Cost estimation helps contractors, check the feasibility and scope of the construction project. It also helps them to offer fair and reasonable pricing to the clients. Further, procurement of finance also depends on the detailed cost estimates of the project.
Hence, when so many factors depend on accurate and efficient cost estimation, integrating the right estimating software can prove to be a game changer.
Here is the list of the 10 best construction estimating software that will help you create accurate estimates, send professional bids, and win jobs in no time. To help you opt for the ideal estimating software, a brief description of features, pros, cons, and customer reviews is also provided.
What You'll Learn
- 01Top 10 estimating software solutions for contractors and construction businesses
- 02Key features including takeoff, bidding, and cost estimation capabilities
- 03Pricing comparison from affordable to enterprise-level solutions
- 04Real user reviews and experiences with each platform
- 05How to choose the right estimating software for your business needs
How We Evaluated These Tools
Each estimating platform was assessed based on:
- Core Features: Estimate creation, takeoff capabilities, bid management, and proposal generation
- Ease of Use: Learning curve and interface design
- Pricing: Value for money across different plan tiers
- Integrations: Compatibility with accounting software and project management tools
- User Reviews: Aggregated ratings from G2, Capterra, and other platforms
Quick Comparison
At-a-Glance Comparison
| # | Software | Price | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | InvoiceOwl | $9.99/mo | 4.5 | Contractors & field service |
| 2 | STACK | $2,499/year | 4.0 | Takeoff calculations |
| 3 | ProEST | $5,000/year | 4.2 | Bidding & project management |
| 4 | Esticom | $139/mo | 4.1 | General contractors |
| 5 | Buildertrend | $399/mo | 4.0 | Home builders & remodelers |
| 6 | Clear Estimates | $59/mo | 4.3 | Small contractors |
| 7 | Contractor Foreman | $49/mo | 3.9 | Small companies |
| 8 | Sage Estimating | Contact sales | 4.1 | Large enterprises |
| 9 | SimPRO | $22/mo | 4.3 | Field sales teams |
| 10 | Buildxact | $149/mo | 4.5 | Small contractors & builders |
Jump to Software
InvoiceOwl
InvoiceOwl
Best Construction Estimating Software
InvoiceOwl helps contractor professionals create customized estimates instantly and get them converted into a lead. You can easily add costs, markup percentages, and any applicable discounts to get the summarized cost.
Among the range of free multiple estimate templates available, you can create as many estimates as you want with just a single tap. Additionally, you can send these estimates directly to the client's email address. The software also facilitates getting instant approvals, followed by the acceptance of upfront deposits.
Why users choose InvoiceOwl
- Generate personalized quotes and estimates with ease
- Use pre-designed estimates and invoice templates to create quick estimates and invoices
- Increase estimate approval speed by 3x, enabling customers to approve them within just a single click
- Get hassle-free document authorization through the instant e-signing feature
- Send estimates directly to the customer's email address for approval
- Online payments accepted through all major credit cards
- Manage up to five companies within a single InvoiceOwl account
- Get timely notifications about your dues with real-time invoice tracking
- Simplify daily bookkeeping operations by syncing with QuickBooks Online
- Send automated payment reminders by email based on selected date range
- Use online purchase order generator to quickly order supplies
InvoiceOwl is a game-changer for my business. I can effortlessly create estimates on-the-go and convert them to invoices. The eSign feature and online payments are seamless.
STACK
STACK
Efficient Takeoff Calculating & Construction Software
STACK is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating solution. The software enables users to quickly upload digital plans and calculate takeoff. Construction takeoff is the calculation of how much material will be required by the construction company to complete one particular job.
Along with benefiting from this, users can streamline the preconstruction process, winning more jobs and greater profitability. It even enables the users to incorporate tax, material, and labor costs, as well as any non-measured costs. The takeoff system then uses that information to help create the cost estimate for the job.
