The 10 Best Construction Estimating Software
Do you want an efficient way to manage all the costs related to your construction jobs? Construction estimating software is the best solution. It is designed to assist contractors to manage and track all costs associated with any construction job, including highway construction, large civil constructions and even home repairs.
It helps you come up with accurate bid proposals and compare estimated costs in a bid with actual costs related to equipment, materials, subcontractors and labor once you have won the bid.
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Too many options for construction estimating software in the market are certainly overwhelming, making it difficult to choose the best.
So check out these 10 best construction estimating software and choose the best.
The Best Construction Estimating Software Compared (in full)
Check all the software tools in detail according to your and choose service wisely.
1. Sage
Sage Estimating software is an ideal solution for construction companies, both large and small, providing the flexibility and power to expedite the process of estimating. This software works exactly as you would expect it to, helping to build bids faster and accurately. It comes equipped with cost databases and takeoff among other features.
Key features of Sage
- Cut & Fill – this feature helps you determine accurate quantities that are normally difficult to match through the manual takeoff processes, meaning less money goes to waste.
- Database Editor – this is equipped with a set of tools to facilitate streamlined setup and easier maintenance of databases. It allows you to add records quickly and update several fields in multiple fields at once.
- Estimating standard – this feature is purposely built to accommodate the growth of a company, serving as a foundation for what has been proven.
- Estimating databases – these are a set of databases pre-built, so you don’t have to create yours. They include current manufacturer pricing, parts, and assemblies among others.
- Takeoff solutions – these allow you to curb risks, save time and boost profits by automating the takeoff and estimating process through pricing databases that are industry specific.
Other great features of Sage Estimating include the Schedule integrator, Model Estimating, Estimating viewer, Estimating report manager, and estimating explorer specifically designed for real estate and construction firms. Sage offers price quotations based on your database options when you make a request.
2. Causeway
Causeway is built to help contractors reduce the traditional costs of tender inquiry by up to 50 percent and make the net value and costs more visible. This construction estimating software is an advanced tendering solution that can help you create more profitable bid proposals, reduce risks and manage costs effectively.
It has a client base of more than 5,000 and is suitable for main contractors and specialist contractors in building, civil engineering and designing.
Key features of Causeway
- Management of bids – users can effectively determine the best bid amounts.
- Billing and invoicing – users can produce billing receipts and invoices for various bids that have already been tendered and won.
- Cost database – this includes a set of databases with current industry-specific pricing for materials, parts, and assemblies.
- Quote management – enables users to compare the price quotation for various bids and present the best possible quote to win bids.
- Subcontractor management – if dealing with subcontractors, it becomes easier to manage their costs for specific contracts.
Causeway does not offer pricing for its software. Contact them if you would like a quote.
3. Viewpoint for Estimating
Viewpoint for Estimating is a software designed for small and medium-sized contractors to leverage technology and eliminate cumbersome, costly and traditional planning approaches.
It features pre-built databases to help you determine the cost of equipment, materials, and labor based on industry standards and units.
Key features of Viewpoint for Estimating
- Cost database – lets you cost any job appropriately by considering factors like weather conditions, full time and seasonal labor and skill levels.
- Quote management – allows you to factor in all negotiation issues and determine the best quote to present to owners after winning bids.
- Project estimation – you can easily determine the labor, materials, tools and equipment for any type of construction job.
- Manage Sheet Revisions – this allows contractors to compare old plans with new ones to quickly determine changes that can result in additional costs.
- Shape Recognition – this automates the quantity counts by searching for plans and interpreting shapes and symbols to improve accuracy and save time.
Viewpoint for Estimating provides a solution for specialty subcontractors, civil contractors, general contractors and owners. Request a quote for pricing.
4. HCSS HeavyBid
HCSS HeavyBid is an estimating and bidding software specifically designed to meet the needs of construction firms. It helps more than 35,000 estimators daily to create flexible estimates as well as manage bids efficiently.
