# Page 2 | RIB CostX Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is RIB CostX the right Construction Estimating solution for you? Explore 68 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/75416/CostX/reviews --- RIB CostX 4.4 (68) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/75416/CostX/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of RIB CostX ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 68 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use ML Mark L. Estimator Warehousing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Reliable and Powerful Estimating Software for Commercial Projects" May 8, 2026 5.0 Overall, my experience with CostX has been positive. It’s a powerful estimating tool that works very well once you’re familiar with the system. It’s especially useful for detailed quantity takeoffs and managing complex construction estimates. While there are areas that could be improved from a usability and performance perspective, it’s still one of the more capable estimating platforms available for commercial construction work. Pros CostX is very efficient for takeoffs and estimating, especially on larger commercial projects. The live-linking between drawings and quantities saves a lot of time, and the revision tracking makes it easy to compare drawing updates without starting from scratch. The Excel integration is also one of the stronger features for building custom estimate templates and workflows. Cons The software can feel quite heavy and occasionally slow on large jobs with multiple revisions loaded. Some functions are not very intuitive for new users, and there’s definitely a learning curve before you can use it efficiently. Licensing and setup can also be a bit restrictive compared to newer cloud-based estimating platforms. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 18, 2026 Hi Mark, Thank you for sharing such a well‑rounded and detailed review. It’s great to hear that live-linking, revision tracking, and Excel integration are delivering value for you. We also appreciate your feedback on performance, usability, and licensing. These are important areas for us, and we continue to focus on improving the overall user experience and system performance. Thanks again for using CostX. ZG Zac G. Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Terrible Customer Service | Starting to fall behind alternatives" May 6, 2026 2.0 The customer service and sales experience bugged me for years and we finally moved our whole company to an alternative which was the best decision we ever made. Pros Relatively easy to use program. Used it for close to 14 years. Familiar functionality and workbook experience. Cons Easily the worst customer service and sales experience I have come across. Enough to move our whole company away from the platform. Starting to fall behind AI alternatives and AI integrations. The network solution is clunky, expensive and time consuming to use. The maintenance cost is beyond ridiculous. Alternatives considered [PlanSwift](https://www.capterra.com/p/70808/PlanSwift/)[Bluebeam Revu](https://www.capterra.com/p/121586/Bluebeam-PDF-Revu/)[Togal.AI](https://www.capterra.com/p/10001876/Togal-AI/) Reason for choosing RIB CostX We didn’t we chose a different solution to costx. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 15, 2026 Hi Zac, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We strive to provide strong support at every stage, and we’re sorry that your experience didn’t reflect the level of service we aim to deliver. At the same time, we truly appreciate your long history with CostX and your recognition of its functionalities and ease of use - especially after 14 years. We value your feedback and can assure you that CostX is continuously evolving, with new functionalities being introduced alongside ongoing improvements in reliability and performance. Should you consider CostX again in the future, our team would be happy to assist you and ensure you have the support you need. Thank you. BX Blaze X. Associate Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Reliable QS Measurement Tool with Room for AI Improvement" May 8, 2026 5.0 Overall, my experience with RIB CostX has been positive. It is a reliable and practical tool for quantity take-off, measurement, and estimate preparation. While there is room for improvement, particularly around automation and AI integration, it remains useful for day-to-day QS work. Pros The user interface is clear and generally easy to navigate. I like the way drawings, measurement, and workbook functions are combined in one platform, which makes quantity take-off and review more efficient. Cons The main limitation is that it does not appear to be well integrated with AI or more automated workflows. Some processes still feel quite manual, and better AI support could improve productivity and reduce repetitive tasks. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 18, 2026 Hi Blaze, It’s great to hear that your experience with RIB CostX has been positive and that you find it a reliable and practical tool for your day‑to‑day work. We’re also pleased to know you value CostX as an all‑in‑one platform that helps streamline your workflows. We appreciate your feedback around automation and AI. This is an area we’re actively exploring as we continue to evolve the platform and further improve productivity. Thanks again for your feedback and for using CostX. PK Patrick K. