Beam AI

Overview

Beam AI, also known as iBeam, is a fully cloud-based AI takeoff and construction estimating software platform built for general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. The platform automates the most time-consuming part of the estimating workflow—manual quantity extraction from project drawings—by reading PDF plans, specifications, legends, and notes directly. Beam AI then delivers complete, QA-checked takeoffs in structured formats such as Excel and PDF, typically within 24–72 hours depending on trade scope and project complexity.

The system combines automated quantity takeoff with AI-driven plan recognition to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings across a wide range of trades. Supported scopes include HVAC/mechanical, concrete, electrical, plumbing, steel, civil, utilities, roofing, flooring, painting, masonry, and demolition. Beam AI also serves field service verticals such as snow removal, landscaping, and paving with automated area and volume measurements. Users upload drawings through the iBeam Portal, collaborate with team members in real time, manage revisions, and download completed takeoffs from any device—no on-premise installation is required.

Beam AI is engineered to reduce human error, improve estimating accuracy, and give estimating teams a competitive advantage. The software eliminates manual tracing, clicking, and measuring, allowing teams to focus on pricing strategy and bid strategy instead of repetitive quantity extraction. Contractors using Beam AI report saving 15–20 hours per week and multiplying bid volume—some increasing from 2 bids per week to 8–9 without adding staff. The platform also helps GCs improve budgeting accuracy, subcontractor coordination, and competitive bidding outcomes.

Pricing operates on an annual subscription model based on measurable sheet credits, ideal for estimators who process 500 or more sheets per year. Users can perform unlimited AI takeoffs within their plan limit and benefit from limited rollover of unused credits, making the model flexible for fluctuating project volumes. With an average aggregate rating of 4.8/5 and verified user reviews, Beam AI positions itself as a scalable, enterprise-ready estimating solution for the modern construction industry.

Core capabilities

Automated Quantity Takeoffs

Beam AI extracts all material quantities directly from uploaded drawings, eliminating manual tracing and measurement errors.

AI-Driven Plan Recognition

The system reads plans, specs, legends, and notes to identify quantities across architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.

Trade-Specific Takeoff Modules

Includes specialized modules for HVAC, concrete, earthwork, civil, structural steel, electrical, plumbing, painting, masonry, roofing, flooring, and demolition.

Excel/PDF Exports

Delivers structured, bid-ready estimate outputs that integrate directly into pricing models, contractor estimator software, and bid packages.

Team Collaboration Tools

The iBeam Portal enables real-time collaboration on drawings, revision management, and project progress tracking from any device.

24–36 Hour Turnaround

Automated takeoffs are QA-checked and returned within 24–72 hours depending on project complexity.

QA-Checked Outputs

Every takeoff is quality-assured to ensure reliable, bid-ready material quantities.

Cloud-Based Platform

Fully web-based with no installation required, accessible from anywhere and any device.

Scalable Sheet-Credit Pricing

Annual subscription based on sheet credits, with limited rollover, designed for high-volume estimating teams.

Use cases

Generating multi-trade takeoffs for commercial and industrial project bids.

Concrete estimating for foundations, rebar, and formwork quantities.

HVAC and mechanical estimating for duct, piping, and equipment counts.

Electrical and plumbing takeoffs for wiring, fixtures, panels, pipes, and fittings.

Civil and utilities takeoffs for sitework, trenching, and infrastructure scopes.

Scaling bid capacity for GCs and subcontractors without additional hires.

Providing accurate material quantities for supplier quoting and distribution workflows.