The Best Construction Estimating Software
We researched and reviewed the leading construction estimating systems and compared them for key features like digital takeoffs, material cost databases, and estimate-to-quote conversions.
- Easy to use and modern interface
- Free version available
- Unlimited takeoffs in paid version
- Uniformity and clarity in bids
- Customizable database items
- Supports simultaneous editing
- Frequent updates for fuel prices and other fluctuating costs.
- Responsive to software change requests.
- Allows elevation of estimator risk and aggressiveness.
Choosing the right construction estimating software is crucial for improving accuracy, increasing profits, and delivering winning bids. From basic costing tools to advanced 3D modeling systems, finding the right solution for your business is key. Below is a comparison of top options, highlighting features like digital takeoffs, material and labor databases, and seamless conversions from estimates to proposals.
| Product | Digital Takeoff Tools | Material Cost Database | Labor Cost Database | Estimate to Quote Conversion | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STACK | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Starts at $1,999/year |
| WinEST | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Requires Consultation |
| B2W Estimate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Requires Consultation |
| McCormick Pro | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Requires Consultation |
| WenDuct & WenPipe | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | Starts at $5,000 (one-time) |
| Houzz Pro | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | Requires Consultation |
- STACK: Best Overall
- WinEST: Best for Collaboration
- B2W Estimate: Best for Heavy Civil and Earthworks
- McCormick Pro: Best for Electrical Estimating
- WenDuct & WenPipe: Best for HVAC and Plumbing
- Houzz Pro: Best for Client Communication
STACK - Best Overall
STACK is a cloud-based construction software built for general contractors, specialty trades, and estimating firms to complete digital takeoffs and cost estimations. By allowing users to predefine assemblies with itemized materials, labor rates, and cost markups, STACK ensures that every estimate is completed quickly and turns a profit.
This construction estimating software includes a catalog of pre-built project templates to build estimates for common projects. Plus, its easy-to-use interface makes it simple to create your own custom assemblies for any unique requirements. You can reuse these templates across multiple projects, ensuring teams can scale their estimating process without wasting time recreating every proposal.
STACK also supports multiple types of trades with advanced takeoff tools like auto-count, which identifies repetitive items such as doors, windows, and outlets, and auto-fill, which applies measurements and quantities to flooring or drywall. These tools allow the system to easily adapt to a variety of projects, whether for roofing, electrical, or HVAC work.
Read our full review of STACK Takeoff and Estimating
WinEST - Best for Collaboration
WinEST is a comprehensive estimating system trusted globally by large and midsize builders and construction firms. WinEST integrates with Trimble’s eTEAM, a cloud platform allowing multiple team members to contribute and build estimates in real-time. eTEAM is available as an additional purchase or can be bundled with WinEST, providing flexibility based on your team’s needs. This eliminates the silos often found in estimating workflows by making sure that estimators, project managers, and procurement can all simultaneously access and update the same data.
The integration with eTEAM is particularly useful for large-scale projects or teams, where input from various departments and trades is critical. For example, material costs, labor details, and schedule adjustments can all be seamlessly incorporated into a single estimate, removing the need for teams to manually coordinate everyone. This real-time collaboration also ensures that teams can respond quickly to project changes, reducing bid or proposal delays.
WinEST also adheres to both CSI and MasterFormat standards, ensuring that your estimates align with industry-recognized frameworks and can support any project your firm might be working on.
Explore our complete WinEST review
B2W Estimate - Best for Heavy Civil and Earthworks
B2W is an estimating system offering advanced tools like cut-and-fill calculations and mass haul optimizations to improve accuracy and streamline workflows. It has been designed for heavy civil contractors who perform complex grading, excavation, and site preparation work.
With the automated cut-and-fill, B2W Estimate allows estimators to input topographic and grading data to instantly calculate the volume of material that needs to be excavated or added, eliminating the need for manual calculations. Integration with Trimble Business Center complements this by identifying the most efficient routes and methods for transporting materials across the site. By minimizing haul distances and fuel consumption, this tool helps contractors lower costs and keep projects on schedule.
