Best Construction Estimating Software for 2026

As a contractor or estimator, you know how important it is to estimate construction project costs accurately. However, projecting a job’s material, labor, equipment, and subcontractor costs can be difficult when done manually. Fortunately, the best construction estimating software will allow you to make quick and accurate estimates as you prepare your next bid or evaluate project feasibility.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know when shopping for estimating software, including what features to look for, how it compares to other related types of construction software, pricing, and more. At the conclusion, we provide detailed reviews of the top products on the market and handpick the best options for different types of construction businesses—from electricians and other small subcontractors to general contractors and developers.

If you are already well-versed in the basics of construction estimating and are simply looking for product recommendations, here’s a short list of our top picks.

Best Estimating Software for Construction

Table of Contents

• Best Estimating Software for Construction
• Best for General Contractors & Commercial Builders
  • STACK (Best for Estimating & Takeoff)
  • Autodesk Construction Cloud Estimating (Formerly ProEst) – Best Enterprise Suite with Estimating
  • Sage Estimating (Best for Enterprise & Commercial GCs)
  • DESTINI Estimator (Best for BIM-Connected Takeoff + Estimating)
  • Ediphi (Best for Commercial Preconstruction & Cost Modeling)
  • WinEst (Best for Multi-Estimator Teams)
  • Procore Estimating Software (Best for Existing Procore Users)
• Best for Specialty Trades & Subcontractors
  • HCSS HeavyBid (Best for Heavy Civil & Infrastructure)
  • Trimble AutoBid (Best for Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors)
  • ConEst (Best Electrical Estimating Software)
  • Trimble Accubid (Best for Mid-to-Large Electrical Contractors)
  • FastEST (Best All-in-One MEP Suite)
  • The Estimating Edge (Best for Roofing & Interior Trades)
• Best for Residential Contractors & Remodelers
  • Clear Estimates (Best Estimating Software for Small Contractors & Residential)
  • Best All-in-One Construction Management Tools with Estimating
• Understanding Construction Estimating Software
  • What Is Construction Estimating?
  • What Is Construction Estimating Software?
  • Estimating vs. Takeoff vs. Bidding Software
  • Looking for Takeoff Software?
  • Online vs. Desktop Estimating Software
• Construction Estimating Software Features
  • Digital Takeoff Features
  • Construction Estimating Features
  • Construction Bidding Features
  • Reporting Features
  • Integrations
• Construction Estimating Software Pricing
  • How Much Does Construction Estimating Software Cost?
  • Free Estimating Software
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What does construction estimating software do?
  • What is electrical estimating software?
  • What is the best estimating software for Mac and iPad users?
  • What estimating software uses RSMeans data?
• References
• Detailed Methodology: How We Found the Best Estimating Software

To find the best estimating software for construction, our research team evaluated dozens of the market’s top platforms based on digital takeoff capabilities, trade-specific cost databases, BIM integrations, and overall pricing transparency. Because a heavy civil contractor needs vastly different tools than a residential remodeler, we didn’t just rank these tools 1 through 10. Instead, we categorized the best software by trade and operational focus so you can find the exact system your preconstruction team needs. (You can read our full evaluation methodology at the bottom of this guide).

Best for General Contractors & Commercial Builders

Managing commercial bids requires more than just a digital ruler and a basic spreadsheet. General contractors and large commercial builders need enterprise-grade platforms that support multi-estimator collaboration, BIM-connected takeoffs, and historical cost modeling. The tools below are built to handle complex preconstruction pipelines and seamlessly transition your won bids directly into project budgets without manual data entry.

STACK (Best for Estimating & Takeoff)

STACK is a great option for takeoff software—in fact, it’s our top overall choice for takeoff—but there’s much more to this leading product than that. As an estimating solution, STACK offers a great deal of customizability and flexibility, along with automated tools that make it easy to generate estimates and turn them into polished bid documents.

STACK is a cloud-based preconstruction software that has emerged as a leading takeoff and estimating solution for construction professionals in a variety of trades. The close integration between STACK’s takeoff and estimating capabilities is perhaps the product’s most compelling selling point. STACK uses fast, automated tools like autocounts, area measurement, and volume measurement to complete takeoffs quickly and accurately. Information from takeoffs can then be used to generate detailed estimates, which is where STACK’s estimating features come into play.

Beyond the takeoff capabilities, users can also customize items, assemblies, labor costs, markup, and other inputs to generate their estimates. The software also includes the ability to label and filter items to drill down on particular data points or projects. Recognizing that users may have different preferences, STACK allows users to work on estimates in different ways: you can work directly in the STACK interface or export data to perform calculations and other analyses in software like Excel. STACK also makes it easy for users to roll information from takeoffs and estimates into quotes and proposals, whether that means creating multiple proposal scenarios or producing professional, branded documents.

Aside from standout takeoff and estimating capabilities, STACK offers solutions for document management and project management, making it a strong all-around provider for many core construction software needs. However, it’s important to note that these other products are newer initiatives for STACK and they are not as well developed as products like Procore or Buildertrend. While STACK’s project management software works well for small firms with basic needs, larger firms with more complex operations would do better choosing a different project management software vendor. Fortunately, STACK offers a fast-growing collection of integrations with many of the popular construction management tools for customers who only want to use STACK for what it’s best at, takeoff and estimating.

STACK, like many other estimating software solutions, offers tiered pricing based on the number of users per subscription. The “Standard” tier, priced at $2,599 per user annually, is ideal for individual estimators, providing full access to one user along with unlimited view-only users. For small precon teams, the “Premium” tier is available at $2,999 per user; however, STACK also offers volume-based pricing that reduces the cost to $2,199 per user for teams of three or more, totaling $6,597 per year for a three-user subscription. Any team with at least four full users can contact STACK for a customized quote. And if you aren’t sure about committing to the price tag, STACK does allow users to sign up for a seven-day free trial to test out the software themselves.

Takeoffs are a critical step for generating high-quality, accurate estimates on any construction job, so it makes sense for estimators to seek out software solutions that excel in both takeoff and estimating capabilities. On that front, STACK stands out for its strength in both areas and the close integration between the two. This makes STACK our choice as the Best for Takeoff & Estimating.

Autodesk Construction Cloud Estimating (Formerly ProEst) – Best Enterprise Suite with Estimating

Autodesk acquired ProEst in 2021 and integrated its core engine directly into the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). If you used ProEst five years ago, the workflow and interface will look entirely different today. It is no longer a standalone estimating point-solution; it serves as the preconstruction financial pipeline for the broader Autodesk ecosystem.

This software targets mid-to-large general contractors and major trade partners. The primary operational advantage is the elimination of data silos between preconstruction and the field. In the past, estimators would build a bid in ProEst, win the job, and then project engineers would have to manually rebuild the schedule of values and budget in a separate project management tool. Today, the estimating data, 2D/3D takeoffs, and cost items built in ACC flow directly into Autodesk Build.

Functionally, the platform handles the entire preconstruction lifecycle. Estimators can perform automated 2D and 3D takeoffs, link those quantities to highly customized cost databases, apply variable markups, and generate branded proposals. Because it lives entirely in the cloud, an estimating team in a regional office can collaborate with field engineers on the job site to adjust labor rates or material costs in real-time.

