In construction, estimating is among the most important – and complicated – processes. Thankfully, computer applications exist to help companies ensure accurate estimates. This article will examine the best construction estimating software for general contractors and subcontractors.
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What is Construction Estimating Software?
Construction estimating software calculates and manages costs for construction projects. These digital tools transform manual estimating into a fast, accurate process that construction teams can count on, whether working on small renovations or large developments. The software automatically runs calculations and connects to current pricing databases, making it practical for construction firms of any size.
Users input their project details, and the software creates detailed breakdowns of material, labor, and equipment costs. Construction teams – from general contractors to architects – use these tools to build accurate estimates and competitive bids. Most platforms offer quantity takeoffs, cost databases, proposal creation, and connections to other construction management tools, supporting teams through each project phase.
The software goes beyond basic calculations to boost business success. By cutting down errors, producing faster estimates, and offering data insights, construction companies can spot potential issues early and submit more winning bids. Teams can track past project data, work together on estimates in real time, and quickly update numbers as project needs change – making these tools valuable for growing construction businesses.
12 Best Construction Estimating Software Programs
Here’s an overview of the best construction estimating software programs available today.
| Software Name | Key Features | Ideal For |
| ProEst | Customer relationship management, proposal creation, cost estimating, accounting, cloud platform | General contractors and subcontractors |
| Clear Estimates | Unlimited estimates, 10,000+ line item database, invoice creation, RemodelMAX pricing data | Subcontractors and small contractors |
| Sage Estimating | Cost forecasting, project takeoff compatibility, BIM integration, cost databases | Companies needing robust software |
| Easy-Pro Builders Estimator | Variable tax rates, Windows/Linux compatibility, trade worksheets | Companies with in-house development teams |
| ESTIMATE by Warhive | Web-based interface, cost sheet support, quote evaluation, backup functionality | Community-supported users |
| IntelliBid | Industry Smart Database, NetPricer™ Service, Smart System™ Technology | Electrical, security, and solar contractors |
| ConWize | Tenders pipeline management, bidding automation, KPI analysis, risk management | Users managing tendering processes |
| STACK | Digital takeoffs, auto-count tools, project templates, material databases | Small to medium-sized construction businesses |
| Procore | Digital takeoffs, budget management, 500+ integrations, unlimited users | Large-scale construction companies |
| Contractor Foreman | Estimating, time tracking, daily logs, online payments | Small and medium-sized contractors |
| Buildxact | Digital takeoff tools, supplier pricing, scheduling tools | Residential builders and contractors |
| B2W Estimate | Civil construction databases, resource scheduling, bid management | Heavy civil and earthworks contractors |
ProEst
Pricing: Request Pricing
ProEst remains one of the leading construction estimating software programs, with over 45 years of industry experience. The platform has evolved into a comprehensive cloud-based solution that combines powerful estimating capabilities with modern project management features.
The software offers an intuitive interface with essential features including:
- Digital takeoffs with auto-count functionality
- Pre-built and custom assemblies
- Customer relationship management
- Advanced cost estimating
- Proposal generation
ProEst maintains strong integration capabilities with major construction management platforms:
- Procore
- iSqft
- Viewpoint
- Jonas
With its robust feature set and cloud-based accessibility, ProEst continues to be a top choice for both general contractors and subcontractors looking for a comprehensive estimating solution.
Clear Estimates
Pricing: $79-$249 per month
Clear Estimates continues to excel as a user-friendly solution for subcontractors and smaller construction companies. Their platform stands out for its ability to provide localized pricing information through RemodelMAX, now covering over 400 regions across the United States.
The software offers exceptional value with features including:
- Unlimited estimates
- 10,000+ line item database
- Payable invoice creation
- Unlimited customer support
- Quarterly labor and material rate reporting
- No long-term contract required
What makes Clear Estimates particularly attractive is its integration capabilities with popular platforms like Buildertrend, Airtable, and QuickBooks, plus its mobile accessibility for remote work.
Sage Estimating
Pricing: Request Pricing
Sage Estimating continues to be a robust solution for companies needing comprehensive estimating capabilities. The platform has evolved to offer enhanced cloud functionality while maintaining its reputation for detailed cost analysis.