It uses data from multiple sources and automates any repetitive tasks. Users can review and edit estimates with ease and determine best prices. HCSS HeavyBid is suitable for companies of varying sizes. It can be used in industrial construction, power, transportation, and more.
Key features of HCSS HeavyBid
- Quick estimates – uses data from multiple sources to help you create estimates faster.
- Flexibility in building estimates – estimates are independent, enabling users to customize when structuring.
- Automatic identification of errors – HCSS HeavyBid can automatically identify potential sources of errors in estimates and redirect you to correct those errors.
- Multi-level breakdown – enables users to subdivide complex tasks into smaller and detailed pieces for easier management.
- Subcontractor management – enables you to quickly analyze suppliers and subcontractors quotes.
Contractors can request price quotes since HCSS does not provide pricing to the public. Demos are also available upon request.
5. B2W Estimate
B2W Estimate is a cost estimating and bidding software specially designed for heavy construction firms or contractors. It’s great software that can be used to calculate labor and material costs, track subcontractors and suppliers, manage bids and quotations.
It offers Excel integration support and can also integrate with other project management and accounting systems such as Oracle, Dexter + Chaney, Maxwell Systems among others. This construction estimating software is purposely designed for earthwork, utility, paving, highways among other heavy construction jobs.
Key features of B2W Estimate
- Easy deployment – it is quite easy to use and deploy as it features an intuitive interface and construction estimation logic.
- Databases – features a set of databases with specialized functionalities for building bids.
- Export capabilities – it can integrate with other systems; it supports export to accounting, field tracking and project management systems.
- Automated DOT bidding – this enables bidding using pre-populated bid forms.
- Robust performance – designed with .NET and SQL to provide high performance and scalability to run complex features and accommodate future expansions.
- Work breakdown structure bidding – enables firms to develop and organize estimates in boundless hierarchical forms.
Price quotation is not provided but can be obtained by making a request.
6. ProEst
ProEst is a renowned developer of construction estimating software with about 40 years of industry experience. This software integrates digital takeoff, cost estimating and bid analysis in one package. It has been built using the .NET platform and Microsoft SQL database.
It features materials, databases and cost update service support such as RSmeans, All Prier and Trade Service. It can also integrate with other project management and accounting systems. It is recommended for use by large constructions firms with at least $1 million/year in revenue. It's best for specialty subcontractors, home builders and highway contractors among others.
Key features of ProEst
- Cost management – presents users with the ability to refine every bid and run a “what if” analysis to ensure that estimates are both profitable and competitive.
- Comprehensive materials database – this has cost update services such as RsMeans and All Priser.
- Intuitive interface – built with the look and feel of Microsoft Office for a simpler learning curve and usability.
- Digital takeoff integrated – this gives users flexibility in performing takeoffs on screen by using a mouse and electronic blueprints.
- Support for various file formats including AutoCAD, TIF and PDF.
- Customizable database – this makes it suitable for all sizes of contractors.
ProEst is suitable for general contractors, concrete and masonry, residential, specialty subcontractors, electrical, mechanical and landscaping firms. It is available in three editions; Standard, Professional, and Enterprise Price quotations on request.
7. STACK Estimating
STACK Estimating, produced by STACK Construction Technologies, is a takeoff and estimating system for contractors of all sizes in various industries.
This construction estimating software allows users to create bids that have user-defined prices thus enabling them to accurately calculate costs. Users can also execute takeoffs on their own or simply request STACK to handle the task through the STACK To-Go feature.
It offers pre-built catalogs that include equipment, material, and labor depth lists.
Key features of STACK Estimating
- Reporting – the reporting module enables the organization of data based on division, location or trade.
- Cost estimates – featured with coverage rate calculators that help in determining the type and number of materials that will be needed for a project.
- Pre-built catalogs – available for certain trades and include in-depth lists of materials, equipment, and labor.
