Trunk Tools is changing how construction teams work using artificial intelligence (AI). With its AI-powered tools, Trunk Tools helps project managers, superintendents, and other team members get the information they need right when needed. This means fewer mistakes, faster work, and less wasted time. With tools like TrunkText and TrunkSchedule that easily integrate with other systems, Trunk Tools is a seamless option for construction firms of all sizes.
What Trunk Tools offers
Trunk Tools’ core offerings feature three main products, each designed to address consistent problems faced in the construction industry.
TrunkPerform: Trade Incentive Agent
This tool transforms how construction teams track performance and manage incentives. It automatically monitors crew productivity, aligns it with project goals, and links incentives directly to measurable outcomes. This motivates teams to deliver quality work and ensures projects stay on time and within budget.
TrunkText: Q+A Agent
TrunkText is like having a construction expert at your fingertips. It integrates with existing software to analyze and organize project documents, schedules, RFIs, submittals, and more into searchable data. Field workers can simply ask questions and get instant, accurate answers backed by project-specific documentation, all through an intuitive chat interface. Unlike generic AI tools, TrunkText is explicitly trained on your project’s data, making it a helpful tool for construction teams.
TrunkSchedule: Schedule Agent
This is the first fully autonomous, AI-powered scheduling agent built for the construction industry. It creates a live connection between scheduled activities and supporting documentation, providing timely notifications to keep projects on time and within budget. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and top general contractors, TrunkSchedule reduces the risk of delays and ensures projects stay on track without extra effort from your team.
How Trunk Tools saves time and reduces mistakes
Utilizing construction-centric AI, Trunk Tool’s organizes vast amounts of unstructured data, automate repetitive workflows, and significantly boost field productivity. The platform puts knowledge in one place: one giant construction brain specifically dedicxated to your workflows, your documents, your project.
One of Trunk Tools’ biggest benefits is its ability to save time. Using AI to simplify daily tasks, the platform can save each worker up to two hours daily. For instance, project managers no longer need to spend valuable time manually tracking progress—Trunk Tools automatically updates them with live data on tasks completed, materials used, and issues reported, making the workday more efficient.
Trunk Tools also helps reduce rework (fixing mistakes) by up to 65%. By using real-time data, superintendents can catch discrepancies or misalignments early, preventing larger issues down the line and ensuring smoother project completion.
Easy to add to existing systems
Trunk Tools is also designed to integrate with other software that companies may already be using. This makes it a simple solution for construction companies looking to add additional measures for project oversight without making major changes or requiring extra training.
As construction companies look for ways to work faster and with fewer errors, Trunk Tools offers a modern solution. By reducing rework and improving communication, they’re helping construction teams do their jobs better and more efficiently.
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Highwire’s prequalification system removes the guesswork from the subcontractor vetting process, allowing you to save time, streamline applications, and accurately assess risk.
Evaluating subcontractors can be time-consuming. Subcontractors devote hours to repetitive data entry, and then preconstruction teams spend ages reviewing it, mired in documents, without having a solid idea of each subcontractor’s absolute risk level.
It is crucial to effectively and efficiently vet subcontractors and assess risk. One 2024 survey found that 70% of respondents have seen an increase in subcontractor distress or defaults over the last year, which means ensuring that your subcontractors are adequately vetted is more important than ever.
Highwire began as an internal risk assessment out of Harvard University before growing into a company dedicated to helping contractors succeed by managing risk. Highwire has created a new prequalification system to help assess subcontractors’ financial viability and ensure they have the ability and capacity to deliver. The system lets you view each subcontractor’s safety performance and use third-party quality assurance and validation.
Prequalification helps companies ensure subcontractors have the experience to do the job, avoid delays and defaults (and their associated costs), meet SDI prequalification requirements, improve safety, and lower recordable rates.
Highwire’s new Prequalification platform lets companies assess the financial viability of subcontractors to ensure successful project outcomes.
Highwire CEO Don Fornes says this new update will help make the vetting process easier for everyone involved, “We designed our new Prequalification solution with subcontractors in mind. At every step, we sought to remove the friction that has characterized traditional prequalification. Contractors get a dramatically easier user experience while GCs get insight into each contractor’s unique risks to help them succeed through continuous engagement and improvement.”
