The 10 Best Construction Estimating Software Programs of 2023

ProEst

ProEst is a company that sells robust construction software. The software from ProEst is very adaptable and includes some of the biggest built-in cost databases available.

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Best for Ease-of-Use

Esticom

Esticom is a small business and all contractors' go-to cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating platform. Every size of project can be managed by the software, which is adaptable.

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Best for Startups

Stack

Stack is a software for managing construction estimates that customers can use for their projects. The software make it simple to generate precise estimates, monitor project progress, and manage funds.

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What if I told you that there are software programs out there that can help you create more accurate, professional-looking estimates?

Well, there are! And in this blog post, we’ll show you 10 of the best construction estimate software programs of 2022.

So whether you’re a small business owner or a large contractor, there’s a program on this list that will suit your needs.

The 10 Best Construction Estimating Software Programs

1. ProEst

ProEst is a construction software company that offers a wide range of features. The built-in cost databases are some of the most extensive on the market, and ProEst has great flexibility to customize its software. Customer service and support are excellent and comprehensive built-in cost databases.

Nick's Take

I think ProEst is construction estimating software that helps contractors save time and money by automating the estimating process. With ProEst, users can quickly and easily create accurate project estimates.

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Features

It Incorporates your company’s logo, images, and colors into every proposal.
Worked with a variety of templates to create construction proposals in a variety of formats.
Automatically transfer estimate data from one proposal to another, eliminating the need for manual input.
The write ProEst features allow for the addition of unlimited contacts and task updates.
Construction CRM allows easy scheduling of tasks, calls, follow-up requests, and meetings.
The project histories are consolidated into a single location and can be accessed in real-time.
Excellent customer service and support

Pros:

Convenience: ProEst is easy to use and allows you to continue your work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
Organization: The software allows users to organize estimates as they see fit, making it easier for anyone within your company to find what they’re looking for.
The support staff is excellent: Whenever I have a question about using a feature or if I encounter a bug within the software, their support staff responds quickly and gets me the help I need.
Unique takeoffs make pricing projects easy: You can create impressive takeoffs easily and price them using historical input data.
ProEst is easy to use and navigate: ProEst is easy to use and navigate, making it an excellent choice for estimating projects.

Cons:

Laggy and slow: The software can lag and slow down your productivity.
No templates: It would be helpful to have templates for commonly used assemblies and a quick way to reorganize the plan sheet order.
Requires internet connection: ProEst requires an internet connection to use it, which may not be a problem for some people, but it is not ideal for those looking for downloadable software.
You have to make the database your own: To use ProEst effectively, you must create a custom database.
You can make mistakes: Use of ProEst is not error-free; you must be vigilant and watch your entries.

Pricing

ProEst does not have a set price; instead, they offer a free demo and tailor their pricing to fit your needs.

2. Esticom

Esticom is a cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating platform that serves all contractors and small businesses. The software is customizable and can manage projects of all sizes. The software is available on various desktop, mobile, and web-based platforms. Esticom offers a range of pricing options to fit the needs of different company sizes.

Nick's Take

I think Esticom is an excellent construction estimation software because it allows contractors to quickly and easily create project estimates. Esticom also offers many features, including developing and managing projects, tracking progress, and generating reports.

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Features

Esticom offers real-time data, alerts, and notifications to help contractors stay on track.
They offer a wide range of customizable reports and templates to make reporting easy and efficient.
Esticom makes it easy for contractors to import and export data, as well as share information with other professionals in the industry.
Features include scheduling, third-party integrations, visual assemblies, and what-if analysis.
Esticom provides advanced scheduling capabilities and easy integration with other software.

Pros:

Easy to use: Esticom is easy to use, even for beginners.
Accuracy and speed: The ease of use allows you to be accurate and fast in your work.
Cloud-based: You can access your projects from any computer with an internet connection.
You don’t have to print or upload drawings: It comes with a margin as a percentage.
The software is affordable: It doesn’t use markup, whereas most other software does.

Cons:

Non-profit users cannot use Esticom: Non-profit users cannot use Esticom, which is the primary function lacks.
Limited features: The Esticom software does not have many features compared to other cloud-based tools.
Limited input options: Esticom does not allow users to input deduct alternates, which can be limiting.
Use of an internet connection is necessary: To use the Esticom software, you need a good internet connection.

Pricing

The free trial is available, and the basic plan costs $139 per month.

3. Stack

Stack is a construction estimate software program that allows users to create and manage estimates for their construction projects. The software includes various features that make it easy to create accurate estimates, track project progress, and manage finances. Stack is an excellent choice for construction professionals who want a comprehensive solution for their estimating needs.

