On-Screen Takeoff Pricing: What to Know Before You Buy
Contractors searching for On-Screen Takeoff pricing quickly discover that ConstructConnect does not publish a standard OST subscription price on its public product page. Instead, prospective buyers are directed to contact ConstructConnect for current pricing and licensing terms.
That can make direct software comparisons difficult. Third-party websites publish a variety of estimated prices for On-Screen Takeoff, but those figures are not official ConstructConnect pricing and can differ significantly from one source to another.
This guide explains what ConstructConnect currently publishes about On-Screen Takeoff licensing, what prospective buyers should ask about before purchasing, and how the approach compares with software vendors such as BuzzBID that publish subscription pricing openly.
Why Isn't On-Screen Takeoff Pricing Published?
ConstructConnect does not currently publish a standard On-Screen Takeoff subscription price on its public OST product page. Prospective customers are directed to contact the company for current pricing and licensing information.
That means contractors comparing OST with other estimating platforms may need to obtain a quote before they can make a complete price comparison.
This is especially relevant in 2026 because ConstructConnect is transitioning On-Screen Takeoff from its historical perpetual-license model to annual subscription licensing.
According to ConstructConnect's current licensing documentation, beginning with On-Screen Takeoff version 4.0.0.805, new versions of OST are sold through an annual subscription model rather than as new perpetual licenses.
Existing customers who previously purchased perpetual licenses are also being migrated into the newer subscription licensing system under terms that may differ from those offered to new customers.
For that reason, contractors evaluating OST today should confirm the exact licensing terms that apply to their organization rather than relying on historical OST pricing or third-party estimates.
How On-Screen Takeoff Licensing Has Changed
For many years, On-Screen Takeoff was sold using a perpetual-license model.
Under that model, customers purchased a software license and could separately maintain an annual maintenance agreement that provided access to software updates and support services.
ConstructConnect is now moving OST to annual subscription licensing.
According to ConstructConnect, an active OST subscription provides ongoing access to the software, including updates and access to support, for as long as the subscription remains active.
Legacy perpetual-license customers with active maintenance agreements are being transitioned into the new system under separate migration terms.
For a new buyer, the practical takeaway is simple: Ask ConstructConnect for the current annual subscription price, exactly what is included in the quoted subscription level, and the renewal terms that will apply in future years.
What Should You Ask About in an OST Quote?
Because ConstructConnect does not publish a standard OST price publicly, contractors should make sure the quote they receive provides enough information to compare OST fairly with other estimating platforms.
Here are several areas worth clarifying.
Annual Subscription Price
Ask for the total annual subscription price for the number of users your company requires.
Also confirm whether the quote is priced per user, per license, by subscription level, or using another structure.
ConstructConnect currently refers to multiple OST subscription levels in its product documentation, and feature availability can vary by subscription.
Included Features
Confirm exactly which features are included in the subscription being quoted.
On-Screen Takeoff includes a wide range of established takeoff capabilities such as conditions, Multi-Condition Takeoff, Typical Groups, styles, overlays, and other tools used to measure and organize plan quantities.
ConstructConnect has also added AI-assisted functionality under the Takeoff Boost name, including tools such as Auto Takeoff, Auto Count, and Auto Link. Availability and usage limits for these features can vary by subscription level.
Rather than assuming every OST quote includes the same functionality, ask the sales representative to identify the specific features included with the proposed subscription.
Quick Bid
On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid are separate products that can work together.
OST focuses primarily on digital quantity takeoff, while Quick Bid provides estimating functionality for pricing labor, materials, equipment, and other bid components.
If your company needs both takeoff and estimating, ask whether the quote includes Quick Bid or whether it requires a separate license or subscription.
ConstructConnect has announced that Quick Bid is also expected to transition toward subscription licensing, so prospective buyers should confirm its current licensing terms directly with ConstructConnect.
Takeoff Boost
ConstructConnect's Takeoff Boost functionality adds AI-assisted automation to On-Screen Takeoff.
Current ConstructConnect documentation describes Takeoff Boost as including tools such as Auto Takeoff, Auto Count, and Auto Link, with different levels of access depending on the customer's subscription.
If automated takeoff is important to your workflow, ask whether the OST subscription you are considering includes Takeoff Boost, whether any usage limitations apply, and whether a higher subscription level is required for unlimited use of particular features.
Training
ConstructConnect provides a variety of training resources for On-Screen Takeoff, including training videos, online resources, webinars, and classroom instruction.
Some resources are available without a separate classroom fee, while ConstructConnect's in-person classroom training requires registration and purchase of a seat.
Before purchasing, ask which training resources are included with your subscription and whether your team expects to use any separately priced classroom or customized training.
This makes it easier to compare the complete onboarding experience among competing products.
Renewal Terms
Ask for the renewal terms associated with the proposed subscription. At minimum, confirm:
- the initial subscription term;
- the renewal frequency;
- whether the quoted price is introductory or ongoing;
- what happens if the subscription is not renewed; and
- whether any optional products or services renew separately.