Key features in the latest version include:
- Advanced cost forecasting
- Seamless project takeoff integration
- Expanded BIM integration capabilities
- Real-time construction cost databases
- Enhanced reporting tools
Sage Estimating’s integration with the broader Sage Business Cloud ecosystem remains a significant advantage, allowing users to connect their estimating processes with inventory, supply chain, and payment systems.
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Easy-Pro Builders Estimator
Pricing: Free
Easy-Pro Builders Estimator is an open-source construction estimating software program based on Apache OpenOffice Calc.
The open-source nature of this program makes it ideal for companies with in-house development teams capable of tweaking it as needed. This is crucial since Easy-Pro Builders Estimator’s last stable release was in 2014. It’ll need some updating, yet it remains a viable option for companies capable of doing that.
Key features of Easy-Pro Builders Estimator include:
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variable tax rates depending on where you live
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compatibility with Windows and Linux
-
trade worksheets included
ESTIMATE by Warhive
Pricing: Free
ESTIMATE by Warhive is another open-source construction estimating software program worth considering. Released under the GNU Affero General Public License, Warhive is a community-supported program with substantially more developer involvement than you’d find with Easy-Pro Builders Estimator.
Features of ESTIMATE include:
-
a web-based interface
-
support for extensive cost sheet creation
-
subcontractor and vendor quote evaluation
-
simple backup functionality
IntelliBid
Pricing: Request a demo for more information
IntelliBid maintains its position as the premier estimating solution for electrical, security, fire alarm, and solar contractors. The software has expanded its capabilities while staying focused on these specialized sectors.
Notable features include:
- Enhanced Industry Smart Database with current pricing
- Location-specific vendor pricing through NetPricer™
- Advanced search and missing item alerts
- Improved Smart System™ Technology for change orders
- Expanded design-build integration options
ConWize
Pricing: Custom pricing based on company size
ConWize has evolved into a comprehensive cloud-based platform that combines advanced bidding and cost estimation capabilities. The software has been updated with new features focusing on automation and risk management.
Current key features include:
- Enhanced tender pipeline management
- Advanced bidding automation with subcontractors
- Real-time cost-estimating tools
- Sophisticated profit-loading capabilities
- Expanded KPI analysis tools
- Comprehensive risk management features
STACK
Pricing: Starts at $2,999/year
STACK has emerged as a leading cloud-based solution for construction estimating, particularly popular among small to medium-sized contractors.
Key features include:
- Digital takeoffs with auto-count and auto-fill capabilities
- Customizable project templates
- Extensive material and labor cost databases
- Seamless estimate-to-quote conversion
- Real-time collaboration tools
The platform’s ability to work on any computer, including Macs, makes it particularly accessible for modern construction teams.
Procore
Pricing: Request Quote
Procore has expanded beyond project management to offer robust estimating capabilities integrated with its comprehensive construction management platform.
Standout features include:
- Advanced digital takeoffs
- Detailed budget management
- Real-time financial reporting
- Integrated project planning
- Unlimited users and data storage
With over 500 available integrations, Procore offers exceptional flexibility for construction companies of all sizes.
Contractor Foreman
Pricing: Starting at $49/month company-wide
This affordable solution offers comprehensive estimating capabilities alongside broader project management features.
Key features include:
- Streamlined estimating and quoting
- Integrated time tracking
- Detailed daily logs
- Online payment processing
- QuickBooks integration
Buildxact
Pricing: $169-$439/month based on users
Specifically designed for residential builders and contractors, Buildxact offers a comprehensive estimating solution with competitive pricing tiers.
Notable features include:
- Intuitive digital takeoff tools
- Pre-built estimation templates
- Real-time supplier pricing updates
- Integrated scheduling tools
- QuickBooks and Xero integration
B2W Estimate
Pricing: Custom pricing, consultation required
Specialized for heavy civil construction and earthwork projects, B2W Estimate offers precise estimating tools for complex infrastructure projects.
Key features include:
- Specialized civil construction databases
- Advanced digital takeoff capabilities
- Resource scheduling integration
- Detailed cost analysis tools
- Bid management features
What is the best construction estimating software for you?
Given the many construction estimating software options, choosing just one can be hard. Here are some of the factors you need to consider.
Understand the software’s utility
While the line between estimating, takeoff, and bidding software is often blurred, major functionality differences exist between them.
Estimating software is designed to help construction companies forecast expenses (often line-by-line) for the purpose of more accurate bidding. It often relies on data from takeoff software, which pulls information from project documents.
