New AI Estimating Tools Worth Watching
AI takeoff tools have been promising to replace manual quantity surveys for years. Most weren't ready for production work. That's starting to change—with caveats.
Here's what's worth paying attention to in early 2026.
Togal.AI
Togal remains the most established AI takeoff tool for vertical construction. Upload architectural floor plans and it automatically detects rooms, walls, and spaces—measuring area, length, and counts in seconds instead of hours.
The company claims 98% accuracy on floor plans and has partnerships with eTakeoff and ConstructConnect. If you're already using those platforms, Togal integrates directly.
New this year: Togal.CHAT lets you ask questions about your plans in plain English. "How many square feet of carpet in Building A?" The AI searches your uploaded drawings and answers.
Best for: GCs and estimators doing volume bidding on commercial projects with clean architectural drawings.
Limitations: Works best on architectural floor plans. Complex MEP takeoffs still need human review. Pricing isn't public—expect $200-400/seat/month based on industry reports.
Beam AI
Beam AI positions itself as a managed takeoff service rather than software you run yourself. Upload plans, they deliver completed takeoffs with QA checks. They claim accuracy within 1% of in-house work.
The pitch is increased bid capacity without increased headcount. Contractors report bidding 3-4x more projects after switching.
Best for: Contractors who want takeoff results without learning new software or managing AI tools themselves.
Limitations: Less control over the process. Pricing is per-project rather than subscription—works out differently depending on your volume.
Handoff AI
Handoff targets residential contractors and remodelers specifically. Take photos of a space, get instant estimates. The tool handles proposal generation, client management, and invoicing alongside estimating.
It's simpler than the commercial-focused tools—designed for bathroom remodelers and handymen rather than large GCs.
Best for: Small residential contractors who need fast estimates from site photos.
Limitations: Not built for commercial work or detailed CSI-format takeoffs.
Kreo
Kreo offers cloud-based takeoff with AI assistance, supporting both 2D plans and 3D models. The platform includes collaboration features for estimating teams working on the same bid.
Best for: Teams that need multi-user collaboration on takeoffs and work with both 2D and 3D formats.
Limitations: More complex than single-user tools. Learning curve is steeper.
What's Actually Ready
AI takeoff tools work well for architectural quantities—floor area, wall lengths, room counts, door and window schedules. If that's where you spend your takeoff time, these tools deliver real time savings.
They're weaker on MEP systems, structural details, and anything that requires interpreting specs alongside drawings. You'll still need experienced estimators reviewing output and handling the complex stuff.
The tools also assume clean, digital drawings. Scanned plans, hand markups, or unusual CAD formats cause problems.
Worth Trying?
If you're bidding 20+ jobs a year and spending significant time on architectural takeoffs, these tools probably pay for themselves. Request demos from Togal and Beam, compare pricing against your actual volume.
If you're doing smaller residential work, Handoff's simpler approach might fit better than enterprise tools.
If you're doing complex industrial or infrastructure work, AI takeoffs aren't there yet. Stick with your current process and check back in a year.
Meta Description: AI estimating tools worth watching in 2026. Togal.AI, Beam AI, Handoff, and Kreo reviewed for general contractors.