ContractShield vs STACK Takeoff
Short answer
STACK is cloud takeoff and estimating software priced per user per year, designed for commercial and residential contractors who measure off blueprints. ContractShield is an all-in-one PWA priced at 1% per accepted job, with AI quoting, mobile project tracking, and milestone billing.
- ContractShield is built for small contractors and remodelers, STACK Takeoff is typically built for larger teams.
- ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding, no per-seat fees.
- STACK Takeoff usually charges per user per month or per year.
- ContractShield's AI drafts quotes in under a minute, plus project tracking and milestone billing.
- The Work Order Marketplace is a secondary feature, not the lead pitch.
What is STACK Takeoff?
STACK Takeoff focuses on plan measurement and material lists, with strong commercial-bid features and a learning curve. Annual pricing usually runs $2,000 to $6,000 per user, depending on add-ons. STACK does not run projects after the bid is won.
What is ContractShield?
ContractShield bundles quoting, project tracking, and milestone billing. A 5-person small contractor running $40,000 per month in accepted jobs pays $400 per month, only when work happens. No per-seat fees, no setup fees, no annual contract.
How fast is quoting in ContractShield vs STACK Takeoff?
STACK Takeoff plus a separate estimating tool usually takes 2 to 4 hours per residential bid after the takeoff is done. ContractShield builds the quote in about 25 minutes and then runs the project from the same place.
How does pricing compare?
STACK is per user per year, with separate fees for takeoff, estimating, and accounting add-ons. ContractShield is one flat 1% per accepted job, period.
Feature-by-feature
Feature, ContractShield, STACK Takeoff AI quote builder, Yes, ~25 minutes, Takeoff plus manual estimating Project management, Yes, built in, No Per-seat fees, No, Yes, $2K to $6K per user/year Milestone billing, Yes, Stripe, No Best fit, Small contractors, GCs, Commercial bidders Pricing model, 1% per accepted job, Per user per year
Which one should you pick?
Pick STACK Takeoff if you are a larger operation that already commits to per-user pricing and a longer onboarding cycle. Pick ContractShield if you are a small contractor or remodeler who wants AI quoting in about 25 minutes, mobile project tracking on the job site, and per-job pricing that scales with revenue, not headcount.
Frequently asked questions
Does ContractShield replace STACK Takeoff?
For small contractors and remodelers, 1 to 25 employees, yes. ContractShield bundles quoting, project tracking, and milestone billing in one PWA. STACK Takeoff is a better fit for larger field service operations with custom workflows.
Is ContractShield more expensive than STACK Takeoff?
ContractShield charges 1% per accepted job at funding. A small contractor running $25,000 per month in accepted jobs pays $250 per month. STACK Takeoff usually charges per user per month, so cost grows with headcount, not revenue.
Can I import my data from STACK Takeoff?
Yes. ContractShield supports CSV import for clients, jobs, and pricebook line items. Most small teams migrate in a single afternoon.
Does ContractShield work on a phone?
Yes. ContractShield is a PWA, installable on iOS and Android, with offline support for tasks and photos. The job site is the input device.
Do I have to use the Work Order Marketplace?
No. The Work Order Marketplace is a secondary feature. Most contractors join for the AI quote builder and milestone billing, and only opt in to the marketplace later.
Switch from STACK Takeoff in an afternoon
Free trial. 1% per accepted job. No seat fees, no setup fees.
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