Automatic quantity takeoff
Hustro AI analyses construction drawings in PDF, CAD and BIM format, recognises structural and finishing elements and calculates material quantities – producing a structured takeoff ready for cost estimation in minutes rather than hours.
Challenges
Manual takeoff is the biggest bottleneck in estimating
In most construction companies and quantity surveying practices, takeoffs are still done manually – using Excel and PDF drawings. Calculation errors, inconsistent data and lack of standardisation lead to inaccurate bills of quantities and delayed decisions.
Time-consuming calculations
Manually counting quantities and elements from drawings takes hours – sometimes days. On large projects this delays cost decisions, procurement and planning.
High risk of errors in Excel
Calculation mistakes, wrong units and overlooked elements result in inaccurate bills of quantities, budget overruns and corrections.
No standardisation
Every quantity surveyor works differently, making it hard to compare, audit or integrate data between projects and teams.
Full rework with every revision
Every drawing revision means recalculating quantities from scratch. Without change detection, updating takes as long as the first takeoff.
Key features
From drawing to bill of quantities in minutes
PDF, CAD and BIM analysis
Computer vision reads drawings in the formats you already use – no conversion required.
Element recognition
Walls, slabs, columns, openings, finishes and building systems identified automatically.
Quantities and reports
Areas, volumes, linear metres and counts calculated automatically, with a ready takeoff report.
Specification matching
AI links recognised elements to your material and specification library.
Export to estimating and ERP
The takeoff goes into your estimating software without manual re-entry.
In practice
Upload a drawing, AI calculates the quantities
1Upload drawings
Add project drawings in PDF or CAD format, or a BIM model – no extra tagging needed.
2AI recognises and calculates
The system recognises elements, calculates quantities and matches them to material specifications.
3Review and export
Check the result with confidence scores, adjust if needed and export to your estimate.
Benefits
Up to 80% faster takeoff, with fewer errors
- Fewer errors – no manual calculation mistakes, unit errors or overlooked elements.
- Better cost control – an accurate bill of quantities from day one.
- No rework on revisions – AI detects drawing changes and updates quantities automatically.
- Standardised data – consistent output across surveyors, estimators and projects.
- Better collaboration – designers, estimators and contractors work from the same data.
AI Labs
See other AI prototypes
In AI Labs we test AI on tasks typical of construction.
Automatic issue descriptions
AI analysis of site photos – defect recognition, issue classification and description generation in seconds.
See prototype →
Document comparison
Automatic detection of discrepancies between project requirements, material submittals, drawings and specifications.
See prototype →How it works
How to get access to Hustro AI Labs
Get in touch
Fill in the contact form and tell us about your business, your team size and the processes you want to improve with AI.
Discovery call
We discuss your challenges and identify which AI prototype best fits your workflow and project type.
Prototype setup
We configure the AI prototype for your data – your drawings, your document formats, your standards.
Testing on a real project
You test the prototype on a live project with your team. We support you throughout and gather feedback.
Results and next steps
We analyse the results together and plan next steps – further development, integration with Hustro or a wider rollout.
Try Hustro AI Labs on your construction project
Our AI prototypes are available for select clients and partners. Get in touch and we will find the right prototype for your team and project type.
Get access to AI Labs
Our team will get back to you within 24 hours
Tomasz Jones
Digitalisation Specialist
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is AI automatic quantity takeoff?
It is a Hustro AI Labs prototype that uses computer vision to analyse construction drawings in PDF, CAD and BIM format, recognise structural and finishing elements and calculate material quantities – producing a structured bill of quantities in minutes rather than hours.
What drawing formats are supported?
PDF drawings, CAD files and BIM models – the formats most construction teams already use. No conversion is required. The model is configured for your drawing standards, building type and element categories during setup.
How much faster is it than manual measurement?
Based on testing with construction teams, AI takeoff is up to 80% faster than manual measurement – hours of surveyor time reduced to minutes, with a complete audit trail of calculated quantities.
What building elements can the AI recognise?
Structural elements (walls, slabs, columns, beams, foundations), finishes (flooring, ceilings, wall finishes) and building components (windows, doors, openings). Accuracy improves with each project processed.
Does it update quantities when drawings are revised?
Yes. When a new revision is uploaded, the AI detects changes and updates the affected quantities – without a full takeoff from scratch.
Can the output be used in estimating software?
Yes. The takeoff is exported in a structured format compatible with estimating software and ERP systems, and can be matched to your material codes and unit costs.
How do I get access to the prototype?
The prototype is available to select clients and partners through the Hustro AI Labs programme. Fill in the contact form on this page – we will get back to you within 24 hours.
