For construction professionals, an essential digital tool is construction estimating software. It’s designed to streamline workflows, reduce human error, enhance productivity, and make essential data more widely accessible when it comes to making important business decisions.
Not every estimating software application is a perfect fit for every type of construction-related business. We review the best construction estimating software to help you determine which application can best meet your needs.
Pros:
Handles multiple tasks
Ideal for residential builders, remodelers, and contractors
Import prices from existing suppliers, dealers, or spreadsheets/database
Create estimates via template or from scratch
Generates professional-looking quotes/proposals
Cons:
Some internal email functions are not reliable
No dedicated mobile app
Buildxact is a comprehensive, cloud-based application designed for managing construction projects from takeoff to invoice. It includes a customizable estimating module that seamlessly shares data across the entire application. The software also connects to dealers and other up-to-date price list sources, which speeds up the request for quotation (RFQ) process.
The application handles takeoffs, creates detailed estimates, sends quotes, helps to manage each project, does accurate cost tracking, and syncs relevant data with accounting software. When it comes to estimating, customizable templates and checklists can be created and then used repeatedly.
Meanwhile, dealer and pricing templates can be created to streamline repeatable jobs more accurately and efficiently. Once estimates are completed, the software creates professional-looking and customized quotes and invoices in a time frame that’s up to five times faster than handling these tasks using more conventional methods.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: No
- Integration options: Xero, Quickbooks, Deputy, Outlook, and other applications
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Pricing lists get imported from your spreadsheets or your dealer/suppliers' live pricing
- User interface and ease of use: Intuitive and straightforward
- Customer support options: Phone, email, and live chat (weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT)
- Training and onboarding resources: Online-based video tutorials and a help center
Pros:
Geared towards residential remodeling and handymen
Every aspect of Clear Estimates is customizable
Manage unlimited estimates and customers
Cons:
Custom branding only available via the Franchise plan
No dedicated mobile app
Create estimates in minutes, using locally adjusted costs for more than 15,000 line items (including 4,000+ for handyman work). This data is updated quarterly. The data is also localized for 400+ areas within the United States. In addition, pricing data from RemodelMAX is accessible for material and labor cost estimating. The software includes more than 160 project templates for jobs related to residential kitchens, bathrooms, garages, additions, and more.
The estimates and proposals generated by the software look professional and can utilize pre-written language combined with your own custom boilerplates. Clear Estimates can also generate electronic invoices for your jobs that can be paid via a credit card or ACH payment. This aspect of the software tracks Cost Status, so you know how much has been paid and how much is due for each project.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: No
- Integration options: BuilderTrend, CRMs, and hundreds of other applications through Zapier
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Data from Clear Estimates is updated quarterly and is localized
- User interface and ease of use: Simple and intuitive
- Customer support options: 24/7 phone, chat or email
- Training and onboarding resources: Online-based video tutorials and how-to articles
Pros:
Designed for residential builders and remodelers
Assist with and streamlines construction estimating
Generate professional-looking proposals
Proposals can be exported as a PDF file or printed
Accessed via any web browser or the mobile app
Cons:
Businesses that offer non-construction-related services may find the software limiting
Among many other tasks, Buildbook Construction Project Management offers powerful construction estimating and client management tools. Estimates can be created from scratch using a cost library, or copied from another estimate. With customizable templates, it’s easy to copy and reuse any line items, costs, or project details from any previous estimates. Three types of management fees can also be added to the estimates. Proposals that are fully branded can then be generated.
Buildbook Construction Project Management allows users to manage the sales pipeline, add markups and fees, schedule payments, and preview estimates before generating each proposal. All proposals can then be shared online or via email, and then updated as needed. The software also does an excellent job streamlining the approvals process.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: Yes
- Integration options: Limited
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Accuracy is controlled by the price book and cost codes imported
- User interface and ease of use: Very simple to use
- Customer support options: Phone, live chat and email
- Training and onboarding resources: Online-based Help Center with training videos and how-to articles
Pros:
Handles cost estimating, invoicing, reporting, and more
Allows for direct payments from electronic invoices (transaction fees apply)
Keep tabs on all aspects of finances, including profitability insights for construction projects
Cons:
More of a bookkeeping application
Limited live support options from Intuit
Payroll functionality costs an extra
Payment processing involves transaction fees
QuickBooks Online from Intuit is a comprehensive bookkeeping application that also handles a wide range of other tasks associated with operating a business. It’s designed for small and medium-size businesses, as well as individual construction professionals. When it comes to construction estimating and cost estimating, reporting, managing contractors, and invoicing, as well as the ability to be paid electronically, QuickBooks online does all this and more.
