Best Construction Estimating Software

By Riya Jamble, Technical Content Writer at SelectHub

Make construction estimating software your trusted ally and bid farewell to calculation errors and inaccurate estimates. These solutions can be your knight in shining armor if you’re looking to replace your current systems or are on a quest to achieve estimating accuracy and maintain data consistency.

Ready to embark on the quest for your perfect match? Let this buyer’s guide be your trusted companion on the journey to selecting the ideal solution for your business.

Executive Summary

• Constructing estimating software helps you optimize business processes, improve your bid-hit ratio and achieve estimating accuracy.
• Cost databases, visual assemblies, bid management capabilities, takeoff modules and pre-built templates are some of the core features you should look for in construction quoting software.
• Stay informed about key industry trends: integrations, visual estimating, and the advancements of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Prepare a list of vendor-related questions to gain a thorough understanding of their offerings, ensure compatibility with your requirements, and make an informed decision that aligns with your business needs and goals.

Estimating Software

These solutions help you create quotes and produce professional bid proposals. Some core functions include:

• Customizable templates
• Pricing databases
• Integrative capabilities

Takeoff Software

These applications help you pull information from digital blueprints or spec sheets to determine material quantities. Some core features include:

• RFI management
• Digital takeoff
• Material and quantities database
• Custom assemblies

Bidding Software

These systems assist you in submitting tenders to clients for managing or undertaking projects. Some standard functions include:

• Project management tools
• Subcontractor portal
• Proposal generator
• Scheduling

Bid Management Software

These platforms assist you in streamlining your bidding processes and improving efficiency. Some core features include:

• Bid organization
• Document management
• Bid tracking
• Bid form creation

Vendors use the above-mentioned terms to help you identify their products' primary functions.

You’re here, which means you’re looking for an estimating solution. But if you need help with takeoff and bidding operations, we recommend you consider a solution offering integrative capabilities.

What Buyer Type Best Describes You?

You need to understand your buyer type to streamline the selection process and find a solution that best caters to your unique circumstances. Some common types include:

• General Contractors: They oversee construction projects and typically manage multiple subcontractors, budgets and timelines. Look for estimating software with project and subcontractor management and reporting tools.
• Specialty Contractors: They focus on specific trades or services such as electrical, plumbing or HVAC. Prioritize software that aligns with your trade requirements, such as specialized takeoff tools, trade-specific cost databases or industry-specific software integrations.
• Construction Managers: They oversee the entire construction process, from planning and scheduling to budgeting and quality control. Choose software offering comprehensive project management capabilities, including cost tracking, resource allocation, scheduling and collaboration tools.
• Residential Builders: They focus on constructing homes and residential projects. Consider residential-specific features like pre-built templates, customization options, and integration with sales or construction accounting software.
• Estimators: They specialize in accurately determining project costs by analyzing plans, specifications and other project details. Seek software with robust takeoff capabilities, quantity surveying tools, cost databases and estimating templates.

Assess your workflows, project types and desired features to make an informed buying decision.

Deployment Methods

When looking for estimating software, you have two options for access: (1) install the software on your own computers or servers, or (2) access it online via web browsers and mobile devices.

On-premise software refers to installed products, while you can access online solutions through the cloud. We’ve discussed the pros and cons of each below.

Online Estimating Software

Pros

• Convenient access from any internet-connected device
• Offline access available through certain advanced products using local applications and data sync
• Automatic updates provided by the software developer
• No need for manual updating or additional fees

Cons

• Vulnerable to cyberattacks
• Occasional software crashes
• Reliant on a strong internet connection
• Significant expenses

On-Premise Estimating Software

Pros

• No internet connection required
• Secure data
• Controlled software upgrades

Cons

• Reliant on technical operators for installation processes
• Frequent maintenance checks required
• Limited storage capacity
• Vulnerable to data loss

Considerations

Carefully weigh these considerations to select an estimating solution that aligns best with your business requirements.

• Scalability: If your business is likely to expand or you anticipate fluctuating estimating needs, online software offers more scalability. They can accommodate a growing user base and adjust resources according to your needs. On-premise software may require additional hardware or server upgrades to accommodate increased usage.
• Security: On-premise software gives you greater control over data security since it remains within your own infrastructure. If your industry requires strict data control or compliance, an on-premise solution may be preferable.
• Costs: On-premise solutions often involve upfront license fees, maintenance costs and potential hardware investments. On the contrary, online software typically follows a subscription-based model, which may include ongoing fees but eliminates the need for significant initial investments.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs, preferences and constraints.

Primary Benefits

When it comes to estimates, clients understand they're not set in stone. But inaccurate quotes can still harm your credibility. That's where construction estimating solutions come in, safeguarding your company's reputation by delivering accurate and reliable estimates that build trust with your clients.

We’ve outlined some benefits you can expect from construction quoting platforms.

Increase Accuracy

Construction costs keep on fluctuating. The S&P Global PEG ECCI 2023 report observed that the material/equipment cost index declined from 63.7 points in April 2023 to 52.7 points in May 2023, showing an 11% decrease in material/equipment prices.

Construction estimating solutions come preloaded with cost databases to help you keep track of labor, material, subcontractor and equipment expenses, helping you generate estimates closest to the true costs of projects.

Optimize Job Costs

Estimating software enables you to analyze costs more effectively, helping you identify areas where you can optimize expenses. By comparing different scenarios and adjusting variables, you can make informed decisions to minimize costs and maximize profitability.

Maintain Consistency

By employing construction quoting software, you can establish standardized templates, centralize data management, use parametric estimating, analyze historical data and implement version control.

Enhance Project Management

With construction quote software, you can efficiently allocate resources, maintain cost control, track project progress in real time, manage changes effectively, foster collaboration, and communication and generate comprehensive reports.

Improve Efficiency

Managing multiple estimates is no easy feat. As humans, we get distracted easily. And that distraction can cause costly mistakes.

Estimating solutions help you automate calculations, streamline data entry, accelerate estimating processes, integrate workflows and stay mobile.

These capabilities significantly improve efficiency in your estimating workflow, enabling you to save time, reduce errors and increase productivity.

Implementation Goals

Basic Features & Functionality

Advanced Features & Functionality

Current & Upcoming Trends

To stand out from your competitors, you need to have an idea about recent trends. Below we’ve highlighted some trends that could play a significant role in changing the future of the construction industry.

Integrations

Construction professionals now prefer a connected ecosystem of solutions over standalone products. Whether it's through an end-to-end platform or a network of seamless integrations and APIs, the goal is to create a cohesive system where all construction-related solutions work together seamlessly.

You can effortlessly transfer data from your estimating software to project management tools or share project updates with stakeholders in real time. This consolidation and integration empower you to streamline your workflows, boost collaboration and make data-driven decisions with ease.

Visual Estimating

In the past, you had to endure the pain of manually performing calculations and creating estimates using spreadsheets. But now, you can use visual estimating techniques to get the job done quickly. Many contractors and estimators like yourself use BIM software for visual estimating purposes.

With BIM, you have a 3D version of blueprints loaded with vital data that helps you better visualize projects’ scopes.

BIM tools assist you in directly calculating measurements, performing takeoffs and identifying risks from the underlying models. Any changes you make automatically apply to all documents and schedules.

Check out our article on BIM capabilities and features to learn more about BIM.

Artificial Intelligence

In the past, you may have faced difficulties in filtering out duplicate estimates, accounting for ambiguous requirements and identifying key cost drivers such as materials, equipment, subcontracted services, labor and intangible expenditures. However, the landscape has changed with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI).

Now, AI empowers you to weigh dependencies and generate detailed reports, enabling you to make intelligent decisions. They help you automate tasks and process accurate estimates.

Machine Learning

Machine learning algorithms help you automatically extract data from building information models or other systems like CostX, PRISM and Global Unite, eliminating the need for manual input.

You can classify historical data according to International Construction Measurement Standards with natural language processing. After organizing the data, you can perform cost benchmarking.

You need to train and test the natural language classifier to gain precise results. Load large volumes of historical datasets and generate cost groups and categories.

To know more about where the industry is headed, check out our article — Construction Trends: Industry, Technology and Market Landscape.

Software Comparison Strategy

Selecting the right construction quoting software for your needs requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are some steps to help you in the process:

• Define Your Requirements: Start by identifying your needs for construction quote software. Consider factors such as project size and types, company size, budget, number of user access required, and features needed.
• Assess Software Features: Evaluate the capabilities of each software against your requirements. Look for features such as takeoff tools, cost databases, project templates, subcontractor management, integrative capabilities, cloud-based accessibility and customizable reporting.
• Consider User-Friendliness: Look for demos, free trials or tutorials to get hands-on experience and assess how comfortable you and your team are with the software.
• Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Determine whether the estimating software integrates with other tools you use in your construction workflows, such as inventory management software, accounting or BIM applications. Integration can streamline your processes and data sharing between systems.
• Consider Software’s Scalability: Ensure it can handle your current projects and has the potential to accommodate future growth. Additionally, assess the solution’s ability to customize estimates, templates and reports to match your specific project requirements and branding.
• Assess Support and Training Options: Check if the vendor offers technical support, user documentation, video tutorials, feature-specific walkthroughs and training programs. Responsive support and available resources help you overcome challenges during implementation and daily use.
• Request References and Demonstrations: Reach out to their existing customers to understand their experience and satisfaction level with the software. Additionally, ask for a personalized demonstration to see how the app performs in real time and if it meets your expectations.
• Make an Informed Decision: Finally, based on your evaluations, compare the solutions and make an informed decision that aligns with your requirements, budget and growth plans. Consider the long-term value and potential return on investment (ROI) the software can provide for your construction estimating processes.

Still wondering where to begin? You can refer to our Lean Selection methodology to simplify software evaluation processes.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

You should never buy a product based on just one recommendation. That’s like heading into a war without a plan. Below we’ve discussed several pricing factors that can help you choose the perfect solution for your organization.

You should always ask vendors about their pricing model and license validity period. Some providers offer a one-time payment facility, while others offer a monthly subscription.

Leave no room for doubts while discussing the cost of the system. You don’t want to make any decisions that can negatively impact your company’s financial health.

Generally, cloud-based products cost less compared to on-premise solutions upfront. You should decide on the best deployment type for your company beforehand to avoid spending unnecessarily.

It’s important to determine your company’s size. Spending on a solution that doesn’t fit your business size can cause budget overshoots. For instance, Clear Estimates serves small businesses, whereas Estimate Rocket caters to organizations of all sizes.

Some vendors offer customized features to best suit your needs. But these additional features might cost you extra. You should always ask providers about the charges of requesting add-ons.

Providers offer phone, chat and email support. Advanced options might come at an additional fee. Most vendors enable you to submit tickets through a support portal. This portal may or may not be chargeable. You should never fail to ask providers about support charges.

Most vendors offer online, on-site and hybrid support. Some also provide training resources like product manuals and video tutorials. Others might conduct live Q&As, walkthroughs and webinars. However, you may need to pay to access some of these training services.

Best Construction Estimating Software

The software selection journey can be daunting. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you in your journey. Below we’ve mentioned some of the top-rated applications curated by our analysts to assist you in automating processes and generating precise estimates.

HeavyBid

Developed by HCSS, HeavyBid offers estimating, project management and bidding modules to help contractors, managers and estimators streamline estimating workflows.

It enables multiple estimators to work on a single estimate, promoting collaboration and increasing productivity.

The system integrates with construction payroll products and accounting systems like FOUNDATION, CMiC and ComputerEase.

It enables you to import items from DOT websites to save time spent on creating estimates. The dashboard lets you track project statuses to help you keep projects on schedule and within budget.

Analyst Rating

The analyst rating for this software is 77.

Industries

It serves earthwork, paving, power and energy, trenching, infrastructure, and rail industries.

Pros

• Easy setup.
• Simple state DOT system integration.
• Robust estimate management functionalities.

Cons

• Doesn’t provide a user-friendly interface.
• Doesn’t offer bid invitation tracking functionality.
• Lacks integration with CRM tools, BIM apps, construction management systems and construction ERP solutions.

Pricing

To uncover pricing details, you need to contact their sales department.

Import items from DOT websites in minutes. Source

B2W Software

B2W Software provides a unified suite consisting of estimating, bidding, scheduling and field tracking modules for heavy construction industries. It enables you to compare estimated and actual costs to reduce errors and improve workflows.

It offers the latest SQL and .NET server technologies to help you handle complex functions and large databases without compromising speed.

You can generate and analyze reports to make strategic plans. You can also import spreadsheets and other cost databases to produce accurate quotes.

The error-check wizard automatically scans estimates to help you spot and resolve mistakes.

Analyst Rating

The analyst rating for this software is 76.

Industries

Serves heavy civil and infrastructure construction specialties.

Pros

• Offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Provides reusable cost structures for streamlined estimating processes.
• Incorporates robust cost management modules for effective cost control.

Cons

• Can be expensive.
• Lacks takeoff capabilities.
• Doesn’t feature an undo button to rectify mistakes.

Pricing

Starts at $2,500. To uncover more pricing details, you need to request a custom quote through their website.

Add items to estimates via the items database. Source

The EDGE

The EDGE, by Estimating Edge, provides cloud-based solutions designed for commercial subcontractors to help automate estimating and takeoff processes.