Nick's Take

I think Stack is an excellent software for estimating and takeoff due to its pre-built library of cost information and past job data. Stack is very versatile and excels at assessing many different industries. Stack is cloud-based, allowing you to access it from anywhere.

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Features

Pre-built library of cost information and past job data
STACK is a preconstruction software that helps teams build momentum and take off more quickly.
It connects contractors, architects, and engineers to speed up the process.
Stack is a construction estimate software that helps you accurately plan, spec, and document your projects.
It has cloud-based takeoff features which enable you to takeoffs 10x faster.
Stack allows you to make customized estimates and proposals quickly and easily.

Pros:

Stack is well-built and easy to use: User-friendly and accurate program.
Stack brings value to takeoffs and estimating: Worth every penny.
The support is excellent, and developers are constantly working on improvements: Improvements made in the past year have been super helpful.
Stack is versatile and can be used for various tasks: Whether you are a construction professional or not, Stack can be used to estimate your materials.
You can share information with others easily: You can share plan changes, takeoffs, etc., through the cloud with other people using Stack.

Cons:

Collaboration features are buggy: The collaboration features have been known to be buggy, which makes it difficult for team members to work together.
Page numbering is still incomplete: The page numbering is still incomplete, making it difficult to track where you are in a document.
Arc function is not yet available: It has not yet been added to the software, making it challenging to create accurate drawings.
Limited database: This software is fixed in the amount of data it can hold, which may be a hassle for people who want to keep tracking.
Time-consuming: It may be time-consuming to build a whole database with this software.

Pricing

Stack offers a free trial. Price starts at $2,499 /yr.

4. Sage Estimating

Sage Estimating is a construction estimate software that is accurate and efficient when estimating the cost of commercial-grade jobs. It offers a wide range of products for different industries, including construction. It can create real cost estimates from the start and track costs throughout the project.

Nick's Take

I think Sage Estimating is an excellent construction estimating software since it helps contractors and construction professionals create accurate project estimates. It offers material pricing, labor costing, and project management tools.

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Features

The ability to create accurate cost estimates from the start
Track costs throughout the project
Sage Estimating is a versatile and robust solution that can help you accelerate your estimating process.
The software features excellent takeoff tools, which make it easy to transfer data into the solution.
There are many features available in Sage Estimating to boost productivity.

Pros:

Sage is easy to use and has helpful features: The ease of use makes it excellent for large companies that need to send information between different modules.
Sage helps with cost analysis: Sage is helpful in the cost analysis process, providing estimates for different parts of a project.
New features are constantly being developed: Updates to Sage are continuously being made, which keeps the software up-to-date and functional.
Sage Estimating is accurate and complete: The software is well made, perfect for estimators that want to produce quality work that is highly accurate.
The software can be helpful at times: It includes many items that can be documented accurately for each project, including organizational formats such as new, remodel, etc.

Cons:

Slow: Sage can be very slow when printing contracts.
Limited undo: Unlike other software, you cannot undo your work in Sage.
Time-consuming to set up a project: It takes a lot of time to set up a project in Sage.
Limited functionality: The software is slight and would be nicer if fully integrated with the database.
Crashes often: The program often crashes, making it difficult to use.

Pricing

Sage Estimating has a free trial and costs $149.95 per month.

5. Clear Estimates

Clear Estimates is construction estimating software that helps contractors create detailed, professional project estimates. With Clear Estimates, contractors can manage their projects from start to finish, including creating estimates, invoicing, and tracking payments.

Clear Estimates is one of the best construction estimating software programs because it is easy to use and helps contractors save time on their estimates. The software includes a library of pre-built templates for joint estimating projects, and it is cloud-based so that contractors can access their estimates from anywhere.

Nick's Take

I think this software is excellent for small businesses because it is modern and affordable. It also includes project management software which makes problem-solving easier. Clear Estimates provide users with accurate and timely estimations at a low cost.

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Features

Easy to use: The software is easy to use, and contractors can create their estimates in minutes.
Cloud-based: The software is cloud-based so that contractors can access their estimates from anywhere.
Pre-built templates: The software includes a library of pre-built templates for joint estimating projects.
Save time: The software helps contractors save time by creating their estimates quickly and easily.
Get more accurate bids: The software helps contractors get more accurate recommendations by providing a clear and concise estimate.
Templates are customizable for each job, making it easy to get an estimate quickly.

Pros:

Easy to put together an estimate within minutes: Clear Estimates is easy to use, quick, and efficient.
Excellent customer service: The customer service is excellent and helpful with any questions or issues that you may have.
Website is easy to use and very customizable: The website is easy to use, presenting information in a convenient-to-use context.
Use on any device: Clear Estimates can be used on any device, making it convenient.