Pros
- Comprehensive training session provided by technical team
- Effortlessly load and navigate blueprints of projects
- Excellent customer support
- Cloud-based estimating capabilities allow remote work
Cons
- Restrictive pricing structure forces payment for unneeded features
- Restricts multiple logins on a single account
- Does not offer a free trial
- Limited integration options compared to competitors
- User interface is hard to navigate for cloud newcomers
Easy and fast to use. Very easy to train new estimators with this software.
My biggest issue is that sometimes it can run a bit sluggish when working with huge document sets.
ProEST
ProEST
Bidding Software & Project Management Tool
ProEST is one of the leading construction project management software and estimating tool. It is an ideal construction management software for contractors, general subcontractors, and civil constructors. However, because of the restricted integration with Excel, the software has its own spreadsheet and reporting templates.
The software is operationally focused to smoothen the bidding processes of the contractors. Because of the comprehensive set of capabilities, it can handle cost estimation, and digital takeoff as well as easy creation of reports or proposals.
Pros
- Extensive cost database for cost-savvy users
- Flexibility and freedom to customize the software
- Annual pricing model allows access for unlimited users
Cons
- Website lacks pricing information
- Very expensive compared to other competitors
- Difficulty in building custom assemblies from scratch
Proposal writing and summary reports got easy.
I would go home frustrated and feel like we made a mistake purchasing the product.
Esticom
Esticom
Construction Takeoff Software for General Contractors
Esticom works for faster takeoff operations, easy bid management, and efficient cost estimation for various construction projects. It promotes features like real-time access to business metrics and consistent updates about new bids or projects.
Because of its cloud-based takeoff and estimating capabilities, contractors can easily manage construction projects with real-time access to labor, pricing, plans, and material databases. It is ideal for all types of general contractors and small businesses in the construction industry, including painters, HVAC specialists, electrical contractors, and plumbers.
Pros
- Straightforward and intuitive user interface
- Good customer support
- Ready-to-use built-in templates with flexible customization
Cons
- Lack of customization over automatically generated quotes
- US dollar assemblies cannot easily be converted to CAD
- Cannot apply different percentage margins on labor side per line item
The cloud-based structure and easy-to-use functions made this software powerful.
The software does not allow you to apply different percentage margins on the labor side per line item. We can only do that on the material side.
Buildertrend
Buildertrend
Estimating Tool for Home Builders & Remodelers
Buildertrend is one of the popular estimating and bidding software. Right before the inception of the project (pre-construction process) till its completion, Buildertrend has a comprehensive suite of products under one single suite. For instance, bidding, estimating process, project management, project scheduling, field service, and more.
It allows users to create accurate construction estimates, bid on projects, manage leads, conduct email marketing campaigns, and generate invoices. However, takeoff capability is lacking here, and there are chances that it can be a dealbreaker for construction companies.
Pros
- Multiple products cover all activities from pre-construction to post-construction
- Dynamic internal communication hub for transparency and alignment
- Free cancellation month-to-month with no long-term commitments
Cons
- Limited set of features for efficient cost estimations
- Inability to auto-save data - closing program loses all data
- User interface is clunky, especially on the app
Buildertrend has extensive customization options through the use of custom fields, filters, and views. The system is straightforward to navigate.
The user interface is kind of clunky, especially on the app. Sometimes it is difficult to find stuff and the filters can get annoying.
Clear Estimates
Clear Estimates
Estimating Software for Small Contractors and Residential
Clear Estimates is an affordable construction estimating software program. It can be a good pick for small-scale contractors as pricing plans start from as low as $59/month. By using data from RemodelMAX, Clear Estimates aims to offer accurate and region-specific cost estimates for construction projects.
Unlike others, Clear Estimates solely focuses on construction estimating software cost and not on project management. However, to streamline the user experience, it provides smooth integration with Buildertrend (a project management tool) and QuickBooks (an accounting software).
Pros
- Clean user interface with easy understanding
- Affordable pricing model compared to other estimating solutions
Cons
- Essential functionalities like search, sort, or filter need improvement
- Does not automatically convert approved quotes/estimates into invoices
- Software has glitches - sometimes freezes and requires restart
Keeps me organized and on track, and I don't miss anything on quotes.