One of the things that help to set QuickBooks Online apart is its ability to track time and expenses accurately for each project. At any point, it’s possible to run profit or full job cost reports, as well as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. It’s also possible to keep tabs on open construction invoices, balances, and past dues. All financial data syncs with the accounting and payroll aspects of QuickBooks Online, if a company chooses to use them.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: Yes (Only for Plus or Advanced plans)
- Integration options: Corecon, Buildertrend, JobTread, National Estimator Cloud, Builder Prime, Quotient, Housecall Pro, and other apps
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Based on data provided to the software
- User interface and ease of use: Well-designed interface, but requires basic bookkeeping/accounting knowledge
- Customer support options: Fee-based support provided by independent QuickBooks Certified Advisors - Advanced plan includes 24/7 support/training
- Training and onboarding resources: Tutorial videos, how-to articles, live webinars and online communities
- Pricing: Four plans - Simple Start ($15/month), Essentials ($30/month), Plus ($45/month) and Advanced ($100/month)
Pros:
Integrates with 1build.com for material and labor prices
Cost Items Database can include your own list of items
Existing Cost Item Database can be imported into the application
The Plus plan ($125/month) unlocks virtually all features (up to eight users)
The application receives monthly developer updates
Create and manage an unlimited number of projects
Cons:
Only the Plus, Pro, or Unlimited plan unlocks all features
Some customers complained about the quality of support
Lack of training for how each module works together
Designed for any type of contractor with between one and 300+ employees, Contractor Foreman is a comprehensive tool for generating estimates, receiving online payments, and managing unlimited projects. The goal of this application is for a foreman and their team to have all details and financial information pertaining to each project in one easily accessible place and provide the ability to track everything and maintain a constant flow of communication (including while people are in the field).
When it comes to generating fast and accurate estimates, the software provides templates (with customizable fields), fully customizable cover sheets, and the ability to create professional-looking proposals. Materials and labor, for example, can be marked up separately. However, bulk markups are also possible, so all materials and/or labor can be marked up by a specific percentage with just a few clicks.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: Yes
- Integration options: iBuild Material Database, Angi Leads, CompanyCam, Google Calendar, Outlook 365, Stripe, QuickBooks Online, Zapier, and other applications
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Based on the cost items database provided by the user
- User interface and ease of use: Each module is straightforward, but using modules together can get confusing
- Customer support options: Live chat and email support
- Training and onboarding resources: Selected plan determines the number of private training hours provided with online resources and group training sessions available
Pros:
Create estimates and generate professional-looking quotes
Quotes generated can be fully branded
Full control over markups and optional line items
Integrate with Wisetack, for paperless consumer financing options
Cons:
Mobile phone app is less efficient than using computer
Some integrations only available with the higher-tier plan
Jobber is specifically for general contractors, as well as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. It can help project managers create and send estimates, organize job details, schedule technicians or specialty contractors, and give key personnel access to timely information from an Internet-connected computer or mobile device.
