In the ever-increasing industry of construction, about 90 percent of the success rate depends highly on accurate estimates. It is an essential element for successful construction projects. There are many cost estimating companies available to help you out with your projects but only those who will make a difference who choose the right type of cost estimating software. These tools have a great influence as they assist in project planning, budgeting, procurement, and execution.
This software provides error-free estimates, upholding the entire project structure. Whether it’s a small-scale project or a highly complex project, having the right construction estimating software can make a huge difference in the market. Construction estimates are not an easy job as you require careful insight into technical knowledge, a deep understanding of the projects, and past experience. The right construction estimating software does the job for you by transforming this complicated process into a quick and simple step. Here are the 17 best construction estimating software to help you build a building.
ProEst
ProEst, established in 1976, is one the most widely used cost-estimating software specifically designed for contractors, estimators, and project managers. With its comprehensive built-in cost databases and features such as automated cost estimation, bid analysis, and integration, it has served more than 10,000 construction firms globally. With its based interface, you can access your data anytime and anywhere.
The annual cost of this software begins at $5,000, making it an ideal choice for medium to large-scale enterprises. Users have the flexibility to tailor the software according to their requirements. Hence if you are looking for user-friendly software. With an annual pricing model ensuring scalability as the business increases, then ProEst is the one for you.
| Key Features Of ProEST | |
| Cloud-Based: | Allows real-time collaboration among team members |
| Comprehensive Cost Database: | Industry-standard cost data is preloaded |
| Customizable Reporting: | Allows you to generate detailed and high-quality reports |
| Bid Management: | Enhanced bid submission and tracking |
| Integration: | Integrates easily with various project management tools |
PlanSwift
PlanSwift is well known for its intuitive interface, construction takeoff, and detailed estimation features. It provides digital takeoff tools allowing users to measure plans directly on their screens, minimizing the risks of errors. Since its foundation in 2008, it has been efficiently serving various industries including electrical, plumbing, and landscaping, for increased flexibility the software offers additional features such as custom formulas and Excel integration.
This tool offers a one-time purchase, starting at $1595. It’s an affordable choice for small to mid-scaled projects as the design is user-friendly and easy to use. With its drop-and-drag interface, you can extract quantities by dragging and dropping from digital plans. You can also design custom formulas for accurate calculations for your project. Hence PlanSwift is a secure go-to tool for construction estimates for your buildings and projects.
| Key Features Of PlanSwift | |
| Drag-and-Drop Functionality: | Quick Takeoffs with efficient drag-and-drop function |
| Excel Integration: | Export and manage data seamlessly in spreadsheets |
| Affordable Pricing Plans: | Affordable and reasonable pricing plans |
| Customizable Formulas: | Tailor formulas to fit specific project needs |
| 2D Drawing Compatibility: | Analyze your 2D drawings for estimation |
Sage Estimating
Sage Estimating is a comprehensive suite of Sage Software and offers advanced capabilities for contractors dealing with complex construction projects. Its integration with Sage’s accounting software ensures flawless financial management and allows users to support their investment in other Sage products. It’s one of the best tools in the construction industry offering detailed costs and labor estimates with enhanced accuracy.
In addition to that, the software is highly customizable. Allowing users to generate solutions tailored to their specific needs and requirements. Depending upon the price plans you choose, which mostly start at $500 per month, you can obtain Sage’s outstanding features such as SQL database utilization, allowing powerful querying and reporting. You can also obtain auto-figured packages of cost to speed up your estimating process.
| Key Features Of SAGE Estimating | |
| Cost Accuracy: | Reliable estimates with detailed breakdowns |
| Integration: | Syncs with Sage 300 Construction and other tools |
| Templates: | Predefined formats for consistent estimates |
| Reporting: | Customizable reports for better decision-making |
| Database: | Centralized cost data for industry-specific needs |
Clear Estimates
Clear estimate is an efficient and easy-to-use software launched in 2004 to improve the estimation process. But now it’s popular among remodelers and small contractors as it is a cloud-based estimating software and offers quick and timely results. It includes more than 60 different categories and a library of preloaded templates and databases that can be customized according to your needs to get accurate results.