Cons:

The search function is not great: It is not great, and it can take a long time to find what you need.
Parts are not organized well: The details of the program are not well organized, and it can be challenging to know where something belongs.
Does not integrate with Quickbooks: Sending estimates would be much easier if it integrated with Quickbooks.
It takes a lot of time to send estimates: Saving a document in Word and sending it as an email takes a lot of time.

Pricing

Clear Estimates offers a free trial, and pricing starts at $79.

6. Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman is a construction management software program that enables contractors to streamline their workflow and manage their projects more efficiently. The software provides various features and tools that help contractors estimate project costs, track progress, and manage their teams.

Contractor Foreman is an excellent option for contractors looking for a comprehensive construction management software solution. The software provides everything that contractors need to manage their projects effectively.

Nick's Take

I think the software is helpful because it can save you time and money by getting the estimate right the first time. A construction estimating software that has a lot of features to help you with your construction projects

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Features

Contractor Foreman is an affordable, easy-to-use construction management software designed for contractors.
Contractor Foreman has many powerful features, including estimates, payments, and documents.
It has powerful project management features, including Gantt scheduling and Daily Logs.
It can also track time and keep track of crew members.
Contractor Foreman has a GPS-driven time card system which is excellent for safety.

Pros:

The integration process was painless: The integration process was surprisingly easy.
The mobile app is excellent: It is great and makes it easy to submit, approve, and log change orders.
It helps residents builders have direct report access to project progress: Resident builders can have direct report access to project progress through the mobile app.
The ease of use is excellent: Contractor Foreman is easy to use, even for beginners.
Customer support is fast and helpful: Customer support responses are quick, and they seem eager to assist you with your questions or issues.

Cons:

Bugs are not permanently corrected: The contractor foreman team does not always correct the bugs, which makes it difficult for operators to work.
Difficult estimating: It is challenging to estimate projects because of the struggle to enter data correctly.
Slow navigation: The website can be slow to navigate, and it can take a long time to find the information you are looking for.
Saving items require refreshing or going back to the beginning: When you save something, you have to refresh or return to where you started.
Integration learning curve: There is an integration learning curve to working your way around the software.

Pricing

Contractor Foreman offers a free trial for 30 days, and the price starts at $49/month.

7. Projul

Projul is a construction project management software that helps contractors manage their projects, staff, and finances. It includes features such as a project management tool, time tracking, document storage, and invoicing. Projul is an excellent choice for contractors who need a comprehensive solution. Projul Cloud-based software provides a suite of applications that can be used to manage leads, customers, and construction projects of all sizes.

Nick's Take

I think Projul is an excellent choice for contractors looking for a comprehensive solution to manage their projects. It offers a free trial, so you can try it out before you commit to a subscription.

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Features

Quickly send invoices and get paid on time with Intuitively Easy Invoicing.
You can view an interactive organized view of all your projects with the Projul Project Management Timeline View.
Easily estimate costs and get approvals with Projul Estimates & Change Orders.
Projul offers a range of powerful scheduling tools.
Projul is the best-of-class lead management and sales pipeline tool.
Employee Time Tracking is made painless with geo-fencing and notifications.
With Projul, you can brand your application, mobile app, estimates, and invoices.
Warranty details are easy to find with Projul and stored securely within the project file.
The app is easy to use and can be accessed from anywhere.

Pros:

The software is designed for the construction industry: Projul is specifically designed for the construction industry and gives you solutions to possible problems.
Excellent customer support: Customer support is fantastic, which has been very helpful in understanding the program.
The excellent interface: The interface of Projul is designed by people who work in the trades and not just IT.
Structured to make it easy to navigate and learn: The software structure is seamless and easy to navigate, making it a breeze for you to learn how to use projul
The quotes & invoices portion of the software is fantastic: You can easily manage your quotes, invoices, and scheduling from this part of the software.

Cons:

Bugs were initially reported: Some early bugs needed to be worked out.
Errors: Several people reported experiencing too many mistakes with the service.
Limited scalability: Projul is not scalable and can only handle a limited number of projects simultaneously.
Projul can be challenging for users using more traditional scheduling methods.

Pricing

Projul offers $199/mo, suitable for three users. You have the option to upgrade your subscription.

8. Buildertrend

Buildertrend is construction management software that helps home builders and remodelers manage the construction process from start to finish. It includes project scheduling, time tracking, invoicing, and more.

Buildertrend is one of the best construction estimate software programs because it is designed specifically for home builders and remodelers. It includes all the features you need to manage your construction projects and is easy to use.

Nick's Take

I think Buildertrend is a construction management software popular among construction companies of all sizes. The software has excellent estimating features, and the customer service is top-notch. However, the software does not include takeoff technology.

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Features

Buildertrend is a construction management software that helps improve project efficiency and profits.
The software has a simple and easy-to-use interface, making it perfect for businesses of all sizes.
The software is designed to make your business more efficient and profitable.
The Buildertrend software includes a sales process that helps land more jobs and faster sign-ups.
The software has project management tools that help manage construction projects.
The financial tools help manage finances for construction companies.
Communication tools help keep communication between the company and clients up to date.

Pros:

Buildertrend is customizable and has helpful staff: Buildertrend offers a customizable daily log, document management, and more.
The scheduler is easy to use: The scheduler is easy to use and helps keep track of your employees’ schedules.
Customer support is attentive: They are more than happy to help with requests and find solutions for what you are looking for.
Builder Trend is helpful and efficient: The platform allows you to manage multiple jobs efficiently, communication between employees is accessible, and the venue has a live document on which all people can collaborate.
Builder Trend makes managing home projects easier: Allows for project management with almost no details missed, making it an efficient builder’s dream come true.

Cons:

Limited approvals for payment processing: Builder Trend has no approved payment processors.
Tab overload: The number of tabs can get overwhelming and slow down the workflow.
Slower than other software: The software is slower than other options, making it less efficient.
Challenging to manage subcontractor capacity planning: It is difficult to track capacities and report workloads.
Limited lot list download: You cannot download lot lists.

Pricing

Buildertrend offers a free trial, starting at $99/mo.

9. SimPRO

SimPRO is construction estimating software that allows contractors to manage their business more effectively. It provides an easy way to create estimates, track project progress, and manage finances. SimPRO is a comprehensive solution that helps contractors streamline their business operations and improve their bottom line. SimPRO is a cloud-based software solution that offers a free trial and flexible pricing plans. It is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Nick's Take

I think SimPRO is one of the best construction estimate software programs available. It is easy to use and provides a comprehensive solution for contractors. The software is designed to save time and money by automating tasks such as estimating, project management, and invoicing.

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Features

Use SimPRO to create accurate and professional quotes.
Easily compare vendor prices and plan for labor expenses.
Plan for asset maintenance using the Maintenance Planner add-on.
It takes less time to generate an estimate with simPRO than before.
The learning and support resources are comprehensive and helpful.
Five support channels are available, each with local teams to provide the best possible service.

Pros:

Excellent job management system: Simpro can manage projects, stock, and costs within the product.
Stock tracking and breakdown of quotes into cost centers: It is easy to find items in the factory with stock tracking features.
Easy navigation and well-laid-out menus: The menus are easy to navigate and well laid out.
Modern software: Software is current and has an ease of use that makes it easier for you to work with.
Allows contractors to carry out work efficiently: The SimPRO system helps contractors carry out their work efficiently, whether that’s quoting for a tender, running a project, or using the mobile app.

Cons:

Overwhelming training: The “firehose method” was used to deliver training, which was overwhelming for the user.
Lack of standard US terminology: The US version of the product would be easier to use if it were standard US terminology-ed like other platform features are (i.e., Bill vs. Invoice, Trade Price vs. Dealer Cost, Labor Rates vs. Schedule Rates, and Fit Times).
Challenging to navigate Windows or Office: Trying to teach everything in initial training is folly at best and makes the process extremely painful and more complex than necessary.
Poor onboarding process: Creating quotes, invoices, and jobs in SimPRO is inferior and requires much work.
Limited functionality: The functionality of SimPRO is limited compared to other software options available.

Pricing

The price starts from 154/per user per month.

10. Materio

Materio is a construction estimate software program that helps contractors and builders create accurate project estimates. It includes a material database with over 500,000 products and a labor database with over 200,000 tasks. Materio also offers a wide range of features, including creating estimates from scratch or using templates, adding photos and videos, and tracking progress.

Nick's Take

I think Materio is a cloud-based construction management software that helps supervisors build estimates and manage projects. It offers a bid manager, an online portal, and estimating tools. It is provided on a monthly subscription basis and has been rated 5/5 by users.

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Features

Some of the features included in Materio are budget tracking, change order management, estimating, and mobile access.
A material database with over 500,000 products
Materio’s Visual Estimation makes outlining the scope easy, and schedules and selections flow from the estimate.
Materio offers free use for 14 days without requiring a credit card or sales call.
Materio keeps everything organized by default, making it easier to find information.
Materio keeps all the information you need in one place so you can focus on building.