In a press release, Highwire detailed some of the prequalification program’s new features:
Financial analysis
Contractor capabilities
Past project experience
Corporate entity information
Diversity classifications
Safety performance history
Insurance tracking
Surety bond tracking
Litigation and default history
Client and supplier references
Using Highwire’s prequalification tool will help companies and contractors save time and money while reducing the risk of any project.
Concrete production is one of the most significant contributors to global CO₂ emissions, but innovative solutions are emerging to tackle this challenge. Mixteresting, an Austria-based company, uses AI-powered software to revolutionize concrete mixing, making it faster, greener, and more efficient. Their approach paves the way for sustainable construction by reducing emissions and optimizing materials for better performance.
If you’re wondering how concrete—a construction staple—can go green, Mixteresting has the answer. This innovative Austrian company is on a mission to make concrete smarter, greener, and better for the planet.
Mixteresting has developed an AI-powered software platform that completely rethinks how concrete is made. Instead of the trial-and-error approach traditionally used to create concrete mixtures, Mixteresting’s tech simulates the mixing process digitally. This means they can develop high-performance, CO₂-efficient concrete blends in a fraction of the time it used to take—up to ten times faster, to be exact. The best part? The AI software accelerates the development of these concrete mixtures, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20%.
Concrete production is one of the biggest contributors to global CO₂ emissions, thanks to the heavy use of cement. Mixteresting’s software tackles this head-on by using advanced math, physics, and artificial intelligence to optimize every aspect of the mix. The concrete is stronger, more sustainable, tailored to specific construction needs, and has fewer emissions.
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, Mixteresting’s technology saves time and resources. By digitally simulating promising mixtures, they cut down on lengthy lab experiments and speed up the innovation cycle. Their mixes aren’t just green—they’re consistent, high-quality, and reliable, which is a win for builders and the planet.
Mixteresting’s groundbreaking work hasn’t gone unnoticed. They recently took home a top prize in the Green Construction category of the 2024 Construction Startup Competition, an achievement that highlights their role as a leader in sustainable innovation.
At a time when construction is under pressure to become more eco-friendly, Mixteresting is showing that progress doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. With AI and a bold vision, they’re paving the way—literally—for a future where concrete builds more than just structures; it builds a better world.
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Canadian company Valsoft announced its latest acquisition, Buildsoft, in early December 2024. Valsoft specializes in developing and acquiring vertical market software companies. The addition of Buildsoft, which specializes in estimating, takeoff, and tender management solutions for the construction industry, will further strengthen its team.
Buildsoft has been serving Australian and international markets for over 40 years. They streamline the preconstruction process by providing accurate and streamlined task management, helping construction industries achieve profitability and success more quickly.
This latest announcement marks Valsoft’s fourth global construction software industry acquisition but its first foray into takeoff, estimation, and tender management software. Buildsoft’s management team will continue to serve on board and maintain the business’s reputation among current and new clients as the companies continue to scale together.
“Buildsoft has built a strong reputation in the construction software industry over its four decades of operation. The resilience of the team and its commitment to providing best-in-class products and customer support make Buildsoft an ideal partner for Valsoft’s anticipated expansion in the estimating and takeoff industry,” states Joseph Khoubbieh, the Chief Investment Officer at Valsoft. “We look forward to working on the next phase of growth with James Cunningham, who will remain as the Managing Director of Buildsoft, alongside the current Buildsoft team.”
Buildsoft, founded in 1985, offers impactful solutions to foster the effective management of preconstruction tasks. Its main products are Cubit Select and Cubit Estimating, which focus on tender management solutions. Valsoft, on the Other hand, focuses on acquiring and developing software businesses that deliver mission-critical solutions. Unlike private equity firms, Valsoft does not have a pre-defined investment horizon. Instead, it aims to hold, buy, and create value through long-term partnerships with existing management and clientele.
MIT engineers are breaking new ground in construction materials by developing durable, 3D-printed recycled glass bricks. This innovation stands to revolutionize the building industry by combining structural strength, transparency, and sustainability in a way that traditional materials cannot match. These glass bricks are designed to withstand significant loads, meaning they could soon serve as functional and aesthetic elements in modern architecture, offering flexibility previously unavailable in glass construction.