While the legacy ProEst software offered a unique volume-based pricing model that allowed for unlimited users, Autodesk has fully transitioned the product into its own licensing ecosystem. Access is now tied to ACC subscriptions, which typically operate on a per-user or account-based model depending on the modules a contractor needs. This makes the barrier to entry higher, but for firms already using tools like Revit, Navisworks, or Autodesk Build, adding the estimating module consolidates software costs and reduces integration headaches.

The video below is a useful demo of a pro estimator using Autodesk Construction Cloud to set up an estimate for a project—highlighting several of the tool’s features.

Given its deep functional capabilities, seamless transition from preconstruction to operations, and backing by enterprise infrastructure, we rate this as a top-tier choice for commercial contractors who need a connected software suite.

Sage Estimating (Best for Enterprise & Commercial GCs)

Sage Estimating, originally Timberline Estimating, is an estimating tool designed for construction contractors and businesses of all sizes. Its core function is to help its users build accurate bids and project estimates using data from their takeoff and BIM files, but it does much more than that.

Even the most limited version of Sage Estimating can sync with a price database and generate detailed estimates and customized reports. To perform digital takeoff—measuring quantities directly from project plans—users typically integrate the software with a tool like eTakeoff, which then pushes those measurements into the Sage estimate. The more advanced versions of the product include features like access to the RSMeans cost database, building estimates from 3D BIM models, and generating bill of materials (BOM) reports. While some users report that the interface is less intuitive than some other products on this list, that is in part because the software is so flexible and full of features.

Sage Estimating integrates with several third-party software tools, which could make it a great solution for companies who are already using a compatible product. For instance, eTakeoff is the primary digital takeoff partner for Sage, utilizing a specialized ‘bridge’ to automate the flow of quantities into estimates. While PlanSwift is also a popular choice for digital takeoff, its integration with Sage is less seamless and typically requires more manual effort to transfer data compared to the native Sage eTakeoff experience. Sage also integrates with 3D modeling software by Autodesk to improve the takeoff process. By mapping 3D BIM objects directly to items and assemblies in the Sage database, estimators can create detailed estimates incredibly quickly. This integration allows users to visualize exactly which 3D objects have been accounted for in the estimate, significantly reducing the risk of missed components or double-counting. And of course, Sage Estimating integrates seamlessly with Sage’s other construction-specific ERP suites, including Sage 100 Contractor and Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate (CRE). These platforms combine project management and construction accounting into a single environment, ensuring estimate details flow directly into job costing and financials.

While Sage Estimating has traditionally run on Windows operating systems, it is now available as a cloud-native platform. This newer version supports advanced functionality like AI-enabled takeoffs (via Togal.AI or SnapAI), cloud-native bid analysis through BidMatrix, and the ability to use native PDF files without conversion.

Because Sage Estimating is modular and can be customized to meet each company’s needs, pricing isn’t standardized. The total price will depend on the number of modules and features a company purchases, how many users or workstations need to access the tool, and whether or not training and support are needed.

Sage Estimating has been on the market for a long time (originally as Timberline Estimating), is flush with features, and is highly customizable. We recommend Sage as the Best Construction Estimating Software for Enterprise & Commercial GCs.

DESTINI Estimator (Best for BIM-Connected Takeoff + Estimating)

DESTINI Estimator is Beck Technology’s cloud-native takeoff and estimating platform built for preconstruction teams that want their quantities and pricing to stay connected to the same plan sets and model data. Instead of running takeoff in one tool and rebuilding the estimate elsewhere, teams can generate AI-assisted 2D and 3D quantities, then price that scope inside a single estimating workflow using assemblies, cost databases, and standardized estimate structures.

Beck Technology was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. DESTINI Estimator is positioned for commercial general contractors and construction managers with dedicated preconstruction and VDC teams that already manage drawings and models in tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud or Procore, and want estimating to stay consistent with those source files.

Estimators use DESTINI to link 3D model data directly to final bid numbers. By mapping quantities from Revit or IFC files into established company assemblies, teams can price complex systems—such as an entire HVAC run or structural steel package—without manually counting individual components. When drawings or models change, estimators can refresh quantities and reprice the estimate using the same assemblies and rules, rather than redoing the bid in a second tool.

For example, if an addendum shifts room layouts and wall lengths, the estimator can update quantities and reprice the same wall or flooring assemblies across the entire project. This ensures that a simple layout change doesn’t force a manual audit of every individual stud, sheet of drywall, and gallon of paint—reducing the “new plans, new spreadsheet” pattern that often appears when takeoff and estimating are handled in separate systems.

DESTINI Estimator may prove less effective for small firms that want fast, one-off bids without maintaining assemblies or a shared cost library. While it operates on the DESTINI Cloud platform, the software still requires a local application to run, which may be a poor fit for teams that prefer estimating to operate entirely within a web browser. However, for VDC teams handling massive 3D models and complex Revit files, this hybrid environment provides the processing power and stability that browser-only tools often lack when rendering high-density BIM data.

Beck does not publish standard pricing publicly; DESTINI Estimator is sold via custom quote. Total cost varies based on user count, configuration, and onboarding/support needs.

DESTINI Estimator is best suited to mid-to-large commercial contractors that coordinate closely with VDC/BIM and want takeoff and estimating to stay connected to the same source files. We rated DESTINI Estimator the Best for BIM-Connected Takeoff + Estimating.

Ediphi (Best for Commercial Preconstruction & Cost Modeling)

Ediphi is a browser-based preconstruction and estimating platform for midsize and large commercial builders who run multiple budgeting rounds before a job goes to contract. Instead of managing each design round in its own spreadsheet, it keeps preconstruction budgets and job-level overhead in one system so costs stay consistent from early design through contract signing.

Rather than rebuilding a job at each design stage, estimators can start in Ediphi with high-level building inputs like size, type, and location, then add detail as drawings progress. Because general conditions sit in the same estimate, the job budget updates automatically when staffing or schedules change. This minimizes the risk of massive calculation errors during early design rounds—errors that could otherwise eat into fee margins or trigger contractors E&O insurance claims if you offer design-build services. For example, extending the project timeline by two months will immediately recalibrate the project superintendent’s total salary and equipment rental costs.

Ediphi’s cost modeling tools save completed projects into a searchable cost history. As teams price work in different markets, those numbers feed a shared database estimators can reference in future projects, so early budgets reflect what similar jobs actually cost. This gives preconstruction teams a faster starting point than rough allowances.

Because many project owners still expect bids and updates in Excel, Ediphi’s add-in lets teams keep their existing bid forms and reporting templates while populating them from the live estimate with a refresh, reducing the risk of sending spreadsheets with outdated pricing after design changes.

Unlike all-in-one tools that include measurement modules, Ediphi is designed to aggregate quantities from separate takeoff software. This trade-off is ideal for firms that prefer using specialized takeoff software they already trust, but need a single environment to manage their cost history and budget versions.

Ediphi is sold as an annual subscription for named users. Exact pricing varies by team size and configuration.

Ediphi makes the most sense for midsize and large commercial builders working on complex projects where pricing is revisited across several design rounds. It gives preconstruction teams a single environment for both early budgets and fully detailed estimates, aligning pricing and overhead as designs change. We rated Ediphi as the Best Preconstruction Platform for Commercial Cost Modeling.

WinEst (Best for Multi-Estimator Teams)

WinEst is Trimble’s estimating software built for teams with multiple estimators, including firms with more than one office. WinEst uses a shared cost database and assemblies to keep bid structure and pricing logic consistent across the team, instead of relying on estimator-by-estimator spreadsheets.

Trimble acquired WinEst (then WinEstimator) in 2012. WinEst Essentials is available as a cloud-hosted annual subscription within Trimble Construction One, combining estimating with connected takeoff and tools for proposals, templates, markups, and estimate-to-budget outputs.

WinEst’s advantage is repeatability across estimators: assemblies function as standardized scopes that expand into detailed estimate lines using the shared cost database. If an addendum changes a core input and an estimator updates the assembly, WinEst then recalculates the estimate lines generated from the new scope. In a wall assembly, for example, changing wall height updates the material quantities and labor automatically, eliminating the need to comb through the estimate and manually edit each line item.

WinEst’s work breakdown structure is the framework used to group and subtotal the estimate. When owners require bids broken out by location or phase, this structure helps estimators assign items to the same buckets across bids, so reviewers can validate totals and compare sections without reformatting the estimate.

While powerful for multi-estimator teams, WinEst is not an ideal fit for solo residential remodelers or small specialty contractors. Because the software’s strength relies on a well-maintained database of assemblies and labor rates, a smaller firm without a dedicated estimating manager may find the initial setup and ongoing database maintenance too time-consuming to justify. These smaller teams may be better served by a simpler, takeoff-first tool.

Trimble sells WinEst (and WinEst Essentials) through packaged configurations and does not publish standard pricing on its product page. WinEst Essentials is positioned as an annual subscription, and pricing varies based on configuration.

WinEst is designed for contractors with more than one estimator who want shared estimating standards that stay consistent across bids. We rated WinEst the Best Estimating Software for Multi-Estimator Teams.

Procore Estimating Software (Best for Existing Procore Users)

Known for its focus on construction project management software, Procore expanded its offerings following the 2020 acquisition of takeoff and estimating company Esticom. Paired with Procore’s existing products, the company’s integrated estimating tool is a welcome addition for contractors looking to keep all their work within the Procore ecosystem.

When it comes to construction software, there are few bigger names than Procore. While the company originally started with its project management software, Procore has since expanded to cover more aspects of the construction process—from preconstruction and project execution to financial management and analytics. For existing Procore customers, the ability to keep all their work within Procore’s cloud-based platform, easily passing documents and data across different stages of the project, is a huge advantage. Procore’s takeoff and estimating software offers all the standard features that users would expect, but where the product really stands out is in this tight integration.

Procore makes it easy to move from creating an estimate to launching a project. Considering the fact that this transition usually means one team takes over from another, Procore’s integrated approach helps maintain and sync data across each stage of planning, execution, and analysis. Once the software provides an estimate and the user accepts it, the estimate automatically takes the form of an official project budget, encouraging the next step in planning. Drawing and estimate revisions that may become necessary along the way can be synced back with the original, and the project financials portion of the platform allows users to compare actual budgets with planned estimates quickly and efficiently. According to Procore’s 2022 customer survey, the company’s estimating software reduced rework by 16% and reduced the amount of non-recoverable change orders by 52%.

New users can rely on Procore’s excellent customer support services as they get used to the company’s estimating software. A live 24-hour chat and phone service are available Monday through Thursday, with adjusted hours Friday through Sunday. The company offers a wide range of training resources to introduce new users to the intricacies of its products. These include initial guides to get started, live training webinars, and updated information on the latest software features. Videos hone in on specific platform functions, offering step-by-step approaches to managing your project online.

While Procore’s ever-expanding list of features is one of its most lauded elements, the company’s platform and estimating software can be difficult to navigate for people unfamiliar with Procore’s products. Procore products are also not the most affordable on the market. The company aims to alleviate this by providing excellent training, alongside attractive pricing offers for existing customers. However, for these reasons, Procore’s estimating software works best for existing Procore customers.

Overall, Procore’s estimating software is highly recommended for builders and contractors looking to do all their work in the Procore ecosystem. The company’s valuable resources, training materials, and extensive list of available features make Procore a pick for the best construction estimating software for businesses currently using Procore for project management.

Best for Specialty Trades & Subcontractors

A general-purpose estimating tool won’t cut it when you are pricing complex mechanical runs, heavy civil earthwork, or commercial roofing. Subcontractors require deep, out-of-the-box manufacturer databases, trade-specific assemblies, and dynamic labor tracking. Whether you’re pulling unit prices for a DOT highway project or relying on NECA labor rates for an electrical bid, these platforms are engineered specifically for the realities of the trades.

HCSS HeavyBid (Best for Heavy Civil & Infrastructure)

HCSS HeavyBid is the industry standard estimating platform for heavy civil contractors handling highways, bridges, utilities, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Unlike software built for general commercial or residential builders, HeavyBid is engineered specifically for unit-price bidding and crew-based production, making it a heavy-duty engine for firms that self-perform complex earthwork and civil scopes.

Heavy civil estimating requires a different operational approach than vertical construction. Instead of pricing a square foot of drywall, estimators must build out detailed crews—combining specific pieces of heavy machinery, operators, laborers, and materials—and calculate their daily production rates to arrive at a unit price for excavating a trench or pouring a bridge deck. HeavyBid excels in this environment. It allows estimators to structure costs into distinct buckets for labor, equipment (factoring in rental rates, fuel, maintenance, and contractors equipment insurance), and materials, applying calculation routines and variable markups across massive bid items.

One of the platform’s biggest operational advantages is its alignment with public work. Many heavy civil projects are funded by state Departments of Transportation (DOTs). HeavyBid streamlines this by allowing users to import standard DOT bid files directly into the software. Instead of manually retyping hundreds of line items, estimators can populate the bid structure instantly, price the work, and then export the final numbers back into the required government format for submission.

Because the software relies heavily on historical data, the initial implementation is demanding. Setting up company-specific cost codes, equipment rates, and crew templates can take several weeks, and new users often require a few months to become fully proficient in the interface. If the foundational data is set up poorly, errors can quickly multiply across a multi-million dollar estimate. However, once the database is dialed in, teams can pull from past bids to rapidly price similar work, significantly reducing the turnaround time for complex proposals.

While HCSS does not publish flat subscription rates on its website, the software requires a major enterprise investment. Costs are determined by the number of users, specific modules required, and implementation services. A single-estimator license typically runs in the low five figures annually, with multi-user team setups and field management modules pushing the overall cost much higher.

Watch the video below showcasing estimators’ experiences with HeavyBid and their favorite features.