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Costx -2026 review" May 8, 2026 5.0 It is a good software and I personally prefer this over the other estimating software, which i thought was a bit oudated in terms of UI and easy of use. Pros Easy to learn and use. User interface is quite intuitive. It is not too bad when other users are helping on the same projects. The BOQ workbook works very similar to the Microsoft Excel. Cons When multiple users are on the same projects, and the workbook would not let you edit the summary/description. Also, the measure distance is under "Drawings" and not in "Dimension", and it is a bit annoying to move to one tab or other for a quick check. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 18, 2026 Hi Patrick, Thank you for your feedback. It’s great to hear you find CostX easy to learn and with an intuitive interface. We acknowledge your comments around collaboration limitations and navigation between tools, and appreciate you highlighting these areas. Thanks again for sharing your experience and for choosing CostX. CG Chris G. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "CostX is the BestX" May 8, 2026 5.0 Sensational. I converted my new company over after using buildsoft for two years and the difference is night and day Pros Complete integration of the entire estimating process. Endless features that I've barely even begun to touch on Cons To be able to access their cloud based storage solutions you need to purchase a minimum of 4 licenses which makes it difficult for smaller companies. These companies are generally the ones without a dedicated server which negates the need for cloud based storage. It's a upside down in my opinion Switched from [Cubit](https://www.capterra.com/p/126183/Cubit/) Integration of measuring and workbook functions Review Source Response from RIB Software May 18, 2026 Hi Chris, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It’s great to hear that CostX is delivering value to your business, and we appreciate your feedback on the depth of features the platform offers. We also value your honest feedback on cloud access and licensing for smaller teams. Your input is valuable and helps us continue to improve our offering. Thanks again for choosing CostX and for sharing your experience. MK Marlise K. Senior Quantity Surveyor Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Accurate, Efficient Measurement and Reliable Cost Planning" May 8, 2026 5.0 Excellent. I use this software on a daily basis and actively encourage clients to adopt it as well. It significantly improves efficiency, enhances accuracy, and enables the production of more professional documentation for clients. Pros Its accuracy and efficiency in measurement and cost planning. The ability to extract quantities directly from drawings and link them effortlessly to rates saves significant time, reduces manual errors, and makes benchmarking and cost comparisons across projects far more reliable. Cons When writing formulas, you have to look up the cell and enter it manually. Can not group Workbooks in folders Review Source CC Chris C. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Reliable but layout needs improvement " May 8, 2026 4.0 The platform has useful features such as document sharing, task tracking, progress reporting, and mobile access, all of which help keep projects running smoothly. Pros One of the standout features of this software is its large storage capacity, which makes it especially useful for companies handling multiple projects at once. Cons The layout could be arranged better to improve the overall user experience. Some menus and important functions feel crowded or hidden within multiple tabs, which can make navigation confusing for users. Review Source KO Karl O. Quantity Surveyor Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My "Go To" App" June 4, 2025 5.0 I have used CostX now for more than 10 years and it runs on my PC from the start of my day to when I finish. I do try to use as many of the functions as I can but I am constantly impressed whenever I try something new - I still have a lot to learn but the software is perfect for my work and I could not be without it now. Pros CostX provides a great way to measure and price a project seamlessly. The software is very stable and technical support staff are always available ready to solve any issues or queries. Cons To undertake project revisions can sometimes be frustrating especially if it is not completely clear on the screen where any un-amended dimensions still need to be reviewed, This is often where a very small section of a line has not been reviewed and can be tricky to locate on a drawing. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Karl, Thank you for the fantastic 5-star review and for being a long-time CostX user for over a decade — that’s a tremendous vote of confidence and we truly appreciate it! We’re glad to hear the measurement, pricing, and flexible workbook/database setup continue to support your wide range of projects. Your point on the complexity of handling revisions across linked workbooks is well taken — it’s something we’re continually working to make more intuitive, especially for users working across multiple estimates. Thanks again for your ongoing trust in RIB CostX — we’re proud to be your go-to app. JT Julie T. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "RIB CostX is an invaluable tool" May 29, 2025 4.0 RIB CostX has significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of our estimating processes. From early-stage feasibility studies to detailed post-tender cost plans, it handles every stage with confidence. Pros 1\. The live-link between drawings and cost plans is seamless. 2. Tailoring rate libraries and estimate structures to suit specific project types or client preferences is straightforward. 3. Reports generated through CostX are professional, detailed, and configurable. 