Video source: MIT News
In the race to innovate, MIT engineers have leveraged 3D printing to create glass bricks. Their advanced 3D printing techniques allow precise control over the material’s density, shape, and internal structure. Traditional glass manufacturing processes have long struggled to create structurally reliable bricks, often requiring layers of reinforcement or limiting their application to non-load-bearing areas.
MIT’s breakthrough method allows each glass brick to be printed layer by layer, creating a unique internal structure that distributes stress and improves durability. This precision, unattainable with conventional glass production, enables the bricks to withstand high compression loads, making them suitable for structural use. These multilayered glass bricks are printed in figure-eight, allowing them to interlock like LEGO.
“Glass is a highly recyclable material,” said Kaitlyn Becker, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. “We’re taking glass and turning it into masonry that, at the end of a structure’s life, can be disassembled and reassembled into a new structure or can be stuck back into the printer and turned into a completely different shape. All this builds into our idea of a sustainable, circular building material.”
Beyond aesthetics, MIT’s glass bricks offer numerous sustainability benefits. By allowing more natural light into buildings, they can reduce the need for artificial lighting, thus conserving energy. Their design also provides potential insulation advantages, which could make buildings more energy-efficient by lowering heating and cooling costs. These characteristics align with broader industry goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable construction practices.
In addition, 3D printing in manufacturing these bricks reduces waste by allowing engineers to create only what is needed using precise amounts of material. This aligns with growing industry efforts to incorporate additive manufacturing and other waste-reducing practices. The bricks also offer architects more design flexibility, enabling unique architectural features that seamlessly integrate transparency and light manipulation into structural walls.
MIT’s 3D-printed glass bricks represent a significant step forward in building materials, promising durability, sustainability, and artistic freedom. As this technology evolves, the construction industry may soon see buildings that demonstrate environmental responsibility and cutting-edge design.
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A University of Nevada research team is collaborating with the United States Army on its latest project from the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. Led by Assistant Professor Floriana Petrone and Associate Research Professor Sherif Elfass, the project aims to produce 3D-printed LEGO-like concrete modules for the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL).
The innovation stems from the U.S. Army’s need to construct on-site infrastructure in conflict zones where military operations are underway. This new approach combines advanced numerical simulation, 3D construction, and segmental construction—building large structures using smaller segment assemblies. Together, these create a simple but structurally sound bridge or building somewhat on the fly.
Technical innovation that goes beyond construction
3D printing is becoming more often associated with new housing construction, but Petrone’s experimental program, which began earlier in 2024, tests “bridging infrastructure.” They assemble 3-foot-long printed modules from concrete that are tested and numerically simulated. This computational innovation to simulate real systems through mathematical models is an effective way to validate the experiments.
Image source: Nevada Today
“The integration of numerical modeling with 3D printing and segmental construction provides a powerful tool for predicting structural performance before construction even begins,” Elfass says. “This allows engineers to optimize the placement of segments and the design of printed components, ensuring that printed structures meet the necessary strength and durability requirements in a variety of conditions.”
With their latest advancement in the product, the concrete components connect with cables, leaving out the need for specialized equipment. “Everything could be assembled manually on site,” Petrone said, referring to the cabling system. Specialized equipment likely won’t be available in a combat zone.
Raise Robotics’ mission is simple: build robots that enable safer job sites. Established in 2021 by cofounders Gary Chen and Conley Oster, their robots support construction workers by taking on dangerous and repetitive tasks on commercial worksites. These robots can install brackets on facade panels by completing the layout, installation, and inspection in a fraction of the time a regular team can, saving companies time and money.
Raise Robitics’ technological solutions are designed to help alleviate the industry’s worker shortage, improve safety by reducing worker presence in dangerous situations, and reduce overhead costs.
Best of all, it all started with a LinkedIn Message.
A connection request today, a company tomorrow
The Raise Robotics founding story started with Gary contacting Conley on LinkedIn. Gary had been working on autonomous vehicles at Waymo, and Conley had years of experience in crane operation and construction equipment and was working on specialized construction projects.
