Software

10 Best Construction Estimating Software

Overview of the best construction estimating software programs.

Updated on

February 26, 2024

Construction estimating software, is a computer program designed to accurately calculate the estimated costs associated with a proposed construction project.

Also known as contractor estimate software, these tools are crucial for large projects where costs are challenging to estimate through manual calculations.

Here is a list of the 10 best construction estimating software.

1. ProEst

With great reviews from customers and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, ProEst is easily the best estimating software available on the market.

The software comes with cost-estimating features, digital takeoff capabilities and report or proposal templates to help users manage bids from different clients.

One of the unique features of ProEst is its built-in customer relationship management tool, which allows estimators to easily track customer information.

It also integrates with several construction management tools, including construction accounting, and management tools, among others.

Some of the programs that seamlessly integrate with ProEst include Viewpoint, Procore, ComputerEase, Quickbooks, Premier, Foundation Software, Jonas, etc.

Besides, the software is 100% cloud-based, which means it can work on any desktop computer, laptop, or tablet as long as there is some Internet connection.

ProEst is, however, one of the most expensive construction estimating softwares and some users find it difficult to build custom assemblies from scratch.

2. simPRO

This estimating software comes with a modern interface and a suite of field service management features, including estimating, scheduling, invoicing, accounting, etc., that meet the needs of contractors of any size.

simPRO has a suite of estimating features, including labor calculations, assembly prebuilds, and a custom quote designer that auto-populates client information.

It has recently added takeoff functionality.

The software enables users to keep a detailed database of costs – recorded as cost, sales price, and markup – enabling complete estimating for each project.

simPRO allows integration with Groundplan and PlanSwift takeoff software.

However, its estimating functionality is not as good as that of other, more comprehensive estimating software.

3. Sage Estimating

Sage Estimating is easily the best construction estimating software for large companies, although it is designed for contractors and enterprises of all sizes.

The core function of the software is to enable users to create accurate bids and cost estimates using data from their takeoff and BIM files.

Sage Estimating integrates with tools such as eTakeoff and PlanSwift – the two most popular products in the digital takeoff marketplace, which makes it a perfect choice for companies already using a compatible tool.

The software also integrates with Autodesk’s 3D modeling software to enhance the takeoff process. Besides, it enables users to make detailed estimates quickly by mapping the 3D models to the 2D project plans.

However, Sage Estimating is not cloud-based software which means it must be installed locally on Windows operating systems. This can be quite limiting, especially for businesses that do not use Windows.

4. Clear Estimates

Clear Estimates is easily the best estimating software for construction companies with small teams, since the monthly charges depend on the number of users.

But even with many users, the web-based estimating and proposal generation software is quite affordable – with the Standard version going for $59 a month.

On the other hand, the Pro version goes for $99 a month. The plan allows the addition of more users at a cost of $9 per user per month.

Clear Estimates is designed for residential contractors and remodelers, and it integrates easily with Buildertrend, a popular project management software, and Quickbooks – the most widely used accounting software.

However, one of the drawbacks of Clear Estimates is its inability to integrate with as much third-party software as other construction estimating software.

5. Stack

Stack offers excellent estimating and takeoff abilities.

This software comes with cost codes, pre-built assembly libraries, a pre-built materials database, and other features that make things easy for the estimator.

Thanks to its advanced takeoff features and the ability to complete estimating and bid proposal features, Stack is highly recommended for contractors looking for both takeoff and estimating solutions.

6. ConEst

With great customer reviews an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, ConEst is a popular estimating software among electrical contractors.

The software offers a full range of solutions, including electrical takeoff, bidding, estimating, and project management.

The vendor offers a diverse set of products: JobTrac for project management, SureCount for takeoff, CE Cloud and Intellibid for estimating and bidding, and ConEst Electrical Formulas to improve the estimating abilities of IntelliBid.

7. Buildxact

Of all the construction estimating software on the market, Buildxact has the best user interface according to a recent poll undertaken by this publication.

The software comes with prebuilt templates, price list imports, and built-in takeoff functionality that enhances the estimating process. Indeed, Buildxact claims that it can help estimators generate estimates five times faster than without it.

Buildxact offers tools for takeoff, accounting, project management and scheduling, which make it ideal for handling multiple construction management functions.

In terms of pricing, the Entry level costs $149 per month for a single user and $59 for every additional user. The Pro version goes for $249 a month for up to two users, and $69 a month for every additional user.

The Teams version, which is designed for large enterprises, goes for $399 per month for up to four users and an additional $79 per month for additional users.

However, the software does not support many third-party integrations, and many reviewers say the tool is not as flexible as other estimating software.

8. Buildertrend

Designed for all sizes of specialty contractors, homebuilders, remodelers, and commercial developers, Buildertrend is a popular estimating and bidding software with more than 1 million users.

The cloud-based software, which is accessible from any device with a web browser, offers a remarkable suite of solutions for bidding, estimating, project management and more.

Buildertrend is quite affordable. The Core version starts at $99 per month, while the Pro version with extra features and integrations starts at $299 per month.

Estimators are required to make additional payments depending on the type and amount of work undertaken on a monthly or yearly basis.

Buildertrend integrates with common takeoff software such eTakeoff, Square Takeoff, and Clear Estimates – which allows seamless sharing of data between it and these popular tools.

9. SmartBid

This is easily the best bid management software for general contractors.

Although it does not have takeoff or estimating functionalities, SmartBid is a powerful management tool designed for general contractors.

The software can maintain a database of subcontractors, send bid requests to subcontractors, compare subcontractor bids, share project documents, and track the compliance of a subcontractor.

SmartBid has a portal that allows subcontractors to log in to view project documents and share information with the main contractor.

The software is priced according to the number of users, not the number of subcontractors who are allowed to log in to the portal.

SmartBid integrates with Stack for takeoff and estimating. It also works with Smart Insight for finding contractors and suppliers, AutoDesk BIM 360, Procore for project management, and Dropbox and Citrix ShareFile for file storage.

10. Sigma Estimates

This is a great software with features and integrations that enhance the assessment capabilities of architects, engineers, general contractors and subcontractors.

The Pro version of Sigma Estimates includes features such as basic formulas, area, and resource estimation, product databases, price lists, and reporting.

On the other hand, the Enterprise version includes everything in the Pro version, plus more powerful tools for estimating and budgeting, better customization and reporting abilities, and support for more types of digital files.

The Pro version starts at $121 per user per month or $96 per month for an 18-month license. The Enterprise version costs $177 a month for a single user, which drops to $142 per month for users who sign up for an 18-month license.

Sigma Estimates does not come with an in-built takeoff tool, but it integrates with PlanSwift – one of the best takeoff tools – using real-time Live Link technology.

It also integrates with Autodesk’s Revit and BIM 360, which allows professionals to begin estimating right from 3D models that have been created in Autodesk without having to download and move files between the computer programs.