ConstructConnect states that OST subscriptions provide continued access to software updates and support while the subscription remains active. If a subscription is not renewed, certain functionality may become unavailable or operate differently depending on the applicable licensing arrangement.
Getting renewal terms in writing makes long-term budgeting easier.
How Much Does On-Screen Takeoff Cost per User?
ConstructConnect does not currently publish a standard per-user On-Screen Takeoff subscription price on its public product page.
Several third-party software websites publish estimated OST prices, but those figures vary and should not be treated as official ConstructConnect pricing.
Because OST's licensing model has also changed over time, older perpetual-license prices and maintenance costs may not accurately represent what a new customer would pay today.
For budgeting purposes, the most reliable approach is to request a current written quote directly from ConstructConnect.
When requesting that quote, ask for:
- the annual subscription price;
- the number of users or licenses included;
- the OST subscription level;
- Takeoff Boost availability and usage limits;
- any separately purchased products such as Quick Bid;
- optional training costs; and
- renewal terms.
That gives you a much more useful comparison number than relying on historical pricing or third-party estimates.
What's Included in an On-Screen Takeoff Subscription?
On-Screen Takeoff remains a Windows-based desktop takeoff application and includes established digital takeoff functionality for measuring and organizing construction quantities.
Depending on the subscription level, OST functionality can include tools such as:
- linear, area, and count takeoff;
- Multi-Condition Takeoff;
- Typical Groups and repeating takeoff;
- overlays;
- styles and templates;
- Auto Count;
- Auto Name;
- Auto Link; and
- AI-assisted Auto Takeoff through Takeoff Boost.
ConstructConnect states that its annual OST subscription model provides access to software updates and support while the subscription remains active.
Because feature access can vary by subscription level, prospective customers should verify the exact capabilities included in their quote rather than assuming every OST subscription contains the same feature set.
Does On-Screen Takeoff Offer Training?
Yes. ConstructConnect provides multiple training options for On-Screen Takeoff, including training videos, online documentation, webinars, curricula, and classroom training.
Some training resources are available as part of ConstructConnect's online learning resources.
ConstructConnect also offers paid in-person classroom training. Its classroom-training documentation states that attendees must register and purchase a seat in advance.
If training is an important part of your software evaluation, compare not only whether training exists, but also which training options are included with the subscription and which require an additional purchase.
Does On-Screen Takeoff Have a Free Trial?
Yes. ConstructConnect currently advertises a 14-day free trial of On-Screen Takeoff.
That gives contractors an opportunity to evaluate the software before purchasing and can be particularly useful for comparing OST's traditional takeoff workflow and newer Takeoff Boost automation with other platforms.
When evaluating any takeoff application, using the same plan set in each product can make the comparison more meaningful.
What to Ask the OST Sales Representative
Before purchasing On-Screen Takeoff, consider asking the following questions:
- What is the total annual subscription price for the number of users we need?
- Which OST subscription level does this quote include?
- Which Takeoff Boost features are included, and are there usage limits?
- Is Quick Bid included or licensed separately?
- What training resources are included with the subscription?
- What separately priced training options are available?
- Are software updates and technical support included?
- What will the subscription renewal terms be?
- What happens to our software access and project data if we do not renew?
- Are there any other optional products or services included in the quote?
Getting these answers in writing gives your team a clearer basis for comparing OST with competing platforms.
On-Screen Takeoff Pricing vs. BuzzBID's Published Pricing
BuzzBID takes a different approach to software pricing.
BuzzBID publishes all three subscription tiers directly on its website, and the published rates are the same regardless of whether the customer is a single estimator or a larger contractor.
BuzzBID Standard
$100 per month or $1,050 per year
Standard includes BuzzBID's ClickONCE™ computer-vision takeoff functionality and related takeoff tools.
BuzzBID Advanced
$250 per month or $1,750 per year
Advanced adds assembly-based estimating, Work in Place tracking, bid proposal generation, and other estimating functionality to the takeoff platform.
BuzzBID FireShield
$300 per month or $2,450 per year
FireShield includes the capabilities of BuzzBID Advanced and adds specialized functionality for cementitious, intumescent, and spray-foam fireproofing estimating.
See the complete feature and pricing breakdown on the BuzzBID pricing page.
Every BuzzBID subscription includes software updates, support, and unlimited training.
BuzzBID also publishes its monthly and annual subscription prices openly, so contractors can determine the software cost before requesting a demonstration or speaking with the sales team.
That does not necessarily make one pricing model right for every contractor. Some companies prefer working directly with a vendor to configure a software package, while others prefer to see standardized pricing before beginning the evaluation process.
The important thing is to compare the complete product configuration and total expected cost, not simply one advertised or estimated number.
For a broader product comparison, see BuzzBID vs. On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid: An Honest Comparison.
You can also review the Best Quick Bid Alternatives for Construction Estimating.
Is On-Screen Takeoff Worth the Money?
