Home builders and remodelers have more options than ever when it comes to turning blueprints into accurate measurements and takeoffs. Whether you're still working with manual methods or using digital tools like STACK, PlanSwift, or Bluebeam, there's a new contender to consider: Hover's Blueprint Upload and 3D Modeling & Measurements solution.
In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine how Hover compares to the competition for key workflows like blueprint interpretation, takeoff generation, estimating, 3D modeling, and CAD export. Whether you're bidding on new construction or remodeling homes across the U.S. and Canada, this guide will help you choose the right tool for your workflow.
|
Feature |
Hover |
STACK |
PlanSwift |
Bluebeam Revu |
Manual Methods |
|
Turnaround Time |
< 24 hrs (often same-day) |
Hours of manual input |
Hours of manual input |
Hours of manual input |
Days to weeks |
|
Pricing |
$95–$125 per structure |
$2,999/year per user |
$2,000/year per user |
$260–$440/year per user |
Variable labor/software costs |
|
3D Output |
Yes – realistic, textured model |
No |
No |
No |
Only if manually modeled |
|
CAD Compatibility |
DWG, DXF, SKP, Revit, Chief Architect |
Limited (only measurement data) |
Limited (only measurement data) |
Limited (only measurement data) |
Yes (if built in CAD) |
|
Material Takeoff |
Auto-generated with real SKUs |
Assembly-based (manual setup) |
Assembly-based (manual setup) |
Manual |
Manual |
|
AI Design Options |
Yes – Instant Design w/ real brands |
No |
No |
No |
No |
|
Ease of Use |
Upload & wait – fully automated |
Moderate (manual setup) |
Moderate (manual setup) |
Moderate (manual setup) |
Complex and slow |
Hover: Upload your blueprint, and get back a full 3D model with all measurements in < 24 hours. It’s essentially a next-day takeoff service.
Others: STACK, PlanSwift, and Bluebeam all require manual input and some technical expertise. A basic takeoff may take 3-5 hours. A full house? Much longer.
Manual: Expect several days to complete a hand-takeoff or manually model a home in Revit/SketchUp.
Hover: Only pay when you need it. $95–$125 per structure covers everything (model, exports, measurements). No annual contract required, but if you're doing a higher volume of jobs, you can talk to our Sales Team about a package that suits your business.
STACK / PlanSwift: Great for high-volume teams, but expensive if you don’t do a lot of takeoffs (licenses range from $2,000–$3,000/yr).
Bluebeam: Cheapest annual license, but it’s a markup tool — not purpose-built for takeoff.
Manual: You either pay staff or outsource to a draftsman (which often costs more than Hover).
Hover: Delivers a photorealistic 3D model with real siding, roofing, trim, and paint options. Great for homeowner sales and remodel visualizations.
STACK / PlanSwift / Bluebeam: Output is 2D plan views with colored highlights or measurement annotations. No 3D. No visuals for homeowners.
Manual: Potentially high-quality if modeled in CAD, but very slow and expensive to produce.
Hover: Export to DWG, DXF, and SKP. Plug into Revit, SketchUp, or Chief Architect workflows instantly.
Others: STACK and PlanSwift export measurement reports, but no geometry. Bluebeam is mostly PDF-based.
Manual: Native to CAD if created there, but you're on your own to build it all.
Hover: Instant Design lets you apply real materials, colors, and architectural styles to the 3D model with AI-powered suggestions and high-res visuals. See it all in seconds.
Others: None offer any design suggestions or 3D output.
Hover: Integrated with the nation's top suppliers and manufacturers. Exports materials lists tied to real product SKUs. Data integrates into estimating workflows seemlessly.
Others: STACK and PlanSwift allow estimating integrations but require setup and customization. Bluebeam supports data exports, but no real supplier tie-ins.
Hover is more than a takeoff tool — it's a fully visual, automated blueprint-to-3D solution that makes it easy to win jobs, impress clients, and move faster than the competition.
If you're still stuck tracing walls or highlighting PDFs, Hover might be the upgrade your business needs.
Ready to experience the difference? Upload your blueprint plans today and get back a full 3D model with a detailed measurements report within 24 hours. Then generate a material list in a couple of clicks and use our instant design tools to get to those material choices faster than ever.