GRADING TAKEOFF USING CARLSON SOFTWARE

Grading takeoff using Carlson software is a solution that helps accurately quantify earthwork volumes, thereby effectively controlling costs, progress, and risks in infrastructure projects. With its flexible terrain processing capabilities, intuitive visualization, and detailed cut-and-fill volume calculations, Carlson software is considered an ideal tool for specialized engineers.

However, implementing in-house grading takeoff is far from simple for many companies. The fixed costs for software licenses, recruiting suitable engineers, and continuous training often exceed their budget, especially for small-scale companies or those in an expansion phase. Furthermore, unstable workloads make maintaining an in-house team unsustainable and inefficient.

Many companies have tried outsourcing solutions but encountered common issues like inaccurate drawings, delayed progress, and unprofessional processes. These incidents not only disrupt workflows but also directly affect reputation and output quality.

In this context, outsourcing Grading takeoff using Carlson software service should be considered a part of a smart operational strategy and risk control. Choosing the right tools combined with effective implementation methods will help companies optimize resources, enhance quality, and ensure long-term stability in each project.

Why is Grading takeoff important in bidding?

Grading takeoff is important in bidding because it helps determine the amount of earthwork (such as excavation, filling, and grading) required for a project. Accurate grading takeoff allows contractors to:

• Identify Scope of Work: It clarifies the specific grading tasks involved, such as cut and fill requirements, ensuring all parties involved are on the same page regarding what is included in the contract.
• Improve Accuracy in Scheduling: With precise grading takeoff data, contractors can better plan and schedule their work, leading to more efficient project timelines.
• Minimize Risks: Understanding the grading requirements helps identify potential challenges or issues early, allowing contractors to plan accordingly and mitigate risks associated with the grading phase of construction.
• Avoid Cost Overruns: By having a clear understanding of the scope of grading work, contractors can avoid underestimating the amount of work required, reducing the risk of cost overruns during the project.
• Estimate Costs: It helps in calculating the costs for labor, equipment, materials, and other resources needed for grading work, ensuring a more accurate and competitive bid.

So, what kind of companies would benefit from outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software service?

In reality, not every company has sufficient resources to fully and effectively implement technical aspects like grading takeoff. The grading takeoff using Carlson software service was developed to address the exact “bottlenecks” that companies in the construction and infrastructure design industries frequently encounter, such as a lack of specialized personnel, pressure from fixed costs, and difficulties in controlling output quality when done in-house or by inexperienced outsourcing partners.

From a technical perspective, grading takeoff is the process of quantifying earthwork volumes by processing terrain data (surface data), building a design surface model, determining the proposed grade, and precisely calculating the necessary cut and fill volumes to execute a project. When performing grading takeoff using Carlson software, engineers can utilize specialized tools like cut/fill mapping, volume reports, and surface comparison to compare the existing ground with the design surface. This allows for the creation of intuitive grading plans that match actual volumes and can be easily integrated into subsequent phases such as detailed design, appraisal, or bidding.

However, to proficiently use Carlson software and correctly apply grading takeoff techniques, companies need engineers experienced in processing 3D terrain models, understanding the principles of volume calculation, and knowing how to optimize drawings according to each country’s technical standards. This becomes a significant barrier for many small companies, where company owners often have to double as technical personnel. They not only lack people to delegate tasks to but also the appropriate tools and operational systems to implement grading takeoff accurately and time-efficiently. These individuals often become overloaded, forced to choose between completing projects or developing their company. Meanwhile, the investment cost for software like Carlson, plus the expenses for training, recruitment, and managing specialized personnel, far exceed their actual budget.

Conversely, while medium and large enterprises possess drafting teams, they face the challenge of resource allocation. When projects arrive in rapid succession, grading takeoff is often deprioritized because in-house workloads lack the flexibility to scale up quickly. Hastily recruiting additional personnel often leads to risks in technical quality, while fixed costs like salaries, insurance, and benefits cannot be reduced once a project concludes. For these companies, outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software service is a worthwhile option when they need to expand short-term production capacity while still wanting to maintain control over drawing quality according to internal standards.

