What is construction takeoff software?
A takeoff is the process of measuring quantities — linear feet, square feet, units — directly from plans, so they can be priced. Traditionally this means a estimator with a digitizer or on-screen takeoff tool, manually clicking through PDF or CAD drawings.
AI construction takeoff software automates the reading step: it ingests a PDF plan set, identifies the relevant elements (walls, panels, fixtures, rooms) and produces a structured quantity list — the input a bid needs, without the manual measuring.
Bidding software and CPQ — what's the difference?
The terms overlap but describe different parts of the same pipeline:
- Takeoff software — turns plans into quantities.
- CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software — turns quantities into a priced line-item quote, applying catalogue prices and labour rates automatically.
- Bidding software — packages the priced quote into a professional bid document, tracks submission deadlines, and often integrates tender/RFP monitoring.
Most contractors piece these together from 2-3 separate tools. The gap between them — re-typing quantities into a pricing sheet, then re-formatting the sheet into a bid — is where most of the time (and most of the errors) happen.
Why generic takeoff/bidding tools fall short in Quebec
Popular North American takeoff and CPQ tools are built for a US market and don't natively handle:
| Requirement | Generic US takeoff/CPQ tool | SubmitX |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 CCQ hourly labour rates | Not included | Built in, updated yearly |
| Quebec materials catalogue (CAD pricing) | US catalogue only | Quebec catalogue included |
| RBQ licence / SEAO fields on the bid | Manual | Automatic |
| French-language bids | Rarely | Native FR/EN |
| Takeoff → price → bid in one flow | Often 2-3 tools | One app |
All in one
Fix your takeoff and bidding problems — and every other headache — in one platform
Estimating, projects, field work, CCQ payroll, invoicing: SubmitX brings it all together in one place. Leave your details and a team member will show you how it works on your own cases.
- Estimating
- Projects & field
- CCQ payroll
- Invoicing
A team member will get in touch. Something urgent? Call 514-835-8734.
Meanwhile, you can try SubmitX free for 7 days.
How SubmitX's takeoff-to-bid pipeline works
Upload the plan set
PDF plans go in; the AI TakeOff engine identifies quantities by trade — walls, doors, fixtures, panels, rooms — depending on the scope you flag.
Automatic CPQ pricing
Each quantity is priced from the live Quebec materials catalogue; labour hours are costed at current CCQ rates by classification, benefits included.
One-click professional bid
The priced takeoff becomes a branded PDF bid — your RBQ number, terms and logo included — ready to send, no re-formatting.
Track and follow up
Bids stay linked to the project; win/loss and follow-ups are tracked in the same place instead of a separate spreadsheet.
💡 Example: a general contractor bidding several SEAO tenders a month can start each bid from an AI takeoff with automatic CCQ pricing, then review and validate quantities before sending.
Pricing and return on investment
SubmitX pricing is provided on request, with a free 7-day trial and no credit card required. For a contractor submitting 5-10 bids a week, the time saved on takeoff and pricing alone typically pays for the subscription within the first bid of the month.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best construction takeoff software?
For Quebec contractors, SubmitX combines AI takeoff (reads PDF plans and quantifies materials automatically) with built-in CCQ labour rates and bidding — so the takeoff feeds directly into a professional bid instead of a separate spreadsheet step.
What is CPQ software in construction?
CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote) software automates pricing based on rules and catalogues. In construction, SubmitX plays that role: it prices materials from a Quebec materials catalogue and labour from current CCQ rates, then generates the quote automatically.
Is construction bidding software worth it for a small contractor?
Often yes — AI drafts the bid from your plans and CCQ rates, you review and validate it, and a single extra won contract per month can cover the subscription. A free plan exists. SubmitX offers a free 7-day trial; pricing is on request.
Prepare your next bids with SubmitX
AI drafts the bid, you review it before it goes out. 7-day trial, no credit card.
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