For contractors moving millions of yards of dirt, laying miles of pipeline, or building highway interchanges, the precision of HeavyBid justifies the investment. We rank HCSS HeavyBid as the Best for Heavy Civil & Infrastructure.

Trimble AutoBid (Best for Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors)

Trimble AutoBid is a specialized estimating and takeoff platform built explicitly for mechanical, HVAC, piping, and plumbing (MEP) contractors. Rather than forcing trade contractors to adapt general-purpose construction software to their workflows, AutoBid provides targeted databases and trade-specific measurement tools that align directly with fabrication and installation activities.

AutoBid operates on the reality that MEP estimating requires far more detail than simple square-footage or linear-foot measurements. An estimator pricing a commercial plumbing package cannot just measure the length of a pipe; they must account for the specific material, joint types, hangers, and support structures required to assemble that run. AutoBid addresses this through automatic fitting generation. When an estimator traces a pipe run on a digital plan, the software automatically calculates and adds the necessary elbows, tees, and couplings based on the pre-selected design specifications. This eliminates the tedious process of manually clicking and counting every individual fitting on a set of drawings.

The software is heavily database-driven, relying on pre-built assemblies and extensive catalogs of material pricing and labor rates. Because material costs in the MEP trades fluctuate frequently, AutoBid integrates with pricing services to update raw material costs. If a project owner requests a value engineering option—such as substituting copper piping for CPVC to save money—the estimator can duplicate the bid, swap the material specification globally, and allow the software to instantly recalculate the material and labor differences.

While the estimating engine is robust, it is also highly specialized. Trimble splits the product line into AutoBid Mechanical (for piping and plumbing) and AutoBid SheetMetal (for HVAC ductwork). Contractors that self-perform both piping and ductwork often point out that the two systems operate independently, meaning they do not merge easily into a single unified bid environment. Additionally, because the software relies on precise database parameters to function correctly, smaller shops without a dedicated estimating manager may struggle to maintain the underlying labor and material inputs over time.

Trimble does not publish standardized pricing for AutoBid online. The software is sold as a subscription, but the final cost is determined via custom quote based on the specific trade version required, the number of licenses, and the level of implementation support needed.

For commercial MEP contractors who need to process dense, complex mechanical plans with speed and precision, AutoBid offers the trade-specific depth required to price jobs accurately. We rank Trimble AutoBid as the Best Estimating Software for Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors.

ConEst (Best Electrical Estimating Software)

ConEst is far and away the most popular estimating software for electrical contractors. Founded in 1989, they are also one of the most experienced estimating software companies in the market. The company is a 10 out of 10 when it comes to customer service and sports a solid reputation with its customers, which is why the Better Business Bureau gives them an A+ rating.

ConEst’s product offering spans the entire range of electrical contractor needs, including electrical takeoff, estimating, bidding, and project management. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products: SureCount for takeoff; CE Cloud and IntelliBid for estimating and bidding; and Conest Connect for analytics and reporting. They also provide a Design Build extension to incorporate advanced electrical formulas directly into IntelliBid.

ConEst’s software engineers are constantly making improvements to the software, which shows in their slick interface, and depth of features. ConEst offers CE Cloud for those who want a cloud-based estimating solution, while IntelliBid is available for installation on Windows machines with a client/server configuration or as desktop-only. However, ConEst recommends a database server be installed for centralized storage of data. This, of course, should depend on the number of users needing to share information and how the organization manages its data pipeline.

ConEst’s takeoff solution, SureCount, has many capabilities, including auto-counting of symbols and drawing comparisons. Any takeoffs done within SureCount are also automatically passed to IntelliBid, so users never have to re-enter data.

IntelliBid includes many features to improve the estimating and bidding processes, including a massive database of over 140,000 electrical items, more than 500,000 pre-built assemblies, calculators, formulas, and easy estimate export. Electrical Formulas, an extension for IntelliBid, helps electrical contractors by adding specialized formulas to calculate lighting requirements, load limits, and voltage drops. What’s more, they also offer templates for bid proposals and document management tools for managing multiple bids. This video highlights the range of features within IntelliBid:

ConEst’s pricing depends on the number of users of the software. They also charge startup costs for installation and training. They don’t offer a free trial, but prospective buyers can schedule product demos with ConEst representatives.

ConEst is a strong product with some excellent tools for electrical contractors, which is why we rated it as the Best Construction Estimating Software for Electrical Contractors.

Trimble Accubid (Best for Mid-to-Large Electrical Contractors)

Trimble Accubid is one of the most widely used and respected estimating platforms for commercial and industrial electrical contractors. Built to handle complex, itemized electrical bids, it provides the enterprise-grade structure needed by organizations that require standardized estimating processes across multiple estimators and branches.

Accubid is designed for scale. Instead of ad hoc quoting, it enforces a structured estimating process rooted in a centralized database of items and pricing. This ensures that a team of ten estimators all bid the same scope the exact same way. One of its standout operational advantages is its spec-driven estimating capability. When an estimator specifies that a project requires rigid conduit in a certain area rather than standard EMT, the software automatically updates the associated fittings, hangers, and labor times during the takeoff process. This prevents the massive omissions that often occur when adjusting specifications manually.

The software operates heavily in tandem with other Trimble construction technology products. Estimators use Trimble LiveCount to measure runs and count fixtures directly on digital plans, which feed straight into the Accubid estimate. Additionally, keeping an electrical database current is notoriously difficult, so Accubid connects to Supplier Xchange. This allows estimators to send out requests for quotes and pull live material pricing from their preferred local vendors directly into the bid. Trimble offers the platform in two primary deployment models: Accubid Classic, the traditional on-premise desktop software, and Accubid Anywhere, a cloud-hosted version that allows multiple estimators to collaborate in real-time from different locations.

Like many enterprise platforms, Trimble does not publicly list pricing for Accubid. Access is sold via subscription, with final costs determined by a custom quote based on user count, the specific version (Classic vs. Anywhere), and the required implementation support. Because the database is so extensive, new users should also expect to invest in dedicated training and administrative setup time.

For commercial and industrial electrical contractors who need a highly structured, scalable estimating environment, Accubid is a proven heavyweight. We recommend Trimble Accubid as the Best Estimating Software for Mid-to-Large Electrical Contractors.

FastEST (Best All-in-One MEP Suite)

FastEST is a specialized software developer that provides a suite of trade-specific estimating tools: FastPIPE, FastDUCT, and FastWRAP. Designed for plumbing, mechanical, HVAC, and insulation contractors, FastEST delivers highly targeted databases and built-in on-screen takeoff without the overwhelming complexity of larger enterprise systems. Because all three programs share a common interface and architecture, contractors that self-perform multiple mechanical trades can generate unified bids seamlessly.

The primary operational advantage of the FastEST suite is how closely it mirrors the actual installation process of the MEP trades. In FastPIPE, for example, estimators do not just draw lines on a digital PDF. They set up project-specific specifications—designating pipe materials, joint types, and hanger spacing for different building systems. When the estimator clicks across the digital plan to measure a run of chilled water piping, the software automatically calculates the required lengths and drops in the necessary fittings based on those predetermined specs.