This doesn't have a simple feature to convert my quotes into itemized invoices once completed. If it had that feature, this would be all that I would need.
Contractor Foreman
Contractor Foreman
Construction Management Tool for Small Companies
Contractor Foreman is an efficient construction estimation software with a 30-day FREE trial option. The software has more than 20 powerful cost-estimating features and flexible integrations including the ability to create and send professional estimates.
This digital system is ideal for estimating, project management as well as staff scheduling, all at once. If this was not enough, their plus plan goes beyond the estimating facilities. This is because it offers three hours of free private training to the users for a smooth user experience.
Pros
- Cost-effective pricing tiers for small businesses on tight budgets
- Flexible key integrations with third-party software
- Excellent customer support ensuring help when needed
Cons
- Cannot create service tickets from estimate
- Inability to add multiple wage rates of employees
- Rigid structure does not allow easy customization
- Online chat sends email instead of real-time response
It's a great app, it's user-friendly, and the customer support is super responsive.
Software has a rigid structure that does not allow you to easily customize. The online chat is not what an online chat is. It sends you an email, to which you might get an answer within 6-24 hr which didn't work to resolve issues or get answers on time.
Sage Estimating
Sage Estimating
Estimating Software for Large Enterprises
Sage Estimating is a comprehensive cost-estimating solution that focuses on improving the bid-to-win ratio. This advanced pre-construction bidding solution assists the users in creating accurate project estimates.
The estimating capabilities of the software are further extended by integrated BIM, project history, and benchmarking, as well as electronic takeoff capabilities. However, it should be noted that Sage focuses on providing an extensive set of features rather than user-friendliness.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature-rich capabilities for various estimating operations
- Easily integrates with other software for smooth data sharing
Cons
- Expensive initial investment, maintenance, and subscription fees
- Complicated user interface with steep learning curve
- Takes too much time to set up a project
Building an estimate framework is quick and easy. The database can be tailored to suit the needs of your specific niche or core work type.
It takes too much time to set up a project. I felt the interface was very clunky and could use some improvement to streamline the project setup.
SimPRO
SimPRO
Project Management Software Solution for Field Sales
SimPRO is an overall job management solution serving users with a wide range of products. It allows construction businesses to generate multiple quotes, manage inventory, communicate with technicians, or streamline accounting.
The software can turn out to be an excellent choice for those who rely entirely on their field staff members. With mobile capabilities, field sales people will be easily able to create and deliver estimates in no time even while being on the road. This flexibility will remove the unnecessary time lag being faced in the old traditional estimation process.
Pros
- Simple user interface and intuitive design for quick adaptation
- Comprehensive job management from lead generation to getting paid
Cons
- Lack of transparency over pricing structure
- No free trial restricts testing before purchase
- App will not automatically refresh - requires manual updates
- Implementation can cost thousands of dollars
Customer support is always available when we need them and is extremely easy to work with.
The app will not automatically refresh itself so every time when there is a change you will need to have all your staff update their app. Also, for expenses you need to be prepared for implementation to cost thousands of dollars.
Buildxact
Buildxact
Takeoff Solution for Small Contractors and Builders
Buildxact is one among the impressive construction estimating software tools, that caters to the construction management needs of small contractors, residential builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. It has its own pre-built templates, price list imports, intuitive user interface, built-in takeoff functionality, and a streamlined estimating process.
It is one of the all-rounded products. This is because it holds the capabilities to address various construction management functionalities such as takeoff, project scheduling, construction accounting, etc.
Pros
- Price list can be easily imported
- User interface is easy to understand
- 14-day free trial period available
- Fantastic support team
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations
- Software lags when using scheduling feature too quickly
- Pay for many functions that may not be used
The product was easy to use. Uploading your company logo for branding was easy. This program is backed up by fantastic support which I accessed.
Probably like most programs, it has a lot of functions that we have to pay for, but do not use.