For contractors working on infrastructure or government-funded projects, B2W Estimate supports DOT-compliant bidding. It includes a pre-loaded database of bid templates that automatically verify estimates are compliant with DOT standards. This feature is especially beneficial for companies regularly managing public-sector jobs, as it reduces the administrative burden of managing compliance.
Read our complete review on B2W Estimate
McCormick Pro - Best for Electrical Estimating
McCormick Pro by Foundation offers on-premise and cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored to electrical and trade contractors. It includes a large database of over 25,000 electrical assemblies and 55,000 items and an integrated digital take-off tool called Design Estimating Pro (DEP). This allows users to complete both takeoffs and generate estimates within the same platform, eliminating the need for multiple software packages and providing a single source of truth for all estimates.
The takeoff tool DEP simplifies the process by enabling users to mark up and measure plans digitally and then sync those quantities and measurements directly with McCormick’s cost estimation module. This feature is especially useful for electrical contractors when managing mid-sized and more complex projects with numerous circuits, fixtures, and wiring components that are traditionally counted or measured manually.
McCormick Pro’s particularly excels for commercial contractors, where you can save considerable time by utilizing the extensive electrical database of assemblies. For example, if you have a large commercial or industrial building with multiple plans, you can rely on the pre-built assemblies to generate estimates without starting from scratch for every component.
Additionally, McCormick simplifies pricing with a single monthly or annual package that includes both estimating and takeoff tools. This is unlike other leading systems like AccuBid, which requires the purchase of additional add-ons for the same functionality. While its auto-count filtering capabilities could benefit from minor improvements, simple workarounds make up for it for the average user.
WenDuct & WenPipe - Best for HVAC and Plumbing
WenDuct and WenPipe by Wendes are estimating software that provides material pricing, digital takeoff, and cost estimation tools for HVAC, plumbing, and sheet metal contractors. The system’s exclusive material pricing with Harrison Pricing Services allows contractors to receive real-time updated pricing directly from manufacturers and distributors.
Pulling this live data from Harrison and other suppliers like Ferguson and Allpriser can generate highly accurate estimates for ductwork, piping, and fittings directly from the source. And if your business works with local suppliers, WenDuct and WenPipe enable you to sync with your regional or home-town wholesale supplier to ensure you stay competitive with accurate and real-time pricing. This not only helps save time when building estimates but also helps contractors account for any fluctuations in material costs over time.
Additionally, the Wendes system comes preloaded with national labor rates from MCAA labor standards and allows contractors to build their own unique labor templates. Because the systems include so many comprehensive tools, smaller and service-based contractors might find WenDuct and WenPipe a bit too complex for the projects and estimates they bid on.
When compared to competitors like QuickPen and FastDUCT, WenDuct and WenPipe stand out for their supplier integrations and real-time pricing capabilities. While QuickPen offers a takeoff tool and FastDUCT has a user-friendly UI, neither matches the Wendes systems’ ability to combine material takeoff capabilities with an industry-specific material database.
Houzz Pro - Best for Client Communication
Houzz Pro offers an easy-to-use platform for creating estimates and converting them into professional proposals that clients can e-sign. Contractors begin by creating cost estimates from scratch or using one of Houzz Pro’s included templates. You can add items and materials from the built-in catalog and group estimates by room or trade category to keep things organized.
Once complete, you can quickly transform the estimate into a professional proposal ready to share with the client. Contractors can select what information to share with the client, including profit markups and labor rates. Houzz Pro’s portal lets contractors send the newly created proposal directly to the customer, who can review it and either deny or approve it with a binding eSignature.
The client portal also includes an integrated activity log tracking actions such as proposal views, approvals, and comments, providing contractors with valuable insights into client engagement and decision-making. By combining estimating and communication tools, contractors can minimize back-and-forth conversations and streamline the approval process, keeping projects on track.
Read our complete review on Houzz Pro
Systems We Don’t Recommend
QuickBooks Online is a popular accounting software, but it falls short when needed to create detailed construction estimates. It lacks key features like trade-specific cost databases, takeoff tools, and real-time pricing integrations, limiting its usefulness for contractors who require detailed estimating.
What is Construction Estimating Software?