This same logic applies to FastDUCT for sheet metal and FastWRAP for mechanical insulation. For a contractor that handles both the ductwork and the HVAC piping on a commercial build, using a unified platform is a massive time saver. The estimator can perform the ductwork takeoff in FastDUCT, switch to FastPIPE for the equipment connections, and combine the material and labor outputs into a single, cohesive Excel spreadsheet for the final bid. The built-in catalogs are extensive, holding over 150,000 items in the plumbing database and 250,000 in the HVAC catalog, ensuring estimators rarely have to build items from scratch.

However, buyers should be aware of the software’s architecture. Unlike newer platforms that live entirely in a web browser, FastEST is a traditional Windows application. While it can be deployed on a server or hosted cloud environment using remote desktop protocols to support multiple estimators, it does not offer the simple “log in from anywhere on any device” experience of cloud-native tools. Additionally, if an estimator needs to revise a bid months later, they must be careful; recalculating the estimate will pull current database pricing, potentially overriding the material costs locked in at bid time.

Unlike many competitors, FastEST publishes its pricing openly. The software can be acquired via a one-time purchase (starting at $4,995 for the first application, which includes the first year of maintenance) or a non-binding lease option (starting at $250 per month). Adding a second application, like bundling FastDUCT with FastPIPE, comes at a discounted rate, making it highly accessible for growing contractors.

For mid-market mechanical contractors who need powerful, trade-specific takeoff and pricing without the enterprise bloat, the FastEST suite is an incredibly practical choice. We rate FastEST as the Best All-in-One MEP Suite.

The Estimating Edge (Best for Roofing & Interior Trades)

The Estimating Edge (often referred to simply as “The EDGE”) is a highly specialized takeoff and estimating platform tailored for commercial subcontractors. Rather than trying to serve every type of builder, The EDGE focuses relentlessly on specific trades: commercial roofing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, flooring, and fireproofing.

The EDGE is designed around the reality that interior and exterior envelope trades rely heavily on complex, multi-layered assemblies. For a commercial roofer, estimating a flat roof is never just about square footage. The EDGE allows estimators to perform an on-screen takeoff that simultaneously calculates the membrane, insulation board, cover board, adhesives, and specific fastener patterns required for that exact square footage. Because the software includes built-in databases from major manufacturers (such as Firestone/Elevate or Carlisle), the material specifications and coverage rates are already configured out of the box.

This trade-specific depth also extends to interior finishing. A drywall estimator can draw a single linear partition on the digital plan, and the software will automatically quantify the metal studs, track, drywall sheets, tape, mud, and the exact labor hours required to build that specific wall type. If the architect issues an addendum that changes the wall height from 10 feet to 12 feet, the estimator can simply adjust the wall property globally. The EDGE’s “Smart Edit” feature then cascades that change across the entire bid, updating material counts and labor automatically without requiring the user to redraw the takeoff.

While the estimating engine is incredibly powerful, it is also highly structured. Estimators accustomed to fast, unstructured Excel spreadsheets may find The EDGE rigid, as the software forces users to operate within its defined assemblies and conditions. Additionally, while it provides excellent depth for its target trades, the software’s interface looks and feels like a legacy desktop application, which can increase the training time for younger estimators entering the field.

The Estimating Edge is now part of the Foundation Software ecosystem. Pricing is not published publicly and requires a custom quote based on the specific trade modules needed and the number of users. Because of the depth of the database, the purchase typically involves an initial investment in implementation and training alongside the software license.

For commercial roofing, drywall, and interior finishing contractors who need extreme precision and manufacturer-specific assemblies, The EDGE is unmatched. We rank The Estimating Edge as the Best Estimating Software for Roofing & Interior Trades.

Best for Residential Contractors & Remodelers

For custom homebuilders, remodelers, and small trade contractors, the bidding process is all about speed, accuracy, and client presentation. Instead of bloated enterprise suites, residential contractors need intuitive software that pairs localized cost databases with polished, client-facing proposal generators. The following tools offer the perfect balance of estimating power and user-friendly design to help you win more residential jobs.

Clear Estimates (Best Estimating Software for Small Contractors & Residential)

Clear Estimates is an affordable, yet powerful, web-based estimating and proposal generation tool designed for residential contractors and remodelers. It was designed by experienced home remodelers, so it has a smooth user experience and workflow. It has one of the cleanest interfaces of any estimating tool, and it is accessible from any device with an internet connection.

While other estimating products span much of the project management process, Clear Estimates focuses primarily on creating and managing accurate estimates and professional proposals. But within the scope of building accurate construction estimates, its feature set is complete. It also integrates with Buildertrend, a leading project management tool, and Quickbooks, the most widely used accounting software, which makes it easy to link Clear Estimates to companies’ existing workflows.

Clear Estimates offers Standard, Pro, and Franchise versions of its product. All versions of the product include unlimited estimates, access to a 15,000+ line item cost database, 500+ preloaded templates, and the ability to create payable invoices. Users can store unlimited customers and prospects in the built-in customer database. Customers get unlimited support, ongoing material- and price-database updates, and never have to sign a long-term contract.

The Standard version of Clear Estimates comes with all of the features mentioned above and costs only $79 per month. If buyers purchase an annual license, they save approximately 25% over the monthly cost of the product, paying a net $59 per month. Additionally, Clear Estimates offers a free 30-day trial of their product, so anyone can test out the tools before they commit any money.

Clear Estimates Pro costs $119 per month and includes everything that the Standard version offers with access to key integrations with Buildertrend and almost any CRM using Zapier. This plan also allows the ability to add new users at a rate of $9 per month. If purchased annually, the cost for the Pro plan is reduced to $99 per month.

Finally, the Franchise plan costs $249 per month (billed monthly) or $199 per month (billed annually). It includes everything offered with the Pro subscription plus custom branding and the ability for customers to host the software on their own websites. The Franchise subscription plan also includes custom feature development, as well as hands-on training for employees learning how to estimate construction jobs with Clear Estimates.

Clear Estimates is among the best estimating products on the market. It starts at a very reasonable cost, includes unlimited estimates, access to updated pricing data, and can be accessed readily on the job site from any device. For these reasons, we recommend Clear Estimates as the Best Estimating Software for Small Contractors.

Best All-in-One Construction Management Tools with Estimating

Understanding Construction Estimating Software

Construction estimating is part of the preconstruction bidding process, during which contractors and builders submit proposals, or bids, to project owners, offering to provide services or supplies for a construction project. These bids summarize the total price the contractor will charge for the development of the structure or infrastructure. While the internal estimate accounts for the expenses the contractor expects to pay, the final bid incorporates those costs alongside additional markups for overhead and profit. Typically, companies and governments accept bids from many different contractors for large construction projects (especially for commercial and industrial projects) and then decide which contractor will perform the project.

The process begins with the owner, or project sponsor, creating bid documents—collectively referred to as a bid package. This bid package summarizes key details about the project to give contractors all the information they need to make accurate project estimates and produce a proposed schedule and budget. The documents generally include project blueprints, location and schedule constraints, specific insurance requirements (such as securing builders risk insurance for the project or providing proof of contractor general liability insurance), and other information.