4. The RIB support team is responsive and knowledgeable. Cons 1\. Cloud based limitations, requires a VPN network to access the software for multi-user configurations. 2. Exporting to excel or excel work books are not configurable. 3. Limited Integration with Some Project Management Tools, it would be great if we can sync the database with a dashboard tool like Power BI. The out of the box platforms provided by RIB like benchmark require the user to follow a locked in format. 4. Ideas portal is in its infancy, there is not much traction and visibility to see other users' ideas for us to vote on. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 7, 2025 Hi Julie, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review — we’re so pleased to hear that CostX has helped improve the accuracy and efficiency of your estimating workflows. It’s great to know features like the live-link between drawings and cost plans, flexible rate libraries, and professional reporting are making a real difference for your team. Regarding your comment about Power BI integration — while CostX doesn’t offer native syncing with Power BI, it can be integrated using our OData REST API. The recommended method is to extract data into a corporate data lake or warehouse, then connect Power BI from there for optimal performance and flexibility. We truly appreciate your feedback and will continue to enhance integration options going forward. If you'd like help getting started with REST API, our support team is here to assist. Thanks again for your support! GC Geoff C. Quantity Surveyor Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "CostX to Cubit conversion required" June 2, 2025 4.0 In general our overall experience with this software is excellent. We are still learning our way around but have found it is generally easy to use, fast and efficient Pros Fast and efficient onscreen measurement for most trades. In addition, our clients have the ability to review in detail exactly what we have measured giving them an extra measure of confidence in the Builders BoQ's we produce for tender purposes Cons Converts to Buildsoft Global but does not convert to Cubit. We measure tenders for groups of builders, and now Global is being discontinued we are left in the situation where some builders in the group want CostX and some want Cubit (but few want Global), but the process of transferring first to Global then to Cubit is lengthy as the Global conversion has no headings, secondary quantities or Q coding transferred over (and the Q coding system is only compatible with two digit codes). Direct conversion from CostX to Cubit is essential Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Geoff, Thank you for your review and for highlighting what’s working well for your team. It’s great to know the measurement tools and layered estimating structure are helping streamline your workflows. We’ve noted your comments on the conversion limitations with Cubit — we understand how critical flexibility in data migration can be, and we’ll keep this front of mind as we explore ways to better support transitions between platforms. Thanks again for your valuable feedback. MF Morgan F. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Solid beast, my side kick for last 8 years" June 24, 2025 5.0 My overall experience with RIB CostX has been solid. It’s a powerful and reliable estimating software, and so far, there’s no alternative in the market that offers a better combination of accuracy, speed, and integration Pros I liked how RIB CostX offers integrated and reliable estimating tools that streamline quantity takeoffs and cost planning within one platform. It saves time and improves accuracy, making the estimating process much more efficient. Cons What I liked least about RIB CostX is that it heavily relies on keyboard shortcuts, which can be hard to memorise and slows down productivity for new or occasional users. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Morgan, Thanks so much for the review! Calling CostX your “sidekick” for the last 8 years is the kind of feedback we love to hear — it’s an honour to support your estimating journey. We’re glad you find the platform reliable and intuitive. Your suggestion about needing more workflow customisation and detailed guidance is well taken — we’ll be looking at ways to strengthen this experience for you and other long-time users. Thanks again for your trust and loyalty — we’re grateful you’re part of the CostX community NK Nikos K. Senior Associate Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Efficient, Accurate, and Collaborative" June 4, 2025 5.0 My experience with RIB CostX has generally been very positive. The takeoff tools, both 2D and 3D, are intuitive and save a lot of time compared to manual calculations. The cloud-based collaboration feature is also a standout, allowing team members to stay aligned and work together in real time, no matter their location Pros I particularly appreciate the comprehensive and user-friendly interface of RIB CostX. The software’s ability to seamlessly combine both 2D and 3D takeoff capabilities makes it incredibly versatile. Cons While RIB CostX offers a powerful set of features, I find that the learning curve can be steep for new users, especially those not familiar with BIM or advanced cost estimation software. Review Source Response from RIB Software May 6, 2026 Hi Nikos, Thank you for the excellent review and for sharing your experience with RIB CostX. We are pleased to hear that our 2D and 3D takeoff tools are saving you time and that cloud‑based collaboration is helping your teams stay aligned. It is great to know that CostX’s interface stands out as comprehensive and user‑friendly. We appreciate your feedback on the learning curve for new users and continue to improve our onboarding, training, and guidance to help users get value from CostX more quickly. Thank you again for your support and for being a valued CostX user. EF Even F. Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Experience with cost x " May 29, 2025 4.0 Good experience except the IT support now wants us to lodge a ticket for support, sometime we are time poor and phone technical support is much easier. Pros It’s very visual and easy to explain to client what we have measured. Overall client has praised the software. Cons When there are several sections within an estimate, we have to go up and down a level and this takes time Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Even, Thank you for your review and for highlighting how helpful CostX has been when it comes to visually presenting estimates to clients. Making the complex simple is one of our key goals, and it’s great to know that’s coming through in your experience. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to help you deliver clear, confident estimates. RB Rob B. Cost Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The cream always rises to the top!" June 24, 2025 5.0 Really good! Have been using it for over 20 years and it's always been a market leader in my opinion. Pros The functionality, flexibility and easy of use. I've always found it useful when presenting cost plans / tenders to stakeholders, in particular linked dimensions to drawings.. Cons Creating formulas within workbooks could be a bit more automated and measuring curves is quite clunky. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Rob, Thanks so much for your 5-star review and for being with us for over two decades — that’s an incredible journey! It’s great to hear that the platform’s functionality and flexibility continue to meet your needs. We also appreciate your feedback on formula creation within workbooks. It’s a fair point, and something we’ll keep in mind as we work to improve the user experience. Thanks again for your insights and loyalty. We truly value your support. BR Bharat R. IT Support Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Service" May 30, 2025 5.0 We never had a bad experience with the software, it works fine for all CostX users and it's friendly. Pros Customer service, like when we have an issue opening the CostX file due to the low version installed the customer service team helps to get it resolved asap. Cons Price :) Sometimes it feels very expensive when we are going for renewal, but overall, no complaints about the software. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Bharat, Thank you for the 5-star review! We're so pleased to hear you've had such consistently positive experiences with both the software and our support team. Knowing that our customer service stands out to you means a lot — we work hard to be there when our users need us. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. SK Steff K. ESTIMATOR Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great tool for estimating! " May 29, 2025 4.0 overall, really well. I am in a new role using CostX and it's been a handy tool, helping me understand. Pros It's so easy to use and a really helpful tool when estimating! I specifically like the snap lock 'line' tool when auto selecting lines. Cons The curser not being exact and the complexity to select certain things when needing to delete lines/items. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Steff, Thanks for your review! We're so pleased to hear CostX has been a helpful tool as you step into your new role and that you're finding features like the snap-lock line tool useful for estimating. If you're looking to explore more tips and workflows, we’d recommend checking out our free CostX Coffee Break webinar series on YouTube. They're short, practical sessions designed to help users like you get the most out of the platform. Thanks again for sharing your experience! FA Feroz A. Project Engineer Civil Engineering Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "RIB CostX Best Features" June 24, 2025 4.0 RIB Costx is an efficient and user friendly software which provides various features for the user to carry on task day to day. Pros User friendly Transparency One stop shop for all estimating purposes It provides the option to do a detailed comparison of subcontractors which is very helpful for decision making and final estimation Cons BIM support can be fine tuned to to provide more easy and efficient use. Sometimes it lags and takes time to perform. Review Source Response from RIB Software July 4, 2025 Hi Feroz, Thank you for your review and for sharing your early impressions of RIB CostX. We’re glad to hear it’s already proving helpful in your role by offering transparency and supporting daily estimating tasks. Your feedback on BIM support is appreciated. We’re continuing to invest in our 3D workflows, and your input helps guide where we focus next — especially in improving visual interaction and usability. Thanks again for being part of the CostX community — we look forward to supporting your continued success. MC Mike C. Systems Administrator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Drank the koolaid, would drink again" August 8, 2024 5.0 100% positive, probably one of the best pieces of software that I work with bar none. Over the years there have been evolutions in the supporting software - the database back end changes for example - but there is a steady path of improvement and it's exciting with each release to see what has been renewal introduced. Pros It's flexible for the real world. You can work with a photo of a set of plans, a home drawn image exported, full PDF plan sets from arch/structure designers, DWFX/BIM imports from architects. On the measurement side, it's totally flexible in that regard. On the costing side, CostX has a strong Excel-inspired methodology which is quickly understood by anyone with a spreadsheet background. Excellent software, can't say enough good about it. Cons I think some of the product offerings between full blown CostX down to the pared down Excel version get a bit confusing from the outside looking in. There is probably room to promote contractors who help with implementation or promote those services if RIB directly can provide that. As with a blank Excel spreadsheet (or a database in general), the ability to customize and develop can be overwhelming to most. Alternatives considered [MiTek](https://www.capterra.com/p/119717/Workflow-Management-Suite/) Reason for choosing RIB CostX We did a scored matrix review of 50+ pieces of software on a 10 point scale. Most software was in the 2-3 point range. CostX had points in the hundreds. It was a full order of magnitude (e.g. 10x the points) of any competitor. Switched from [Microsoft Excel](https://www.capterra.com/p/176574/Excel/) Home brewed Excel system that was hard to understand and maintain. After developing out CostX to our business standards, we've been able to onboard employees to being fully functional inside of 4-6 weeks, whereas within Excel we had employees using the system for years who still struggled. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 22, 2024 Hi Mike, Thank you so much for your positive review! We understand how important it is for a takeoff and estimation software to support a wide range of design formats and take pride in CostX’s flexibility to meet those needs. Our Excel-like costing features are designed to be intuitive, a quality which many of our customers also appreciate. Regarding our product range, we offer solutions tailored to various business sizes and needs. If you haven't already, I recommend exploring our product table on our website. This resource provides a side-by-side comparison of the key features within each version, helping you find the best fit as your business evolves. Our expert team is also here to assist with any questions to simplify your decision-making process. Thank you again for your continued support! BW Ben W. National Estimating Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Highly Efficient and User-Friendly Estimating Software" August 5, 2024 5.0 My overall experience with RIB CostX has been very positive. It has proven to be an invaluable tool for our estimating processes, providing a user-friendly and efficient platform that integrates seamlessly with our design tools. The software's capabilities have enhanced our workflow and allowed us to deliver more accurate and timely estimates. Despite a few minor issues with support, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making CostX a top choice for estimating software. Pros What I liked most about RIB CostX is its speed and accuracy in estimating and quantity surveying. The software's integration with Revit and BIM data has greatly streamlined our processes at Ausco Modular, enhancing both efficiency and precision in our estimates and bills of materials. Features such as Dimension Groups with Audit Links offer flexible measurement and ensure accuracy, while Model Maps and Workbooks improve data extraction and breakdowns. The intuitive design, similar to Excel, makes it easy for teams to use and collaborate effectively. Cons One area for improvement is the need for more robust customer support and troubleshooting resources. Compared to my experience with Exactal, where I had a personal connection with the development and support teams, the current RIB tech support feels less personal. I feel like more of a number in the queue now, and quicker, more personalised support would enhance the overall experience. Alternatives considered [Cubit](https://www.capterra.com/p/126183/Cubit/) Reason for choosing RIB CostX We chose RIB CostX because it's widely taught in universities, making it easier to find staff familiar with its features. Its integration capabilities and familiar toolbar also enhance usability compared to alternatives. Switched from [Cubit](https://www.capterra.com/p/126183/Cubit/) I switched from Buildsoft in 2007 due to its lack of user-friendliness and manual take-offs, which required redundant remeasuring. In 2017, the shift to digital measurements improved speed and accuracy, reducing mistakes and manual checks for Ausco. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 13, 2024 Hi Ben, Thanks for taking time to share your experience with CostX and for attending our Advisory Group meetup in Brisbane! We’re really pleased to hear that the software’s speed, accuracy, and integration with Revit and BIM have been valuable to your team at Ausco Modular. It’s great to know that features like Dimension Groups and Model Maps are helping you achieve better efficiency and precision in your work, and that the familiar, Excel-like design is making things easier for your team. We understand how important it is to feel heard as a valued customer – that’s why we're glad you had the opportunity to connect with our Product Development team in person today. Your insights are important to us and we’re actively looking at ways to work collaboratively with users to incorporate feedback. Once again, thank you for your support! If there's anything else you need help with, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to assist. AE Ahmed E. Managing Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Senior Management Review - Ahmed Elhalouty" July 31, 2024 4.0 Pros Tracking measurement is good in CostX. However, it should be more easier than doing it in workbook Cons We Can't make sure that everything is measured as there are no layers function Switched from [Navisworks](https://www.capterra.com/p/233414/Navisworks/) Navisworks is not as good as CostX in 2D measurement. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 8, 2024 Hi Ahmed, thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re committed to making measurement as efficient and accurate as possible for our users so we’re pleased to hear that you’re finding this feature valuable. Regarding your comment about layers, CostX does support layer functionality however this feature requires the architect to provide a vector file for full functionality. For guidance on how to use this feature effectively, we recommend checking out our training video, which covers this in detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5a5XkKiIk8 Hope this is helpful and thanks again for your review! TB Tony B. Senior Server Analyst Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "CostX Review" August 8, 2024 4.0 Again, the overall administration of the CostX software is very straightforward. As far as our end users are concerned, I believe they are satisfied with the product as well. Pros I am writing this as the admin of our CostX environment and, not an end user. Over all, administration of the product is straightforward as it applied to installing and updating both the CostX Server Admin and CostX client applications. Cons On the CostX Server side, I will say that the space required for the database when updating the software seems ridiculous. It seems that we need 3 times the space when updating the software and that is a waste of storage. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 22, 2024 Hi Tony, Thank you for your review! We’re pleased to hear that you find the administration of CostX straightforward and it’s great to know that your end users are also happy with the product. Regarding the space needed for software updates, this is proportional to the amount of data in your database. To reduce the load on your internal IT resources, we suggest looking into upgrading to CostX Cloud. With CostX Cloud, our team takes care of all hosting and version upgrades, which can help simplify your operations and manage storage more effectively. Thank you again for sharing your experience! SHS Syed Himat S. Quantity Surveyor Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Advanced QS Tool" July 31, 2024 5.0 Have a really great experience and looking forward to new updates. Pros User friendly and give lots option to review and easy to measure any image/pdf/cad etc... Cons Writing dimensions and unable to add duplicate Review Source Response from RIB Software August 8, 2024 Hi Syed, thank you for choosing RIB CostX! We’re thrilled to hear you’re having a great experience with us so far. Our software does indeed support all common design files including 2D images, PDFs, CAD, Revit and 3D/BIM to ensure you have all the flexibility you need. Furthermore, we are committed to continuous innovation through regular software updates to ensure you’re equipped with industry-leading tools needed for efficient and accurate takeoff and estimation. Thanks again for your support! Phil M. Associate Director Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent QS tool for direct take off, estimating and producing schedules/bills of quantities." January 10, 2018 5.0 We moved to digital taking off initially and a windows GUI from an old terminal window based system. The ability to view, section and walk round 3D models and have BIM extraction capabilities is most advantageous. Pros We moved to CostX completely as a QS practice a number of years ago and we find it a very powerful tool in producing all levels of estimates, bills/schedules of quantities and builders quants etc. It's the best software we've seen for a number of years and for the future with it's BIM capabilities also. With customised branded report formats available allow us to provide consistently high quality presentation documents. Staff were quick to pick up the basics of operation and quickly progress their skills in taking off and scheduling digitally. Regular updates from user feature requests and continually developing and improving the CostX software. Excellent customer support and follow up to ensure the best service is provided and maintained to resolve any issues found or queried. Cons Lack of ability to complete cut and fill exercises The only real downside is the inability to handle drawings in batches and without having to load them individually to edit their properties. We understand that this is a registered client feature request under review for development and greatly look forward to its implementation. Review Source Response from RIB Software January 11, 2018 Hi Phil, Thanks so much for your great review! We are so pleased to hear that you find CostX such a powerful tool to use at Maltbys. It's great to hear that staff were able to pick up the program so quickly too! In regards to your comments on cut and fill, CostX supports the extraction of cut and fill volumes from other systems via BIM. Whilst there is no dedicated cut and fill takeoff, CostX supports volume calculations based on areas with heights applied and using dimension group formulas, users can also perform more advanced volume calculations. Additionally, you're correct in noting that bulk updates to drawing file scales is in the development roadmap- for now, CostX