Construction estimating software is designed to simplify the calculation of construction project costs for contractors, architects, estimators, and project managers. It helps determine the quantities and costs of the materials, labor, and equipment required to complete a project.
Modern construction estimating systems replace traditional Excel databases or even manual methods. These platforms automatically calculate costs based on historical and industry pricing data, standardize the estimate process, and help avoid costly errors associated with over or under-estimating projects. From small residential jobs to large-scale commercial builds, estimating software is a critical tool for delivering competitive bids and increasing profitability.
Key Features
| Feature | Definition |
|---|---|
| Digital Takeoff | Allows users to import project blueprints and perform measurements directly on-screen, streamlining the process of calculating material quantities. |
| Material Cost Database | A preloaded or customizable library of material prices, ensuring accurate and up-to-date pricing for project estimates. |
| Labor Cost Database | A library of labor rates, including subcontractor pricing, to provide precise calculations for workforce costs. |
| Integration | Compatibility with other software, such as project management, accounting, and scheduling tools, to streamline workflows and data sharing. |
| Templates | Prebuilt estimate templates that standardize processes, reduce setup time, and ensure project consistency. |
| Estimate to Quote Conversion | Automatically converts detailed cost estimates into polished, client-facing proposals, saving time and ensuring professional bid submissions. |
| Collaboration Tools | Enables multiple team members to access, edit, and review estimates in real-time, fostering teamwork and reducing miscommunication. |
| Customization | Options to tailor templates, workflows, and fields to fit the specific needs of a project or business. |
| Mobile Access | Provides access to estimates and project data via mobile devices, enabling flexibility and real-time updates for field and remote teams. |
Primary Benefits
Construction estimating software includes a variety of benefits:
Improve Accuracy and Reduce Errors
Construction estimating programs help reduce manual errors and provide accurate cost estimates for construction companies. Even a small error in an estimate can result in missing out on projected profit or, even worse, losing an entire project due to an incomplete bid.
A software program will automate the complex and often error-prone calculations needed to determine project costs. It provides accurate, up-to-date cost databases to avoid over or underestimating projects. If estimates lack details or information, most systems will alert the estimator to make a change or review.
- Automates complex calculations and minimizes manual errors.
- Provides access to up-to-date material and labor cost data.
- Standardizes estimates for consistency and compliance.
Digital Take-offs
Traditional takeoff methods using paper blueprints or manual measurements are time-consuming and prone to human errors. Digital takeoff tools modernize this process and enable estimators to perform precise measurements and counts from digital plans.
Construction estimating software that includes digital takeoff capabilities will allow estimators to simply upload project PDFs for CAD files. Once uploaded, you can easily measure lengths for piping or wiring, calculate the volume for earthworks, or measure surface area for carpenters or painters. AutoCounting tools, which automatically count common items from blueprints, completely change how you complete estimates, as you no longer have to meticulously count everything by hand.
- Enables precise measurement directly from digital blueprints.
- Links takeoff data directly to real-time cost databases.
- Provides access to takeoffs anywhere you can access your software.
Faster Estimates
In the competitive construction industry, speed matters. Getting estimates and bids out quickly can make the difference between securing a project or losing it to a competitor. General contractors and owners often evaluate multiple bids, and delayed submissions can make you appear less prepared or less interested in a project. Getting accurate estimates out fast not only increases the likelihood of winning bids but also allows contractors to respond to and bid on more opportunities.
Estimating software significantly speeds up the estimating process by automating recurring and repetitive tasks such as creating a job; these platforms reduce manual data entry and counting and provide access to real-time material pricing data. Instead of building every new bid from scratch, estimators can use prebuilt templates to generate professional and accurate estimates in a fraction of the time.
- Prebuilt templates streamline estimate setup and creation.
- Automated material take-offs and labor calculations reduce manual work.
- Faster estimate completions allow for more opportunities.
Better Collaboration
Accurate estimates require collaboration and teamwork between estimators, project managers, procurement teams, and company leadership. Miscommunication and lack of alignment during the estimating phase of a project can lead to inaccurate budgets, unapproved costs, and missed opportunities. Construction bidding software helps eliminate these issues by centralizing project and estimate data and ensuring all relevant team members have access to the same information.