The software cost starts at around $60 per month, offering a more affordable option for small construction projects With Clear Estimates you can easily track your expenses and profits as it is integrated with QuickBooks. As it is cloud-based, it allows easy accessibility for beginners and helps them carry out their financial management effectively with greater ease. Thus if you are looking for affordable cost-estimating software with amazing features then Clear Estimates is the one for you.
| Key Features Of Clear Estimates | |
| Cost Database: | Regularly updated materials and labor costs |
| Templates: | Preloaded for common construction projects |
| Custom: | Estimates: Tailor pricing to individual client needs |
| Integration: | Syncs with QuickBooks and other platforms |
| Reporting: | Simplified breakdowns for client presentations |
Procore Estimating
Procure Estimating is one of the leading construction management software, consisting of numerous estimating tools and features such as budget tracking, bidding customized reporting, and integration with other estimating tools. It’s a powerful and ideal tool when it comes to digital construction management for large-scale projects. It aims to facilitate collaboration and improve construction processes.
Pricing for the software begins at $375 per month with a customs plan available for contractors. Its real-time collaboration is best for team-based projects and differentiates you from other competitors in the market. It offers an all-in-one solution for your research projects and with customized reporting you can get a quick review of the the estimating process, assisting you in data-driven decisions.
| Key Features Of ProCore | |
| Accuracy: | Estimate costs of material and labor without any errors |
| Templates: | Preloaded for common construction projects |
| 2D Estimating: | Estimate using 2D drawings and blueprints |
| Integration: | 500+ Integrations and apps you want to work with |
| Reporting: | Enhanced Budgeting and Financial Reporting |
Buildxact
Buildxact is an online estimating and project administration tool, offering various features such as real-time cost tracking, proposal generation, multiple collaboration, and takeoff tools. It is designed specifically for small-scale builders, contractors, or remodelers. It possesses a user-friendly interface making it flexible and adaptable for users. It can manage estimates, job scheduling, and project management all at once, making it perfect for streamlining project workflows.
The pricing starts at $149 per month which includes key benefits such as simplifying the estimating process by generating quotes and managing cost and supplier prices. It also integrates with famous accounting software such as Xero and MYOB then further improves the financial management process. Hence if you are looking for targeted solutions for small-scale projects then Buildxact has got you covered.
| Key Features Of Buildxact | |
| Scheduling: | Efficient and enhanced job management |
| Accounting: | Track and report finances with ease |
| Quoting: | Use a digital takeoff tool to estimate material quantity |
| Up to date Price lists: | Stays up to date on the latest market rates |
| Estimating: | Ensures that the estimates are accurate and precise |
Buildertrend
Buildertend is a popular comprehensive construction management software specifically designed for smooth operations for home builders, remodelers, and construction contractors Its key features include tools such as scheduling, daily logs, file storage, budgeting, estimates, and managing finances effectively. It has a customer portal for easier and more effective collaboration between contacts, sub-contractors, and other team members.
Buildertrend is quite affordable for small-scale projects the pricing starts from $99 per month. Builder mobile app makes sure that it can be easily accessible anywhere and its integration with accounting software assists you in making financial decisions. Beginners can also seek onsite consulting, which offers personalized training tailored to their specific projects.
| Key Features Of Buildertrend | |
| Project Management: | It simplifies construction project tracking and scheduling |
| Client Communication: | Keeps clients updated with real-time project progress |
| Cost Estimation: | Offers tools to create accurate project cost estimates |
| Financial Tracking: | Tracks expenses and budgets for better financial management |
| Integration Support: | Works seamlessly with QuickBooks and other software |
CostOS
Designed and developed by Nomitech, CostOS is an advanced cost-estimating software. It was designed to assist contractors, project managers, and consultants in designing and planning the budgets and cost estates for construction projects. It supports both cloud-based and on-premise deployments which offer higher flexibility for numerous organizational needs. One of its key features is Its customized templates that allow users to easily re-design templates to match their needs.
