Nowadays, estimating by hand just doesn’t cut it… As a construction estimating service, we know how hard it can be to estimate bids. Most contractors are so busy at their job sites, that the thought of estimating another job sounds like a nightmare…
Unless you’re outsourcing your estimating, you’re going to need to find a way to estimate faster. If construction sales a construction estimating software is a must.
In this post, we’ve prepared a list of the top ten construction estimating software you can use to start winning jobs fast!
10. Houzz Pro
For residential contractors and interior designers, we have to include Houzz Pro on this list. As the official construction management software for the nation’s leading construction lead generating service, Houzz Pro is definitely one of the more refined options on this list, offering features like a mobile app, 3D floor plans, project scheduler, and access to a premium Houzz account that can get you tons of leads for residential projects.
Best of all, Houzz Pro is relatively cheap with its plans starting at only $65 a month, as well as coming with a 30-day free trial, giving you can have plenty of time to decide if you’ll commit.
Due to Houzz Pro being meant for residential contractors only and not solely focused on construction estimating, it’s difficult to rank it high among other professional software. However, it is still one of the best estimating software out there for residential contractors who don’t require an in-depth takeoff system and want a program that can also generate leads.
9. ProEst
For larger contractors, ProEst is another great option, due to how in-depth their takeoff tools and cost databases can be.
With a more comprehensive user-interface than any other estimating software, ProEst is one of the most customizable software on this list, so it’s easy to see why users praise it for its versatility. With ProEst, you can create cost databases, proposal templates, and more, all to your liking. Plus, since the program is cloud-based, it also gives you the option to collaborate with other estimators simultaneously on the same project, which is a plus for companies with larger estimating teams.
Unfortunately, there’s not a free trial or version available, and plans can start at a hefty $5000 a year. Even so, many users may find it worth the price and learning curve to gain access to such a well-rounded estimating tool, with plenty of features.
8. PlanSwift
PlanSwift is an estimating software that has been a popular choice among contractors for years now, and it’s for good reason.
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.
For all its benefits, PlanSwift also has a great price, with plans starting at $1913 per year; it’s one of the cheaper services on our list. One word of caution is that the software has been on the market for years so some users may find some of its features outdated, especially since the program is not updated very often.
In our experience as an estimating firm, PlanSwift is one of the most convenient takeoff software out there and its price makes it especially manageable. Although the customer service is notorious for being particularly unhelpful, the software is well-rounded and can be useful for small and large companies alike.
7. Procore
Procore is the most famous and standard construction management software out there, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made this list with the estimating solution they provide along with their other services. With years of experience as industry leaders in construction management software, Procore is definitely an option you want to consider.
The catch is, as well-established Procore is, you can also expect it to be a bit pricey; especially if you have a larger construction company. Nonetheless, Procore has an active development team that is constantly updating all their programs, so contractors should have no worries about the glitches that plague other competing software.
Although not specialized in estimating, Procore’s capabilities as both an estimating software and a construction management software are nothing to scoff at. Procore promises users to be the premier construction management software, capable of handling every aspect of your business, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
6. STACK
At the number 6 spot of our list is STACK, a cloud-based software that you can use right from your browser. STACK can be used for takeoffs, cost estimates, document management, and basically any part of the preconstruction process.
With a user-friendly interface and accurate cost data, STACK is considered one of the most convenient estimating solutions for smaller contractors. They also have a dedicated customer service team and get high ratings for their response speed. To top it all off, it offers a free version of the app that you can use for your basic estimating needs if.
The price is also rather average, with plans starting at $2499 a year. Although some users may find that STACK lacks some of the estimating features found in more in-depth software like ProEst, it’s a versatile, powerful, and simple estimating tool that’s a good fit for any small to mid-sized contractor.
5. Sage Estimating
If you’re looking for a professional software that’s easy to use and can also be highly customized, Sage Estimating might just be what you’re looking for.
Sage Estimating is one of the leaders in the world of construction software and for good reason. With a wide range of products such as their estimating tools, CRM, and accounting software, they’re a valuable site for any small to medium-sized construction business.
Sage is known for its ease of use and customizability, making it a powerful tool for speeding up takeoffs and job costing. Even if you find trouble learning the software at first, you can get training through Sage University, their own educational hub for learning how to make the most of all their products.
The price is only a bit higher than average at $2600 per year and most users only complain about specific features, such as Sage’s autosave feature and its database limitations, however, the software for the most part has glowing reviews, years of experience, and popularity to back up its claims.
4. BuilderTrend
Like Procore, Buildertrend is a premier construction management software that has been widely used in both the residential and commercial industries for years now. The best part is that, for such a professional and well-rounded service, Buildertrend also offers a cheap price with plans starting at only $399 per month.
For such an in-depth program that can handle all of your pre-construction, financial, and project management needs, Builder trend still offers a professional service that has the potential to take your business to the next level. As a great, cheaper alternative to Procore, Buildertrend is a great option for contractors of any size looking to grow their construction business.
3. BuildXact
Out of all of our research, BuildXact seemed to have especially positive customer reviews. The reason? BuildXact has managed to create an estimating software more powerful, easier to use, and cheaper than most software on the market.
For only $149 per month, BuildXact promises a lot. Takeoff tools, project scheduling, CRM; you name it, BuildXact’s got it. Just like with Estimator360, we’ve listed BuildXact at the top of our list due to how practical of an addition it can be to smaller construction companies with its capacity to handle virtually every aspect of the pre-construction process.
Although the program itself is dedicated for small to medium contractors, large construction companies can find its wide range of features useful too! But, if you’re a contractor looking for a more “commercial” software to use for your takeoffs and project management, the next software on our list is another great one to consider…
2. Clear Estimates
Clear Estimates is one the cheapest software on our list, with plans starting at only $79 per month. The best part is that, despite the low price, Clear Estimates still delivers as an easy-to-use, well-rounded estimating tool that can compete with any software on the market.
With features including a regularly updated cost database by region, simple user-interface, and a highly customizable bid proposal editor; Clear Estimates can handle all of your bidding needs.
If you’re a small to mid-sized business that is only looking for a software that can help you make accurate bids in half the time, Clear Estimates should definitely be at the top of your list.
1. Estimator360
First on our list we have Estimator360, an up-and-coming software that is changing the game in terms of estimating software.
With plans starting only at $369 a month, Estimator360 promises to give you a lot for a little. With features including built-in CRM and project scheduler, Estimating360 can handle all of your pre construction, project management, and financial needs for a fraction of the price.
Estimator360’s next selling point is its ease of use. Being a new software on the market, the Estimator360 development team has made sure the program is sleek, modern, and can be used by any contractor without a difficult learning curve, unlike so many other estimating software. Considering how outdated some estimating software in the market are, Estimating360’s minimalist design and abundant features make it a refreshing new take on what an estimating software can be capable of.
The Secret to 10X your Construction Business
If you are interested in growing your construction business, I’ve prepared a short training video for you that you can watch for FREE:
In this training, I will show you how you can put your estimating on autopilot and boost your sales to 10X your business in 90 days; step-by-step with a simple copy and paste formula!
Nowadays, estimating by hand just doesn’t cut it… As a construction estimating service, we know how hard it can be to estimate bids. Most contractors are so busy at their job sites, that the thought of estimating another job sounds like a nightmare…
Unless you’re outsourcing your estimating, you’re going to need to find a way to estimate faster. If construction sales a construction estimating software is a must.
In this post, we’ve prepared a list of the top ten construction estimating software you can use to start winning jobs fast!
10. Houzz Pro
For residential contractors and interior designers, we have to include Houzz Pro on this list. As the official construction management software for the nation’s leading construction lead generating service, Houzz Pro is definitely one of the more refined options on this list, offering features like a mobile app, 3D floor plans, project scheduler, and access to a premium Houzz account that can get you tons of leads for residential projects.
Best of all, Houzz Pro is relatively cheap with its plans starting at only $65 a month, as well as coming with a 30-day free trial, giving you can have plenty of time to decide if you’ll commit.
Due to Houzz Pro being meant for residential contractors only and not solely focused on construction estimating, it’s difficult to rank it high among other professional software. However, it is still one of the best estimating software out there for residential contractors who don’t require an in-depth takeoff system and want a program that can also generate leads.
9. ProEst
For larger contractors, ProEst is another great option, due to how in-depth their takeoff tools and cost databases can be.
With a more comprehensive user-interface than any other estimating software, ProEst is one of the most customizable software on this list, so it’s easy to see why users praise it for its versatility. With ProEst, you can create cost databases, proposal templates, and more, all to your liking. Plus, since the program is cloud-based, it also gives you the option to collaborate with other estimators simultaneously on the same project, which is a plus for companies with larger estimating teams.
Unfortunately, there’s not a free trial or version available, and plans can start at a hefty $5000 a year. Even so, many users may find it worth the price and learning curve to gain access to such a well-rounded estimating tool, with plenty of features.
8. PlanSwift
PlanSwift is an estimating software that has been a popular choice among contractors for years now, and it’s for good reason.
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.
For all its benefits, PlanSwift also has a great price, with plans starting at $1913 per year; it’s one of the cheaper services on our list. One word of caution is that the software has been on the market for years so some users may find some of its features outdated, especially since the program is not updated very often.
In our experience as an estimating firm, PlanSwift is one of the most convenient takeoff software out there and its price makes it especially manageable. Although the customer service is notorious for being particularly unhelpful, the software is well-rounded and can be useful for small and large companies alike.
