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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