According to recent data, CostOS’s starting price starts at $2,800 per user for a one-time license fee. However, the pricing can vary depending on your features, support, training requirements, and customization needs. Its takeoff capabilities such as GIS, 2D drawings, and 3D BIM files, enable precise quantity measurements directly from design documents and make it best for large-scale projects.
| Key Features Of CostOS | |
| Advanced Estimation: | Offers highly detailed and precise estimation capabilities |
| BIM Integration: | Supports 3D models for accurate quantity takeoffs |
| Cost Libraries: | Provides extensive cost databases for quick reference |
| Multi-Project Handling: | This lets you manage multiple projects at the same time |
| Reporting: | Generates professional and detailed estimate reports |
WinEst
Looking for a powerful and flexible construction cost estimating software for your construction project? WinEst is a powerful and useful tool that offers a wide range of features and data-driven solutions. It also supports real-time collaboration and allows users to perform cost analysis, bid comparisons, and generate detailed estimates with precision. The tool, designed for contractors, estimators, and managers, integrates seamlessly with other project management tools, for a complete efficient, and productive workflow.
WinEst doesn’t provide any free trials but this database-driven estimating software is an amazing software for quantity takeoffs and cost estimations. Whether you require estimates for your residential, commercial, or industry-level projects, you can go for WinEST. You can contact the team to discuss the pricing of their estimation tool.
| Key Features Of WinEst | |
| Database Integration: | Integrates smoothly with multiple cost databases |
| Detailed Estimation: | Creates comprehensive and professional project estimates |
| Bid Management: | Helps manage bids effectively and streamline proposals |
| Custom Reporting: | Allows fully customizable reports for stakeholders |
| Multi-User Access: | Supports collaborative work among team members |
Contractor Foreman
Do you know you can decrease cost overruns by up to 35% with accurate and precise estimates? Contractor Foreman is an all-in-one project management and estimating tool. It offers a variety of features like budgeting, bid management, scheduling, cost tracking, and more, with a focus on making estimating easy for contractors. It also has to offer a user-friendly interface, so you can easily start working on your project.
Contractor Foreman offers tiered pricing plans with annual and quarterly payment options, each with different features to offer.
Annually:
Basic – $49 per month
Standard – $49 per month
Plus – $125 per-month
Pro – $166 per-month
Unlimited – $249 per-month
Quarterly:
Basic – Not Available
Standard – $99 per month
Plus – $155 per-month
Pro – $212 per-month
Unlimited – $312 per-month
It also has to offer a 30-day free trial and a 100-day money-back guarantee. Although available for annual programs and has a few conditions, this tool can be very useful for estimating your construction project.
| Key Features Of Contractor Foreman | |
| Job Management: | Simplifies daily job management for contractors and teams |
| Budget Monitoring: | Tracks project budgets and spending in real-time |
| Communication Hub: | Acts as a central hub for contractor communication |
| Estimation Tools: | Provides tools for fast and accurate project estimates |
| Document Storage: | Offers secure and organized digital document storage |
Autocad Construction Cloud
Autodesk or Autocad Construction Cloud is one of the best BIM estimating software available on the market. If you have 2D or 3D models of your construction projects such as blueprints, drawings, 3D designs, or layouts, this software is the best option for you. It also offers collaboration features so your entire team can work and manage the process without any complications. This tool is the best option if you want to analyze 2D/3D models of your construction project to estimate the time, cost, and quantity of material required for your project.