Meanwhile, bidding software helps companies manage requests for proposals and aspects of the solicitation process.
While construction management professionals often use the term “construction estimating software” for all three programs, they differ. Ensure you know what you’re looking for to make the right purchasing decision.
Carefully consider the platforms being offered
As with most types of software these days, construction estimating programs typically come in both desktop and mobile versions. If you must have remote access to your estimating data, you’ll want to be sure the software you choose has a mobile version.
Also, pay attention to any desktop functionality that doesn’t carry over to mobile versions of the software. In a work environment increasingly characterized by remote operations due to COVID-19, it’d be a mistake to potentially limit your staff’s efficiency by relegating certain important tasks to the days (if there are any) they’re able to work in the office.
Figure out which key features you need
Essential construction software estimating features include integration with other programs (i.e., those meant for resource management and project takeoff) and the tools needed to create accurate estimates in your line of work.
Beyond this, you’ll also want to consider any features of importance to you. These may include features from other programs we discussed earlier (takeoff and bidding).
Keep future expansion in mind
While construction estimating software in and of itself doesn’t have to be exorbitantly expensive, don’t underestimate the cost of transferring data and training your team on the use of a new program.
Given how extensive these costs can be, you should aim to choose an estimating program that will support your company for years to come, even as it expands. Don’t try to save money now at the expense of going through the onboarding process for a whole new program in short order.
Pay careful attention to the software’s interface
Often, software programs look great on paper yet underwhelm when you start using them. A key culprit in this regard is bad user interface design. Don’t purchase any program until you and the members of your team who will be using it have received thorough demonstrations of it.
Types of Construction Estimates
Different construction estimates serve unique purposes throughout a project’s timeline. Each type helps teams plan costs and make smart decisions about their projects.
Preliminary Estimates
These early-stage estimates give teams a basic view of potential costs when detailed plans aren’t ready. Teams create them using fundamental project details like size and intended use. Their accuracy ranges from -50% to +100%, helping teams assess if projects make financial sense when only 0-2% of project details are known.
Detailed Estimates
Once teams have final plans and specifications, they create detailed estimates breaking down all project costs. These estimates account for materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses. Teams use them to set reliable budgets since they analyze both direct and indirect costs for each part of the project.
Quantity Takeoff Estimates
These estimates focus on calculating exact material amounts and labor hours needed. Teams measure and count every project component to create precise calculations. Contractors rely on these estimates to order materials and schedule workers effectively.
Bid Estimates
Contractors create bid estimates when competing for projects. These estimates blend exact cost calculations with strategic pricing to create strong proposals. Since they form the basis for contracts, bid estimates demand the highest precision. Teams build them using complete construction plans to include detailed costs, profit targets, and backup funds.
How much should construction estimating software cost?
Construction estimating software typically costs between $59 and $250 or more monthly. Even the costlier programs have negligible price tags relative to the money they’ll save you.
Remember, as discussed in this article, inaccurate estimates are a key cause of construction cost overruns, which can financially devastate companies. Don’t risk bankruptcy (which is a very real threat accompanying just two or three inaccurate estimates for 25% of one survey’s respondents) for the sake of saving a few hundred dollars every month by choosing construction estimating software that doesn’t fully meet your needs.
Construction Estimating Software FAQ
What is the most popular construction estimating method?
The most popular construction estimating method is analogous estimating. This approach relies on comparing the current project with similar past projects to forecast costs. By leveraging historical data and expert judgment, contractors can create a ballpark estimate during the early planning stages when detailed information is scant. This method is favored for its speed and efficiency, particularly useful in the initial phases of project assessment and feasibility studies.
What is digital construction estimating software?
Digital construction estimating software is a tool that helps professionals quickly and accurately calculate project costs. It streamlines tasks like quantity takeoffs and scope assessments, reducing errors compared to manual calculations. This software is essential for contractors, engineers, and architects, helping them prepare detailed and precise bids efficiently.
How is BIM used in estimating?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) significantly improves construction estimating by creating detailed 3D models that integrate all project data. This allows for precise quantity takeoffs and real-time cost evaluations. BIM helps reduce errors and update estimates automatically with design changes, ensuring accurate and current financial data throughout the project.
Construction estimating software is a key part of any industry professional’s toolkit. We hope this article has helped you identify the right estimating software. For more tips on construction management, visit our blog.
