Top 10 Construction Estimating Software
In today's fast-paced construction industry, manual estimating methods are quickly becoming obsolete. If you're not outsourcing your estimating tasks, finding a faster, more efficient way to calculate is crucial. For those aiming to secure more construction projects, investing in reliable construction estimating software is essential. In this article, we've compiled a list of the top ten construction estimating software solutions that can help you streamline your bidding process and win more jobs quickly. Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your business efficiency and success!
In the ever-evolving construction industry, accurate estimating software is essential for efficiency and profitability. With numerous options available, selecting the right tool can be daunting. This article compares top estimating software, highlighting their features, pricing, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
1. Estimator360
Overview:
Estimator360 is an innovative software making waves in the estimating software market. With plans starting at $369 per month, it offers a comprehensive set of features at a competitive price.
Key Features:
- Built-in CRM: Manage customer relationships seamlessly within the platform.
- Project Scheduler: Streamline project timelines and ensure timely completion.
- Pre-construction and Financial Management: Handle all aspects of project planning and budgeting efficiently.
User Experience:
Estimator360 stands out for its user-friendly interface. The development team has prioritized a sleek, modern design, ensuring that even contractors with minimal tech experience can navigate the software with ease. This focus on usability sets Estimator360 apart from older, more cumbersome estimating tools.
Why Choose Estimator360?
- Ease of Use: Minimal learning curve compared to other software.
- Modern Design: A refreshing update in a market filled with outdated interfaces.
- Comprehensive Features: From CRM to financial management, it covers all bases.
2. Clear Estimates
Overview:
Clear Estimates is one of the most affordable options, with plans starting at just $79 per month. Despite its low price, it remains a robust and user-friendly estimating tool.
Key Features:
Ideal For:
Small to mid-sized businesses looking for an efficient tool to generate accurate bids quickly.
Why Choose Clear Estimates?
Clear Estimates is one of the most affordable options, with plans starting at just $79 per month. Despite its low price, it remains a robust and user-friendly estimating tool.
Key Features:
- Regularly Updated Cost Database: Access up-to-date regional cost information.
- Simple User Interface: Designed for ease of use.
- Customizable Bid Proposal Editor: Tailor bids to your specific needs.
Small to mid-sized businesses looking for an efficient tool to generate accurate bids quickly.
Why Choose Clear Estimates?
- Affordability: One of the cheapest options available.
- Ease of Use: Straightforward interface ideal for smaller businesses.
- Customization: Highly customizable bid proposals.
3. BuildXact
Overview:
BuildXact has garnered positive customer reviews for its powerful, easy-to-use, and affordable software, priced at $149 per month.
Key Features:
User Experience:
BuildXact is designed for small to medium contractors but offers features beneficial to larger companies as well. Its extensive capabilities make it a practical addition to any construction business.
Why Choose BuildXact?
BuildXact has garnered positive customer reviews for its powerful, easy-to-use, and affordable software, priced at $149 per month.
Key Features:
- Takeoff Tools: Streamline the process of measuring and estimating.
- Project Scheduling: Keep projects on track with detailed schedules.
- CRM Integration: Manage client relationships effectively.
BuildXact is designed for small to medium contractors but offers features beneficial to larger companies as well. Its extensive capabilities make it a practical addition to any construction business.
Why Choose BuildXact?
- Customer Reviews: Highly praised by users for its functionality.
- Comprehensive Features: Handles all aspects of pre-construction.
- Affordability: Offers great value for its price.
4. BuilderTrend
Overview:
BuilderTrend is a premier construction management software widely used in both residential and commercial sectors. It offers a professional service at a reasonable price, with plans starting at $399 per month.
Key Features:
User Experience:
BuilderTrend is known for its in-depth capabilities and professional service, making it a viable alternative to pricier options like Procore.
Why Choose BuilderTrend?
BuilderTrend is a premier construction management software widely used in both residential and commercial sectors. It offers a professional service at a reasonable price, with plans starting at $399 per month.
Key Features:
- Pre-construction Management: Efficiently manage the initial stages of projects.
- Financial Management: Keep track of budgets and expenses.
- Project Management: Oversee project progress and timelines.
BuilderTrend is known for its in-depth capabilities and professional service, making it a viable alternative to pricier options like Procore.
Why Choose BuilderTrend?
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Professional Service: Comprehensive features for contractors of all sizes.
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Affordability: A cost-effective alternative to more expensive software.
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Industry Usage: Trusted by both residential and commercial construction sectors.
5. Sage Estimating
Overview:
Sage Estimating is a leading name in construction software, known for its ease of use and high customizability. Priced at $2,600 per year, it offers a wide range of features.
Key Features:
User Experience:
For those who may find the software challenging initially, Sage University offers training to maximize the software's potential.
Why Choose Sage Estimating?
Sage Estimating is a leading name in construction software, known for its ease of use and high customizability. Priced at $2,600 per year, it offers a wide range of features.
Key Features:
- Estimating Tools: Speed up takeoffs and job costing.
- CRM and Accounting Software: Comprehensive management of customer relationships and finances.
- Customizability: Tailor the software to fit specific business needs.
For those who may find the software challenging initially, Sage University offers training to maximize the software's potential.
Why Choose Sage Estimating?
- Ease of Use: User-friendly interface.
- Customizability: Highly adaptable to your business needs.
- Training Resources: Access to Sage University for comprehensive training.