7. Procore
Procore is the most famous and standard construction management software out there, so it’s no surprise that they’ve made this list with the estimating solution they provide along with their other services. With years of experience as industry leaders in construction management software, Procore is definitely an option you want to consider.
The catch is, as well-established Procore is, you can also expect it to be a bit pricey; especially if you have a larger construction company. Nonetheless, Procore has an active development team that is constantly updating all their programs, so contractors should have no worries about the glitches that plague other competing software.
Although not specialized in estimating, Procore’s capabilities as both an estimating software and a construction management software are nothing to scoff at. Procore promises users to be the premier construction management software, capable of handling every aspect of your business, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
6. STACK
At the number 6 spot of our list is STACK, a cloud-based software that you can use right from your browser. STACK can be used for takeoffs, cost estimates, document management, and basically any part of the preconstruction process.
With a user-friendly interface and accurate cost data, STACK is considered one of the most convenient estimating solutions for smaller contractors. They also have a dedicated customer service team and get high ratings for their response speed. To top it all off, it offers a free version of the app that you can use for your basic estimating needs if.
The price is also rather average, with plans starting at $2499 a year. Although some users may find that STACK lacks some of the estimating features found in more in-depth software like ProEst, it’s a versatile, powerful, and simple estimating tool that’s a good fit for any small to mid-sized contractor.
5. Sage Estimating
If you’re looking for a professional software that’s easy to use and can also be highly customized, Sage Estimating might just be what you’re looking for.
Sage Estimating is one of the leaders in the world of construction software and for good reason. With a wide range of products such as their estimating tools, CRM, and accounting software, they’re a valuable site for any small to medium-sized construction business.
Sage is known for its ease of use and customizability, making it a powerful tool for speeding up takeoffs and job costing. Even if you find trouble learning the software at first, you can get training through Sage University, their own educational hub for learning how to make the most of all their products.
The price is only a bit higher than average at $2600 per year and most users only complain about specific features, such as Sage’s autosave feature and its database limitations, however, the software for the most part has glowing reviews, years of experience, and popularity to back up its claims.
4. BuilderTrend
Like Procore, Buildertrend is a premier construction management software that has been widely used in both the residential and commercial industries for years now. The best part is that, for such a professional and well-rounded service, Buildertrend also offers a cheap price with plans starting at only $399 per month.
For such an in-depth program that can handle all of your pre-construction, financial, and project management needs, Builder trend still offers a professional service that has the potential to take your business to the next level. As a great, cheaper alternative to Procore, Buildertrend is a great option for contractors of any size looking to grow their construction business.
3. BuildXact
Out of all of our research, BuildXact seemed to have especially positive customer reviews. The reason? BuildXact has managed to create an estimating software more powerful, easier to use, and cheaper than most software on the market.
For only $149 per month, BuildXact promises a lot. Takeoff tools, project scheduling, CRM; you name it, BuildXact’s got it. Just like with Estimator360, we’ve listed BuildXact at the top of our list due to how practical of an addition it can be to smaller construction companies with its capacity to handle virtually every aspect of the pre-construction process.
Although the program itself is dedicated for small to medium contractors, large construction companies can find its wide range of features useful too! But, if you’re a contractor looking for a more “commercial” software to use for your takeoffs and project management, the next software on our list is another great one to consider…
2. Clear Estimates
Clear Estimates is one the cheapest software on our list, with plans starting at only $79 per month. The best part is that, despite the low price, Clear Estimates still delivers as an easy-to-use, well-rounded estimating tool that can compete with any software on the market.
With features including a regularly updated cost database by region, simple user-interface, and a highly customizable bid proposal editor; Clear Estimates can handle all of your bidding needs.
If you’re a small to mid-sized business that is only looking for a software that can help you make accurate bids in half the time, Clear Estimates should definitely be at the top of your list.
1. Estimator360
First on our list we have Estimator360, an up-and-coming software that is changing the game in terms of estimating software.
With plans starting only at $369 a month, Estimator360 promises to give you a lot for a little. With features including built-in CRM and project scheduler, Estimating360 can handle all of your pre construction, project management, and financial needs for a fraction of the price.
Estimator360’s next selling point is its ease of use. Being a new software on the market, the Estimator360 development team has made sure the program is sleek, modern, and can be used by any contractor without a difficult learning curve, unlike so many other estimating software. Considering how outdated some estimating software in the market are, Estimating360’s minimalist design and abundant features make it a refreshing new take on what an estimating software can be capable of.
The Secret to 10X your Construction Business
If you are interested in growing your construction business, I’ve prepared a short training video for you that you can watch for FREE:
In this training, I will show you how you can put your estimating on autopilot and boost your sales to 10X your business in 90 days; step-by-step with a simple copy and paste formula!
