From a PDF to Quantities You Can Check
AI-assisted takeoff gives an estimator a first pass to review. In CyanBuild, upload a PDF, inspect the detected objects on the drawing overlay, and review the quantity table. The current takeoff table groups objects by type and includes counts, confidence and available schedule comparisons. It is not a complete priced bid or an automatic measurement of every length, area and volume in the plans.
Start with a defined scope and drawing revision. Check the legend, scale, notes and schedules before comparing the detected counts with the plan. Repeated details, demolition symbols and objects shown on several sheets need particular attention. Add missing scope and resolve duplicates before using the result in an estimate.
The PDF upload limit is 50 MB. All pages in an uploaded PDF count against the remaining monthly allowance. Drawing quality, page count and review requirements affect the work; a particular project value or number of sheets does not establish completion time or accuracy.
A Quantity-Review Worksheet
- Record the sheet number, revision and object or scope being checked.
- Write down the checked reference count and the detected count separately.
- Classify the difference: missing object, extra detection, repeated detail, ambiguous symbol or excluded scope.
- Record the correction and reviewer. Keep unresolved items visible rather than turning them into assumed quantities.
- Verify units and rates when moving the checked quantities into the estimate. An object count is not a length, area or volume.
The XLSX or PDF quantity export provides a record for that review. Confidence values and match flags can help direct attention, but they are not a measured accuracy guarantee. AI can miss, duplicate or misclassify elements, and the estimator remains responsible for the final bid.
Measure the Whole Workflow Before Calculating ROI
Use the same representative scope and checked reference for both workflows. Time drawing preparation, takeoff, corrections, checking, pricing and bid assembly separately. Keep reviewer experience and drawing revision consistent. A short processing time is not a saving if it adds more correction work.
Calculate labor cost from measured hours and your own fully loaded hourly rate. Then include subscription, training and migration costs. Record any change in bid capacity separately; a time saving does not automatically improve win rate or margin. A successful trial on one scope is not proof of the same result on every discipline.
Evaluate the return using your own completed trial: record setup, processing, review, and pricing time, then compare that labor cost with your existing workflow and the subscription price. CyanBuild does not guarantee a time saving or a payback period.
Free includes 3 PDF pages per month. Paid monthly plans are Starter $29 for 30 pages, Pro $99 for 120 pages, and Enterprise $299 for 400 pages. Review current plan features and terms on the pricing page.
Keep Estimator Decisions Explicit
Ambiguous specifications, site access, temporary works and scope boundaries need an estimator’s decision. Document assumptions and obtain clarification where necessary. For example, a difficult crane position may change logistics and labor allowances even when the drawing counts are correct. Evaluate the software on the checks your own work requires, without assuming a universal accuracy percentage or staff replacement ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AI estimating accurate enough for a real commercial bid?
Treat the output as a draft. Check counts against drawings, legends and schedules, correct missing or repeated scope, and verify quantities and rates before submitting a bid. Confidence information is not a guaranteed accuracy percentage.
Will AI replace estimators?
The workflow assists with drawing review and quantity preparation. Scope interpretation, corrections, pricing and the final bid remain the estimator’s responsibility. Any change in staffing needs must be evaluated in your own process.
Can I upload a 50-sheet plan set?
PDF uploads are limited to 50 MB and your remaining monthly page allowance. All pages in the file count toward that allowance, so a 50-page upload requires enough remaining capacity. Test a representative scope and include review time; no completion-time guarantee follows from the page count.
What should I check on different drawing disciplines?
Check the symbols, legends, schedules, drawing revision and scope for the discipline you are estimating. Verify detected counts against a checked sample, and do not treat an object count as a verified length, area or volume.
How much does AI estimating cost compared to hiring another estimator?
Free includes 3 PDF pages per month. Paid monthly plans are Starter $29 for 30 pages, Pro $99 for 120 pages, and Enterprise $299 for 400 pages. Review current plan features and terms on the pricing page. A software subscription does not replace an estimator's judgment. Measure how much setup and review work remains before comparing the workflow with another hire.