For privately owned projects, this bid package may be shared with any number of contractors, few or many, depending on the owner and his or her prior relationships with other contractors. For public projects sponsored by local or federal government agencies, the construction bidding process has specific requirements. Public projects must be publicly advertised in advance, and bid documents must be made available so that any qualified contractor who meets these registration and security prerequisites can submit a bid before the bid date. Once a contractor or supplier downloads the bid documents, they can begin the takeoff and estimating process and begin creating their bid.

What Is Construction Estimating?

Construction estimating, also called construction cost estimating or simply estimating, is the process of creating the approximate yet detailed costs associated with a construction project. For small projects, an experienced contractor can come up with a quick estimate in his or her head. For large projects that require detailed bids, the process requires much more due diligence to achieve an accurate estimate of construction costs.

To create these estimates, the contractors and their subcontractors must determine the quantities and costs of all of the materials, equipment, and labor, which usually begins with generating a takeoff list using the information found in the bid package. Construction takeoff refers to the process of quantifying the physical materials needed to complete a construction project. Gathering this information involves estimators using digital project plans or BIM models to determine the types and amounts of each material necessary for each section of the project. (Quantities of each material are ‘taken off’ of the plans). This takeoff data is then used to calculate labor requirements and equipment costs to create the comprehensive cost estimate and project bid.

To save time and money, contractors, builders, and anyone who frequently makes cost estimates for projects or bids on construction contracts can use technology to manage the estimating and bidding process. This portion of the guide will provide an overview of this software and how it can be used in the construction bidding, estimating, and takeoff processes.

What Is Construction Estimating Software?

Construction estimating software (also sometimes referred to as construction estimation software) is cloud or desktop technology designed to automate and improve the process of creating detailed cost estimates for construction projects. Modern estimating software tools are incredibly powerful, offering advanced features, like AI-powered takeoff with Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration and online collaboration that utilizes real-time cost data from supplier APIs. These tools have largely replaced manual spreadsheet templates by offering predictive analytics and automated quantity extraction that significantly increase bid accuracy and speed. Some of these software tools are designed with specific subcontractor trades in mind and include capabilities that are specific to electricians or HVAC contractors, for example. Other products may be designed for general contractors or with no specific trade in mind.

Estimating vs. Takeoff vs. Bidding Software

As we covered above, the bidding, estimating, and takeoff processes are all closely related parts of the preconstruction process. Recall: contractors and subcontractors use project blueprints and bid documents to perform takeoffs and then use that information to create construction cost estimates. These estimates are then used to create project bids or work proposals.

Many products that are branded as “estimating software” focus specifically on estimating, but it’s also common for software products to span takeoff, estimating, bidding, or any combination of the three, all within one platform. While these functions were traditionally handled by separate tools, modern firms increasingly use integrated preconstruction suites that connect these workflows. These unified platforms are becoming the industry standard because they allow data to flow seamlessly from the takeoff to the final estimate without manual entry. Buyers can easily be confused because some companies advertise “estimating software” and some “construction bidding software”—with product descriptions that appear to address the same needs when the tools are often different.

To add clarity to what software companies usually mean when they use these terms, we’ll define the most common phrases estimating software providers use to brand themselves and what set of features these terms usually imply. Typically, software providers will brand themselves in the following terms:

• Construction bidding software: Bidding software typically focuses on the creation of project bids and proposals, bid tracking and deadlines, client management, bid analysis, and reporting.
• Takeoff software: Takeoff software specializes in pulling material and labor quantities off of digital blueprints. These quantities are then used as the foundation for creating a detailed cost estimate.
• Estimating software: Estimating tools help estimators (usually contractors and subcontractors) create line-by-line cost and quantity estimates for materials, supplies, and labor (i.e. a detailed construction project cost breakdown). Typically, these tools include cost summary templates, preconfigured formulas and calculations, and localized material cost databases. Sometimes estimating software can refer to products that cover all aspects of bidding, takeoff, and estimating.
• Bid management software: Bid management software sounds similar to construction bidding software; however, it actually refers to a set of tools for contractors to manage their subcontractor bids. Sometimes these tools will let contractors generate their bid proposals (which is the purpose of bidding software), but that is not the focus of these tools.

Which type of preconstruction software fits your business’s needs will depend on how you manage the bid process and whether certain elements of the process need specific improvement.

Looking for Takeoff Software?

Online vs. Desktop Estimating Software

Estimating software companies generally provide access to their technology in two ways: (1) an on-premise deployment where the software is installed on a buyer’s own managed servers or local computers, or (2) a cloud-based SaaS model accessed via web browsers and mobile devices. Many modern products also utilize a hybrid approach, featuring a desktop application for high-performance takeoff tasks that syncs data to a centralized cloud database. In on-premise setups, the software is either installed on individual workstations or managed through a central server that hosts the application and data for the entire firm.

There are many benefits to choosing online estimating software, particularly for the convenience of access. Software that is served to users online can be accessed on any device with an internet connection. Some advanced products will even allow offline access via local applications, which sync data when an internet connection is available. Unless your business has a reason to choose an on-premise estimating solution, we prefer tools that are accessible online because of the convenience they provide. Rather than needing to be at your office or on a device with a connection to your company servers, you can connect via any device with a web connection.

Online products are also more easily updated than on-premise products. In fact, online products are automatically updated for every user whenever the estimating software developer updates their product. One inconvenience of using an on-premise estimating tool is that it often requires a manual update process, such as re-downloading the software or scheduling an installation with a technical representative to ensure server-side compatibility. While older perpetual license models often charged a separate annual maintenance fee for updates, most modern on-premise solutions are now sold as annual subscriptions that include all software updates and security patches in the base price.

Even though online estimating software provides many conveniences, users should consider both and pay more attention to the specific features that the products provide than the way they are deployed. If your business has specific security needs, an on-premise product could be right for you.

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Construction Estimating Software Features

The power of estimating software lies in the features that improve the takeoff, estimating, and bidding processes. Not all users need software loaded with features; some just need a product that helps tackle a few specific challenges. Knowing which features will have the biggest impact on your business—and which you don’t need—can help narrow the options and save money on the product. This section reviews the most important features that contractors should consider, including how well a tool automates quantity extraction and connects to other business systems, when choosing between estimating software companies. Different software companies will package and design these features differently, so buyers should ask company representatives about the details when certain features are critical.

Digital Takeoff Features

Above, we detailed the different steps of the bidding process: takeoff, estimating, and bidding. Here, we cover some of the features that software can offer to improve the takeoff process for contractors and subcontractors:

• AI-automated measurements and manual verification – Modern takeoff tools utilize computer vision and AI to automatically scan blueprints, identifying walls, rooms, and symbols to generate counts, lengths, and areas in minutes with up to 98% accuracy. While AI handles the bulk of the quantification, these tools still allow estimators to manually pull material and part requirements from digital plans to verify complex details or handle non-standard symbols.
• Collaborative takeoff – This feature is a major benefit of cloud-based takeoff products. Cloud-based tools, and any that have collaborative features, should allow users to share notes and even take off from the same set of plans simultaneously.
• RFI creation – If a contractor has questions about the plans or identifies an error, a request for information (RFI) is used. To generate an accurate estimate, these issues need to be resolved. Some tools allow users to generate RFIs in the platform without breaking their workflow.
• Assemblies – If a contractor frequently builds the same assembly of parts in different projects, the ability to store these assemblies within the takeoff tool can be a huge time-saver. Without saved assemblies, users must repeatedly take off every appearance of an assembly from prints part by part. Some products allow users to store assemblies for use in any plan they review in the software.