A critical issue that cannot be overlooked is the reluctance stemming from previous negative experiences with outsourcing services. Many companies have outsourced grading takeoff only to receive inconsistent drawings, inaccurate volumes, delayed progress, and a weak feedback process. As a result, internal teams had to spend extra time checking, correcting errors, or even redoing the work from scratch. These discrepancies not only disrupted workflows but also directly impacted the company’s reputation with its clients.

Furthermore, for freelancers or small startup companies, grading takeoff is often an “overwhelming” task. They lack sufficient tools, dedicated personnel, and cannot allocate time for a job that demands complex surface processing skills and knowledge of infrastructure engineering. Grading takeoff using Carlson software, when performed by an experienced entity that understands real-world requirements, would be a comprehensive solution for them to maintain high technical quality without needing to invest further in internal operations.

From all these situations, it’s clear that the demand for outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software arises not only from the desire to save costs but also from the need to ensure accuracy in technical data, stability in processes, and flexibility in resource allocation. This service is not for those who want to do things superficially, but for companies that understand the importance of implementing grading takeoff correctly from the outset to safeguard the overall effectiveness of the entire project.

The values that companies will receive when outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software service

Once you understand the challenges companies often face in processing earthwork volumes, choosing to outsource grading takeoff using Carlson software becomes a strategic step that unlocks significant practical value. This service not only solves technical problems but also positively impacts the entire operational system of a company, from finance and human resources to output quality and project implementation speed.

Technically, grading takeoff is inherently a highly precise task, as errors in cut-and-fill volumes can lead to significant discrepancies in actual construction costs. Utilizing Carlson software in the grading takeoff process allows for the automation of most terrain processing steps, from building digital terrain models to calculating cut-and-fill layers according to the design and generating detailed volume reports. Moreover, the software also supports elevation control through slope staking methods, helping to ensure that design slopes and elevations strictly adhere to technical requirements. When this service is performed by a team proficient in the software and process, companies can rest assured about the accuracy, consistency, and transparency of the data.

For companies facing pressure to reduce fixed costs, outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software eliminates the burden of software licensing fees, training expenses, and internal staff recruitment. Furthermore, not having to maintain a dedicated team for grading also increases operational flexibility, especially during periods of fluctuating workloads. Instead of making long-term investments in a task that’s only needed periodically, companies can utilize the service on an as-needed basis, thereby controlling cash flow more effectively while still ensuring project progress and quality.

For companies that have experienced unsatisfactory outsourcing results such as flawed drawings, unclear processes, or delayed progress outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software through a professional process makes all the difference. In such a setup, every processing step is controlled by software technology, all drawings can be cross-referenced against original data, and delivery times are consistently within schedule. This precision and transparency contribute to rebuilding trust in outsourcing services, especially for projects requiring high reliability in terms of volumes and technical drawings.

For independent engineers or construction startups, the grading takeoff using Carlson software service provides access to advanced technology systems without requiring a large upfront investment. They can quickly take on and process larger projects, backed by specialized tools capable of checking existing terrain, comparing it with design surfaces, and producing comprehensive grading plans. This not only enhances their competitiveness but also elevates their professional standards, building credibility with partners and investors.

Ultimately, the greatest value companies gain from outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software isn’t just about cost savings or reduced timelines. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing the work is done correctly, with accuracy guaranteed by technology and expert skills. It’s also about operational agility, as companies can adjust their technical capacity to suit each development phase without getting bogged down by workforce issues, costs, or technological limitations.

When companies place their trust in a grading takeoff process performed with Carlson software, they are essentially choosing consistency, transparency, and control. This forms the foundation for building an efficient technical operation system, helping companies achieve more sustainable growth in today’s increasingly competitive and volatile environment.

Benefits of using Carlson software in bidding.

Carlson Software is widely used in the construction and civil engineering industry for site development, earthwork estimation, and grading takeoff. When it comes to the bidding process, using Carlson Software provides several key advantages that can improve accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness.

