Ranked #5 of 7 · Last reviewed November 9, 2026
Beam AI
Done-for-you service plus software
Beam AI sells QA-checked, done-for-you takeoffs across many trades, plus do-it-yourself AI software for HVAC, plumbing and steel.
Verdict: The pick if you want takeoffs done for you with a person checking them; the wrong fit for a same-day revision.
Who it suits
Subcontractors, suppliers and general contractors who would rather receive a QA-checked takeoff than do it, and can wait 24 to 72 hours.
Who should pick something else
Small shops (published licenses start at $8,000 a year per trade) and estimators who need to turn a revision in hours, not days.
Trades: Many trades done for you; do-it-yourself software for HVAC, plumbing and steel; aerial takeoffs for landscaping, snow, paving and striping
How it scored
| Criterion | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Trade fit (20%) | ◐ Partly | Many trades as a service; DIY software for three. |
| Schedules, plans and specs read together (20%) | ◐ Partly | Takes plans, specs, legends and supporting documents; no cross-document reconciliation described. |
| Accuracy checks (15%) | ● Shown | Every done-for-you takeoff QA-checked before delivery. |
| Output formats (15%) | ◐ Partly | Excel and PDF; in-platform estimates for HVAC and plumbing. |
| Security (15%) | ● Shown | Security page states Attentive.ai is SOC 2 Type 2 certified. |
| Learning curve and access (15%) | ◐ Partly | Starting prices published; access through a demo. |
Strengths
- Done-for-you takeoffs: every takeoff is QA-checked before delivery, in 24 to 72 hours.
- Takes specifications, legends and supporting documents with the plans.
- Publishes starting prices.
- Its maker, Attentive.ai, states SOC 2 Type 2 certification on Beam's security page.
Limits
- Do-it-yourself software only for HVAC, plumbing and steel.
- A 24 to 72 hour turnaround on done-for-you work; ask how addenda are handled.
- Output described as Excel and PDF.
- The 99%+ accuracy figure is the vendor's own.
What it costs
Published starting prices: do-it-yourself from $8K a year per trade; done-for-you from $25K a year; aerial from $10K a year per trade; enterprise custom. Check the current price on Beam AI pricing.
What to check in a trial of Beam AI
- Send a past job and compare the delivered takeoff with what you priced.
- Ask how an addendum two days before bid close is handled, and how fast.
- Ask who does the QA check and what they check against.
The full list is in questions to ask before you buy.
Sources
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