Stack Software Reviews

“Keeps getting better

Pros

I've noticed the software keeps evolving which has helped me increase both the speed and accuracy of our quotes.

Cons

However, we can't lock past assemblies to the rates that applied when they were created so whenever an assembly is edited all previous quotes that used it update too which erases historical pricing consistency for those older estimates overall.

“Easy to roll out

Pros

We find it really easy to use and roll out across our company.

Cons

What I liked least about this system is the amount of input required for cost entries.

“Makes my workflow smoother

Pros

This software is very user-friendly and easy to handle which makes my day-to-day work smoother. What stands out for me is the layover feature for change orders, I use it a lot. I also like that I can keep multiple screens open on the same project so I can compare and drill into details quickly. It's great being able to produce a detailed cost breakdown and to pull and manipulate reporting data exactly how I need it. We regularly share those cost breakdowns with accounting for job costing. Being cloud-based has finally solved the storage and backup problems we used to have on our local machines.

Cons

I dislike that changing an assembly automatically updates that assembly across all of my takeoffs. I wish I could edit one instance without affecting the others. Also, it's frustrating that the sale popup is fixed in place and I can't move it where it doesn't block my view.

“Complete solution

Pros

As a low voltage electronic security and fire alarm contractor, we find this software provides everything we require to monitor our takeoffs across numerous device types and subtypes and variations.

Cons

We wish it imported directly into our estimating software.

“Uploading plans is not a problem

Pros

I can easily upload plans here and quickly do wall takeoffs.

Cons

We don't get any extra detailed reports and we'd really like customizable features.

“Easy to do takeoffs

Pros

It was really simple to perform a takeoff from the plans and I also found it easy to keep all the items well organized.

Cons

I honestly can't point to anything I dislike about the software based on how I use it. It meets my needs without any issue.

“Responsive agents

Pros

What I really appreciate is how user-friendly it feels. Whenever I have a question, I can quickly start a chat with an Agent and they are always incredibly helpful and responsive!

Cons

It bothers me that there isn't a freehand drawing tool available. I would find it really useful for jotting quick notes or sketching things without having to worry about scale settings. My only suggestion is to add a simple Free Draw feature so I can scribble informal notes directly in the app.

“Faced no problems

Pros

Its cloud-hosted, doesn't crash or freeze and I've faced no technical problems ever.

Cons

I can't copy estimates or pages, nor isolate certain takeoff portions.

“Still exploring...

Pros

This is the first takeoff program I've ever tried so I'm still exploring how everything works. Being able to create bookmarks that let me pull up sheets with a single click is a major advantage. I'm eager to invest more time into it and discover what other features and capabilities it offers.

Cons

Since I'm new to this tool, I don't think it's fair to point out negatives yet. I'm still getting my feet wet and learning the ropes so I'll hold off on listing cons for now.

“Comes with plenty of tools

Pros

I've found this product really easy to work with. It comes with plenty of tools and different ways that make the estimating process a lot simpler.

Cons

It would be helpful to have an option to enlarge the logo used in the actual estimate. I find the current size is too small and almost unreadable.

“Efficient takeoffs

Pros

What I appreciate most is how fast the take-offs are. There are multiple take-off tools available that help me organize the workflow and make the whole process efficient.

Cons

There's no way for me to organize the open tabs which is frustrating. Also, when I choose and open several plan sheets at once, they don't appear in the same sequence as shown on the layout so keeping track becomes confusing.

“Data stays secure

Pros

There's so much I love about it. I appreciate that all my data is stored and backed up. I find the overall user experience very simple and easy to use.

Cons

I can think of several improvements I'd make. For example, I want the ability to cut lines in the same way I can when creating an area (sf) takeoff. I would also like to modify the takeoff settings so I can read the full takeoff verbiage instead of truncated text. Another change I'd push for is more precise search filters that allow matching an exact phrase only, when I search 'page 2' it currently returns every sheet containing 'page' and/or '2' which is really frustrating.

“basic interface

Pros

I find it simple, with a solid proposal section and helpful customer support.

Cons

Although I appreciate some functionality, the interface feels too basic for professional use. I wish there were an UNDO button, a way to copy a takeoff between projects, the ability to duplicate cut openings like windows or doors and support for layers.

“Boosted my productivity

Pros

Using it has boosted my productivity and cut the time I spend measuring distances on floor plans. I've found its measurements to be quite accurate and as an IT contractor who leverages technology, it's become a valuable tool for me.

Cons

It forces me to frequently update store information and there are numerous configurations that must be adjusted manually. Sadly we don't have a method to allow our vendors to input pricing for their own items so someone on my team has to continuously maintain and update the assemblies.

“Easy to get the hang of

Pros

Personally, I found this system really simple to pick up and use

Cons

However, it becomes somewhat unwieldy when handling multiple take-offs on the identical floor level

“Useful collection of tools

Pros

I find the suite of tools very useful for my day-to-day work in getting proposals out the door. It makes the whole process of handling various takeoffs much smoother and easier to manage, especially when I'm dealing with the complicated details of architectural drawings.

Cons

Adding more automation would noticeably improve the software. If it could pull out details from drawings that aren't immediately visible or explicitly called out by the architect, that would really help when I'm doing takeoffs.

“Customizable and offers great support

Pros

After I went through the training, I found it easy to use, their support has been outstanding, the pricing is reasonable and I like that the tools can be adjusted to our needs.

Cons

There aren't many built-in presets for low-voltage work so I end up building most components from the ground up which introduces a fair amount of initial administrative overhead before I can really get going.

“Minimal learning curve

Pros

The interface is really easy to use. I got up and running almost immediately with only minimal training.

Cons

I'd love a feature that lets me pick a closed area and turn it straight into an area takeoff instead of tracing everything by hand. Also, the comments box could really use a longer arrow so it's easier to point things out. When I overlay one drawing on top of another, there should be a simple option to scale the overlaid drawing to match the base drawing's scale. Quite often we have to scale a takeoff up or down so it fits into a different-scale drawing but Stack doesn't offer a way to do that. Because of this limitation I can't copy and paste a takeoff between drawings and am stuck creating a brand new takeoff on the other drawing that has the different scale.

“Easy to modify takeoffs

Pros

It's simple to modify takeoffs and to update measurements.

Cons

I'm not sure how to measure carpet that has a repeating pattern or how to decide where seams should go.

“Amazing takeoff and estimating integration

Pros

The integration between takeoffs and estimates makes the whole estimating process and performing takeoffs far simpler than juggling three or four different programs and manually entering all the same information into each one.

Cons

I'd really like an option to set fixed pricing for takeoffs so that a takeoff-based estimate can be created just as quickly as a materials-and-labor estimate. In addition, enhancing the imported PDF resolution and overall quality would make a big difference.