While very different, the combination of backgrounds converged beautifully. Gary hadn’t reached out with the intent to start a company but simply to inquire about construction challenges in dense housing development. What they ended up with was a way to revolutionize building envelope installation.
Fast-forward to today and Raise Robotics is filling the gap. It’s estimated that the construction industry is short about 650,000 skilled workers, which results in construction delays, costing companies millions. Raise Robotics’ robots are designed to improve job site efficiency by reducing an entire crew (6-8 people) to just a single operator—and they do the work faster, freeing up time and labor for other tasks. While quality control and safety are the primary drivers for Raise Robotics, the increased efficiency output is a bonus.
Robot Specs
Raise Robotics machines are designed to produce building envelopes—everything that wraps a building’s exterior. Traditionally, workers in compromised positions over the edge of the building install the facade brackets. By having the robots work around the edges, safety is increased without sacrificing the quality of the installation.
These robots have:
A 57” maximum vertical reach
An 80lb payload
A 68” maximum horizontal reach
The robots can handle object manipulation, driving, layout, drilling, and welding. Essentially, they equip contractors with an extra set of hands, helping companies build better by ensuring high-quality construction and safer job sites.
With Raise Robotics machines, jobsites become easier, safer, and produce better and more consistent results.
Smartbuild is transforming project management in the construction industry by delivering a software solution built with contractors’ real-world needs in mind. Unlike other platforms, it offers flat-rate pricing and fast onboarding, allowing teams to start almost immediately. From managing contract delivery to overseeing labor production and sending out proposals, Smartbuild’s three platforms—smartGC, smartSUB, and smartDesigner—help contractors streamline their project delivery.
What sets Smartbuild apart from other project management tech companies
With so many project management software options available, finding a platform that meets the needs of all construction professionals is challenging. Smartbuild stands out by focusing on three often overlooked areas.
1. Data ownership
A defining feature of Smartbuild is its commitment to data ownership. Unlike many project management platforms where data ownership terms can be vague or favor the software provider, Smartbuild ensures that users retain full ownership of their data. This gives companies greater security and control over their information, an essential advantage for construction professionals who manage sensitive project details.
2. Ease of use
Ease of use is one of the main reasons contractors choose Smartbuild. Recognizing that complex software can hinder efficiency, Smartbuild’s onboarding process is fast and straightforward. With just one personalized demo tailored to the needs of each client, teams can be fully operational in as little as two hours. This focus on a streamlined setup helps construction professionals quickly familiarize themselves with the platform and begin managing projects with minimal disruption.
3. Cost-effectiveness
Smartbuild offers a unique flat-rate pricing model that contrasts sharply with competitors who charge based on a company’s revenue. Instead, Smartbuild’s cost is determined by the company’s regional reach—national or international—making it accessible and predictable for businesses of all sizes. This pricing structure allows companies to avoid unexpected costs and plan their budgets more effectively.
Pain points the software addresses
Whether you’re a building designer, a general contractor, or part of a sub-trade, you’ll often face tools that don’t fully address your needs. This leads to buying additional software and more growing pains. From high costs to steep learning curves and outdated technology, it’s a never-ending struggle to find the right fit. That’s where Smartbuild comes in. Their software addresses these pain points head-on:
Tailored solutions for every role: SmartBuild offers specialized products to meet the distinct needs of general contractors, subcontractors, and designers. General contractors can efficiently manage project oversight and resource allocation, while subcontractors benefit from intuitive tools for task tracking and coordination. This approach ensures the full spectrum of project requirements is met, keeping teams unified and workflows running smoothly.
Learning curve and usability: Many construction software platforms are built on outdated architecture, resulting in complex, unintuitive interfaces. Smartbuild uses Microsoft’s cloud computing and is designed with ease of use in mind, reducing the learning curve and encouraging adoption across teams.
Speed: Built on Microsoft Azure, Smartbuild benefits from reliable, high-speed servers. Plus, with all the in-house coding, the platform operates on a lighter base code, enabling quick customization and responsiveness.