• Accurate Earthwork Volume Calculations
• Enhanced Efficiency and Speed
• Cost Optimization and Competitive Bidding
• Advanced Reporting and Documentation

Aidedo, Your trusted partner for outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson software

Now that you’ve clearly seen the practical value your company can achieve by outsourcing grading takeoff using Carlson Software, the next question is: which provider has the necessary competence, reputation, and trustworthiness? With deep industry experience, a clear process system, and a commitment to consistent quality, Aidedo is the right partner to work alongside you in implementing this service effectively, transparently, and securely.

Aidedo’s primary strength lies in its robust technical capabilities. Our team of over 50 engineers is well-trained and has successfully completed thousands of grading takeoff projects using Carlson software. They accurately process input terrain data, design slopes, and calculate cut-and-fill volumes with minimal error. As a result, our grading plans closely reflect the actual site conditions, ensuring high reliability when transitioning to the on-site construction phase.

Beyond technical expertise, Aidedo delivers exceptional value by helping companies completely eliminate the costs associated with software investment and fixed personnel. You won’t need to acquire expensive specialized software like Carlson Software or AutoCAD, nor will you have to maintain an in-house engineering team just to handle intermittent workloads. Aidedo has established a comprehensive software ecosystem, operated by a team of highly experienced and specialized engineers capable of managing the entire process from data analysis to delivering complete drawings. Instead of bearing fixed costs such as salaries, taxes, insurance, or equipment, your company only pays for the actual work performed, thereby optimizing your budget while maintaining high output quality.

Beyond just financial benefits, Aidedo also offers a flexible outsourcing model to cater to diverse needs. For every grading takeoff using Carlson software project, clients can choose hourly, per-drawing, or fixed-price payment options, all designed to be transparent and accompanied by clear contracts. Our commitment to deadlines, confidentiality policies, and standardized operational procedures are all in place to provide absolute peace of mind. Furthermore, by basing our technical center in Vietnam, we can offer services at costs up to 50% lower compared to engineer rates in markets like the US, Australia, or Canada, all while maintaining construction-ready drawing quality.

Aidedo also stands out for its uninterrupted operations. With a 24/7 operating system, including holidays, we’re always ready to take on urgent projects, support drawing updates based on site changes, or handle emergency technical adjustments. Each client is assigned a dedicated team of engineers to ensure continuous communication via Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email, with a commitment to technical responses within 1 to 2 company hours to avoid delaying any phase in your project’s implementation chain.

Aidedo’s professionalism is also evident through its proven track record from tens of thousands of projects across various countries. We not only thoroughly understand the technical requirements of each type of construction project but also have in-depth knowledge of coordinate systems, drawing regulations, and technical references in different states and territories. This is especially crucial for grading drawings, which demand high accuracy and strict adherence to local standards. Whether working with companies in Australia, the US, Canada, or Ireland, Aidedo can ensure that drawings accurately represent slopes, benchmarks, alignments, and other technical elements, perfectly aligning with on-site construction realities.

Another significant advantage is our three-layer quality control system, which includes input data review, model creation according to technical standards, and independent verification before delivery. This process ensures that grading takeoff drawings using Carlson Software are always exported with the correct layers, accurate reference systems, and are ready for integration with field equipment like GNSS or total stations. All your project data is also kept strictly confidential on our internal storage platform, with encryption mechanisms, access permissions, and strict adherence to non-disclosure agreement (NDA) terms. We commit not to exploit or share data in any form.

More importantly, the trust of clients in Aidedo comes not only from professional capacity but also from the way we accompany them long-term and sustainable. Not operating in a discrete form like freelance, we build professional cooperation relationships, committed to quality, progress and continuous support throughout the technical life cycle of the project. In parallel, Aidedo commits to refund all costs in the 24-hour room if the deadline is late, there are errors or any reason that the client is not satisfied with the quality of the finished product.

