Construction software & tools

Reviews from someone who actually does takeoffs.

I've spent 10 years as a quantity surveyor — measuring drawings, building bills of quantities and fighting over final accounts. Here I test the software and tools that promise to make that work faster, and tell you where they fall short.

Takeoff, estimating & drawing software

Field drawing · Takeoff · Proposals

ArcSite Review (2026)

Draw on site, get a bill of materials as you go, turn it into a signed proposal. Is the jump from $30 to $99 a month worth it?

Read the review →

3D home design

Cedreo Review

3D house plans and renderings for builders and remodelers. Coming soon.

Project management

WunderBuild Review

Scheduling, budgets and site diaries for small builders. Coming soon.

Measuring tools

Laser distance meters

Best Laser Measures for Takeoffs

Accuracy checked against a steel tape on a real room. Coming soon.

Laser levels

Best Laser Levels for Renovation

Line visibility, self-leveling and battery life compared. Coming soon.

Moisture meters

Moisture Meters Before You Paint or Tile

What the readings mean and which meters are worth it. Coming soon.

How we review

We use it on real workSoftware is tested on an actual floor plan; tools on an actual room — not spec sheets.

We check the numbersQuantities and measurements are compared against a manual takeoff or a steel tape.

We say what's not testedIf a review is based on official information only, the page says so clearly.

We update pricesEvery review shows the date its pricing was last checked.

Phat Tran — Quantity Surveyor

10 years in quantity surveying (cost and quantity control) at a private construction company. Day to day: measuring drawings, preparing bills of quantities and payment documents, and getting final accounts signed off with the client. QS Desk is where I test the software and tools I wish I'd had earlier.