For UK-based residential builders, having drawing software tailored to your specific needs can make all the difference when it comes to planning, costing, and delivering projects efficiently. In this comparison, we explore HBXL’s PlansXpress, specifically designed for take-offs and drawing plans in the UK, and Bluebeam Revu, a popular tool used primarily for marking up commercial project documentation. Our team regularly hears from builders misunderstanding the Revu features, so hopefully this will help shine some light!
Overview of Each Software
PlansXpress – CAD Software For Builders
PlansXpress is a desktop-based CAD & Drawing software tool created by HBXL for UK residential builders working on home extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments, retrofits and new builds. It simplifies drawing with intuitive drag-and-drop features and pre-loaded UK-standard components—no formal CAD training required.
Its real power lies in its integration with EstimatorXpress, enabling you to simply take-off a design (or one you’ve designed in the software) and then give it to EstimatorXpress for an instant cost. Combine PlansXpress and EstimatorXpress with BuildProjex, our job and task management software, and you have a really powerful resource.
How a builder might use it: A building firm uses PlansXpress and EstimatorXpress to design a rear two storey extension, automatically generating the design, 3D models, cost breakdown, material schedule and more. This allows the client to approve both the design and the budget in a single consultation. The completed estimate file goes into BuildProjex for an automatic build programme, task allocation and more, to help the building firm see the job through.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop drawing tailored to UK residential builds
- Built-in UK-standard walls, doors, windows, roofs
- Massive choice of specifications
- Smart 3D visuals and walk-throughs
- Take-off tools for existing plans
- Seamless link to EstimatorXpress for automatic pricing
- Fully UK-based training, support, and updates
Bluebeam
Bluebeam Revu is an industry-standard solution used globally – particularly on large-scale commercial construction projects. It’s built for professionals who need to collaborate on complex PDF documents with multiple stakeholders, offering powerful markup, takeoff, and tracking capabilities.
While Bluebeam is excellent for reviewing and annotating technical drawings, it doesn’t generate plans or include residential design features.
Real-world example: A commercial contractor uses Bluebeam to track revisions across a multi-storey office development. Architects, engineers, and project managers annotate the same PDF plans in real time, helping keep large teams coordinated.
Key Features:
- Advanced PDF editing, markup, and takeoffs
- Bluebeam Studio for real-time document collaboration
- Measurement tools for quantity surveying and tracking
- Cloud-based document storage and project control
- Compatible with existing CAD-generated PDFs
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature/Tool | PlansXpress | Bluebeam |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows) | Cloud-based (Web) |
| Best For | UK residential design & estimating | Commercial project collaboration |
| Drawing Capability | Full CAD-style drawing with UK components | Markup only – not a plan creation tool |
| Residential Templates | Yes, pre-loaded UK-standard layouts | No |
| 3D Visualisation | Yes, instant 3D views and walkthroughs | No |
| Takeoff Integration | Yes, via EstimatorXpress | Yes, through measurement tools |
| Live Estimating Integration | Yes, automatic costing with EstimatorXpress | No |
| Project Scheduling from Plans | Yes, automated build schedules | No |
| Collaboration Tools | No built-in, but exportable | Yes, via Bluebeam Studio |
| UK Building Regulation Focus | Yes, tools designed around UK compliance | No, general global audience |
| Support & Training | UK-based, includes Skills Academy training | Global support, online tutorials |
| Pricing Model | Annual Subscription or One-time licence with optional support packages | Annual subscription (various tiers) |
Who is Each CAD & Takeoff Software Best For?
- PlansXpress: Perfect for residential builders and contractors in the UK who want to create their own building plans without the need for years of CAD experience. It’s particularly valuable for firms that want to streamline their workflow and instantly connect drawings to cost estimates and project schedules.
- Bluebeam: Geared towards commercial contractors, consultants, and architects who need to collaborate on detailed plans created elsewhere. It’s ideal for large teams managing document workflows rather than producing new designs.
Pricing & Support
PlansXpress Pricing
- PlansXpress Plus is available from £699 +VAT on annual subscription. And from £1699 +VAT for a perpetual licence. You can combine PlansXpress with any other of HBXL’s Building Software for increased efficiency.
- Optional annual support & updates package (if purchased on perpetual licence).
- UK-based support team and training through HBXL Skills Academy
- Free trials, live demos and walk-throughs available
Bluebeam Pricing
- Annual subscription with tiered options (Basics, Core, Complete)
- Starts around £220/year for simple markups
- Global support and cloud-based access
Conclusion
If you’re a UK-based builder working primarily on residential projects, and want to take-off and estimate jobs, or design projects yourself, PlansXpress is the clear choice. It’s built specifically with your needs in mind—from drawing extensions and conversions to generating instant estimates through its synchronisation with EstimatorXpress, an additional digital tool. Its integration with HBXL’s suite of tools makes it a powerful companion from concept to completion.
Bluebeam, while highly respected in the commercial sector, is more of a document collaboration platform than a drawing tool. It’s invaluable for reviewing and managing large sets of plans but won’t help you create them from scratch.
For residential-focused builders who want to take control of both design and cost, PlansXpress is the better investment.
Try Them Out
For more details on each software, visit: