Building estimating program

Amongst its digital takeoff features, it's common for construction estimating software to allow you to upload a blueprint of the proposed project, usually as a CAD or BIM file, that you can edit within the software. A mobile version of the estimating program is especially helpful during the construction phase, particularly if you're onsite often. You'll be able to quickly access estimate information directly from your phone or tablet to make quick decisions during building. Software that is compatible with both iOS and Android can increase connectivity and communication throughout your team and improve your overall workflow.

A few of the programs we reviewed are part of larger suites of construction software that integrate with each other. Other programs in these suites include construction management, accounting and scheduling software. We looked at each product's compatibility with programs construction companies commonly use, such as Intuit QuickBooks for accounting and Microsoft Excel for various spreadsheets.

These bundles undoubtedly come at a higher price, but depending on your needs, it could be worth it to purchase a complete suite of tools. The cloud is the most practical and secure way to process and store your estimate data. There are three main categories of cloud construction : infrastructure as a service IaaS , platform as a service PaaS and software as a service SaaS.

IaaS and PaaS are larger solutions for IT operations, while SaaS is the easiest way to get the most out of cloud computing with little investment. Most SaaS solutions focus on the construction industry and are prevalent in estimation programs that offer solid cloud construction.

According to the McKinsey Global Institute, the construction industry is among the least digitized , next to the agriculture and hunting industry. Your construction business can't afford to turn a blind eye to digital trends like cloud hosting. While some programs are easier to learn than others, construction estimating software can still be complicated to properly operate, so tutorial material should be readily available.

Many of the companies have extensive training materials on their websites and even host remote seminars or in-person training classes, sometimes at an extra cost. With numerous estimation software programs on the market, choosing the right one may be difficult.

Various programs may offer similar features but different solutions, and the reputation and growth of a particular estimation software company could also impact your choice.

Three common types of construction estimators are electrical, HVAC and plumbing. As the names suggest, electrical estimators calculate the projected costs in electrical projects; an HVAC estimator considers the cost of heating, ventilation and air conditioning in a proposed project; and plumbing estimators calculate the costs of materials and labor for plumbing projects.

Some estimators offer better support for these industries, while some offer better support in fields like design or floor planning. Our search for the best construction estimation software began with searching business and review websites, and then we explored the entire industry for a fuller view. We compiled this information into a list of more than 30 companies, adding estimation software we've previously reviewed as well as new software we hadn't yet researched.

We then visited each company's website, studying support resources such as knowledgebases, how-to guides, articles and blogs, and video tutorials when available. Eventually, we narrowed our list down to 11 finalists. To determine our best picks, we looked for companies that provide the best features and offer competitive pricing. We realize that affordability is a top priority, especially if you're a startup or small business.

We wanted to find companies with low monthly fees, superb cloud construction, and great training and support. We also considered how long it takes to request a quote and set up an account, and whether a contract is necessary.

Although most construction estimation software offers more than one way of connecting to your estimate data, for this review we focused on mobile access and companies that support both iOS and Android.

A: Construction estimating software estimates the cost of your business's projects. With features like easy payment tracking and scheduling, estimation software can increase workflow fluidity and allow you to throw away your old spreadsheets.

Estimation software saves you time by connecting your team and centralizing all tasks and projects in one location. This increases ease of use and allows real-time access to your online database.

A: Estimation software can help contractors, architects, engineers, and even designers in some fields, such as landscape, interior design, and service. Most estimation software is marketed to contractors, but depending on the features of the software and the type of construction work you do, it could be of great use for you and your team.

If your business tends to make frequent cost-based adjustments and estimates, then estimation software can improve and simplify your workspace. A: Make sure the software integrates with the important programs you already use. For example, software that allows you to import and export data to and from Microsoft Excel can make sharing information simpler.

A cost database is another important element of construction estimating software. These databases help you estimate the cost of items once you import takeoff information. Takeoff software allows contractors and project managers to create a material takeoff and estimate the total costs of a project.

Cost projections and project procedures are more accurate as a result. A: Construction is one of the least digitized industries on the planet. With construction estimating software, your business can ditch manual ways of tracking estimates and store the data in the cloud. This can increase productivity and improve communication between contractors and buyers. Looking for the best construction software? We have easy-to-read, expert unbiased reviews, and feature comparisons of the best and cheapest programs.