As for the pricing, Autodesk Construction Cloud has to offer 3 different bundles including Virtual Design & Construction, Preconstruction, and Construction Operations. You can contact their team to discuss their pricing. They also offer their tools and software individually such as Autodesk TakeOff, Autodesk BIM Collaborate, and more with prices ranging from $500 to $2760, and more depending upon the tool you are selecting.
| Key Features Of AutoDesk TakeOff | |
| Cloud-Based: | Access and manage takeoffs from anywhere |
| 2D & 3D Takeoffs: | Work with both formats simultaneously |
| Collaboration: | Share and review takeoffs with teams in real-time |
| Quantification: | Automates material counts and measurements |
| Integration: | Seamlessly works with Autodesk Construction Cloud |
Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is an efficient project management software used by experts for their residential and remodeling construction projects. It offers powerful and extraordinary estimating capabilities, allowing its users to achieve detailed cost estimates and quantity takeoffs for their construction projects without any errors, ensuring efficient project budgeting. It provides a user-friendly interface, allowing users to get along with the software easily and you can seamlessly integrate it into design tools and access to an extensive library of products and materials.
This software offers diverse features for every aspect of a construction project, helping you to stay organized and keep your project within budget. It offers 3 pricing plans Essential for $149 per month, Pro for $249 per month. It also provides a free trial before you subscribe. If you want to make changes to your subscription plan, you can also contact the team.
| Key Features Of Houzz Pro | |
| Lead Management: | Helps track and manage leads effortlessly |
| Estimate Builder: | Creates visually appealing and accurate estimates for clients |
| Client Collaboration: | Lets clients view and approve estimates online easily |
| Scheduling Tools: | Simplifies job scheduling and task management |
| Marketing Features: | Includes tools to promote services and boost visibility |
Estimator 360
Unlike many other estimation tools available on the market, Estimator 360 focuses on delivering highly detailed and accurate cost estimates for your construction projects. The tool has a variety of features to offer to its clients such as digital takeoffs, estimate generation, crew management, and more, allowing you to calculate the material, labor, and equipment required for your construction project quickly without any errors. Whether you require estimates for your residential, commercial, or remodeling, Estimator360 is the best option for you.
Estimator 360 offers two subscription plans, Contractors & Lumberyards for $250 per-month and Modular Builders for $369 per-month. It allows unlimited projects, team members, estimators, subcontractors, and more to use their software after purchasing.
| Key Features Of Estimator 360 | |
| Cloud Accessibility: | This lets you estimate and manage projects from anywhere |
| Custom Templates: | Offers templates for faster and more consistent estimating |
| Material Costs: | Tracks up-to-date material costs for accurate estimates |
| Labor Tracking: | Helps monitor labor hours and associated costs |
| Reporting Options: | Generates high-quality reports for clients and stakeholders |
Destini Estimator
DESTINI Estimator is one of the leading construction estimating software available on the market, famous for its fast turnaround times and detailed estimates. This software allows you to easily access data based on your geo-specific location and estimate the accurate amount of material and labor required for each task of your construction project. You can also use this software for 2D estimating, and integrate it with many other platforms that also support the preconstruction data lifecycle. Professionals rely on this software due to its ability to provide highly accurate preconstruction cost estimates.
You can contact their team to achieve the prices of DESTINI Estimator software. Its subscription plans offer multi-user access, comparison reporting, data capture for bid leveling and estimating, risk reduction in estimates, and additional features based on the plan selected. It would be better to say, DESTINI Emulator is a good option to achieve preconstruction estimates.
| Key Features Of DESTINI Estimator | |
| Integration: | Links with project scheduling and BIM tools |
| Visualization: | Provides dynamic dashboards for insights |
| Custom Templates: | Supports flexible and reusable templates |
| Bid Management: | Streamlines the bid comparison process |
| Historical Data: | Leverages past projects for precise estimates |
CostX
Developed by Eactal, CostX is a top-notch estimation software with almost all the features required for a smooth estimation process. With it, you can easily calculate the accurate amount of materials, labor, and equipment required for your construction project along with the costs associated with them without any chances of errors. They also offer 2D/BIM Estimating support, allowing you to achieve top-quality estimates for their construction project. Reporting is also one of the major concerns, and CostX doesn’t disappoint with that, providing top-notch documenting features. If you are looking for software offering a smooth and streamlined estimation process, CostX is the best option.
