Stack Software Reviews

“Too complex

Pros

I couldn't find much to praise. The steep learning curve left me unable to actually use it.

Cons

For me, the interface wasn't simple and it definitely didn't match the simple demo the salesperson showed.

“Can't do without it

Pros

I first started using it with an employer I had worked for several years earlier. Its user-friendly interface, dependable accuracy and outstanding customer service whenever I truly needed help are the reasons I chose to use STACK for my own side-project estimates as well and why I brought it along to my current job for everyday bidding and material takeoffs. Honestly, I couldn't see myself ever going back to using pen and paper for estimating again.

Cons

Because it is always evolving and releasing fresh updates, I really can't come up with anything offhand that needs to be added or improved. On a few occasions I called to suggest features and those ideas were later built into it, which to me demonstrates how attentive they are to their customers.

“Ability to customize takeoffs is so helpful!

Pros

Being able to customize the takeoffs needed for each project is incredibly simple and genuinely helpful.

Cons

Creating assemblies is a fantastic feature. However, I found the setup and how to build them somewhat confusing when I worked on it for the first time.

“Beginner-friendly

Pros

As a first-time user, I found it really easy to get started with the software and there are plenty of features for me to try out.

Cons

Keeping up with the frequent releases has been tough for me. There are just too many updates to follow closely.

“Allows for collaboration

Pros

Collaborating with other users is really easy. I also find it easy to identify takeoffs when I'm working in the app.

Cons

I've found it to be slow and it keeps logging me out unexpectedly. I've also noticed several typos scattered across menus and screens.

“Helped my clients win bids

Pros

One thing I really appreciate is that the takeoff and estimating tools are combined into a single package. The automated pricing helps me pull accurate figures fast and I can tweak those numbers to suit different jobs. It lets construction pros control how open they want to be with their data which I find valuable. Several of my clients ended up winning bids even when they weren't the cheapest because their customers could see a clear breakdown of what's included. That transparency makes people trust they're dealing with honest contractors who won't lowball just to win and then hit them with change orders.

Cons

Unfortunately, the BNI capabilities that were supposed to be part of the upgraded package don't match what the sales team promised me when I bought the product. In my experience those features need significant improvement, especially around assemblies, where things still feel unfinished and clunky.

“its simplicity stands out

Pros

I've found this software very simple to use and it really cuts down on the time I spend on tasks.

Cons

Occasionally the app takes much longer than I'd like to reload and I end up waiting.

“Modern technology

Pros

Its extremely user-friendly once I learn to adjust it to my workflow. I also really love its bright colors, smooth takeoff process and its modern, cutting-edge tech.

Cons

The Estimates tab needs a major overhaul. I find the wording and where the cost categories are placed confusing and sometimes the pricing ends up inaccurate. I wish there was a way for labor or the Degree of Difficulty to link with assemblies so the system recognizes how challenging a task is and automatically adjusts estimates accordingly. Also, in the Material costs section, there should be a quantity field that lets me enter whole numbers instead of only using a percentage 'Waste' box. Right now I'm forced to guess how much to subtract or add from 100% to reach the figure I want which is both time-consuming and frustrating to do that way for me.

“Quick estimating

Pros

I really appreciate how fast and user-friendly it is to use. Being able to create assemblies and items lets me produce estimates quickly.

Cons

I can't see the unit cost or the unit price for a takeoff and that limitation makes it hard for me to verify pricing at the individual line-item level.

“Easy to operate

Pros

i think the platform is really convenient and broadly easy to access for most tasks.

Cons

Sometimes when updates roll out, I notice the system automatically flips back to metric units which is annoying.

“Amazing search feature for plans

Pros

I like the plan search and overlay.

Cons

We dislike how much work we must do to flesh it out and that we must buy extra access for multiple people to use it simultaneously.

“Takeoff is my favorite feature

Pros

My favorite feature for estimating has to be TakeOff since it makes moving from extracting quantities from a set of plans to producing an estimate effortless.

Cons

I really only have one gripe. I wish there was a way to make a folder on the TakeOff page that would let me group each category of takeoff. It becomes frustrating to try and find takeoff quantities when I already have a large amount of takeoffs already.

“Lots of customization options

Pros

For my workflow, the take-offs work brilliantly and I really value the extensive customization choices available when I'm setting up the system.

Cons

The way item and assembly folders are handled to be poor and when I accidentally place a file in the wrong folder it becomes really hard for me to relocate it.

“Feels user friendly

Pros

What I appreciate about Stack is how user-friendly it feels. After only a little training I was able to complete accurate quantitative takeoffs using the software.

Cons

I find the overlay feature limiting because any drawing I want to place on top has to match the original layout exactly. The overlaid plan can't be resized or moved which makes it difficult when I'm trying to compare different drawings, such as existing conditions versus new work plans.

“nice interface

Pros

The interface is really well arranged and fairly simple to handle when taking measurements

Cons

I don't have complaints right now because I haven't needed to access every feature of the software

“Best program for takeoffs

Pros

Whenever I work with takeoffs, Stack is the best program for any of them. I can tally specific fixtures, measure pipe lengths and count fittings all within minutes.

Cons

One limitation I keep running into is there's no way to send the completed takeoff directly to my email inbox. I would really like to finish a takeoff and then be able to copy and paste the entire itemized list into an email so I can quickly send it out to subcontractors or suppliers for quotes.

“Brilliant chat support

Pros

I'm really relieved that there's always someone online in the chat to help me whenever I run into issues.

Cons

Occasionally it crashes but the team always keeps me posted about exactly when they will have it fixed.

“Easy to learn

Pros

It's really simple to learn and use. I can use the software quickly and easily without getting lost.

Cons

I'd like a few small tweaks, such as the option to move the plan selection pane so it doesn't cover the tabs of open plans. I also want a more capable clouding editor that lets me draw free-form shapes and keeps them fixed where I place them when exporting or printing.

“Delivers accurate results

Pros

When I'm doing takeoffs, I find Stack really easy to use and it consistently delivers very accurate results.

Cons

On the downside, I wish the mobile site were easier to use and offered a bit more solid functionality.

“Solid reports

Pros

I really like the reports it produces for our estimators' group. They make it easy for me to quickly trace exactly where a particular condition was calculated and to highlight any mistakes.

Cons

My team and I still have to pay for a license for every user which is frustrating because people who only need it for brief consultations are still charged.