The AI-powered estimating platform Bobyard has released a significant update, Bobyard 2.0. This new version introduces accelerated takeoff workflows and a unified artificial intelligence workbench. The update is designed to meet the evolving demands of estimators in the construction and landscaping sectors.
Takeoffs, a critical phase in project estimation, involve analyzing drawings to quantify materials. By speeding up this process, the platform aims to reduce errors associated with manual measurement. This efficiency can potentially lead to fewer budget overruns and costly surprises during actual construction.
Core Features and Functional Improvements
Bobyard 2.0 integrates material costs within a ‘measure first, price later’ model. This approach is intended to save time and minimize mistakes from the initial takeoff to the final bid submission. A key new feature, Multi-Measure, allows estimators to draw a single shape. The system then automatically calculates all related measurements, such as area, perimeter, and volume, simultaneously.
The platform has consolidated its artificial intelligence tools into a unified AI Workbench. This suite includes a Review Workflow, giving estimators the agency to verify, trust, or adjust AI-generated outputs before incorporating them into a project takeoff. This feature is presented as a step toward maintaining human oversight within an automated process.
Other updated features focus on user flexibility and data handling. The Legend Manager provides a dedicated space for creating and managing symbol and pattern legends. The Text Count tool allows users to convert words or labels found on drawings directly into countable items for measurement.
Impact on the Estimation Workflow
The company states that its goal is to eliminate redundant work. According to Bobyard, once a takeoff is completed within the platform, estimators should not need to rebuild data to reach a finalized estimate. The process of importing pricing and assemblies into the Estimate Table has been streamlined.
This integration allows users to progress from takeoff to a production-ready estimate without exporting data to external spreadsheet programs. Navigational improvements, including a cross-page search function, further aim to create a more cohesive user experience. The workflow from initial takeoff to a finalized estimate is contained within a single platform environment.
Bobyard reports that its platform currently automates up to 70% of the quantity and material takeoff process. Contractors using the service have reported an average reduction in takeoff times of 65%. Some users claim to be submitting three to five times more bids, with noted improvements in accuracy, profit margins, and project win rates.
Leadership and User Perspectives
Michael Ding, founder and CEO of Bobyard, commented on the update’s development. He stated that every change was driven by customer feedback focused on increasing speed, maintaining control, and reducing time spent on tasks suitable for software automation. Ding characterized Bobyard 2.0 as the company’s answer to these needs and indicated it represents only a beginning.
Marty Grunder, founder of The Grow Group and Grunder Landscaping, provided a user perspective. He described the AI tools as being on another level, citing instances where takeoff time was cut in half on actual projects. Grunder suggested that for estimators seeking to improve their process, the current market offers few comparable solutions.
The company secured $35 million in Series A funding last year. The investment round was led by 8VC, with participation from Pear VC and Caffeinated Capital.
Availability and Forward Outlook
Bobyard 2.0 launched for landscaping contractors on April 8. The platform is expected to become available for additional construction trades in late April. This staged rollout indicates the company’s strategy to tailor and adapt its tools for specific segments within the broader construction industry.
The development of Bobyard 2.0 reflects a continued trend of digitization and AI integration in construction technology. The focus on unifying the estimation workflow from takeoff to bid within a single interface addresses a common pain point for estimators. The platform’s performance and adoption will be measured by its ability to deliver consistent time savings and accuracy improvements across diverse project types and industry sectors.
