CostX

What it is

CostX is a construction estimating environment for capturing dimensions, developing feasibility studies, and preparing Bills of Quantities. Its digital takeoff works from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings to calculate areas, lengths, and counts. It can also derive quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files. Spreadsheet workbooks link to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawings and highlights changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, and customised reports. The CostXL add-in links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. CostX Core includes 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and automatic revision comparison require an upgrade to the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only project review, and subcontractors can enter tender prices into Viewer and save them for import into CostX. Pricing is on request. License options include one user on one PC or a network installation with a central database.

Who it suits. CostX suits construction contractors who need drawing takeoff, estimating, tender preparation, or Bills of Quantities. Its Takeoff 2D option is presented for individuals or small businesses on a strict budget needing digital takeoff.

Verdict

CostX brings drawing takeoff, estimating, reporting, and subcontractor comparison together, with BIM and automatic revisioning available in the full platform. The free Viewer can help stakeholders review files and submit tender prices, but pricing for CostX itself is on request.

What the maker publishes

2D takeoff

CostX supports takeoff from scanned, PDF, CAD and other 2D drawings, calculating areas, lengths and counts. source

2D takeoff

It measures areas, lengths and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD and other 2D drawings. source

BIM and 3D

CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files. source

BIM quantities

CostX can generate quantities from BIM or 3D models. source

Cloud security

The CostX Cloud page describes Microsoft Azure security measures and automated data backups. source

CostX Core limit

CostX Core provides 2D takeoff, live-linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison and reports; users can upgrade to the full platform for BIM or auto-revisioning. source

CostX Viewer

CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute, and lets stakeholders review project files in read-only format. source

Download and demo

The site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough. source

Download and support

The official site invites visitors to download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough; its Takeoff 2D page says license holders have support options. source

Estimating outputs

Users can prepare estimates, tenders and Bills of Quantities, and produce customised reports. source

Excel integration

The CostXL add-in live-links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. source

Excel integration

CostXL links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Microsoft Excel, with updates reflected automatically. source

Free viewer

CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute and lets stakeholders review projects in read-only format. source

Headquarters

Stuttgart, Germany source

Intended users

CostX Takeoff 2D is presented as an option for individuals or small businesses on a strict budget who need digital takeoff. source

Intended users

The product range is presented for contractors, quantity surveyors and estimators, including individuals and small businesses seeking 2D takeoff. source

License options

CostX offers standalone licenses for one user on one PC and network licenses installed on multiple PCs with a central database. source

Purpose

CostX provides an integrated environment for construction contractors to capture dimensions, develop feasibility studies and prepare Bills of Quantities. source