If you want to start your construction project with CostX, you can get in touch with their consultation team and discuss the pricing plans. Like many other estimator software providers, CostX also focuses on providing customized solutions to their clients to meet different demands.
| Key Features Of CostX | |
| Automated Takeoffs: | Automates 2D and 3D takeoffs |
| Cost Integration: | Integrates pricing with cost libraries perfectly |
| Detailed Reports: | Produces detailed and high-quality client-ready reports |
| BIM Compatibility: | Very compatible with BIM project files |
| Accurate Measurements: | Ensures highly accurate measurements and estimates |
BuildPartner
Do you know that projects with accurate cost and time estimates often experience 40% fewer construct delays, helping you stay on track and improve your timelines? BuildPartner is another construction estimating software owned by a community of experienced professionals and can help you with your building projects. To this date, BuildPartner has completed over 14,000 projects and has 5000+ users, making it one of the most reliable estimation software available on the market. It is well-known for its top-notch features that allow you to schedule, report, plan, and compare costs easily.
BuildPartner has to offer 4 subscription plans, offering a variety of features. The Basic plan costs £24 per month + VAT and supports up to 5 projects. The Starter plan is priced at £46 per month + VAT, offering 10 projects. The Standard plan costs £68 per month + VAT, allowing 20 projects. Lastly, the Pro plan is available for £122 per month + VAT, accommodating 30 projects. It also offers a free trial and allows you to add details to schedule, invite contractors, export as Excel, PDF, and Word, edit a personalized database of rates, custom integration, and more, depending upon the pricing plan.
| Key Features Of BuildPartner | |
| Cost Estimation: | Streamlines cost estimation processes |
| Budget Tracking: | Tracks project budgets in real-time. |
| Bid Management: | Simplifies contractor bid management. |
| Templates Library: | Includes pre-built estimating templates. |
| Team Communication: | Enhances communication among stakeholders. |
Bluebeam Revu
One of the most powerful estimation software available on the market, Bluebeam Revu includes top-quality estimating features, enabling users to perform computational takeoffs directly from PDF plans and generate cost estimates based on measurements. The software facilitates team collaboration, allowing staff members to work on the same project from anywhere with ease, ensuring a streamlined process. Furthermore, Bluebeam Revu utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze 3D designs and drawings, assisting clients by providing precise measurements and accurate estimations, thereby enhancing project management.
Bluebeam Revu offers three subscription plans: Basic, Core, and Complete.
- Basic Plan: Priced at $260 per user annually, it includes features like PDF creation, viewing, editing, and markup. Users can measure length and area (excluding perimeter) and participate in Studio collaboration.
- Core Plan: At $330 per user annually, it adds specialty markup tools for 2D/3D PDFs, CAD plugins, workflow tools, and the ability to measure perimeters, counts, angles, and volume. It also supports overlay and batch comparison of drawings.
- Complete Plan: The most advanced plan, costing $440 per user annually, offers dynamic fill measurements, advanced markups, quantity linking with MS Excel, detailed markup reporting, scripting commands for custom automation, and batch slip sheet automation.
| Key Features Of Bluebeam Revu | |
| Digital Takeoff: | Simplifies digital takeoff workflows. |
| Collaboration Tools: | Enables real-time project collaboration. |
| Measurement Tools: | Offers precise measurement tools. |
| Excel Integration: | Integrates seamlessly with Excel. |
| Document Management: | Manages project documents efficiently. |
In Conclusion, we have yet discussed one of the top software and tools available on the market that can help you with your construction project. With each software known for its specialty and ability, they all can help you achieve highly accurate and detailed cost estimates and quantity takeoffs for your construction projects, allowing you to enhance your budgeting and manage your construction project without any difficulties.