Construction Estimating Features

Once takeoff has been performed, the next step is to use that data to create cost estimates for materials, supplies, and labor for the project. The following list briefly covers the features that help contractors and subcontractors more efficiently create project estimates:

• Pre-built estimate templates – This feature is one of the staples of estimating software. Virtually every estimating tool will have some template with which to display cost estimates. More powerful tools will come with multiple templates.
• Supplier pricing database – Some software companies provide an up-to-date database of materials and supply pricing from local distributors, which can be combined with quantity estimates to easily or automatically calculate costs. Many include city cost indexes containing pricing data at the local level. This feature is a huge time-saver and is usually worth the money. RSMeans from Gordian is an industry-standard cost database that is incorporated into many popular products, including Sage and Autodesk Construction Cloud. NetPak featuring NetPricer is another popular pricing database, now part of the JDM Technology Group, designed specifically for electrical estimates.
• Takeoff software integration – If your business uses digital takeoff tools, it’s critical that your estimating solution connects directly to or can easily pull data from them. Without this, employees may be forced to manually input data that was already digitally generated. While many systems allow you to integrate separate packages, many modern solutions now offer unified takeoff and estimating within a single platform, allowing data to transition into your estimate automatically as you measure project plans.
• Assembly/item details – Many estimating tools will let users store specific information about common assemblies or components of the project. The information can include the cost and quantity of materials as well as the associated labor costs—including your base rates, labor burden, and workers’ comp insurance premiums—and time. For example, a residential interior wall uses a predictable quantity of nails, wood, drywall, and other components based on the area of the wall. Having this information stored as an assembly means that each nail won’t need to be accounted for every time this assembly is referenced. Often, the software will come with pre-built assemblies, but this information is usually customizable so that users can match their own needs.
• Automatic Cost Code Assignment – Some software is designed to assign cost codes to line items or phases during the estimation process. For instance, labor, materials, and equipment can each be tagged with their respective cost codes, aligning with budgeting and tracking needs.
• Multi-item update – Often, prices, materials, and suppliers can change, requiring updates across many locations within the estimate. Luckily, some estimating tools will let you quickly apply the same update to several places in the estimate documents simultaneously.
• Formulas – Most products will include a predefined list of calculations for things like area, volume, and curved distances. Many will also let the user update or add their own regularly-used formulas.

Construction Bidding Features

Once an estimate is complete, it’s time to create the bid, or the proposal, which will at least include the cost estimates and projected schedule for completion. Putting together and submitting a bid is a different process from estimating, and thus, software companies have added features to help manage the intricacies of construction bidding. Here is a list of some of the most common features software makers provide to optimize the bid management process.

• Proposal generator – Typically, a bidding or bid management tool will help the contractor by providing templates or automatically generating proposals based on the data and information that is entered into the program. This can save a lot of time and help contractors design slick proposals without much effort.
• Subcontractor portal – A subcontractor portal provides an easy way for a contractor to share bid documents and key project information with their subcontractors and accept their bids.
• Bid comparison – When subcontractors use the subcontractor portal to submit their bids, the contractor can review their bids within the platform and compare them more effectively using various comparison tools to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each bid.
• Project calendar/scheduling – Bidding tools often include a centralized calendar to help manage the preconstruction timeline. While it won’t replace dedicated contractor scheduling software during the actual build phase, keeping these preconstruction dates organized in one place prevents missed deadlines and makes the entire bidding process significantly more efficient for both contractors and subcontractors.
• Contact management – Contractors who submit many bids to different owners and work with many suppliers may find a contact management system integrated within their bidding software quite handy. The contact management tools within some bidding suites are advanced enough to serve as a CRM (customer relationship management) system for small-to-midsize contractors.
• What-if analysis – This feature allows contractors to model various scenarios, such as fluctuations in material costs or changes in labor rates, to see how they would affect the project’s bottom line before the bid is finalized. By simulating these hypothetical scenarios, contractors can identify potential risks and optimize their pricing to ensure profitability under different market conditions.

Reporting Features

It is highly recommended that buyers thoroughly evaluate the reporting and analysis capabilities of top estimating software products. With the ability to analyze data from past projects, such software can provide valuable insights that enable contractors to make informed decisions and drive significant improvements in their bidding accuracy. By leveraging historical project data, contractors can gain a deeper understanding of their construction costs, timelines, and other key metrics, which can inform smarter decision-making and drive better outcomes. Some of the most important reporting features in construction estimating software include:

• Estimate summary reports – Estimate summary reports allow estimators to see cost data for a particular project at various levels of aggregation. For example, an estimator might use these reports to view cost totals for item categories (e.g. concrete, wood, finishes, etc.) or high-level groupings (e.g. labor, materials, equipment, etc.) that map cleanly to their cost codes for accounting.
• Comparison reports – Comparison reports allow estimators to compare alternate estimate versions side-by-side, making it easier to evaluate and understand the differences between them.
• Variance reports – Variance reports (often called budget-to-actual reports) allow contractors to understand how changes to the project scope or unexpected costs affect the final budget. When integrated with project management or accounting tools, these reports allow construction managers to easily compare original estimates to new forecasts based on both incurred costs and revised projections.

Integrations

In addition to essential functions like takeoff, estimating, bidding, and trade-specific features, contractors should prioritize tools that seamlessly integrate with their existing technology ecosystem via open APIs. While many companies still use Microsoft Excel, those who rely on BIM, project management, or construction accounting software should ensure their systems support real-time data synchronization. Integrating software reduces the need for manual data entry, data fragmentation, and other potential inefficiencies.

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Construction Estimating Software Pricing

Construction estimating software is typically a very affordable piece of technology, especially compared to other enterprise software solutions. These tools save significant time compared to manual calculations and cost totaling. Often, the pricing model will vary between software providers, but the cost is usually dependent on four key things:

• Annual Construction Volume (ACV) – Many enterprise platforms use a value-based model where the price is a percentage of your total project volume. This allows for unlimited users but scales with the size of your business.
• Number of users – Some companies still use a seat-based model, charging a specified cost per user who requires access to the tool.
• Features included – Many providers offer tiered plans or optional modules (such as BIM integration or advanced bid management). The more complex the feature set, the higher the total cost.
• Online vs. desktop deployment – While most modern tools are cloud-based, some specialized desktop solutions still exist, which may affect whether you pay a flat subscription or a per-license fee.

Not all construction software pricing models look the same, so ask before diving into a contract how the software is priced. However, these factors will usually provide a good proxy for the costs associated with using the tool.