Smart labor technology assists you in estimating staffing requirements according to project needs. Produce job costing, profit recap, alternate pricing and material ordering reports to optimize business workflows.

You can update material, labor and equipment prices to generate precise quotes. Conduct what-if analyses to measure variations and evaluate bids. Track project statuses through the iPad app.

Analyst Rating

The analyst rating for this software is 76.

Industries

Serves acoustical, drywall, EIFS, fireproofing, flooring, painting and several other trades.

Pros

• Creates new jobs quickly using old projects with similar parameters.
• Optimizes job performance and outcomes through tailored customization options.
• Tracks tasks accurately.

Cons

• Steep learning curve.
• Complex build assemblies.

Pricing

To uncover pricing details, you need to contact the sales department.

Modify material prices and production rates with just a few clicks. Source

Buildertrend

Buildertrend offers estimating and pre-sales tools to help builders, clients, remodelers, and specialty and commercial contractors optimize business processes.

Project management modules consisting of daily logs and time trackers enable you to promote team collaboration. You can send RFIs to customers to clear doubts or request more details with just a few clicks.

CRM capabilities allow you to send email blasts to target potential clients and expand your customer base.

Produce invoices from quotes, customer selection sheets or change orders. Clients can make online payments via credit/debit cards.

Analyst Rating

The analyst rating for this product is 75.

Industries

Serves homebuilders, remodelers, and specialty and commercial contractors.

Pros

• Comprehensive project management capabilities.
• Dedicated client communication portal.
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Cons

• No drawing overlays for comparison.
• Steep learning curve.
• Slow integration with QuickBooks.

Pricing

The vendor provides three pricing options: essential at $399/month, advanced starting at $599/month and complete priced at $829/month.

Send RFIs to customers. Source

Corecon

Corecon is a cloud-based software that offers estimating, bidding, project managing, job costing and scheduling modules.

Generate professional quotes without having to enter information manually. You can build your own database by importing data from Excel.

The markup tool helps you highlight areas in documents that require attention. You can analyze job opportunities and filter leads by classification and period.

Analyst Rating

The analyst rating for this product is 75.

Industries

Serves commercial general contractors and subcontractors, homebuilders, heavy highway construction companies, and design and engineering firms.

Pros

• Offers powerful reporting features for project analysis.
• Simplifies project management tasks with user-friendly functionality.
• Integrates with QuickBooks, Jonas Premier, SAP Business One, Xero and PlanSwift seamlessly.

Cons

• Challenging and unintuitive navigation.
• No robust takeoff tools.

Pricing

Starts at $25. You can contact the sales department for more details.

Conduct financial analysis to make informed decisions. Source

Questions To Ask Yourself

Before approaching vendors, it's important to ask yourself the following questions:

• What estimating challenges do we hope to resolve with construction quote software?
• How will the software fit into my existing technology infrastructure and workflows?
• What collaboration tools do we require?
• Do we need the app to integrate with other construction management systems?
• Who will use the software and what features do they need to make their job easier?

Questions To Ask Vendors

Use these questions as a starting point for conversations with vendors about their services and software:

About the Software

• Does the app provide built-in cost and material databases?
• What level of data encryption does the software offer?
• Can the software handle complex calculations and handle contingencies or what-if scenarios?
• Are there any limitations on the number of users or projects we can manage within the software?
• Does the software produce industry-standard compliant cost reports and documentation?

About the Vendor

• What support options are available and what’s the average response time for resolving issues?
• What’s the implementation timeline and when can we expect tangible benefits?
• How often do you release software updates, and are they included in the subscription?
• How long has your company been in the construction estimating software industry?
• Do you offer data migration assistance?
• What’s your product roadmap like? Are there any upcoming features or enhancements planned?

Next Steps

If your aim is to generate perfect quotes, streamline business operations, win more jobs and produce professional proposals, construction estimating software is your best bet.

Are you ready to choose the best construction quoting software for your company? Check out our free comparison report to compare solutions and narrow your options.

We designed this guide to assist you in your software selection journey. Hope we were able to help! Please feel free to contact us by phone or email mentioned on our website for any further assistance.

Product Comparisons

• HeavyBid vs. The EDGE
• B2W Software vs. HeavyBid
• B2W Software vs. The EDGE
• Buildertrend vs. HeavyBid
• Corecon vs. HeavyBid

Additional Resources

• Construction Estimating and Bidding: A Comprehensive Guide
• Top Expert Software Selection Tips To Pick the Best-fit Software