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"What does the spec say about concrete mix design for the foundations?"
Foreman AI reads the spec book, finds the relevant sections, and quotes the exact requirements. PlanSwift can't read spec text.
Foreman AI vs PlanSwift
PlanSwift Counts Quantities.
Foreman AI Reads the Plans.
PlanSwift is a proven desktop takeoff tool for measuring areas, counts, and linear footage from digital plans. Foreman AI reads your entire plan set — drawings, specs, details — and answers questions about what's actually on the page. One measures. The other comprehends.
No demo required. Upload a plan set and start asking questions in 60 seconds.
Quick Read: Who Wins What
PlanSwift excels at on-screen takeoff — drag-and-click quantity measurement, area calculations, assemblies, and exporting material lists. If you need to count rebar, measure drywall area, or calculate concrete volume from plan views, PlanSwift's templates are battle-tested.
Foreman AI wins at reading comprehension. If you need to know what the spec requires for concrete mix design, whether the structural notes contradict the architectural details, or what scope gaps exist before you submit your bid — Foreman AI reads everything and gives you the answer. It doesn't count quantities; it understands intent.
Feature Comparison
What Each Tool Actually Does
| Capability | Foreman AI | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| Ask questions about plans in English | Yes — Full Q&A on scope, specs, conflicts | No — Manual reading only |
| On-screen quantity takeoff | No — Not a takeoff tool | Yes — Point-and-click area, linear, count takeoff |
| Cross-sheet conflict detection | Yes — Auto-compares arch, structural, MEP | No |
| Spec book comprehension | Yes — Reads specs, quotes sections, surfaces requirements | No |
| Assembly-based estimating templates | No | Yes — Pre-built templates with material + labor |
| Material list export (Excel) | No | Yes — Export takeoff data to spreadsheets |
| CSI-format estimate generation | Yes — AI-generated from plan content | Partial — Via assemblies, not from plan reading |
| Bid risk and scope gap flagging | Yes — Flags ambiguities and missing details | No |
| Works in a browser (no install) | Yes — Upload and go | No — Windows desktop application only |
| Large plan set support (100+ sheets) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparent public pricing | Yes — $0 / $79 / $179 per month | Yes — ~$1,749 one-time or $99/mo subscription |
Which Tool Wins
Match the Tool to the Task
"I need to measure the drywall area for every room on Floor 2."
PlanSwift's area takeoff tools with wall-height assemblies handle this perfectly. Click the perimeter, set height, get your square footage.
"Are there any conflicts between the mechanical and structural drawings?"
Cross-discipline conflict detection is automatic. Foreman AI reads both sets and flags discrepancies. PlanSwift doesn't compare sheets.
"Count every light fixture on the electrical plans and create a material list."
PlanSwift's count takeoff with assemblies maps each fixture to materials and labor. Tap each symbol, export the BOM.
"What scope exclusions should I note before I bid this project?"
Foreman AI reads the entire plan set and flags ambiguous or missing scope items that could blow your budget if you miss them.
"Give me a preliminary CSI estimate to sanity-check before I start detailed takeoff."
Before spending hours in PlanSwift, get a rough estimate from Foreman AI to validate your scope understanding.
The Real Question
PlanSwift Measures. Foreman AI Understands.
PlanSwift is a solid takeoff tool. Once you know what you're pricing, it gives you fast, accurate quantities. That part of the workflow doesn't need replacing.
The part that does? The hours you spend before takeoff — reading through plan sets, decoding specs, comparing disciplines, and identifying what's missing or ambiguous. That's the work that determines whether your bid is profitable.
Foreman AI handles that phase. Upload the same plans you'd load into PlanSwift, ask your pre-bid questions, get a preliminary estimate — then go do your detailed takeoff with confidence.
Pricing
What You'll Actually Pay
PlanSwift
$1,749
one-time license, or ~$99/mo subscription
- On-screen area, linear, and count takeoff
- Pre-built and custom assemblies
- Material and labor cost roll-up
- Excel and PDF export
- Trade-specific template packs (extra cost)
- Windows desktop application only
- Digitizer support
Foreman AI
$79/mo
Pro tier — no demo, no sales call, cancel anytime
- Unlimited plan uploads
- Unlimited AI questions on any plan content
- Cross-sheet conflict detection
- Spec book comprehension
- CSI-format estimate generation
- Browser-based — works on any device
- Free tier to evaluate with real plans
Use PlanSwift for Takeoff. Use Foreman AI to Know What to Take Off.
Upload a plan set and ask about scope, specs, conflicts, or costs. Free tier gets you 5 questions — enough to know if it helps your estimating workflow.