How Much Does Construction Estimating Software Cost?

Construction estimating software will usually cost between $100 and $500 per month per estimator, depending on the software provider and the included features. Some budget-friendly tools start around $60, while enterprise-grade systems can reach $950 per user per month. While online tools are generally subscription-based, some desktop tools that require a one-time installation are more expensive upfront. However, many developers have moved toward subscription models for desktop software rather than perpetual licenses. For those that still offer one-time purchases, prices typically start around $1,000 and can exceed $15,000 for high-end enterprise suites. Furthermore, even with a perpetual license, receiving regular software updates often requires an additional annual maintenance fee.

Free Estimating Software

When it comes to finding free construction estimating software, there are two options to consider: 1) using open-source software, or 2) using the free version of a paid option.

Open-source software is a type of software in which the original developer makes the source code available for anyone to use and adapt to fit their needs. The benefits of using open-source software are that it’s free and highly flexible. The big downside to open-source software is that you will need to hire a software developer to help you implement it and provide ongoing support. For large organizations that need a highly customizable solution, this could be a good option, but most construction firms will be better off working with a vendor that provides a full-service estimating software solution. Two open-source options to consider are ESTIMATE (developed by Wanhive) and 2-plan Team. While ESTIMATE is purpose-built for construction cost estimation, 2-plan Team is a broader project management tool that would require extensive customization to function as a full-service estimating solution.

Outside of open-source solutions, there are other free estimating options on the market in the form of free trials or free versions of otherwise paid solutions. A great option is STACK, which offers a limited free version of its takeoff and estimating software. While it provides access to professional tools for evaluation, the free account limits users to two concurrent projects and restricts project access to a seven-day period.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. STACK. https://www.stackct.com/.
2. Autodesk Construction Cloud ProEst & Forma Estimate. https://construction.autodesk.com/products/proest/.
3. Clear Estimates. https://www.clearestimates.com/.
4. Sage. https://www.sage.com/en-us/products/sage-estimating/.
5. Procore. https://www.procore.com/estimating.
6. Simpro. https://www.simprogroup.com/.
7. WinEst. https://www.trimble.com/en/products/winest.
8. Ediphi. https://www.ediphi.com/.
9. Conest. https://conest.com/.
10. Buildertrend. https://buildertrend.com/.
11. Better Business Bureau. https://www.bbb.org/.
12. RSMeans Data. https://www.rsmeans.com/.

Detailed Methodology: How We Found the Best Estimating Software

Detailed Methodology: How We Found the Best Estimating Software

To find the best estimating software for construction, we evaluated dozens of the most popular products based on accessibility, product design, estimating features, integrations, customer reviews, support, and lastly, pricing.

To start, we examined each product’s deployment model and awarded more points to those that offered cloud-based installations for their flexibility and accessibility. Next, we scrutinized the features and overall product design, ensuring that each software had sufficient cost estimating features to meet the needs of most construction businesses, including regularly-updated cost databases. We gave higher scores to products that had more extensive features (such as takeoff and bidding features), more integration partners (such as with popular takeoff, accounting, and construction management software), and a user-friendly interface.

After narrowing down our list further, we combed through user reviews from third-party websites, looking specifically at feedback on both the product itself and the level of customer service received. When possible, we also considered pricing information, giving preference to companies that offer affordable and transparent subscription options.

Continue reading for more details about each factor that we considered when comparing construction estimating software.

Accessibility

When choosing construction estimating software, it’s worth thinking about the installation and setup process, as well as how you’ll access the tool every time you use it. Some products require a complex remote installation and database setup with a support representative, while others require nothing more than a simple online signup. We prefer products with an easy setup process, but it is also a one-time hassle, so unless getting set up very quickly is important for your business, this shouldn’t carry too much weight in the decision. Ongoing product accessibility, on the other hand, is something that users should factor in heavily. We prefer products that are accessible online, or at least available on any platform—Mac or Windows. Online estimating software products have the benefit of being accessible from any device, and they usually offer stronger collaboration capabilities as well.

Product Design & User Experience

Since you’ll use the estimating tool often, if not every day, it’s important to make sure that the interface suits you. Luckily, most companies offer product demos to prospective users, and many offer free trials. However, enterprise-grade solutions, such as Sage and Procore, typically require a guided demo rather than a self-service trial. Make sure you’re comfortable with the workflow that the software uses and that the controls aren’t too outdated. Even if you’re “old-fashioned,” an outdated interface isn’t a very good sign for an estimating software company. For these reasons, we assigned higher scores to products with clean and modern interfaces, and we include product screenshots and videos alongside our reviews for your reference.

Features & Integrations

When a company is in the market for a new estimating solution, they likely have a few specific needs, and maybe even some particular product features in mind. Several essential features are found in most estimating software solutions, including pre-built templates, custom assemblies, regularly-updated pricing databases, and predefined formulas. As mentioned earlier, we only included products in our review that have industry-leading estimating capabilities. That said, every construction business operates differently and there really is no good substitute for trying the software out yourself and making sure it can appropriately handle the nuances of your business.

Outside of their specific estimating features, an important factor that differentiates estimating software is how they cover other aspects of the preconstruction process, either through their own integrated products or third-party integrations. For construction businesses in need of an all-in-one solution, companies like Procore, Buildertrend, and Sage are excellent choices. For companies primarily seeking takeoff, estimating, and bidding features, solutions like STACK, Autodesk ProEst, and ClearEstimates are among the top options.

Customer Reviews & Customer Service

Gaining insights from existing customers’ reviews is a crucial aspect of deciding whether to implement a new estimating software product. By leveraging the experiences of other users, you can determine how well the estimating features align with your requirements and assess its ease of use.

When examining reviews, customer service should also be a particular focus. Interactions between you and the software providers are almost inevitable during the business relationship. Even with the most reliable software companies, situations can arise that require customer support. At times like these, it’s essential to have a software provider with a strong customer service team that can turn potential hassles into non-issues.

By considering customer satisfaction with both the product and its support team, you can make an informed decision when selecting your next estimating tool.

Pricing

Pricing is a sticking point for many construction professionals when they compare software. Usually, if the software does as advertised, it will save the business money by making the estimating process more accurate and efficient, even if it seems expensive. Still, software needs to be affordable, and part of making that a reality is choosing a product that fits your needs.

When comparing estimating software, you will come across a range of pricing models. Some companies bill once for a single software download, while other companies offer multiple standard subscription tiers that can be billed monthly or annually. Another option, which is usually the least transparent, is to only offer custom pricing based on the specific features or modules needed. There are also software companies that take a hybrid approach—offering standard subscriptions with à la carte options, such as more users, more projects, etc.

Unless you are a large enterprise customer, we suggest looking towards companies that offer transparent pricing models, taking advantage of free trials, and making sure to calculate a true “all-in price” for the product. For example, estimating software that looks cheap at first may come out to be more expensive after you add in all of the features and the correct number of users that your business will need. On the other hand, estimating software that allows for an unlimited number of users and full feature access within its standard subscription tiers could be the most cost-effective option.