How BIM Takeoff Achieved 95% Faster Estimates with Kreo Software

BIM Takeoff is a specialist quantity surveying and cost estimation firm based in London, UK, serving clients across the UK, Australia, and Europe. With over 20 years of experience and 2,000+ projects delivered, the company provides expert QS services for complex construction packages including drylining systems, structural works (FRP, suspended slabs, columns, post-tension), fire protection, facades and cladding, and Building Safety Act (BSR/HRB) compliance. Services include automated BIM quantity takeoff, cost estimation and budget planning, trade-specific specialist services, fast-track cost control, BREEAM/ESG cost modeling, bid writing and management, and construction data management. The company processes IFC models from Revit, ArchiCAD, and Tekla, delivering results 90–95% faster than manual 2D takeoffs, with typical turnarounds of 2–7 days.

We chose Kreo Software for its powerful BIM-based quantity takeoff capabilities that align perfectly with our workflow. Kreo allows us to ingest IFC models from Revit, ArchiCAD, and Tekla and automatically extract quantities with high accuracy. Within the software, we perform automated quantity takeoffs, validate and quality-check measurements, apply cost data to generate detailed cost estimates, run multi-scenario analyses comparing design alternatives and materials, and produce audit-ready reports and visual dashboards for our clients.

Before switching to Kreo, we relied on manual 2D drawing takeoffs, which were extremely time-consuming and prone to human error. Measuring complex structural packages like post-tensioned slabs or detailed drylining systems manually could take weeks per project. The main difficulties included slow turnaround times, inconsistency between team members, difficulty handling design changes mid-project, and lack of a scalable workflow for growing project volumes. Kreo solved these challenges by automating the extraction process from BIM models, drastically reducing errors, enabling real-time updates when designs change (within 24 hours), and allowing our team to handle more projects simultaneously without compromising accuracy.

Using Kreo Software has significantly transformed our business operations. We now deliver takeoffs 90–95% faster than before, enabling us to offer clients a typical 2–7 day turnaround even on complex BIM packages. This speed advantage has been a key differentiator in winning new clients and retaining existing ones. Our final cost accuracy has improved to within ±5%, which has reduced disputes and increased client trust. We have been able to scale our project volume considerably — growing from a handful of projects per month to handling 2,000+ projects cumulatively — without proportional increases in staffing. The efficiency gains have also allowed us to expand our geographic reach across UK, Australia, and Europe.

Yes, absolutely. We would recommend Kreo to any quantity surveying or construction consultancy firm looking to modernize their estimation workflow. The key reasons we would give are: (1) The dramatic time savings — 90–95% faster than manual takeoffs — allow firms to take on more work and meet tight tender deadlines; (2) The high accuracy of automated BIM extraction reduces costly errors and rework; (3) The software handles complex packages like structural works and fire protection systems that other tools struggle with; (4) Real-time design change updates keep cost data current throughout the project lifecycle; and (5) The audit-ready outputs integrate smoothly into existing estimating and reporting workflows.

Kreo Software has been an excellent investment for our business. The platform is intuitive, powerful, and continually improving. We appreciate the support team's responsiveness and the regular feature updates. If we could suggest any enhancements, it would be further expansion of the pricing database coverage for international markets (particularly Australia) and additional BSR/HRB compliance-specific reporting templates to support our growing fire safety and facade remediation work. Overall, Kreo has been a core part of our service delivery and we look forward to growing with the platform.