For many contractors, it can be. On-Screen Takeoff has been used in the construction industry for decades and offers mature digital takeoff tools, established workflows, integrations with other ConstructConnect products, and newer AI-assisted capabilities through Takeoff Boost.
Organizations with existing OST databases, workflows, training, or Quick Bid integrations may place significant value on maintaining that environment. Contractors evaluating a new estimating platform should consider a broader set of factors, including:
- total subscription cost;
- takeoff speed and workflow;
- estimating capabilities;
- automation;
- training;
- support;
- deployment requirements;
- integrations;
- migration effort; and
- the trades their company estimates.
For specialty commercial contractors, BuzzBID may be worth evaluating because it combines computer-vision takeoff with trade-focused estimating capabilities in a single application and publishes its subscription pricing openly.
The best choice depends on the estimator's workflow, trade, existing software environment, and business requirements.
Why Do Third-Party Websites Show Different OST Prices?
Third-party software websites often display pricing estimates for products whose vendors do not publish standard pricing publicly. Those figures may come from historical information, user reports, previous quotes, or other sources that are difficult to verify.
That is particularly important with On-Screen Takeoff because ConstructConnect has recently changed the product's licensing model from new perpetual licenses to annual subscriptions. As a result, a price found on a third-party site may refer to:
- an older perpetual license;
- a historical maintenance agreement;
- an earlier subscription;
- a particular number of users;
- a particular subscription level; or
- an estimate rather than an actual current quote.
Third-party estimates can be useful as background information, but contractors should obtain current pricing directly from ConstructConnect before relying on a number for budgeting or purchasing decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't ConstructConnect publish an On-Screen Takeoff price?
ConstructConnect currently directs prospective On-Screen Takeoff customers to contact the company for pricing rather than displaying a standard OST subscription price publicly.
Because OST is now offered in multiple subscription levels and is undergoing a transition from legacy perpetual licensing, prospective buyers should request current pricing and licensing terms directly from ConstructConnect.
Is On-Screen Takeoff sold as a subscription?
Yes. ConstructConnect states that beginning with On-Screen Takeoff version 4.0.0.805, new versions of OST are sold through an annual subscription model rather than as new perpetual licenses.
Legacy perpetual-license customers are being migrated into the newer subscription licensing system under separate transition terms.
Does an OST subscription include software updates and support?
ConstructConnect states that its subscription licensing model provides ongoing access to On-Screen Takeoff, including software updates and access to support, for as long as the subscription remains active.
Prospective customers should still confirm the exact service and support terms contained in their individual purchasing agreement.
Is Takeoff Boost included with On-Screen Takeoff?
Takeoff Boost is ConstructConnect's name for a collection of AI-powered OST features, including Auto Takeoff, Auto Count, and Auto Link.
Current ConstructConnect documentation indicates that Takeoff Boost access and usage limits vary by OST subscription level.
Ask which Takeoff Boost capabilities are included in the subscription you are considering.
Does On-Screen Takeoff have a free trial?
Yes. ConstructConnect currently advertises a 14-day free trial of On-Screen Takeoff.
How much does On-Screen Takeoff plus Quick Bid cost?
ConstructConnect does not publish a standard combined OST and Quick Bid price on the public OST product page.
Because the two products have separate functionality and Quick Bid is also undergoing licensing changes, prospective customers should contact ConstructConnect for current pricing and licensing terms for the specific combination they need.
Is there a free alternative to On-Screen Takeoff?
There are free or limited-function takeoff tools available in the market, but whether they are practical replacements for OST depends on the contractor's workflow, trade, estimating requirements, project volume, and collaboration needs.
Contractors comparing professional estimating platforms should evaluate functionality and total workflow requirements in addition to subscription price.
The Bottom Line
ConstructConnect does not currently publish a standard On-Screen Takeoff subscription price on its public OST product page. At the same time, OST is going through a significant licensing transition. New versions are now sold through annual subscriptions, while legacy perpetual-license customers are being migrated from earlier licensing and maintenance arrangements.
That makes current written pricing more useful than historical OST prices or third-party estimates. Before purchasing, ask ConstructConnect to provide:
- the annual subscription price;
- the subscription level;
- the number of users included;
- Takeoff Boost access and usage limits;
- Quick Bid pricing if needed;
- separately priced training options; and
- renewal terms.
Then compare that complete package against the functionality and pricing of the other platforms you are considering.
BuzzBID publishes its complete subscription pricing on the BuzzBID pricing page, including software updates, support, and unlimited training. The goal is not simply to find the lowest number. It is to understand exactly what you are buying, what your team needs, and what the software will cost over time.
Contact the BuzzBID team to schedule a personalized demonstration and see BuzzBID run on one of your own plan sets.
On-Screen Takeoff®, Quick Bid®, Takeoff Boost™, and other third-party product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. BuzzBID is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, or otherwise associated with ConstructConnect or any other third-party company or product referenced in this article. Third-party product features, licensing information, and other details are based on publicly available information as of August 18, 2026 and are subject to change.