Whether you are a small company that needs to supplement technical capacity during peak season, or a large enterprise looking for a reliable backup partner, Aidedo has the capacity to respond flexibly and stably.

With all of the above factors, Aidedo is not only a provider of grading takeoff services using Carlson Software, but also a strategic partner to help your company optimize costs, improve operational efficiency and maintain a solid competitive advantage in the construction – infrastructure market.

How does Aidedo perform grading takeoff using Carlson software?

What is Grading Takeoff?

Grading Takeoff is the process of calculating the volume of earthwork required to shape a site according to a proposed design. It involves determining the cut (excavation) and fill (embankment) quantities needed to achieve the final grading plan for a construction or land development project.

Grading takeoff is crucial in civil engineering, land development, and construction projects, particularly for:

• Residential subdivisions
• Commercial site developments
• Roadway and highway projects
• Industrial and infrastructure developments

Steps for calculating grading takeoff for a Residential Subdivision project.

The Standard model that must be created for each Residential Subdivision project.

Grading takeoff:

• Mass Grading takeoff
• Balanced Grading takeoff
• Topsoil removal
• Topsoil replacement
• Cut/Fill models for each pond

Erosion Controls:

• EC phase 1
• EC phase 2 (EC phase 1 as existing)
• EC phase 3 (EC phase 2 as existing)

Geotech takeoff:

• Mass rock (Auger refusal)
• Possible mass rock
• Partially weathered rock
• Silt
• Clay
• Sand
• Possible fill (previous fill or man-made fill)
• Wet soil
• Ground water

Grading takeoff process:

Mass Grading takeoff

• Consider the latest dated plans and import PDF into Carlson software, making sure to check the necessary options and, most importantly, enter the correct scale from the PDF.
• The linework for each subgrade area must be created and separated, ensuring that each is defined and closed according to the grading plan.
• Existing linework:

Existing contours

Existing spot elevations

• Proposed linework:

Proposed contours

Proposed spot elevations

Curb

Sidewalk

All types of pavements (SD, LD, MD, HD pavement)

Building pads

Gravel roads

All the other areas that include subgrade

• Determine subgrade depth, separate the existing and proposed areas to create the surfaces on Carlson software.

• Create boundary line
• Create existing and proposed surface
• When calculating volume, it is necessary to analyze the volume according to the 5ft depth, as well as pay attention to cut swell factor and fill shrink factor.
• Place cut/ fill report and cut/fill color map in the cad file. (see image 1)

Balanced Grading takeoff

Balanced Grading Takeoff refers to the process of designing and calculating earthwork volumes so that the cut (excavation) and fill (embankment) quantities are equal or nearly equal. The goal is to avoid the need to import or export soil, minimizing hauling costs and optimizing the use of on-site materials.

In Carlson software, when we calculate the volume, we need to highlight the balance cut/fill in the volume options menu, it will save a lot of time compared to other software.

Topsoil removal

Topsoil removal is the process of stripping away the upper layer of soil (typically 6 inches, if we have a Geotech report we need to consider the average depth from the Geotech report) before starting grading or excavation work in a construction or land development project. This layer, known as topsoil, contains organic matter, roots, nutrients, and moisture, making it unsuitable for supporting structural loads such as roads, buildings, and pavements.

Topsoil replacement

Topsoil replacement is the area remaining after excluding the area of ​​topsoil removal.

Grading takeoff is not just a technical task, it’s a strategic advantage. Accurate earthwork calculations play a crucial role in preparing competitive bids, optimizing construction schedules, and minimizing project risks. By using Carlson Software, civil engineers and contractors can streamline their grading workflows, ensure greater precision, and save significant time and cost throughout the project lifecycle.

Whether you’re handling residential subdivisions, commercial sites, or complex infrastructure projects, mastering grading takeoff with Carlson empowers you to work smarter and deliver better outcomes.

Pricing policy applies to grading takeoff using carlson software service at Aidedo

At Aidedo, we don’t just provide grading takeoff services using Carlson Software, we also offer a range of other technical solutions, all delivered through two transparent and flexible pricing models. Our goal is always to fully meet each client’s specific needs with the most optimal and effective solutions.