supports adding multiple drawing files at the same time or multiple sheets /pages from a single file and the scale can be set for all added drawings in bulk at the time of adding. CostX also now supports scale and calibration factor columns on the Drawings list so that scale is always visible. Thanks again! CE Charlie E. Quantity Surveyor - Pricing Manager Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Wouldn't Look Back" August 12, 2018 5.0 I had been putting off getting any sort of software packages for a long time as I really liked doing manual take offs and using spreadsheets. Cost X was very easy to change to after doing these type of take offs. I wouldn't look back now. I have had a new graduate start with me and it is very easy to teach them (as most of it has already been set up by me), this also keeps uniformity over take offs. One of the biggest advantages for us being a residential / light commercial building company is that we seem to have a lot of revisions over a job up until contract stage - the revision tool has been great for this and makes doing a series of changes from one plan to the next a breeze and a report can give a detailed breakdown of the changes at these revision points. Pros \- Really easy to get started, just set out dimensions as you would manually, set out your spreadsheets and link the two up. The more you use it, the more you learn, and it just keeps getting better. - No need to save all the time as all your work is up to date. - Easily relates to excel spreadsheets. - Data from spreadsheets can be exported or imported with ease. - Importing of .dwg files directly from the drawing team makes measurements exact. Any mistakes in the drawing files can be picked up and relayed back to the drawing team before another revision. - When working on multiple build projects, it is a lot easy to open and close jobs from the same place compared to other applications where they would all be seperate files needing to be opened. - Being able to compare drawing files, ie; site plan over a subfloor plan to work out pile heights easily. - The ability to do measurements, add a legend with quantities, save as a PDF and provide to subcontractors. ie; joist layout for builder, measure of a full drainage plan for the drainlayer. Cons The only thing that I have found hard work is the report software provided with Cost X. This is mainly because I just haven't had the time to put into it. I can see that it will be very good, but can see that this is going to take some time to get what I want from it. Other than that I still was able to make up functional reports easy enough, just not to the level I would like yet. Review Source Response from RIB Software September 3, 2018 Hi Charlie, thanks for your great review! We're so happy to hear that you're loving CostX! It's great to see you're getting full use from the functionality, and that the revisioning tool is making your life easier! With regards to the reporting, we do offer the standard report writer which allows you to create basic reports, but the custom report writer can be a little more complex. Because of this, we do offer training for it, so if you are interested in exploring it further that may be worthwhile. Thanks again! JR Jack R. Quantity Surveyor Civil Engineering Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "CostX has made measuring and estimating from CAD manageable. Would recommend." August 4, 2017 4.0 Pros The biggest selling point for the software for us is the link between dimensions in the workbook and drawing files. This allows clients to quickly understand the source of the data in the workbook, and builds a level of transparency and trust. The ability to store a rate database also has advantages in terms of the ability to reference past rates and benchmark cost. The rate library allows the quick adjustment of a rate across a major project, with only one edit required to adjust the entire estimate to accommodate this change. After care in terms of technical support for the product has been superb, which is vital when adopting such software as your mainstay for measuring or estimating. The Product Support Team have gone above and beyond on numerous occasions to ensure that any technical issue we have encountered has been resolved in a timely fashion, to ensure minimal inconvenience to our projects. Cons I would consider the 3D Measuring Tools fairly primitive currently. The model maps tool would be perfectly adequate if the quality of models received in the industry currently was always sufficient for automatic quantity extraction, but unfortunately that often is not the case at the moment. Measuring manually on 3D models currently can feel clunky, and measuring wall faces on the insides of buildings can feel like a chore, as navigating the model can be difficult with the tools available. The ability to lock the model in the centre of the screen in v6.6 was a very necessary step. Review Source Response from RIB Software August 6, 2017 Hi Jack, Thanks so much for your review! We're so pleased to hear you love the live-links, and great to see a 5 star rating for customer support. With regards to the BIM features, we note the industry does have a little way to go before BIM can be used as it is intended. It may be helpful if you provide your architects with a copy of our Drawing File Optimisation document so they have a better idea of what they need to include in the model they are providing to Quantity Surveyors. Apart from that, we will take your comments on board! One of our Product Specialists will contact you about the navigation issue you mentioned too. Thanks again! 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