PlanSwift has been a standard in construction takeoff for years. But in 2025, PlanSwift moved all users to mandatory annual subscriptions — even customers who had purchased what they were told was a perpetual license. For contractors evaluating their options in 2026, here's how the two platforms actually compare.
BuilderCore Pro
$149/mo for 5 users
$358/user/year
PlanSwift
$1,749–$2,000/yr per seat
Takeoff & estimating only
At 5 users, PlanSwift costs roughly $8,750–$10,000/year. The equivalent BuilderCore Pro plan costs $1,788/year — about one-fifth the price, with more included.
| Feature | BuilderCore | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| AI-powered takeoffs | ||
| Estimating | ||
| Scheduling | ||
| Project management | ||
| Client / sub portals | ||
| Cloud-based (any device) | ||
| Windows desktop only | ||
| Monthly billing — cancel anytime | ||
| Annual subscription required |
PlanSwift has a loyal following among contractors who prefer a desktop, point-and-click workflow and don't need scheduling or PM tools bundled in. If your team is Windows-only and takeoff is your sole need, it remains a capable option.
Contractors who want takeoff, estimating, scheduling, and project management in one platform — without paying for four separate tools, and without being locked into an annual contract. Because BuilderCore uses AI to speed up takeoffs, teams typically complete estimates in a fraction of the time required for manual point-and-click measurement.
Pricing and feature information for PlanSwift is publicly available and subject to change. Confirm current pricing directly with PlanSwift before making a purchasing decision.
BuilderCore and PlanSwift both handle construction takeoffs, but they differ fundamentally in approach, pricing, and platform. BuilderCore is a cloud-native, AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that runs in any browser. PlanSwift is a Windows desktop application that requires annual licenses and manual on-screen tracing. This comparison breaks down the differences in features, pricing, ease of use, and workflow.
PlanSwift has been a construction industry staple for years, offering on-screen takeoff with manual area, linear, and count tools. Contractors trace measurements by hand on digital plans, then export quantities to a separate estimating spreadsheet. BuilderCore replaces that manual workflow with AI: upload your plans and the software automatically detects materials, calculates quantities, and generates a cost estimate — no tracing required.
The pricing models are also very different. PlanSwift requires an annual subscription (approximately $1,599/year per user plus annual renewal fees), with a Windows-only desktop installation. BuilderCore offers monthly billing starting at $19/month, runs in any browser (Mac, Windows, iPad, phone), and includes AI takeoffs, estimating, proposals, scheduling, and project management in one platform — no separate software needed.
For contractors who want to move beyond manual on-screen tracing and adopt AI-powered takeoffs that run on any device, BuilderCore offers a modern alternative at a fraction of the cost. You can start a free trial in minutes — no installation, no annual commitment.
Yes. BuilderCore starts at $19/month with monthly billing and no annual commitment. PlanSwift costs approximately $1,599 per year per user, plus annual renewal fees. BuilderCore also includes estimating, proposals, and project management that PlanSwift does not.
Yes. BuilderCore runs in any browser on Mac, Windows, iPad, and phone. PlanSwift is Windows-only and requires a desktop installation.
Yes. BuilderCore uses AI to automatically detect materials and calculate quantities from your uploaded plans. PlanSwift requires manual on-screen tracing for every measurement.
Yes. BuilderCore offers a free trial with no credit card required. You can upload your plans and see an AI takeoff in minutes before deciding to subscribe.