Paid software offers more “out-of-the-box” functionality than free software, as well as training, support and integration with other critical applications, such as accounting and construction management software. Fortunately, there are affordable estimating and takeoff products that also offer free trials.
![Free plan takeoff software Free plan takeoff software](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125424083/954257769.png)
. An Estimate Template in CostMiner can be thought of as an advanced pricelist that in addition to item descriptions and rates defines the structure of the estimate with all required headings.
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For example, when you add a new item 'Excavator' form the template, the system also creates 'Site preparation' and 'Equipment hire' headings above it or places the item where it is supposed to be if the headings already exist. Combining the Shared Quantities and Measurements feature of CostMiner with the Job Templates allows completing construction takeoff for a typical project within a few clicks on the plan and creating a cost estimate without entering any additional data.