveyor! Enroll Here!