iTwo Costx Reviews

“iTWO CostX Review

Pros

I think this is one of the best takeoff software packages available right now.

Cons

I find there aren't many standard reports available. I end up spending a lot of time editing and writing a report if I don't already have a standard template.

“CostX

Pros

It's usually incredibly fast for quick take-off exercises.

Cons

Exporting cost plans was challenging as I had difficulty finding the right template to print.

“User Friendly Software

Pros

I consistently obtain precise measurements in my daily tasks, ensuring that my work is accurate and reliable.

Cons

I can measure many building elements in a much shorter time.

“Convenient for taking off and pricing

Pros

It automates the creation of Bills of Quantity or Pricing Sections after the take-off or measurement stage. It shortens the process significantly and boosts a QS's productivity.

Cons

The price is a bit high. If it could be reduced to a level affordable for individual users, retail use might increase.

“Does the job but there is better estimating software

Pros

It's quite simple to use once you have it set up, or if someone else sets it up for you. One great feature is that you can click a line to measure its length rather than clicking from point to point.

Cons

Setting up a project is not very easy. When I upload the drawings, they need to be named correctly beforehand or I'll have trouble finding the one I need. The drawings are linked to a file on my hard drive, so if I move that file, the link breaks and needs to be reestablished, which is quite a drawback. The workbook starts as a blank spreadsheet and requires a professional to set it up for effective use.

“New generation take off using CostX

Pros

I can take accurate measurements from both 2D and 3D drawings. Plus, I can generate quantities automatically from 3D models and get reports.

Cons

Compared to similar products, the premium is a bit high and more customer support is needed to manage the product.

“Best quantity Surveyor software

Pros

This is the best quantity surveying software I've ever used because it can handle take-offs and bill preparations in a limited amount of time, especially with the 3D intelligent BIM model.

Cons

It's pricey for someone early in their career, making it unaffordable.

“Cost X is a good for estimating 2D and 3D data.

Pros

CostX offers great features for estimating as it supports both 2D sheets and 3D models. It works with PDF, DWG, SKP, and other file formats. The calibrating and snapping features when using 2D sheets are really helpful. The spreadsheet integration keeps the data organized and the project well-maintained.

Cons

For simple projects, model-based takeoff in Cost X is manageable. However, I've struggled with projects involving complex geometry. The 2D to 3D collaboration for the same file is not as effective as it is in Assemble Systems.

“Time-Efficiency Tool

Pros

It's a very comprehensive software that covers almost every aspect of estimating and construction business development. It makes creating bid proposals and estimates seem easier.

Cons

Sharing files can be tricky and prone to errors. Transferring the Cost X file to another party involves several steps to save and export it, and ensuring compatibility with the other party's version.

“Good value for the entire set of software

Pros

If you're familiar with Excel, learning this should be straightforward. There are lots of functions between different workbooks.

Cons

It's difficult to run on older work machines. Using it with modern business machines generates a lot of data that is often hard to understand. Reporting is not really easy.

“Wouldn't Look Back

Pros

It's really easy to get started; just set out dimensions as you would manually, arrange your spreadsheets, and link them up. The more you use it, the more you learn, and it just keeps improving. You don't have to save constantly since all your work is up-to-date. It relates easily to Excel spreadsheets, and data can be exported or imported effortlessly. Importing .DWG files directly from the drawing team ensures accurate measurements. Any errors in the drawing files can be spotted and reported back before another revision. When managing multiple build projects, it's much easier to open and close jobs from one place compared to other applications where each would be a separate file. Comparing drawing files, like overlaying a site plan over a subfloor plan, makes it easy to determine pile heights. I can also measure, add a legend with quantities, save as a PDF, and provide it to subcontractors, such as a joist layout for the builder or a full drainage plan for the drainlayer.

Cons

The only challenging part for me is the report software provided with Cost X. This is mainly because I haven't had the time to fully delve into it. I can see its potential, but it will take some time to get exactly what I want from it. Despite this, I still managed to create functional reports, just not to the level I'd like yet.

“A must have for any professional Quantity Surveyor

Pros

CostX is fairly easy to use once you grasp the basics. It has excellent functionality and provides precise take-offs. The PDF functions are a blessing, simplifying the process and saving time.

Cons

The Cost X software pack is quite expensive, whether through monthly leasing options or a one-time hefty purchase price. Besides the cost, everything else is great.

“Daily use with minimal issues and fantastic customer support

Pros

The software is easy to use after you complete the training, with a wide range of useful features. Extracting large amounts of take-offs speeds up everything, and the 5D BIM integration is among the best available. I use it daily, and compared to other software, it stands out.

Cons

A fair amount of knowledge about take-off methods is needed, along with using the provided training information and guides. For 2D take-off, DWG files are preferred, followed by vector PDFs and then raster PDFs and images. Although these work, the system is really built around DWG use.

“Easy, beneficial, transparent, enjoyable

Pros

It's easy to use, with features like the multilevel workbook, subcontractor analysis function, customized code libraries that align with our financial management system, and project-specific rate libraries that allow for rate adjustments even late in the pricing phase.

Cons

Measuring from a BIM model requires some learning. Having a sufficiently developed BIM model at the pricing stage to extract quantities is rare, so I don't often get to use this feature.

“I am new with CostX, but now I am get the advantages of it.

Pros

I use this daily for measuring quantities. It's much quicker and more efficient than the old method with a scale rule. It's a fantastic tool for quantity surveyors.

Cons

2D to 3D collaboration for the same file is not as effective as it is in Assemble Systems.

“A real time saver

Pros

This software is great for referencing rates and dimensions and for measuring large amounts of drawings quickly. Zone splitting and BIM functionality are also very useful.

Cons

Exporting to Excel (since contractors still prefer it) looks poor, and report printing is time-consuming.

“Excellent QS tool for direct take off, estimating and producing schedules/bills of quantities.

Pros

We fully transitioned to CostX as a QS practice a few years ago, and it's a powerful tool for producing all levels of estimates, bills/schedules of quantities, and builders' quantities. It's the best software we've seen in years and will be valuable in the future due to its BIM capabilities. Customizable branded report formats allow us to provide high-quality presentation documents consistently. Our staff quickly learned the basics and advanced their skills in digital take-offs and scheduling. Regular updates from user feature requests continually enhance CostX, and the customer support is excellent, ensuring any issues are resolved promptly.

Cons

The inability to handle drawings in batches is a major downside. I have to load them individually to edit their properties. I know this is a registered client feature request under review, and I look forward to its development.

“I'm using the software daily, I'm happy with the level of service it provide to me and the company.

Pros

I can open drawings on multiple screens, quickly update building templates, create reports, and access a supportive team.

Cons

We use Cost X to standardize our construction project estimates. We rely on a default template for all estimates and sometimes need to update specific cells across multiple workbooks. It would be great if we could update it once for a series of buildings rather than repeating the task multiple times.

“Very good software, a good all rounder

Pros

The takeoff software is exceptional; its simple Excel-style pricing structure makes it easy to use. The rate libraries are extensive and detailed once correctly populated.

Cons

Creating custom reports can be a bit complex. With many buildings, it's better to keep a searchable building code somewhere else as scrolling through the list can be confusing. I've heard this will be improved in the future.

“I have been using CostX for six months but I was mainly doing the 2D takeoff.

Pros

Currently, the ability to copy and move dimensions from one drawing to another saves a lot of time! The phraseologies library, which allows us to click and drag ARM4 descriptions into the workbook, is also really useful.

Cons

I don't see myself as very experienced yet and am not familiar with all the functions. I believe the software has a lot of potential, and I plan to send feedback to Cost X for feature suggestions as discussed.