1.Hourly billing

With this option, clients only pay for the work actually performed, with absolutely no hidden fees. Aidedo ensures complete transparency in all cost items. Additionally, we provide a dedicated management system for clients to easily track progress, processing time, and all project reports throughout our collaboration. This is a suitable choice for projects with fluctuating workloads or those requiring high flexibility in budget and implementation planning.

2. Fixed-Price quote per item

For clients who prefer a fixed cost from the outset to facilitate approval and budget control, Aidedo will meticulously analyze project requirements. From there, we provide a transparent, all-inclusive quote along with a clear implementation roadmap. This solution helps clients maintain financial control while minimizing potential risks during execution.

Regardless of the chosen option, Aidedo always commits to charging fees only when results are delivered on time and meet the agreed-upon quality. Notably, we offer the first project completely free of charge, allowing clients to experience our service firsthand and evaluate our team’s capabilities before committing to a long-term partnership.

To receive an initial quote for your project, please send your request to contact@aidedo.com or fill out the form below. Our team will respond as quickly as possible, within one to two company hours and no later than twelve hours, ensuring a detailed, clear quote with no unexpected additional costs.

Client Feedback

Beyond the video and image testimonials we’ve shared in this article, if you’d like further verification, Aidedo is always ready to assist by providing a specific contact list of past clients who have collaborated with us. You’re welcome to proactively call or email them directly to discuss and hear about their real-world experiences from those who have used our service.

We encourage you to ask any relevant questions, from service quality and professionalism in our workflow to actual costs and achieved effectiveness. This helps you gain the most objective, comprehensive, and clear understanding before making a decision to partner with us.

Other services Aidedo provides

In addition to drafting final survey drawings, Aidedo also provides many other land survey drafting services to meet all of our clients’ surveying needs, such as:

Collaboration process with Aidedo

Aidedo firmly believes that a long-term and sustainable partnership must be built on a foundation of transparency, flexibility, and convenience in the way of working. Therefore, we have streamlined the entire process into three key steps, making it easy for clients to follow and actively participate at every stage.

Step 1: Submit your project request

Simply provide a detailed description of your project requirements and send it to contact@aidedo.com or fill out the online form below. Providing complete information from the beginning allows us to quickly understand your goals, scope, and implementation direction, so that we can propose the most optimal solution to ensure the project starts off on the right track.

Step 2: 1-on-1 online meeting

After receiving your request, the Aidedo team will proactively contact you to arrange an online discussion via Google Meet, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or any platform your team is currently using. This meeting is an opportunity for both sides to align on all essential details, including workload, estimated budget, coordination methods, and a specific implementation timeline. During the discussion, we also present similar projects we have completed and address any concerns you may have, giving you full confidence in our expertise and quality management process.

Step 3: Experience a free trial project

Once the cooperation terms are agreed upon, we will begin with a free trial project tailored specifically to you. At this stage, Aidedo applies the same workflow and quality standards as an official project, enabling you to objectively evaluate the real results before making a long-term partnership decision.

Especially for urgent projects, we can start the official work immediately after the consultation without any delay. In all cases, you have the right to refuse payment if the final deliverables fail to meet the agreed schedule and quality.

With extensive expertise, a transparent workflow, and a team of engineers proficient in Carlson software, Aidedo provides grading takeoff using Carlson Software to help companies optimize costs, improve accuracy, and shorten project delivery times. Whether you are a construction company, infrastructure design firm, or an independent engineer, choosing Aidedo’s grading takeoff service is a strategic solution to ensure your grading drawings meet technical standards and are delivered on time.

Contact us today at contact@aidedo.com or fill out the form below the article to receive a detailed consultation and experience a free trial project. Aidedo is committed to delivering grading takeoff using Carlson Software that is effective, transparent, and reliable, helping you take full control of cost, schedule, and quality for every infrastructure project.

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