In the fast-paced construction world, accurate cost estimates are crucial for securing profitable projects and managing budgets effectively. This is where construction estimating software steps in as an indispensable tool. These digital platforms streamline the complex process of calculating project costs by considering factors like materials, labor, equipment, and even unforeseen contingencies. By automating tedious calculations and offering features like takeoff tools, bid proposals, and data management, estimating software empowers construction professionals to create precise estimates, win more bids, and ultimately boost their bottom line.
The best construction estimating software goes beyond simple number-crunching. It fosters team collaboration, enhances client communication, and provides valuable insights through comprehensive reporting. Whether you’re a general contractor overseeing large-scale projects or a specialty trade contractor focusing on specific tasks, the right software can adapt to your needs.
Top 10 Construction Estimating Software Tools (2024)
Construction estimating software is the backbone of accurate project budgeting and competitive bidding in the construction industry. These tools streamline calculating costs for materials, labor, equipment, and more, enabling contractors to create precise estimates, win more projects, and maximize profitability.
- Best Overall: PlanSwift
- Best for Tradesman: Bluebeam Revu
- Best for Low Price: Estimator360
- Best for Streamlines Estimating: Buildxact
- Best for Highly Customized: Sage Estimating
- Best for Larger Contractors: ProEst
- Best for Residential Construction: CoConstruct
- Best for offline Capabilities: ServiceTitan and FieldEdge
- Best for an All-in-one solution: Houzz Pro
- Best for Commercial Industries: BuilderTrend
1. Best Overall: PlanSwift
PlanSwift over the years has become known for its convenient takeoff system, easy learning curve, and in-depth selection of estimating and reporting tools. If that doesn’t entice you, PlanSwift also gives its users a 14-day free trial, which is plenty of time to experiment with what the program has to offer.
- Features: Fast digital takeoff, intuitive interface, assembly-based estimating, material & labor tracking, customizable reports.
- Pricing: Varies based on needs, starting at $1,595 for a perpetual license.
- Scalability: Suitable for small to medium-sized projects.
- Support: Phone, email, live chat, and training resources.
- Ease of Use: Highly intuitive, minimal learning curve.
2. Best for Tradesmen: Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu is a PDF collaboration and markup tool designed for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It allows users to create, markup, and edit PDF documents with tools specifically tailored for construction workflows, including markup tools, measurement tools, and document management features. Bluebeam Revu enhances collaboration by enabling real-time document sharing and review, streamlining communication and project management processes in AEC projects.
- Features: Powerful markup and collaboration tools, precise measurement, 3D PDF viewing, integration with other construction software.
- Pricing: Starts at $345 for a perpetual license.
- Scalability: Versatile for various trades and project sizes.
- Support: Online resources, forums, and paid training.
- Ease of Use: Moderate learning curve, but powerful features.
3. Best for Low Price: Estimator360
Estimate360 is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed to streamline the bid management process for contractors and construction professionals. It offers tools for detailed cost estimation, bid preparation, and project management, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in project bidding. Estimate360 integrates with other construction software and provides real-time collaboration features to facilitate communication and decision-making throughout the bidding process.
- Features: Cloud-based estimating, pre-built templates, cost databases, bid management, proposal generation.
- Pricing: Affordable subscription plans starting around $49/month.
- Scalability: Ideal for smaller contractors and remodelers.
- Support: Email and online resources.
- Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive, great for beginners.
4. Best for Streamlined Estimating: Buildxact
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management and estimating software tailored for residential builders and trades. It simplifies project estimating, scheduling, and job management with features like cost estimating, quoting, and invoicing. Buildxact integrates with accounting software and offers mobile accessibility, enhancing efficiency in project tracking and financial management for small to medium-sized construction businesses.
- Features: End-to-end estimating and project management, takeoff, automated cost calculations, proposal customization.
- Pricing: Subscription plans starting around $49/month.
- Scalability: Flexible for small to medium-sized businesses.
- Support: Email, live chat, and help center.
- Ease of Use: Streamlined workflows, user-friendly interface.
5. Best for Highly Customized: Sage Estimating
Sage Estimating is a construction estimating software that helps contractors and construction professionals create accurate estimates for projects. It offers tools for detailed cost estimating, bid management, and project budgeting, allowing users to streamline the bidding process and improve project profitability. Sage Estimating integrates with other Sage construction software solutions and provides robust reporting capabilities, making it a comprehensive tool for managing project costs and resources effectively.