How has Smartbuild evolved over the years
Smartbuild’s evolution has been shaped by continuous feedback from its clients, allowing the platform to become more responsive to the various needs within the construction industry. Initially offering generalized demos, the Smartbuild team quickly realized that a tailored approach was more effective for adoption. Now, onboarding is fully customized to focus on the features most relevant to each client, reducing training time to just two hours.
Lessons learned along the way
As Smartbuild continued to refine its approach and platform, several key lessons emerged, leading to essential adjustments in how the software is packaged and implemented:
Flexible customization: Clients across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) have shown that flexibility is key. Smartbuild has learned that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work for a diverse client base, so the platform is built to accommodate variations and allow for more personalized use.
Guided implementation: Rather than leaving clients to handle setup, Smartbuild actively assists with implementation. This hands-on approach keeps the onboarding process smooth and organized and keeps clients engaged, allowing them to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the platform. Typically, clients are fully operational within 10 days of signing a contract.
This adaptive approach has allowed Smartbuild to consistently improve its user experience and make switching from other software easy.
Core features and offerings behind Smartbuild
Smartbuild’s software offers three separate packages for targeted functionality tailored to general contractors, subcontractors, and designers.
SmartGC
SmartGC is aimed at general contractors and provides essential tools for managing contract delivery and mitigating risks. This module helps contractors stay organized and ensures that projects run smoothly from start to finish, focusing on critical areas like budgeting, timelines, and compliance.
SmartSub
Explicitly designed for subcontractors, SmartSub focuses on efficient labor management and crew productivity. It helps subcontractors coordinate their workforce, track progress, and manage work completion, making it easier to meet project goals without disrupting schedules.
SmartDesigner (coming soon)
Set to launch in early 2025, SmartDesigner will be an industry-first tool dedicated to designers. This module will streamline the process from proposal to contract close, providing designers with a comprehensive tool to manage their projects effectively. SmartDesigner is expected to bring new capabilities that fill a gap in construction project management by addressing designers’ unique workflow needs.
What makes Smartbuild unique as a company
Smartbuild sets itself apart from other construction tech companies by focusing on independence and innovation. Smartbuild has never relied on outside investors as a self-funded company, allowing it to prioritize customer-centric adjustments without pressure from shareholders. This independence enables Smartbuild to offer more cost-effective solutions and quickly respond to industry demands.
Another unique feature is the integration of Azure AI. The AI Assistant, powered by Azure, manages algorithms within the software, resulting in a lightweight, fast platform that enhances productivity. This blend of independence and advanced AI-driven technology positions Smartbuild as a forward-thinking leader in construction project management.
Future aspirations and direction
Looking ahead, Smartbuild aims to solidify its presence in the North American market and explore new ways to enhance its platform through innovative technology. By integrating additional IoT capabilities, Smartbuild plans to make project management even more efficient, enabling teams to have real-time insights and greater control over project resources. These advancements will help construction professionals streamline workflows, improve resource tracking, and optimize productivity, keeping Smartbuild at the forefront of construction project management innovation.
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As a market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, Sage has quickly made its way up the ranks in the construction sector. With its newest release, Sage for Specialty Contractors, Sage recently expanded its offerings into software for specialty contractors in the industrial and construction space. It unites its trusted software features to help with estimates, finances, project execution, service coordination, maintenance operations, and more.
“This [product] is crucial as teams manage so many moving parts,” said Senior Director of Industry Marketing Brian Siefkes. “It helps keep everyone in sync and allows them to make informed decisions. Plus, having this level of insight helps to boost productivity and profitability throughout all phases of construction.”
Sage is trusted by over 50,000 companies in the construction industry and has been serving the space for over 50 years. This newest product launch comes from the demand for specialty contractors with distinct needs and more granular, niche workflows during each construction phase. The software supports trades such as HVAC, MEP, drywall, concrete, roofing, refrigeration, fire suppression, and more.
Features to fit any specialty trade
Sage for Specialty Contractors is designed to execute more efficient collaboration, maximize profitability, and save hundreds of overhead hours as businesses employ specialty contractors. The tool supports real-time job costing so companies can make thoughtful decisions and protect project profits. Key features of the software include:
Customizable reporting: Contractors can create custom reports that display project-specific information, such as materials, labor, and status reports.