Pros:

Reduced communication costs: The platform keeps everything in one place, making communication between team members and subcontractors easier.
Increased efficiency: Familiarity with Materio makes working on multiple projects more efficient.
The software is user-friendly and easy to use: The platform is more user-friendly than the previous program we were using, making it easier for you to communicate with your team and subcontractors.
The platform offers a variety of selections: From light fixtures to cabinet plans, Materio has everything you need to make your project perfect.

Cons:

Lack of a to-do list: Materio does not have a to-do list for each job, which makes it challenging to keep track of what needs to be done.
Limited responsiveness: The Materio team is not very responsive, making it difficult to get help with issues.
Limited Customer Reviews

Pricing

Materio offers a free trial, and their pricing starts at $95/month with three active projects.

What is construction estimating software?

Construction estimating software is a type of software that helps general contractors assess the costs of a specific project. Construction estimating software can be used for bid management and to create cost estimates. Construction estimating software is used by engineers, architects, and construction managers. Construction estimating software can create project cost, material, and labor estimates. There are various construction estimating software options with multiple features and capabilities. Contractors should consider the software options available to streamline their estimating process.

What factors should you consider when choosing a construction estimate software program?

When choosing a construction estimating software program, it is essential to consider the company’s reputation and the product’s ease of use. The feature set is another vital factor to consider, along with pricing and company reputation. The software should be easy to use and access.

How can using construction estimate software improve your business?

1. Increased accuracy

Having construction estimate software can improve accuracy and save you time and money. The software can track previous jobs and expenses, which increases accuracy. Using construction estimate software can improve accuracy and save you time and money. The software can auto-detect areas in a floor plan, count items across multiple pages, and filter results to ensure accuracy. The software supports construction, including area, linear, or weight-based takeoffs.

2. Increased speed

Construction estimate software can help you speed up the estimating process by automating many tasks. This includes creating templates for commonly used items, pulling data from previous projects, and automatically calculating prices based on current market rates. This can save you significant time, which can be used to pursue other business opportunities or enjoy a better work-life balance.

3. Increased efficiency

When a business uses construction estimate software, it can help with increased efficiency in the industry. The software can help with tracking leads, jobs, and tasks. The software is easy to use and can be accessed anywhere. Additionally, the software can help businesses level up their professionalism and organization.

4. Increased customer satisfaction

Using construction estimate software is an excellent option if you’re looking for a way to improve your construction business. This software can help you save time and money by providing accurate project estimates. It can also help you improve customer satisfaction by providing a more precise estimate of the cost of a project.

5. Increased business growth

Construction estimate software can help increase business growth by reducing the time and money spent on estimating and paperwork. The software can also help with better coordination between departments, minimizing wasted time and resources. The software can also help with better communication between different teams, leading to a more streamlined process.

FAQs

How does construction estimation software work?

Construction estimation software typically allows the user to input data about a project, such as the size, location, and type of construction. The software then uses this data to estimate the project’s cost. Some programs also include features that allow users to track actual costs as the project progresses and compare them to the original estimate.

Who uses construction estimation software?

Construction estimating software is used by general contractors, project managers, and other professionals involved in the construction process.

What are the different deployment options for construction estimating software?

There are several different deployment options for construction estimating software. The most common choice is to install the software locally on your computer. This option offers the most excellent flexibility and control, but it also requires that you have the necessary hardware and technical expertise to install and maintain the software. Another option is to subscribe to a cloud-based service, allowing you access to the software from any internet.

How long does it take to set up construction estimating software?

The software can take weeks to set up and train employees to use it properly. Introducing new software to an existing team can be difficult. Choose construction estimating software that is easy to use, learn, and deploy. Offer your team customized onboarding training to make the transition smoother.

What is the best construction estimating software for my business?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best construction estimating software for your business will depend on several factors, including size and scope, budget, and specific needs.

How can I get started using construction estimating software?

You need to do a few things before you can start using construction estimating software. First, you must clearly understand your project and what it will entail. This means having a detailed project plan that includes all the tasks that need to be completed and the materials and labor required. Once you have this information, you can narrow your options and find the best construction estimating software.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you choose the best construction estimating software for your business in 2022! If you’re still undecided, we recommend taking a free trial of each program to see which is best for you. Whichever program you choose, we wish you the best of luck in your construction estimating endeavors!

About the Author

Nick Patrocky

Nick Patrocky writes SaaS and Business Software reviews. He's also the head of design at a rapidly growing fintech company. Nick's worked with hundreds of software companies and startups over the last 10 years. Reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like to collab.

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