WinEst
2 Reviews 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★A cost estimation software for building contractors and construction professionals.
Product Overview
WinEst is a versatile estimating software designed for building construction clients globally. Previously sold as WinEstimator, WinEst offers the ability to manage and integrate detailed project estimates, enhancing productivity and efficiency in the cost-estimating process.
WinEst’s user-friendly interface simplifies tasks like estimating, cost-information gathering, bidding, and buying, thereby minimizing errors and saving time. It features customizable work-breakdown structures, filters, and standardized estimate templates, extending to labor and equipment rates.
Pros
- Uniformity and clarity in bids
- Customizable database items
- Supports simultaneous editing
Cons
- Counterintuitive controls
- Challenging data entry process
- Overwhelming number of tools
Target Market
Building construction clients, including both large and small firms. It caters to smaller regional builders, global general contractors, specialty contractors, facility owners, and public/government agencies. It suits organizations looking to standardize estimating across various project types or large construction portfolios.Not Recommended For
Businesses that require a simple, straightforward tool with a minimal learning curve. Due to its comprehensive features and the need for significant time investment to unlock its full potential, it may not be the best fit for small businesses or individuals seeking quick, easy-to-learn solutions.Video Overview
Tiers of WinEst
- WinEst eTEAM®:
- Collaborative estimating solution.
- Supports multiple estimators working simultaneously.
- Accessible over LAN/WAN and the Internet.
- WinEst Pro®:
- Essential for day-to-day A/E/C project cost estimating.
- Features a user-friendly ‘Cost Core Workspace’ interface.
- WinEst Pro PLUS®:
- Advanced version with detailed sophistication.
- Rapidly generates and shares precise cost data.
WinEst Essentials
WinEst Essentials is designed for estimators involved in various phases of the estimation process, including initial conceptual budgeting, project management, and specialty contracting. This subscription-based service equips professionals with the necessary tools to build profitable estimates and facilitates collaboration throughout pre-construction workflows.
This version is tailored to enhance precision and efficiency in the estimation process, ensuring that users can approach bid day with confidence and a competitive edge.
WinEst Essentials Key Features
- Historical Data Integration: Integrate all previous data and best practices to improve accuracy.
- Collaboration: Share estimate data and collaborate in real time with stakeholders via Trimble Connect.
- Interface: Has an easy-to-use interface that resembles Excel.
- eTakeoff: Included in the Essentials product, it syncs data between estimates and takeoffs to improve productivity.
Product Overview
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User Reviews of WinEst
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WinEst Review
Overall experience with this software was beyond expectations. The technical support, we needed it, was always reliable, and never failed to find a solution to what issues or organization was having. The company also provided training for our employees, which was a great benefit. Our support rep took time to get a feel for all organization and how it worked, and then based his training around our business model. It’s like a bicycle, the more you practice, the better you get. Next thing you know you’re doing jumps and tricks, maybe even show off here and there.
Pros
Has a number of sophisticated tools, which can be added/edited on two bars or your custom view. I used this program for our 10 years. The upgrades with new versions were, to me, easy to use and understand. The virtual takeoff has a limitations however, was reliable and easy to use. The data base that we purchased was of course editable. With the work breakdown structures made available by the software, our organization was then able to pre-organize items prior to to our estimates to help better have our estimate packages easily viewed in different formats for the different individuals/departments in our organization. Would recommend to any general contractor or government agency.
Cons
Picture recognition/image comparison may improve takeoff when using the virtual feature, however, that would be limited to mechanical and electrical trades. I’m sure. I can’t think of any kind of cons with this program. Tech-support is awesome, program is safe and reliable. 10 out of 10
If you are a Microsoft Excel user, this software is easy to learn and use
For a user that has used the software for over a decade, I am particular to this software. I am a power user and used almost every tool and ability. I do not have any problems with it, but that also may because I designed a company specific database. I know what is in the database and therefore I understand the tools better.
Pros
If you are a Microsoft Excel user, this software is easy to learn and use.
Cons
Database creation and installation can be a pain. Does not come with a database. It has to be created and installed.