Real-time updates: Contractors and stakeholders are empowered to make informed decisions with live updates on project information. The tool also enables collaboration to keep everyone in sync.
Inventory management: The product comes with popular inventory management software, so contractors can boost productivity and easily value, track, and manage stock across many locations in real-time.
Education resources: The Sage University Learning Package comes with this newest tool and provides contractors access to the full library of on-demand educational and training resources. This keeps contractors up to speed on their trade’s latest products and features for short- and long-term success.
“Sage for Specialty Contractors is available in flexible packages or as a la carte products so contractors can select the solution(s) that makes the most sense for their business and scale as their requirements change,” Siefkes adds. “Sage also believes in the power of choice – giving construction businesses the flexibility to use the right mix of solutions that address their unique business needs.”
Sage for Specialty Contractors provides end-to-end services while being safe, secure, and accessible on any device.
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Estimating software is essential for contractors looking to streamline their bidding processes, improve cost accuracy, and ultimately manage their projects more efficiently. These programs help professionals generate detailed proposals, project timelines, and resource plans to ensure everything stays on track from concept to completion. Some of the top companies offering estimating software include PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and STACK.
Top construction estimating software programs
1. PlanSwift
Starting price: $1,749 for a one-time license fee
Ideal for: Contractors and estimators who need a simple yet effective solution for takeoff and estimating.
Free trial: 14-day free trial available
PlanSwift is one of the most popular takeoff and estimating software options for general contractors in trades such as HVAC, electrical, and plumbing. It’s designed to simplify the estimation process by allowing users to quickly measure areas, volumes, and lengths directly from project plans. It’s particularly useful for trade services where precise measurements are essential for creating accurate estimates.
Key features:
Drag-and-drop interface for easy takeoffs
Integration with Excel for exporting data
Customizable assemblies for various trades
Support for multiple file formats (PDF, CAD, etc.)
Instant updates to project costs with changes in measurements
2. RedTeam
Starting price: $656/month, billed annually
Ideal for: General and specialty contractors managing complex commercial projects requiring advanced integration and workflow customization.
Free trial: Demo available upon request
RedTeam Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management software that supports contractors through all phases of project management, from preconstruction to project closeout. The software is specifically tailored for commercial general contractors, offering comprehensive estimating and bidding tools, project scheduling, cost tracking, and collaboration features. It also has a mobile app allowing project managers to access information on-site easily.
Key features:
Preconstruction hub for advanced cost estimation and bid leveling
Real-time collaboration on estimates and proposals
Integration with Gantt scheduling and Microsoft Project
Paperless invoice approval workflows and vendor management
Live Work-In-Progress (WIP) reporting for real-time financial oversight
Mobile app available
3. STACK
Starting price: $1,899 per year
Ideal for: General contractors, subcontractors, developers, and suppliers.
Free trial: 14-day free trial available
STACK is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software to streamline the preconstruction process. Known for its fast and accurate takeoff capabilities, STACK allows users to manage projects, perform takeoffs, create estimates, and generate professional proposals within one platform. Its cloud-based architecture lets you access your work from any device with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote teams. What sets it apart is the fact it’s compatible with developers, manufacturers, and contractors, making this tool more applicable to large-scale projects.
Key features:
Customizable takeoff templates for faster estimates
AI-powered tools for trade-specific takeoff enhancements
Real-time collaboration for sharing project data
Document management, including plan overlay and version control
Detailed dashboards for cost tracking and project insights
4. Buildxact
Starting price: $178 per month, billed annually
Ideal for: Residential builders, remodelers, and small construction businesses.
Free trial: 14-day free trial available
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and project management software designed specifically for residential builders and remodelers. Its user-friendly interface allows contractors to manage projects from initial takeoffs to final invoicing, helping to streamline the estimating process and improve accuracy. The platform is particularly popular among small-to-medium businesses that need a comprehensive solution for estimating, tracking leads, and managing the build, all in one platform.
Key features:
Real-time pricing from local dealers with built-in pricing assistant
Integrated project management tools, including Gantt charts and cost-tracking
Seamless integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero
Digital takeoffs and customizable quote builder for faster estimates
Cloud-based platform accessible from any device
5. ProEst
Starting price: Unlimited subscription starts at $5000/year
Ideal for: General contractors, subcontractors, and civil construction companies.
