The success of construction projects lies behind accurate estimates because estimates need keen calculations. It is not easy to tackle it without the required material quantity, costs, and expenses to calculate. The best estimation software supports builders and general contractors create estimates, schedules and bids.
Manually, it is not possible and lengthens the duration of working. Inaccuracy leads to significant issues not only for owners but also for clients and contractors.
software makes construction work more manageable and less time-consuming. With the applications, we can quickly do estimates and prepare bids. This helps solve budget problems and reduces the chances of inaccurate calculations.
Here, we’ve made a list of the five best software for estimation, which you can use to start winning jobs quickly!
5 Best Estimation Software
Here is an overview of all the tools that can assist you in your projects.
PlanSwift Construction Estimating Software
PlanSwift is a digital, smooth, and easy takeoff estimating software. It is suitable for any construction project, whether industrial or residential. It supports PDF, TIF, and DWG format projects. You can scale your drawings manually or use a pre-defined scale in PlanSwift and count the items without missing a step. This makes the calculations a breeze; you can do what you need.
The key points:
- Accurate
- Boost profit
- Time-saving
- Economical
- Efficacy
With its Point and Click feature, you can takeoff items within seconds to calculate the estimates quickly using the Drag and Drop option. To proceed, it generates an Excel sheet. The most significant feature is the user-friendliness. You can achieve accuracy in calculations to avoid loss of cost and think about your time-saving. Everything happens in a blink.
You can estimate landscapes, plumbing, drywall, and more by using PlanSwift Plugins and can start your free trial for 14 days.
You can get the PlanSwift Professional software at $1595, including updates and support. It is also providing one-in-one three hours of professional training at $300, where you can learn the functioning of this software. You can install it on Windows with 4GB RAM.
Bluebeam Estimation Software
Bluebeam is a takeoff software that seamlessly assists users in taking off, organizing, and collaborating with PDF files. It helps them to convert the documents into PDF format. You can manage the project details in one place. Estimators, architects, project managers, VDC, BMI directors, and CIOs primarily need them. It helps to import PDF files from Revit, Sketchup, and Navisworks.
It maintained the construction workflow and preserved them for future use. Besides, to markup PDF files, you can also compare the two data. It helps to make custom markups allowing the files to upload and share with the others. It is giving a 30-day free trial.
You can install it on Windows 7, 7.8, 8.1, and 10 and can purchase the Bluebeam at $349. It does not provide any professional training except live chat and documentation. It also supports Mac OS, Cloud, SaaS, and more.
The Bluebeam software products include:
- Bluebeam Revu for PDF to create, edit and markup.
- Bluebeam Vu for PDF operates on the iPad and Windows.
- Bluebeam Vu iPad.
- The studio server for users uses Bluebeam Studio.
Esticom Estimating Software
Esticom is a cloud-based, on-screen, real-time construction and project estimation software. It’s web software; you do not need to download it and can access it from any device. It adds more value to the construction work making bidding, projects, and quantity takeoff in no time. It increases profit and wins projects quickly. By speeding up the process, you can create and save project templates in less time.
You can quickly figure out all the project details, estimation, and cost of quantities by putting them in one place. You can access Esticom by creating an account and using it more manageably. Unlike other software, there is no need to transfer data into Excel or estimating software. All the data will be integrated into one place with Esticom.
The key features include:
- Plumbing estimation
- HVAC estimation
- Projects analytics
- Project management
- Account integration
A 14-day free trial allows you to experience its features without a credit card. You can buy for a year at $1299 per estimator per year, including support and training. You can also purchase a monthly plan at $139 per estimator per month with support and training. All this starts with a free trial. Support is provided through video tutorials and documentation to help you familiarize yourself with Esticom features.
STACK: Cloud-Based Estimating and Takeoff Software
STACK is a cloud-based platform designed for estimating and takeoffs, perfect for contractors looking to optimize workflows remotely. It enables real-time collaboration, reducing project estimation time.
Features include:
- Cloud access for remote use and team collaboration
- Pre-built templates for fast estimates
- Integration with takeoff tools to minimize errors and streamline bid creation
It is ideal for small to mid-sized contractors who need an affordable, user-friendly, and highly accessible tool to improve bid accuracy. STACK is also paid but offers flexible plans. Pricing typically starts with a free version for smaller contractors, while premium plans range from $2,499 to $4,999 annually, depending on the number of users and features needed.
Sage Estimating: Powerful Construction Estimation Software
Sage Estimating is a robust tool tailored for complex construction projects. It integrates seamlessly with BIM (Building Information Modeling) and takeoff software, offering cost forecasting and access to extensive cost databases. This makes it ideal for companies needing detailed cost breakdowns.
Key features include:
- Cost forecasting and budgeting
- Project takeoff integration for streamlined estimating
- Compatibility with Sage’s cloud suite for project management and payment tracking
This software suits large-scale construction firms looking to manage costs with precision and real-time data. It is paid software, and while it doesn’t publicly list fixed pricing, costs generally depend on the specific package, number of users, and additional services required (such as cloud integration and add-ons). Interested users need to contact Sage for a custom quote.
Key Takeaways:
- Precise estimates are essential to successful project execution.
- Software options like PlanSwift, Bluebeam, and Esticom offer time-saving, scalable tools for cost estimation and takeoff.
- Cloud-based and desktop solutions serve various project sizes and needs.
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FAQs
RIB CostX is a comprehensive costing platform integrating takeoff, estimating, and carbon tracking into one system. BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology streamlines quantity takeoffs, making them more accurate and efficient. Construction professionals widely use CostX to handle 2D and 3D designs, allowing for precise project cost estimation while enhancing project control and minimizing errors throughout construction.
