Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

PlanSwift VS DevStack.co.nz

Compare PlanSwift VS DevStack.co.nz and see what are their differences

PlanSwift logo PlanSwift

PlanSwift allows contractors to create accurate project estimates specific to their individual trade.

DevStack.co.nz logo DevStack.co.nz

A free curated directory of 42 New Zealand property development tools, arranged in the order you use them on a real deal, plus three free calculators for infrastructure levies, development finance and feasibility.
  • PlanSwift Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-17
  • DevStack.co.nz Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-08-16

DevStack is a free hub for New Zealand property developers, bringing useful property development tools, calculators, data and resources together in one place.

Finding the information you need for a development often means jumping between council websites, property platforms, government databases and spreadsheets. DevStack makes this easier by organising useful tools around the way a property development actually happens, from site finding and due diligence through to feasibility, planning, finance and construction.

DevStack currently includes 42 curated property development tools and 3 free calculators, with a strong focus on Auckland and New Zealand property development.

Key features include:

  • 42 curated NZ property development tools
  • 3 free property development calculators
  • Development feasibility and residual land value analysis
  • Development finance comparison
  • Auckland zoning and planning resources
  • Property due diligence and market data
  • Development contributions and infrastructure costs
  • Construction and NZ Building Code resources
  • Environmental and natural hazard information
  • AI tools and workflows for property development
  • Free to browse with no account required

DevStack's free tools include a Development Feasibility Calculator, Development Finance Calculator and Watercare Infrastructure Growth Charge Calculator, helping developers quickly assess potential projects and understand development costs.

The platform also brings together useful resources from Auckland Council, Watercare, LINZ, Stats NZ, RBNZ and other organisations, alongside commercial property and construction tools.

Each resource includes practical information on what it does, when to use it, what it costs and where it fits into the development process.

The goal is simple: spend less time searching for information and more time working out whether a development actually stacks up.

PlanSwift features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    PlanSwift boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for new users to navigate and utilize the tools efficiently.
  • Comprehensive Takeoff Tools
    The software offers a variety of takeoff tools, including point-and-click and drag-and-drop functionalities, allowing precise measurements and estimations.
  • Customization
    PlanSwift allows extensive customization, enabling users to create and adapt templates and reports according to their specific needs and preferences.
  • Integration Capabilities
    The software integrates well with multiple other systems and software, such as Excel and AutoCAD, improving workflow efficiency.
  • Cost-Efficient
    Compared to some other estimation software, PlanSwift is relatively cost-effective, offering substantial features for a competitive price.

Possible disadvantages of PlanSwift

  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic tools are user-friendly, mastering some of the more advanced features can be challenging and may require additional training.
  • Limited Mac Compatibility
    PlanSwift is primarily designed for Windows, and those using macOS may experience compatibility issues or need to use additional software to run it.
  • Customer Support
    Some users have reported that customer support can be slow to respond or not as helpful as expected.
  • Occasional Software Bugs
    At times, users encounter software bugs that can affect performance, requiring patches and updates to resolve.
  • Initial Setup
    The initial setup and calibration of PlanSwift can be time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with this type of software.

DevStack.co.nz features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Analysis of PlanSwift

Overall verdict

  • Overall, PlanSwift is a solid tool for those involved in construction and estimation work, offering versatility and efficiency in managing project plans and costs. It is highly regarded among users for its ability to streamline the takeoff process and improve productivity.

Why this product is good

  • PlanSwift is considered a good option for construction professionals due to its comprehensive takeoff and estimating features. The software allows users to quickly and accurately measure digital plans, create estimates, and manage project costs. Its user-friendly interface and integration capabilities with other software make it a popular choice for many in the construction industry.

Recommended for

  • Contractors seeking reliable takeoff software
  • Construction project managers needing precise estimates
  • Builders and architects wanting to enhance their workflow
  • Estimators looking for digital tools to replace manual calculations

PlanSwift videos

PlanSwift Review Video: Is PlanSwift For You?

More videos:

DevStack.co.nz videos

No DevStack.co.nz videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to PlanSwift and DevStack.co.nz)
Construction
98 98%
2% 2
Construction Estimating Software
Real Estate
0 0%
100% 100
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing PlanSwift and DevStack.co.nz.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is primarily designed for people working in property development, including property developers, development managers and other property professionals in Auckland and across New Zealand.

However, you don't need to be a professional developer to find it useful. Property owners, investors and anyone researching their next property purchase can use DevStack to learn about the tools, data and resources available to help them make better-informed property decisions.

What makes your product unique?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel. It has vetted and identified which tools and resources are actually useful for property professionals working in Auckland and New Zealand.

Rather than being a long list of links, the tools are organised around the property development process, making it easier to find the right resource when you need it. The focus is on tools that are genuinely useful for property development, from site research and due diligence through to feasibility, planning, finance and construction.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is free to use, so rather than traditional customers, its users include property developers, builder-developers, property professionals, investors and property owners looking for better information and resources.

It's particularly useful for people involved in Auckland property development who want to understand what tools are available and how they can use them in real projects.

I also share practical examples of how I use AI in property development and construction. For developers and builder-developers who want to go further, I offer a separate guide covering 13 areas where I currently use AI to save time, improve workflows and get more from the information available to us in New Zealand.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

None of the third-party tools listed on DevStack are my own. DevStack itself started as a side project while I was learning to build websites and improve SEO for my own businesses.

What started as a simple place to organise the property development tools I use every day gradually became a passion project. I found it so useful in my own work that I decided to make it available to other property developers and property professionals in New Zealand.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is an easy choice because it's free, requires no sign-up, and lets you customise your own toolkit by pinning the resources you use most often in whatever order works for you.

You can also save tools you don't use regularly but don't want to forget. Instead of keeping links scattered across bookmarks, emails, spreadsheets and notes, DevStack gives you one place for the property development tools and resources you actually use.

What's the story behind your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

My background started with a university property degree, a BProp, followed by property valuations, development management, managing a subcontracting business, and eventually returning to property development.

Throughout that time, I used many of these tools constantly and realised I had links saved all over my computer. They were in email drafts, spreadsheets, notes, bookmarks and sticky notes. I wanted one consistent place I could trust to keep the tools I use, as well as the ones I only need occasionally but don't want to forget.

We're fortunate in Auckland to have a huge amount of property and development information readily available. The problem is that it can take some effort to find and extract it. DevStack grew from my own need to make that process easier.

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing PlanSwift and DevStack.co.nz, you can also consider the following products

PrebuiltML - PrebuiltML provides next generation take-off software built to address the inefficiencies and wastes of the building process from start to finish.

Buildxact - Buildxact is an easy online estimating and job management software for custom builders and trades.

Time and Material Plus - Time and Material Plus is a software program designed to process billable data and deliver transparent billing results.

Procore - Procore is the world's most widely used construction project management software. Easy to use, mobile platform with unlimited user licenses.

Cleopatra Enterprise - Cleopatra Enterprise is an out-of-the-box cost estimating and cost management solution built by and for cost estimators and project controllers.

DevAssets - DevAssets is a place for any developer to find you the best free and paid resources available, submit your own ones and also get them featured on the top of every page!