Free trial: Demo available upon request
ProEst is cloud-based estimating software designed for contractors, offering tools to streamline the bidding process and improve cost estimation accuracy. With built-in integrations for project management and accounting systems, ProEst is tailored for contractors looking to enhance their pre-construction processes. The platform supports digital takeoffs, bid management, and construction CRM, all aimed at helping contractors win more bids and improve profitability.
Key features:
Cloud-based digital takeoffs for faster and more accurate cost estimation
Real-time collaboration with team members for seamless project updates
Integration with popular accounting and project management tools like Procore, QuickBooks, and Sage
Customizable reporting templates to enhance professionalism in proposals
Historical data analysis to determine project viability and cost accuracy
6. Bluebeam
Starting price: $260 per user, billed annually
Ideal for: General contractors, subcontractors, architects, and engineers.
Free trial: 14-day free trial is available
Bluebeam is a widely used construction software solution to streamline the estimation, design, and project management processes. Known for its precision in quantity takeoffs and collaborative tools, Bluebeam helps contractors and construction teams work more efficiently by providing advanced markup and measurement tools. It is trusted by over 3 million professionals worldwide and is particularly popular for its user-friendly PDF-based system that allows teams to mark up and measure project drawings in real-time.
Key features:
Precision quantity takeoff tools for measuring areas, lengths, and volumes
Real-time collaboration across desktop, mobile, and web platforms
Integration with Excel for automatic bid calculations through Quantity Link
Customizable toolsets and templates for standardized takeoffs across projects
Centralized cloud storage for easy access and sharing of project documents
Features offered by estimating software
Estimating and bidding
Construction estimating software enables contractors to create accurate estimates and bids by automating material, labor, and cost calculations. Tools like ProEst and Bluebeam offer takeoffs directly from digital blueprints, speeding up the process while ensuring accuracy.
Takeoff tools
Takeoff tools, such as those in PlanSwift and STACK, allow contractors to measure areas and quantities from digital drawings, ensuring accurate material calculations. These tools reduce manual errors and save time.
Reporting and analytics
Reporting features found in platforms like RedTeam and ProEst allow users to create detailed project cost reports and analyze data to make better project decisions. Historical data comparison also helps predict future project costs.
Document and project management
Software like Buildxact and STACK integrate project management tools, allowing teams to track schedules, manage documents, and ensure projects stay on budget. Centralized document management improves collaboration across teams.
Collaboration and cloud access
Cloud-based platforms, such as Bluebeam, enable real-time collaboration between office and field teams, ensuring everyone can access the latest project data. This feature reduces rework and miscommunication.
Integration with other tools
Many estimating platforms, including ProEst, integrate with accounting and project management tools like QuickBooks, providing a seamless workflow from bidding to project completion while reducing the need for manual data entry.
What to look for in construction estimating software
When choosing construction estimating software, there are several key features to keep in mind to ensure it meets the needs of your business:
Ease of use
The software should be intuitive and user-friendly, minimizing the learning curve. If the software is too complex, it can slow down your team’s adoption and hinder productivity. Tools with built-in workflows and a clean interface help streamline the estimating process, making collaboration easier for all users.
Integration with other tools
Look for software that integrates with your other systems, such as accounting platforms or project management tools. This will allow for seamless data transfer between systems, saving time and reducing the risk of manual data entry errors.
Cloud-based access
Cloud-based estimating software allows team members to access project data from anywhere, which is critical for teams working across multiple locations or remotely. Real-time updates ensure that everyone is working with the most current data, reducing the chances of miscommunication.
Database for pricing
A reliable database for storing cost and pricing data is essential for accurate estimates. This ensures that the software can quickly calculate project costs based on up-to-date materials and labor prices, helping to create competitive bids.
Bottom line
Construction estimating software offers a competitive edge by simplifying complex cost calculations, enhancing team collaboration, and streamlining project management. Whether you’re a general contractor or a specialized trade professional, these platforms can improve bidding accuracy and help land more profitable projects.
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