Best Overall. Visit Site. Free demo. Unlimited users. Accounting integrations. Best for Cloud. Platform-based pricing. No contract or setup fee. Best Inexpensive. Free plan. Student discount.

Unlimited training and support. How We Decided. Our team spends weeks evaluating dozens of business solutions to identify the best options.

To stay current, our research is regularly updated. Pricing is greatly reduced for the first two months, giving you time to learn the software before paying the full rate. Your dedicated implementation coach schedules coaching calls with you to help you get the most value from the software.

Though the company offers a demo and a reduced rate for two months, there is no free trial. Pricing CoConstruct charges a monthly fee based on how many projects you are working on and the included features. This plan is available via web and mobile. The Plus plan also features optional client visibility and full collaboration via messages, files, and photos; you can grant your trade partners mobile access to assignments and files. CoConstruct Pros CoConstruct provides numerous features that benefit your clients and team members.

Streamlined Bidding The software has end-to-end integration to make detailed bid requests, trade communication, and estimate updates faster and more accurately. Mobility With its mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, CoConstruct provides access to your team, clients and trades from anywhere.

CoConstruct Cons While CoConstruct has nearly everything we looked for in construction estimation software, it lacks some of the integrations we looked for. Customer Support To test the level of service CoConstruct offers, we contacted the company by phone, posing as a small business owner interested in its software.

MeasureSquare: Best for Cloud. Plans are platform-based, which may save you money if you work exclusively on an iPad or Android tablet. The software focuses on floor planning and design only; if your business specializes in other areas, you should consider other software.

Pricing MeasureSquare is an estimation software app focused on flooring. Features: The features offered in the multifamily edition include importing PDF floor plans, setting duplicated units, organizing product options by tabs, estimating by the unit or project, auto optimizing waste and seam layouts, and quoting with unit pricing options. This edition also allows you to create tile patterns with any shape of tile.

In the commercial edition, you get all of the multifamily edition features plus batch importing, stagger cuts to manage installation, randomizing tile layouts by percentages, exporting commercial bidding templates to Excel and estimating product usage via installation phases. If you buy the annual billing option, you get two months free annual billing.

A inch screen is recommended. Features: The features offered in Retail on iPad include floor type, add-ons, and labor estimation, phone and web support, and onsite support. This edition also allows you to measure with Disto and Bosch lasers, assign products in real time, generate seam diagrams and cut sheet instantly. You can send professional quotes. With the multifamily edition, you receive all the features in the retail edition plus single-page PDF imports and takeoffs.

This edition also allows you to set duplicated units. Both editions provide two months free if you purchase the annual plan. System requirements: The system requirements for this plan are iPad 4 and above, and iOS 10 and above.

Talk with a Software Expert…. Construction Estimating Software Get the best construction estimating software for your business. Get a free consultation from an independent system expert. Get Recommendations. Popular Products No products found. ProEst is a top construction estimating software that allows you to create bids in half of the time as other options—letting your cost estimators win you more bids than ever before. ProEst can be used by a variety of businesses—including large civil….

Price Range. Clear Estimates is the easiest tool for contractors looking to make professional proposals in minutes instead of hours. A database of over 10, pre-loaded parts includes labor and materials costs specific to your area for added accuracy. The parts and…. Estimating Link. Estimating Link is a sophisticated estimating software application ideal for both state and private work in heavy highway, environmental, bridges, site-work, railroad and civil projects.

RSMeans Data Online from Gordian is an online construction cost estimating software with a large construction cost database available in a variety of formats. The solution provides level of cost detail unit price, assemblies, and square foot models …. STACK is an all-in-one solution for a better estimating and preconstruction process. Drive maximum efficiency and improve project profitability using the industry-leading, cloud-based software.

STACK is designed to be your centralized hub for planroom…. Buildxact is an easy-to-use estimating and construction management software designed for managing estimates, purchasing, and scheduling from your phone or in the office.

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Book a demo 14 Day free trial. View all Features. Get on top of jobs Be confident of job progress and get a clear understanding of income and expenses with the smart financial dashboard within our management software. Coordinate your sub-contractors with easy, automated email and SMS scheduling to send reminders of tasks that are due.

Access Buildxact from anywhere; on-site, in the office, at home, or on the road. Easy to use, easy to get started Get help when and where you need it. Intuitive and straightforward software with everything you need to manage your construction business.