- Cost database – determine the best cost estimates for a project by using material, labor and equipment prices from specific industries.
- Wide platform access – can be accessed by computers as well as mobile devices.
- Takeoff – provides a better and accurate ground for project takeoff.
STACK offers users a free trial period before purchase and a starting price of $199.00 per month for a single user. There are 4 paid editions: Basic, Plus, Pro and Enterprise. Its pricing also includes plans for multi-users.
It’s a suitable estimating software for contractors working in any trade, from interior design to concrete and masonry.
8. On Center Software
On Center Software is a construction estimating software that features Quick Bid and On-Screen Takeoff. It is used by many companies worldwide.
It is suitable for both residential and commercial contractors across different trade types. On Center Software can effectively serve medium and large construction firms. It does not have any limits on the number of users that can be added into the system.
Key Features of On Center Software
- Takeoff application – it offers on-screen takeoff support and digitizer integration. Also supports file integration as well as 2D takeoff.
- Cost databases – makes it possible to determine the best quotes by trade.
- Integration support – it supports integration with other systems including project management and accounting platforms.
- Cost management – compatible with the tablet technology which offers field access to data for efficient management of labor and costs.
- Estimating – allows users to estimate the best quotes to present for winning bids.
On Center Software provides users with a free trial before opting for a purchase. Price quotation is offered upon request. This software can help contracting firms boost their profit levels up to $1 million annually.
9. Priosoft Contractor’s Office
Contractor’s Office was built to cater to contractors estimating needs in various industries. It has capabilities and features that make it suitable for both residential and commercial contractors in several trades, including electrical, plumbing, site work, HVAC, real estate developers, and general contractors.
It features bidding and estimating, project scheduling and management, customer management as well as accounting applications, all in one suite. It facilitates the presentation of estimates in a more professional way by producing detailed estimate reports whenever firms place their bids on projects.
Key features of Priosoft Contractor’s Office
- Bid management – helps users create detailed estimates of projects that can help in winning bids.
- Cost management – when a bid is won, the software helps contractors stay profitable by comparing and monitoring actual costs to set budgets.
- Accounting support – this makes it easier to create invoices and billing for clients once projects are completed. It also provides AIA billing system where clients bill according to the percentage of project completed.
- Project management – makes it possible to present project proposals on time and within budget.
- Reporting – it features an easy to use interface for users to create various types of reports on their projects or bids.
Contractor’s Office mainly targets small contracting firms. You can use it with different operating systems. The pricing plan can be monthly or a flat rate and a 15-day free trial is available for download.
10. Estimating Link
Estimating Link is an estimating software solution by The Construction Link Incorporated. It is built to cater to the estimating needs of general construction contractors of both small and large firms. It’s ideal for a wide range of construction trades, including heavy highway, site work, bridge, environmental and civil works.
It’s an adaptive software that integrates estimating, billing, quantity, and field tracking in a single software suite. Its suitability for small jobs is supported by the fact that it does not require special setup. Users can easily use bid items from a previous job.
Key features of The Estimating Link
- Accounting support – this software features an accounting system with support for multi-users. It allows task estimation by hours or days.
- Scheduling system interface – it allows users to export data to various scheduling interfaces including Microsoft Project.
- Built in-digitizer takeoff – allows users to place their blueprints on digitizer boards and perform takeoffs by tracing the area on the blueprint.
- Subcontractor management – allows you to compare the prices of various suppliers and vendors to determine quotes that are profitable for a project.
- Bid management – supports the balancing of a bid, enables users to place lump sum as well as unit price bids.
Estimating Link offers two pricing plans, including the Single user license and Multi-user license. Price quotes are obtained upon request.
Conclusion:
Finding the best estimating software out of these ten options will require you to delve into each software option and consider the features and budget that are suitable for your construction needs.
Most of them are suitable for contractors from various industries and sizes, so finding one that best meets your needs won’t be a problem.
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