In addition to improving the initial estimating process, better collaboration helps manage change orders. Estimators can quickly adjust costs or materials, and project managers and procurement teams can review and approve the updates automatically without any delays.
- Delivers centralized estimate and project data to key team members.
- Provides real-time updates so everyone works using the latest project information.
- Streamlines the review and approval process to simplify the change order process.
Types of Estimating Software
The right type of estimating software will depend on your company’s unique requirements, including your specific workflows, prioritized features, and the level of control or flexibility you require from a system. Below are three of the main types of estimating software to consider.
Cloud-Based Systems
A cloud-based estimating software is hosted online through a browser or an online application. Cloud-based systems offer significant accessibility and flexibility as estimators can access data from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it the ideal choice for teams that work across multiple locations or have remote employees. Cloud systems also typically allow for automatic updates and backups to ensure you’re always using the latest features without any manual or IT assistance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessible from anywhere with internet | Relies on stable internet connectivity |
| Automatic updates and backups | May require ongoing subscription fees |
| Ideal for remote teams or multi-location use | Potential concerns about data security |
On-Premise Software
On-premise software, or locally installed software as it’s often called, is installed and operated on your company’s own servers or devices. This offers greater control over the data and security for companies with strict privacy requirements or those operating in areas with unreliable connectivity. Traditionally, vendors primarily offered on-premise systems, but options have dropped over the last few years as more developers release cloud solutions. On-premise systems require more of an upfront investment and ongoing IT support for self-hosting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full control over data and security | Higher upfront costs for hardware and setup |
| Does not rely on internet connectivity | Requires ongoing IT support and maintenance |
| Suitable for companies with strict privacy needs | Limited scalability compared to cloud systems |
Specialized and General Systems
Some estimating software is designed for specific industries, such as plumbing and HVAC, electrical contracting, or heavy civil and earthworks, while other systems offer more generalized functionality and cost databases.
General Estimating Systems: These systems provide flexible and adaptable cost databases and templates suitable for multiple trades or projects. They are best for contractors who work on multiple project types or trades and do not require specialized tools.
Specialized Estimating Systems: These platforms target specific industries and offer industry-specific tools, cost databases, and workflows. A few examples of industry-specific systems are listed below:
- Earthworks Estimating Software: Handles cut-and-fill calculations, soil volume analysis, and GPS or drone data integration for accurate excavation cost forecasting.
- Electrical Estimating Software: Focuses on circuit takeoffs, labor estimates for wiring, and cost databases for electrical components like breakers and panels.
- Flooring Estimating Software: Calculates material waste and area coverage;includes visualization tools for flooring patterns and tile layouts.
- HVAC Estimating Software: Estimates ductwork and equipment costs, integrates manufacturer catalogs, and accounts for energy efficiency requirements in projects.
- Remodeling Estimating Software: Targets demolition and renovation upgrades; includes templates for kitchen, bathroom, and other common remodeling projects.
- Plumbing Estimating Software: Focuses on pipe installations and fixture costs; handles underground piping or complex layouts in commercial buildings.
Pricing Guide
Construction estimating software prices vary significantly based on the level of features and capabilities required. While investing in a software package might seem like a luxury for bigger firms, it can save significant time, reduce errors, and give your team the chance to win more opportunities.
Basic Estimating Software: Ideal for small contractors or businesses just starting out. Typically focused on essential features such as basic takeoffs, simple cost tracking, and prebuilt templates.
- Pricing ranges from $100 to $200 per user per month or a one-time cost of $1,000 to $5,000 for perpetual licenses.
Standard Estimating Software: Suitable for growing companies or contractors handling more complex projects. Include features like integration with accounting tools, digital takeoff tools, and industry-specific cost databases.
- Pricing typically falls between $200 to $400 per user per month, with options for annual subscriptions.
Enterprise Estimating Software: Designed for large construction firms or companies with complex needs. Features streamlined integrations, collaboration tools, and 3D modeling capabilities.
- Pricing for enterprise systems can start at $500 per user per month and scale up to $1,000 or more per user per month, depending on customizations and the number of users.
