Construction activities need construction estimates & takeoffs, and preparing these requires construction estimation software. These are instrumental as digital estimation practices are the order of the day. Thus, anyone related, whether you are an estimator or a client to an estimator, should learn about the efficient options in the market. To help with it, the article will present a brief introduction of the 20 best construction estimating software available today.
What Is construction estimating services Software?
Construction estimation is the process of measuring the possible requirements from the drawings to deliver construction estimating services. Previously, the standard practice was manual, i.e., experts who would use manual tools to estimate the details. With time, digital tools come into use, and complete software products for this purpose are developed. Today, commonly regarded best construction estimating software products include:
- PlanSwift
It exists as an all-around tool for preparing takeoff & estimating services for different construction trades with a 14-day trial and an annual subscription of 2000 US dollars. It manages 2d plans drawings to deliver accurate measurements. PlanSwift has been available to the public for use since 2007 as a cloud-based option.
- Bluebeam
This software solution comes as “Bluebeam Revu” for offline desktop and “Bluebeam Cloud” for web and mobile usage. Bluebeam offers three packages, i.e., Basics, Core, & Complete, at 260, 330, & 440 US Dollars. This allows its users to manage 2D & 2D designs with a PDF product.
- Trimble
This is an MEP estimation tool that facilitates 2D graphical takeoffs and estimates for MEP systems. This tool, Trimble Estimation MEP, is available at 1950 US Dollars for annual usage. This comes with complete handling for MEP requirements.
- RS Means
It is an online cloud tools is mainly used for its cost estimation through its online data. For this, the product comes with Core, Complete, and Complete Plus at 396, 1019, and 5973 dollars. RS Means is used by combining with other estimation tools.
- Xactimate
This is a specialized estimating tool designed to facilitate damage repair claims, i.e, Xactimate services. The software Xactimate is available in all three platforms, i.e., offline for desktop, cloud for online, and iOS/Android for mobile/tablet.
- FastPIPE
As such, this estimating tool is specifically designed to estimate piping applications for plumbing, piping, and mechanical systems. FastPIPE can be used at a one-time purchasing cost of 4,995 US Dollars or on a monthly lease of 250 US Dollars. Once acquired, it is used as a cloud-based software.
- FastDUCT
Like the previous one, FastDUCT is a specialized tool for estimating ducting usage for MEP and HVAC systems as a cloud-based online software. Since it is a product of the same developer firm, it is available at one time for 4,995 US Dollars or monthly for 250 US Dollars.
- Quest
It is a cloud-based estimating software by Trimble that offers multiple users to work with team collaboration. Moreover, Quest comes with cost libraries and on-site progress tracking to help with effective bidding and budgeting.
- STACK
This is an AI-powered & cloud-based estimating solution, which can be availed on a monthly basis at 249 USD for the premium package and 299 USD for the pro package. STACK provides for complete
- ProEst
This is a construction estimating product offering a complete range of estimating & takeoff services. ProEst operates a cloud-based option that can be subscribed to for 5,000 US Dollars a year.
- Clear Estimates
This software is primarily designed and marketed for demodeling purposes. Clear Estimates is available on a 30-day trial and on Standard, Pro, and Franchise options on a monthly and yearly basis, with yearly rates being more economical.
- Sage Estimating
It operates with AI-powered tools to estimate, which promotes better speed and accuracy for the final details. With this, Sage Estimating operates as a cloud-based platform and provides all sorts of estimating & takeoff services.
- Procore Estimating Software
This cloud-based estimating product is capable of handling 3D models to estimate constituent details. Procore Estimating Software comes with AI Auto Count to facilitate better quantities. It can be availed through a 14-day trial; the final subscription cost is offered as a custom offer.
- Buildxact
This software specializes in residential projects to facilitate the concerned clients with an AI-powered approach & updated pricing database. Buildxact offers Foundation, Pro, & Master packages on both monthly & annually options.
- Destini Estimator
It comes with various features such as 2D and 3D BIM services, a database for conceptual estimation, and collaboration with other tools. Destini Estimator also facilitates estimation speed through automation.
- CostX
It is capable of handling 2D & 3D drawings for the estimation process through the right tools, which come with it. CostX is AI-powered and includes cost libraries, which provide for its cloud-based usage for the better, while it charges variably for its subscription.
- CostOS
This is a cost estimating software that is capable of managing both 2D and 3D BIM services. CostOS allows multiple users due to its cloud-based interface and integrates with other software to provide for its database needs.
- WinEst
This software provides cost estimating & takeoff services as a combination through the included database and effective tools like assemblies, filters, etc. WinEst software does not come with a decided pricing chart.
- Estimator 360
This is an all-in-one estimating solution for contractors and builders. The software, Estimator 360, features templates & built-in tools to make estimation easy, even for mobile access for Contractors & Lumeryard, and Modular Builders packages.
- Access ConQuest
It is capable of providing automation from 2D and 3D drawings/models, alongside taking care of bidding at a good pace. On top of that, Access ConQuest works with other software products to deliver better results.
Conclusion
Various construction estimation software are available and used to prepare construction estimation services & others by the concerned experts. These software options are sorted and picked by those experts based on different criteria and features. For this, the article presents some information about prominent options.
FAQ
Should every expert pick from these estimating software?
While these are highly trusted options, as an expert, you can pick the option that fits your comfort & skill level the best. You should be able to deliver the right level of comprehensiveness and accuracy.
Does having more tools as an estimator make you better as part of our skillset?
Not necessarily. Although having the right software in your skill set can convince your possible clients, these tools do not necessarily comprise your original competency. If you can deliver the right results in construction takeoff services & other services, you become a good estimator or takeoff specialist.
