Stack Software Reviews

“Can use different colors for takeoffs

Pros

One thing I like is that I can use different colors for takeoffs and the measurements are consistently accurate.

Cons

Mostly I stick to the program's basic features and I think the price charged for the few functions I actually use could be lower.

“Organized our estimating workflow

Pros

It's really simple and very user-friendly. After relying on paper-and-pen take-offs for years, I switched and found this program organized our estimating workflow and it helped me produce much more accurate, detailed measurements. The ability to overlay addenda onto existing plans is incredibly useful when I need to spot plan changes.

Cons

One issue I've noticed is that uploading very large plan files can become quite time-consuming when my internet speeds are slow.

“User-friendly program

Pros

What I appreciate is how user-friendly it is. The command controls really organize performing takeoffs so I can complete them quickly and efficiently now.

Cons

My main gripe is that the reports aren't very clear. When I look at the output it can be kind of hard for me to interpret the data easily.

“Scales well!

Pros

I've found that it lets me scale effortlessly and I can also upload a wide variety of file types without any trouble.

Cons

I'd really like to see much more detail directly on the calendar for example, the text we enter in the notes should appear on the calendar so I don't have to open each event to check what I wrote.

“Smooth transition

Pros

Being old-school, I expected switching over to Stack would be difficult but it turned out to be far easier than I imagined. I wish I'd started using it sooner.

Cons

Would like a built-in 'back' capability so that if I make a mistake I can tap a back arrow and go back to the prior page. Right now I'm not sure that option exists and I hope it's available even if I just haven't discovered it yet.

“Can import PDF plans

Pros

I appreciate that I can bring any PDF plan into the app. Having the option to scale each page lets it operate extremely efficiently.

Cons

It's still unclear to me how I can add additional plans or pages to prints that I have already created and I would really welcome a dedicated takeoff template specifically for arched measurements.

“Excellent tool

Pros

I really liked being able to pull accurate measurements for material takeoffs quickly.

Cons

As someone who's not an estimator, I wish the interface were more user-friendly for people like me who just want to find total square footage.

“Can quickly measure walls

Pros

Impressed by how quickly I can measure walls and how fast files upload when I'm using it.

Cons

One drawback I notice is the lack of keyboard shortcuts. I genuinely think adding them would make the takeoff process a lot quicker.

“Simple to handle from anywhere

Pros

One thing I really appreciate is how simple it is to handle projects from anywhere. This is the only takeoff and estimating solution I've used that's browser-based and honestly that accessibility is its standout feature.

Cons

Because it's web-based, I notice there are some built-in limitations to the software. I've spotted a handful of tools and functions offered in other estimating programs that I really wish Stack would add.

“No issues

Pros

I've found it extremely easy to use and it definitely speeds up takeoffs and estimation.

Cons

Hardly anything comes to mind that's wrong with this program and I can barely think of any issues worth mentioning.

“Saves us a lot of time.

Pros

I appreciate that the cloud function comes in handy when I have a query about something. Instead of having to draw a line each time, I can copy/paste it numerous times.

Cons

I dont like that some things are not customizable.

“Horrible customer service

Pros

The trainer was knowledgeable and polite but I found the software itself pretty clunky and overly complicated. I felt there were far too many options with only slight variations that essentially did the same thing.

Cons

My experience with Stack's customer service has been absolutely the worst I have ever dealt with. I'm a new business owner in the construction industry here in Florida and while I do have a decent network of clients, it's small. I told the salesperson up front that I only take on a handful of new builds each year and simply couldn't justify Stack's steep annual fee for the volume I handle. The demo they showed me only allows 10 measurements and he kept insisting I would understand the value once I had full access to the system. He also dangled a 25% discount if I completed the purchase over the phone which felt like a pressure tactic to force a hurried decision, one I regretfully fell for. I said I'd give it a try and we went through the purchase process. Again, feeling rushed and like I was on a tight clock while still on the call, I didn't click through the terms and conditions link. After buying, I was scheduled for three separate training sessions, each an hour long which felt excessive for what I believed should be an easy-to-use program. After the first training it was obvious to me that this software would not deliver any real value to my company. I thought no harm, no foul and reached out to customer service within a week to request a refund since I hadn't produced a single usable quote and simply didn't have time to take ongoing classes or constantly update the software. I stay very busy and this product requires more maintenance and learning than I can justify. A day or so later I got a call to be told that it is against their policy to issue any refunds.

“Ease of cost estimating

Pros

I really appreciate how simple the cost estimating is. In our line of work that's essential because I rely on precise figures to make sure we don't absorb expenses and it helps me keep everything organized.

Cons

We honestly don't have any complaints about this software. Our team hasn't run into any problems so far and everything has worked smoothly.

“Makes it easy to measure areas

Pros

I find measuring lines and areas really simple with this tool. It also makes it simple to reuse the same categories exactly when they're needed and I can quickly tally large numbers of symbols in a short time. It helps me put together material lists and component breakdowns for pricing.

Cons

It took me quite a while to get the hang of all the different features. A fair amount of training was necessary to understand their various uses. When I set up projects and download files for bigger jobs, the process often drags on and wastes time. I wish I could pick individual drawings from a set to download rather than pulling unnecessary files. Also, I have to keep updating pricing constantly for both assemblies and individual items which adds extra ongoing work.

“Handy for measurements

Pros

It's extremely handy for measuring when I'm estimating or placing material orders.

Cons

I rely on it for basic takeoffs and standard measurements and at that scope I haven't had any issues or complaints.