UK builders looking for efficient ways to produce construction drawings and accurate takeoffs have several software options to choose from. Two popular solutions are HBXL’s PlansXpress, designed specifically for the UK residential market, and PlanSwift, a globally used takeoff and basic estimating tool. In this article, we compare both tools to help you decide which suits your business best.
Overview of Each Software
PlansXpress – Takeoff & CAD Software for UK Residential Builders
PlansXpress is a desktop CAD drawing tool created by HBXL for small to medium-sized residential builders. Whether you’re working on a kitchen extension, garage conversion, or a full new-build, PlansXpress makes it easy to produce professional plans that integrate seamlessly with HBXL’s estimating tools. Together with EstimatorXpress, PlansXpress helps residential construction firms move from being building companies to design and build companies.
Its strength lies in its purpose-built design for UK building practices, including ready-made UK standard components and automatic links to EstimatorXpress for instant cost updates and automatic estimates. This creates clear flow that’s intuitive, builder-friendly, and extremely time-saving. More profit, better drawings and estimates.
Typical use case: A domestic builder draws a two-storey rear extension using PlansXpress, immediately generating a build programme, 3D visuals for the client, and a detailed cost estimate via EstimatorXpress.
Key Features:
- CAD-style drawing with drag-and-drop UK-standard components
- Auto-dimensioning and annotation tools
- Smart 3D visuals and client walk-throughs
- Direct link to EstimatorXpress for costings and estimating
- Generates build programmes and material lists
- Includes templates for typical UK residential layouts
- Fully supported in the UK by a dedicated support team (included with your subscription) and access to HBXL Skills Academy, with funded and self-funded training options.
PlanSwift – General-Purpose Takeoff and Estimating
PlanSwift is a US-developed software widely used for digital takeoffs and basic estimating. It works by importing PDF or CAD drawings and allows users to trace or mark up measurements directly on-screen. Although it’s not a drawing tool itself, it produces quantity takeoffs and provides basic estimating.
While PlanSwift is flexible and useful for a range of trades, it lacks UK-specific components and isn’t designed for generating plans from scratch, which may be a limitation for residential builders needing both design and costing tools.
Typical use case: A subcontractor imports an architect’s PDF plans into PlanSwift and uses its measurement tools to calculate wall areas and floor coverings for a commercial job.
Key Features:
- On-screen takeoff tools (length, area, count, volume)
- Imports PDFs and CAD files for measuring
- Supports custom assemblies and item pricing
- Integrates with Excel and third-party estimating systems
- Plug-ins for trade-specific tasks (e.g., roofing, painting)
- Suitable for subcontractor trades and quantity surveyors
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature/Tool | PlansXpress | PlanSwift |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows) | Desktop (Windows), Cloud-based options |
| Best For | UK residential building projects | General contractors across various construction sectors |
| Drawing Capability | CAD-style drawing with drag-and-drop components | On-screen takeoff from existing plans (no drawing creation) |
| Residential Templates | Yes, tailored to UK house types | Customisable assemblies for various trades |
| 3D Visualisation | Yes, instant previews and walkthroughs | No |
| Takeoff Integration | Yes, links with EstimatorXpress for live costing | Built-in takeoff tools with Excel export |
| Live Estimating Integration | Yes, automatic updates with EstimatorXpress | No, requires manual input or external tools |
| Project Scheduling from Plans | Yes, generates build programmes directly | No |
| BIM Collaboration Tools | Yes, IFC Exportable Formatting | No |
| UK Building Regulation Focus | Yes, designed specifically for UK methods | No, general global standards |
| Support & Training | UK-based, includes Skills Academy training | US-based support & online tutorials |
| Pricing Model | Annual Subscription or One-time licence with optional support packages | One-time fee or annual subscription options |
Who is Each Takeoff & CAD Software Best For?
- PlansXpress: Perfect for UK-based residential builders and contractors who need to create professional drawings and immediately cost them. Its UK-focused features, built-in components, and integration with HBXL’s other tools make it ideal for domestic building projects. You can either trace over and estimate existing plans, or create building plans from scratch.
- PlanSwift: Best suited for subcontractors and estimators who need to quickly calculate measurements from existing plans. It’s ideal for those who already have drawings and want to generate takeoffs and quantities without producing plans themselves.
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
Planswift Pricing
- Perpetual licence or subscription options (approx. $2,000 one-off or annual plans)
- US-based support and plugin marketplace
- Training mostly available online or through third-party providers
Conclusion
If your work involves estimating existing plans or drawing residential construction plans and accurately costing them, PlansXpress is the clear winner. It’s made for UK builders, includes components and templates relevant to domestic work, and offers tight integration with estimating and scheduling tools.
PlanSwift, while powerful for takeoffs, lacks plan creation capabilities and is better suited for tradespeople solely working from existing PDFs. Its generalist approach means it’s less tailored to UK residential construction and doesn’t offer the same end-to-end workflow as HBXL’s suite.
Try Them Out
For more details on each software, visit: