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12 Min. Read

Best Construction Estimating Software of 2024 (Free & Paid)

10 Best Construction Estimating Software: Free & Paid

Construction businesses are in a unique position when it comes to serving customers and clients. These small businesses must deliver on the end result and paint an accurate picture of what’s to come. In the earliest ideation and project conception stages, construction estimating plays a critical role.

Construction estimates help businesses deliver a realistic projection of the method and delivery of a new project to their clients. Since manual estimations can be time-consuming and tedious, construction estimating software is often used, saving valuable time and resources. 

Fortunately, there is no shortage of construction estimating software in the industry. But this makes it even more vital to research when determining the best construction estimating software for your specific needs. In this guide, we’ll recommend our top choices to help your business estimate with ease.

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

What is Construction Estimating Software?

Construction estimating software is a type of computer program that helps contractors and businesses automate the estimation process when bidding on specific projects.  

Several types of businesses use estimates to pitch new projects to clients. Still, it’s particularly vital for the construction industry, where an accurate, appealing, detailed cost estimate is key to landing new clients. Traditional writing construction project estimates involve paper copies, spreadsheets, and manual calculations. However, more and more companies are turning to construction estimating software to speed up the process of project planning and professional proposals. 

During the estimating process, business owners share information about labor costs, materials, timelines, and delivery deadlines. A great construction estimating software program replaces previous manual processes and calculations and allows business owners to streamline the bidding process using the software as an intuitive estimating tool.

Go From Guesstimate To Estimate

10 Best Construction Estimating Software

Fortunately, construction estimation software is now widely accessible. Most specialized construction estimating solutions are generally affordable, with some options even being free to use up to a certain amount or offering a free trial for a certain period to help mitigate the construction estimating software cost. Other choices offer custom pricing for businesses that have unique needs. Of course, this leads to the challenge of choosing the best construction estimating software.

If you run a construction business and aren’t sure which construction estimating software program is right for you, we’ve narrowed the list to 10 choices that provide advanced features for generating professional proposals and estimates.

1. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a smart choice for construction estimating software, with small business users in over 120 countries around the world. Although FreshBooks is also a comprehensive accounting software system, the estimation features are integral for construction companies.

With FreshBooks, small business users can:

  • Track the status of all released estimates to monitor when clients accept and view them, making this an excellent bid management tool
  • Easily convert an active estimate into an invoice for customers
  • See and respond to feedback that potential clients leave on each estimate
  • Preview all estimates, quotes, and costs before sending
  • Add discounts or special offers to individual estimates
  • Enjoy flexibility and ease of use when creating and sending an estimate from anywhere
  • Customize each estimate with unique or personal branding

Construction professionals need estimating software that’s user-friendly, flexible, and unique. FreshBooks offers these characteristics and so much more.

estimate software

2. STACK

STACK is a construction estimating and takeoff data software tool for businesses of any size. Construction takeoff calculates how much material is needed to complete a job. STACK users benefit from this feature in addition to a robust, cloud-based solution for completing and sending new estimates.

STACK also caters to many different types of construction businesses and customers, including subcontractors, general contractors, home builders, and suppliers. The ability to calculate so many metrics from various angles makes this software an impressive choice.

3. ProEST

ProEST is one of the leading construction estimating and cloud-based takeoff data software solutions throughout the global construction market. The focus of this tool is on project management. As a result, ProEST offers an array of flexible and robust integrations to make the entire business cycle that much more streamlined.

ProEST also offers a library of construction estimating resources to help business owners improve this aspect of their business. From corporate planning to profit margins to resource management, ProEST will show you how a good estimating strategy can influence and change the course of an entire business model.

4. Esticom

Esticom is another cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating platform. Esticom’s features promote real-time access to business metrics and an up-to-date look at new bids or projects. The focus is on removing the reliance on paper business plans and tedious Microsoft Excel spreadsheets since both of these elements can hinder productivity during the creation of detailed construction estimates.

Esticom serves all types of general contractors and small businesses in the construction industry, including painters, HVAC specialists, electricians, and plumbers.