6. STACK
At the number 6 spot on our list is STACK, a cloud-based software accessible directly from your browser. STACK is versatile and can be used for a variety of preconstruction tasks, including takeoffs, cost estimates, and document management. This makes it an integral tool for streamlining the preconstruction process.
Key Features:
Pricing:
Considerations:
Key Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: STACK's intuitive design ensures that even smaller contractors can navigate the software with ease.
- Accurate Cost Data: Provides reliable data for precise cost estimating.
- Comprehensive Preconstruction Tool: Facilitates takeoffs, cost estimates, and document management.
- Dedicated Customer Service: High ratings for response speed ensure you get timely assistance when needed.
- Free Version Available: Ideal for basic estimating needs if you're hesitant about committing to the full product.
- Affordable Plans: Starting at $2499 per year, making it accessible for many contractors.
- Feature Limitations: Some users may find STACK lacks certain advanced estimating features present in more specialized software like ProEst. However, its overall versatility, power, and simplicity make it a solid choice for small to mid-sized contractors.
7. Procore
Procore is one of the most well-known construction management software solutions available, and it’s no surprise it has made this list with its estimating capabilities. With a long history of being an industry leader, Procore offers robust and reliable solutions for construction management.
Key Features:
Pricing:
Considerations:
Key Features:
- Industry Leader: Years of experience and a strong reputation in construction management.
- Active Development Team: Continuous updates ensure that the software remains current and functional, minimizing glitches.
- Comprehensive Management: Although not specialized solely in estimating, Procore excels as both an estimating tool and a comprehensive construction management software.
- Higher Cost: Procore can be pricey, particularly for larger construction companies, reflecting its extensive capabilities and premium features.
- Versatility: While it may not have the specialized focus on estimating that some tools offer, Procore’s wide-ranging capabilities make it a powerful all-in-one solution for managing every aspect of a construction business. This makes it an option well worth considering for any contractor looking for an integrated approach to construction management and estimating.
8. PlanSwift
Overview:
PlanSwift is a well-established estimating software that has gained popularity among contractors for its ease of use and extensive features. Its convenient takeoff system and simple learning curve make it accessible for both new and experienced users. PlanSwift also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore its capabilities before committing.
Key Features:
Pros:
Cons:
PlanSwift is a well-established estimating software that has gained popularity among contractors for its ease of use and extensive features. Its convenient takeoff system and simple learning curve make it accessible for both new and experienced users. PlanSwift also offers a 14-day free trial, allowing potential users to explore its capabilities before committing.
Key Features:
- Convenient Takeoff System: Allows for quick and accurate measurements directly from digital plans.
- In-Depth Estimating Tools: Offers a comprehensive suite of tools for detailed estimates and reports.
- Affordable Pricing: Plans start at $1,913 per year, making it one of the more cost-effective options.
- 14-Day Free Trial: Provides ample time for users to test the software.
- User-friendly interface with an easy learning curve.
- Extensive selection of estimating and reporting tools.
- Affordable compared to other options on the market.
- Some features may appear outdated due to infrequent updates.
- Customer service has been reported as unhelpful by some users.
9. ProEst
Overview:
ProEst is a highly customizable estimating software designed for larger contractors. It offers in-depth takeoff tools and cost databases, making it a robust option for comprehensive project management.
Key Features:
Pros:
Cons:
ProEst is a highly customizable estimating software designed for larger contractors. It offers in-depth takeoff tools and cost databases, making it a robust option for comprehensive project management.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive User-Interface: Highly customizable, allowing for personalized cost databases, proposal templates, and more.
- Cloud-Based Collaboration: Enables multiple estimators to work on the same project simultaneously.
- In-Depth Cost Databases: Provides detailed and customizable cost information.
- Collaboration Tools: Facilitates teamwork and project sharing.
- Highly customizable and versatile.
- Cloud-based for easy collaboration.
- Comprehensive set of features for detailed project management.
- No free trial or version available.
- Higher cost, with plans starting at $5,000 per year.
- Steeper learning curve due to its comprehensive features.
10. Houzz Pro
Overview:
Houzz Pro is tailored for residential contractors and interior designers, offering a blend of construction management and lead generation features. As the official software for the nation’s top construction lead generating service, Houzz Pro provides a refined and user-friendly experience.
Key Features:
Pros:
Cons:
Houzz Pro is tailored for residential contractors and interior designers, offering a blend of construction management and lead generation features. As the official software for the nation’s top construction lead generating service, Houzz Pro provides a refined and user-friendly experience.
Key Features:
- Mobile App: Access your projects and leads on the go.
- 3D Floor Plans: Create detailed visualizations for clients.
- Project Scheduler: Manage timelines and deadlines efficiently.
- Premium Houzz Account: Gain access to a wealth of potential leads.
- Affordable pricing, with plans starting at $65 per month.
- 30-day free trial to explore features.
- Excellent for generating leads and managing residential projects.
- Limited to residential contractors and interior designers.
- Lacks in-depth estimating features compared to other professional software
Conclusion
When choosing an estimating software for your business, it's crucial to consider your specific needs and budget. PlanSwift offers a cost-effective solution with a user-friendly interface, ideal for small to large companies. ProEst is best suited for larger contractors needing detailed customization and collaboration tools, despite its higher price point. Houzz Pro is perfect for residential contractors looking for an affordable solution that combines estimating with lead generation.
Thoroughly research each option, take advantage of free trials where available, and select the software that best aligns with your business requirements and long-term goals.
Thoroughly research each option, take advantage of free trials where available, and select the software that best aligns with your business requirements and long-term goals.
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