- Features: Customizable cost databases, assembly-based estimating, integration with Sage accounting software, detailed reporting.
- Pricing: Contact Sage for custom pricing.
- Scalability: Suited for larger contractors with complex projects.
- Support: Comprehensive customer support and training options.
- Ease of Use: Requires some learning due to customization options.
6. Best for Larger Contractors: ProEst
ProEst is a construction estimating software designed to streamline the bidding and cost estimation process for contractors. It offers features for accurate quantity takeoff, bid management, and project cost analysis, helping users create detailed and competitive bids. ProEst integrates with other construction management tools and provides customizable templates and reporting tools, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in project estimating and management for construction professionals.
- Features: Robust estimating and pre-construction management, bid day analysis, historical data tracking, and integration with ERP systems.
- Pricing: Contact ProEst for pricing details.
- Scalability: Designed for large construction firms with complex projects.
- Support: Dedicated account managers and training programs.
- Ease of Use: This can have a learning curve due to advanced features.
7. Best for Residential Construction: CoConstruct
CoConstruct is a web-based construction project management software designed for custom home builders and remodelers. It facilitates project scheduling, communication, and financial tracking with features for budgeting, job costing, and client selection. CoConstruct integrates with QuickBooks and Xero for seamless financial management and offers a client portal for transparent communication and collaboration throughout the construction process.
- Features: Estimating, project management, client communication, scheduling, and financial tracking all in one platform.
- Pricing: Subscription plans starting around $99/month.
- Scalability: Ideal for custom home builders and remodelers.
- Support: Email, phone, and online help center.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface with specific features for residential construction.
8. Best for Offline Capabilities: ServiceTitan and FieldEdge
ServiceTitan and FieldEdge are both field service management software designed for home service contractors. ServiceTitan offers comprehensive features for scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer management, tailored for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. FieldEdge provides similar functionalities with a focus on simplifying operations, improving technician efficiency, and enhancing customer service for field service businesses. Both platforms integrate with accounting software and offer mobile capabilities to streamline workflow and enhance business operations in the service industry.
- Features: Field service management software with offline estimating capabilities, mobile access, scheduling, and dispatching.
- Pricing: Contact ServiceTitan or FieldEdge for pricing.
- Scalability: Suitable for field service businesses of various sizes.
- Support: Varies depending on the platform.
- Ease of Use: Mobile-friendly with offline functionality.
9. Best for an All-in-one solution: Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is a business management and marketing software designed for home improvement and design professionals. It offers tools for project management, client communication, and lead generation, enabling professionals to showcase their work, collaborate with clients, and manage projects efficiently. Houzz Pro integrates with the Houzz platform, providing access to a large community of homeowners and potential clients, making it a valuable tool for growing and managing a home remodeling or design business.
- Features: Estimating, project management, client communication, lead management, and marketing tools in a single platform.
- Pricing: Subscription plans start at $65/month.
- Scalability: Designed for interior designers, remodelers, and builders.
- Support: Email and online resources.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interface with a focus on client experience.
10. Best for Commercial Industries: BuilderTrend
BuilderTrend is a cloud-based construction project management software designed to streamline project workflows for home builders, remodelers, and general contractors. It offers features for project scheduling, communication, budgeting, and customer management, facilitating collaboration among team members and clients. BuilderTrend integrates with accounting software and provides mobile accessibility, enabling real-time updates and improving transparency in project management and client relations.
- Features: End-to-end construction management with estimating, scheduling, financial tools, and customer relationship management (CRM).
- Pricing: Contact BuilderTrend for pricing details.
- Scalability: Suitable for various commercial construction projects.
- Support: Phone, email, and online resources.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly with a wide range of features.
Conclusion
The construction industry thrives on accurate estimates, as they are the foundation for winning bids and ensuring project profitability. The diverse array of software solutions available today offers specialized features that cater to various construction needs. From simplified tools for smaller businesses like Estimator360 to comprehensive platforms for larger enterprises like ProEst, the choice depends on your project scope, budget, and team requirements.
Investing in the right construction estimating software is an investment in your company’s future. By automating tedious calculations, streamlining collaboration, and providing insightful data, these tools empower you to make informed decisions, win more projects, and ultimately, build a more successful and profitable construction business. Don’t hesitate to explore the options mentioned here, as the perfect software solution is waiting to transform your estimating process and elevate your construction endeavors.