The application makes creating jobs, assigning them to contractors, and tracking employee time and materials a straightforward process. According to the software’s developers, “Jobber’s contractor software saves businesses at least seven hours per week in administrative work, like creating bids, organizing crews, and invoicing projects.” To streamline the estimating and quoting process, the software relies on templates.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: Yes
- Integration options: QuickBooks Online, Mailchimp, Zapier, Thumbtack, FleetSharp, DocuSign, CompanyCam and others
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Based on data provided to the software
- User interface and ease of use: Very customizable
- Customer support options: Phone, live chat, or email
- Training and onboarding resources: Online-based “Jobber Academy,” and other online resources via the Free Tools help center
Pros:
Offers CRM, digital takeoff, estimating tools, supplier bidding, project management, financial tools, and communications modules
Templates reduce construction estimate creation time
Estimates and proposals are customizable
Suppliers and sub-contractor can bid on projects electronically
Cons:
Pricing is on the high side
Lowest cost Pro plan only supports one estimator
Each estimator can have up to 20 team members
Additional team members cost $5/month
Custom implementation, onboarding and support only offered via the Enterprise plan
Estimator360 is designed to be a comprehensive tool for light commercial construction projects. Its construction estimator module offers the features needed to generate estimates and proposals accurately and faster (compared to manual methods using spreadsheets). The application includes more than 70 project templates, but customized templates can be created in-house and then used repeatedly. Estimator360 allows your suppliers to upload their pricing.
You also get functionality that allows users to request bids from suppliers, so you don’t need to rely solely on industry-cost books or databases. Once an estimate is completed and a proposal to a customer has been accepted and signed off on (either via a hardcopy or digitally with an e-signature), the software generates purchase orders automatically.
Specifications:
- Cloud-based: Yes
- Compatibility: All platforms
- Mobile app support: Yes
- Integration options: QuickBooks Online and other popular applications
- Scalability: Yes
- Accuracy and reliability: Pricing can be imported directly from suppliers
- User interface and ease of use: Well designed and rather intuitive.
- Customer support options: Custom support plans offered
- Training and onboarding resources: Online-based Help Center with in-depth support guides
- Pricing: Three plans - Pro ($369/month), Pro Plus ($669/month) and Enterprise (contact the company for a quote)
The Bottom Line
Just like construction management software, there are many cloud-based cost-estimating software applications available to help with the estimating process. Most offer mobile device accessibility, so accurate estimates can be created while on location at potential jobs. That data can then be synced and shared with other applications, such as project management or accounting software, that’s also used by a construction-related business.
When choosing which application is best suited to your business, focus on your immediate needs and long-term objectives. Determine exactly how you will use the software, and then invest enough resources to provide adequate training to everyone who will be using it. That way, the application can have the most positive impact possible on the operation of your business and its bottom line.
Construction Estimating Software
There’s a lot to consider when choosing estimating software and making sure it will meet the exact needs of your business. We’ve compiled this list of 10 important considerations.
Accuracy and Precision: The application you ultimately adopt must have access to up-to-date data and be designed in a way that reduces or eliminates human error while creating each estimate and proposal.
“It is important to factor in the accuracy of cost calculations, whether it has an intuitive user interface, and how well it integrates with your existing tools,” says Kyle Leman, owner of the Crossroads Foundation Repair construction company.
Compatibility and Integrations: The estimating software your business adopts should be able to seamlessly extract data from each estimate and export it directly into other tools and software systems commonly used in construction projects. Ideally, you want to choose software that adapts to your business’ workflow and other currently used software, as opposed to being forced to change all of your software-based tools or computer hardware to accommodate the new construction estimation software.
User-Friendliness: It’s essential that the software offers all of the features and tools needed to create accurate estimates and then be able to share that data with potential clients and your own, in-house systems. The software should also offer an intuitive user interface, so your entire team will quickly adapt to using it with a minimal learning curve and onboarding process.
Features and Functionality: Every one of the estimating software applications featured in this review is among the best tools available. All offer a comprehensive selection of features and powerful functionality. The key is choosing the right collection of features that are best suited to your business today. Scalability is also important, so the same application can be used as your business grows in the future.
“One key feature to look for is the application’s cost databases and libraries. This provides pre-loaded material and labor costs specific to different areas and trades. The software should also have the capability to easily modify and customize estimates to suit the specific needs of each project,” says Richard Zi, general manager of Central Wires.
Customization Options: The best construction estimating applications allow businesses to customize the software in ways that allow it to adhere to the company’s existing workflows and data collection needs. It’s the customizable options that will allow an application to best meet the needs of your specific business.
Cost: The applications featured in this review are cloud-based and utilize a subscription-based pricing model, as opposed to a fixed price for purchasing the software outright.
When analyzing the cost of the application, determine what features you get access to, how many users will have access to the software, and what extra fees may be involved with fully utilizing it. For example, is training provided, or will that cost extra? Is there a per-user, per-month fee, or a flat monthly fee that gives everyone on your staff access to the software who needs it?
Customer Support and Training: Beyond offering an online-based resource containing how-to articles and tutorial videos, for example, determine what type of personalized training and support is offered during the onboarding process, and then what ongoing support will be available. Will this support be available by phone, real-time chat, or email? Is personalized support available 24/7?
Integration with Project Management Systems: Estimating software is designed to address a core need of most construction-related businesses. However, your business most likely already relies on product management software, accounting software, and other applications that are used in the day-to-day operation of your business.
For this reason, it’s essential that the construction estimating software your business adopts be able to share data (in real-time) with the other applications you already have in place.
“I always emphasize the importance of user-friendly interfaces, precise calculations, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with other software tools, such as project management and accounting software. This helps to create a harmonious and productive working environment,” explains Jeff Grill, a seasoned expert in construction, metalwork, and welding.
Scalability and Growth Potential: Ideally, the construction estimating application you choose today should be usable for many years to come. Thus, it’s important to select an application that’s published/distributed by a well-established software developer with a track record for keeping its application(s) up-to-date with new features and ongoing security updates.
Reputation and Reviews: In addition to trying the software for yourself, seek out additional independent reviews, as well as referrals from other construction industry professionals you already know and trust.
Construction Estimating Software
Our contributor, Jason R. Rich, performed extensive research to pinpoint the best construction estimating software options available to businesses of all types and sizes that could benefit from this type of application. He also conducted in-depth interviews with several contractors and construction professionals to create this roundup.
Experts he talked to include Richard Zi, general manager of Central Wires, a wire and cable production company; Jay Sanders, CEO of Castle Dream Construction; Jeff Grill, a seasoned expert in construction, metalwork and welding (founder of Weld Guru); Dan Eastman, co-owner of DFW Stained Concrete, a flooring contractor; Kyle Leman, owner of Crossroads Foundation Repair, a construction company; and Shawna Guevara, managing director of Landmark Structural Builders, a female-owned construction company.
For each construction estimating application featured in this review, Jason evaluated its key features and what set each apart from its competition, including aspects like integration, user interface, customization options, remote workflow tools, and pricing.
Although he placed each construction estimating application into a specific category (based on the type of business or construction professional that could benefit the most from using it), most of the applications he reviewed can accommodate many different types of businesses with diverse construction-related estimating needs.
WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?
Jason R. Rich is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years of experience as a writer, journalist, and photographer. In addition to the U.S. News 360 Reviews website, his articles and in-depth product reviews continue to appear on CBS Essentials, Forbes Vetted, and within AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
If used correctly, the best construction estimating software will help your construction-related business operate more efficiently, while helping to save money, reduce human error associated with generating estimates, and make timely data available to the people within your organization when and where it’s needed.
“Construction estimating software is like the brain of a construction project. It should meticulously calculate and coordinate every cost-related aspect of a job or project, from materials to labor, all the while ensuring a seamless flow of accurate financial information,” Grill says.
This type of software should help your business streamline project management. “It should also reduce errors, and enhance efficiency. In my experience, the right construction estimating software can reduce project costs by an average of 20 percent. However, to maximize these tools, choose software that aligns specifically with your company’s needs for the best results,” Sanders says.
This depends on which application you use, as well as how and where you use it. “Construction estimating software is useful because it automates the process of estimating construction costs," Zi says. "It allows users to quickly generate accurate estimates, which is crucial for bidding on projects and managing budgets. This type of software also provides features, such as cost tracking, cost analysis, and project management tools. This all helps construction professionals stay organized and on budget throughout the duration of every project."
Construction companies, contractors, subcontractors, builders, and independent professionals (such as architects and engineers), can all benefit from construction estimating software.
“It’s beneficial for construction companies of all sizes, as well as independent contractors and subcontractors,” Zi says. "Construction Estimating Software Is also particularly useful for construction managers, project managers, estimators, or anyone involved in the bidding and cost management process. It can be used by professionals in various construction sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and civil construction."
Some of the key factors that impact cost include which application you choose, the size of your business, and the number of people who will be using the software.