How to Choose the Right Estimating Software
Consider these factors when making your decision:
By Business Type
- Small Contractors: Look for affordable, easy-to-use options (InvoiceOwl, Clear Estimates, Buildxact)
- Home Builders & Remodelers: Consider comprehensive solutions (Buildertrend, Buildxact)
- General Contractors: Look for takeoff and bidding capabilities (STACK, Esticom)
- Field Service Teams: Mobile-first options work well (InvoiceOwl, SimPRO)
- Large Enterprises: Enterprise-grade solutions (Sage Estimating, ProEST)
By Budget
- Budget-friendly: InvoiceOwl ($9.99/mo), SimPRO ($22/mo), Contractor Foreman ($49/mo)
- Mid-range: Clear Estimates ($59/mo), Esticom ($139/mo), Buildxact ($149/mo)
- Premium: Buildertrend ($399/mo), STACK ($2,499/year), ProEST ($5,000/year)
Must-Have Features
- Customizable estimate templates for professional proposals
- Cloud storage capabilities to prevent data loss
- Instant approval capabilities for estimates
- Digital signature functionality
- In-app emailing for hassle-free sharing
- Automatic conversion of approved estimates to invoices
- Easy acceptance of upfront deposits
Ready to Streamline Your Estimating?
Join thousands of contractors using InvoiceOwl to create professional estimates and win more jobs.
Try Free for 3 DaysFrequently Asked Questions
The top construction estimating software that can transform and streamline your manual way of generating quotes includes:
- InvoiceOwl
- Clear Estimates
- SimPRO
- Sage Estimating
- Buildertrend
- STACK
- ProEST
- Esticom
- Contractor Foreman
- PlanSwift
With the help of takeoff software integration, construction companies or residential contractors create cost estimates or project bids. It is basically a detailed inventory of all the materials, labor, and other resources required to complete a construction project.
Yes, by integrating software like InvoiceOwl, you can track the status of the estimates. You can clearly ask for instant approvals once the estimates are sent. Later you can categorize those estimates into the type of approved, rejected, or pending. These estimates can even be automatically converted into invoices once approved.
Yes, appropriately choosing the best-estimating software like InvoiceOwl can help you lock in jobs instantly. Simply get the approvals of the estimates and accept the upfront deposit to get started with the software.
Yes, STACK is a cloud-based management software. Hence it can be easily accessible anytime and from anywhere.
Yes, you can freely create unlimited customized estimates and invoices using InvoiceOwl's free online estimating generator and invoice generator. Pre-designed estimate and invoicing templates are also available, where you can generate as many estimates and invoices as you want. You can even modify the pre-designed templates from the multiple options available. Even the option to preview the estimate/invoice, followed by downloading it in PDF format is available.
You can send project estimates in two ways: First via e-mail and second through SMS.
To opt for the best-estimating software here are some of the points that you should consider:
- Multiple estimate templates should be available
- Cloud storage capabilities should be provided so that there is no need to worry about data loss
- Leverage to instantly approve the estimates and invoices should be there, right within the software
- The software should be flexible enough to let you sign digitally
- In-app emailing should be provided for hassle-free sharing of the estimates
- Accepted estimates should get automatically converted into an invoice
- Easy acceptance of upfront deposits should be there for securing jobs instantly in one click
Conclusion
These detailed listings of estimating software will help you make an informed decision about which software you should head forward with. Acknowledging the features, pros, cons, and reviews of them will help you better decide which estimating software best aligns with your specific construction business requirements.
The best estimating software depends on your specific needs:
- For contractors and field service: InvoiceOwl offers mobile-first estimating with quick estimate-to-invoice conversion
- For takeoff calculations: STACK provides comprehensive digital takeoff capabilities
- For small contractors on a budget: Clear Estimates and InvoiceOwl offer affordable solutions
- For comprehensive project management: Buildertrend and SimPRO cover the full construction lifecycle
- For large enterprises: Sage Estimating and ProEST provide advanced bidding and estimating features
However, trying and testing the software before making a purchase can save your time, energy, and resources. So, to start with sign up for InvoiceOwl's 3 days free trial offer. This free trial period will help you better understand InvoiceOwl, the range of features it has, its user-friendliness as well as the affordable pricing tiers with attractive discount offers.