5. Builder Trend

Builder Trend is an estimating software tool that caters to home builders, renovators, and remodelers. These professionals have unique needs for construction projects, including knowing the square footage and age of a property relating to demolition and structural improvements.

Builder Trend’s pre-sales suite is where the estimating software lives. Within this set of tools, users can quickly manage leads, bid on new home projects, manage email marketing campaigns, and participate in business partnerships. 

6. Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman is an affordable solution for small business contractors needing an easy-to-use platform to manage construction projects. Contractor Foreman offers a free 30-day trial, followed by plans that begin as low as $49/month (a lower amount than most comparable services).

This platform offers over 30 features and integrations, including the ability to create and send professional estimates. A helpful knowledge base and customer support team make it easy to get up and running when using this software for the first time. 

7. Projul

Projul is a construction estimating software company committed to simplifying the business. The platform and user interface are designed especially for small businesses and companies with less than 50 employees.

Users can create fast and accurate project proposals, with the ability to copy and duplicate each estimate to save time. Projul also helps businesses hide markup costs from potential clients and customers.

8. Clear Estimates

If you’re looking for a platform that specializes in estimates only (rather than having a long list of extra features), Clear Estimates is a good pick. With plans beginning at $59/month without a contract, it’s also affordable for small-scale contractors.

One major benefit of Clear Estimates is that it uses data from RemodelMAX to generate costs of supplies and materials based on geographic location. The wide range of available data means that customers can get the most accurate estimate based on where they live.

9. Sage Estimating

Sage Estimating is a software platform that helps construction companies improve their bid-to-won ratio. Pre-construction bidding leverages important industry data and artificial intelligence to generate the most accurate estimates possible. Not only does this improve productivity, it also provides customers with more details and accuracy about a specific need.

Sage Estimating also offers features for vendor selection, subcontractor quotes, purchase orders, and job cost tracking. Users can sync these statistics with estimates to gain a well-rounded picture of the entire process.  

10. SimPRO

SimPRO is a cloud-based option that delivers reliability, flexibility, and ease of use. The built-in estimating features help businesses write accurate quotes while delivering them to future clients seamlessly and transparently. 

SimPRO is an excellent choice for businesses that rely on field staff members. With mobile capabilities, staff can take SimPRO on the road to deliver fast and accurate estimates to potential clients. This flexibility improves conversion by removing the time lag in a more traditional estimation process that relies on manual calculations and back-and-forth communication.

Advantages of Using Construction Estimating Software

While some small businesses might hold fast to traditional methods, there are noteworthy advantages to using construction estimating software as an estimating tool instead. In a construction company, the benefits can make a big difference in winning new contracts and putting together accurate estimates more easily—provided you choose the best construction estimating software for your needs.

  • Construction estimating software can eliminate spreadsheet errors. Even though spreadsheets offer some level of automation (with formulas and pre-loaded calculations), it’s always possible to miss a step when editing the spreadsheet for a new client. Software tools for construction estimating rarely make this same error, so you can create accurate estimates.
  • Construction estimating software programs communicate professionalism. In a modern age of tech, clients expect digital processes and cloud-based solutions, especially when it comes to something as important as construction management. Many estimating software programs have the ability to send information directly to clients, smoothing out the estimating process even more.
  • The top construction estimating software boosts productivity and is a huge time-saver. While a business might still assign the work of project estimates to a particular staff member, the actual estimating process rarely requires as much energy as the traditional method. Because of this, an employee can devote time to more important tasks. It also means that future clients receive estimates in a more timely fashion.
  • Construction software may influence client acquisition. Clients may be more likely to sign on when a project bid looks professional, accurate, and detailed. This benefit can also improve the chances of concurrent projects per client.

Why Do Cloud-Based Solutions Matter in Construction Estimating Software?

If your business depends on writing detailed cost estimates, ensure that you understand each software option’s flexibility and security. Cloud-based solutions are ideal since they allow for estimate creation, whether sitting at your desk or out in the field on a job site. This convenience ensures that your business never misses an opportunity to deliver accurate construction estimates and other information to a potential client.

Cloud-based data is also encrypted, meaning that it benefits from top-level security features and protection. While you enjoy real-time access to your estimating programs, clients enjoy the peace of mind of knowing their information is safe and secure.

Create Estimates 28 Percent Faster

Determine Your Specific Business Needs

Before settling on any of the above software choices, make sure that you have a reliable understanding of your business and its unique needs regarding project management and choosing the best construction estimating software. Being realistic will ensure that your choice is based on honest facts and that the solution fulfills its intended purpose.

When choosing your top construction estimating software, set aside time to answer the following questions.

  • What are your current pain points? Maybe your estimating process isn’t entirely broken, but communicating with clients could be upgraded. Pinpoint where the current frustrations are, and choose software that will meet those needs.
  • What collaboration tools are critical for your process? The estimating process might be one person’s job, but it’s highly unlikely that only one individual is involved. Choose software that promotes cross-departmental collaboration and administrative oversight where it’s needed.
  • What is the monthly cost? Construction estimation tools are highly beneficial, but you don’t need to overpay for key features unless you really need them. 

Tips for Using Construction Project Management Software

Providing timely, clear, and accurate construction estimates for potential projects is only one part of the puzzle. When using estimation and bidding software, keep the following tips in mind.

  • Verify cost estimating prior to sending any contract. A good program will do the heavy lifting for you, but don’t forget to preview the document before sending it. You could leave good work on the table when you submit an incorrect estimate.
  • Shop around. With so many options for project management tools and electrical estimating software, it’s essential to do your due diligence.
  • Provide thorough training and education. Choosing from software companies that provide user-friendly options eliminates some of the learning curve. Good training, however, is still important. You want training that includes resources for employees on how to implement the new solution, plus training on how to estimate small business projects in general.
  • Encourage company-wide adoption and understanding. Before adopting any technical solution, ensure that the broader team knows and understands each new process. Doing this makes it easier for employees to ask for help and direct each other to valuable resources.

Conclusion

Construction cost estimates are essential for small businesses, residential contractors, and specialty contractors. Many professionals need an all-in-one solution to tackle such an essential step in the client signing process. Without accurate estimates, it’s difficult to maintain costs and labor hours while still offering exceptional customer service.

Choosing the right construction estimating software often depends on your business needs, budget, and preference for additional features. Once you define individual preferences and goals, gain a competitive advantage by producing estimates using modern software that you and your clients will appreciate.

To fortify your project profitability and streamline financial processes, take the next step in advancing your construction enterprise by exploring our guide on Construction Accounting Software – a resource designed to align seamlessly with your objectives and propel your business to new heights.

FAQs on Construction Estimating Software 

More questions on the ins and outs of construction accounting, project management, or choosing construction estimating software? Here are some frequently asked questions—answered.

What is the best residential construction estimating software?

Although everyone’s needs for estimating software will differ, a few are especially well-suited for residential construction. Builder Trend is popular, as is FreshBooks’ all-in-one, cloud-based solution.

What are the 4 types of estimating?

The 4 main types of estimating are: Preliminary estimates (used as rough, approximate estimates), detailed estimates (a more fleshed-out, informed, and accurate estimate), quantity estimates (used purely to determine the number of materials needed for a project), and bid estimates (a holistic estimate used to secure a contract for a potential project).

Which software is most commonly used for estimating?

Because of the different requirements, each company will have for their estimating software, there is no industry standard, per se. However, it’s common to see companies use tools like Buildertrend and Procore as essential parts of their project management and estimating process.

More Estimating Resources for Business Owners


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Jason Ding, CPA

About the author

Jason Ding is a seasoned accountant with over 15 years of progressive experience in senior finance and accounting across multiple industries. Jason holds a BBA from Simon Fraser University and is a designated CPA. Jason’s firm, Notion CPA, is an accounting firm with a business-first focus. The firm specializes in preparing personal and corporate taxation while providing fractional CFO work and leading the accounting and finance function for several small-to-medium-sized businesses. In his free time, you’ll find Jason on the basketball court, travelling, and spending quality time with family.

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