10 Best Construction Estimating Software Programs of 2024

The construction industry continues to embrace technological advancements – especially when it comes to estimating software. Accurate and efficient construction estimates are crucial for project planning, budgeting and cash flow forecasting. From Drywall Estimating, to Millwork Estimating, the right construction estimating software can significantly streamline this process, reduce errors, and save valuable time. 

Today we’ll talk about the top 10 construction estimating software programs of 2024, providing insights into their key features, ideal users, pros and cons, and why they stand out.

Quick Summary

10 Best Construction Estimating Software Programs

Software Name	Key Features	Ideal For
PlanSwift	Digital takeoffs, drag-and-drop functionality, integration with CAD software	Contractors needing accurate digital takeoffs
Buildxact	Cloud-based access, real-time updates, user-friendly interface	Small to medium-sized businesses
RedTeam	Project management tools, collaboration features, mobile access	General contractors
Contractor Foreman	Comprehensive tools, affordable pricing, integrates with accounting software	Small contractors
UDA ConstructionOnline	Project collaboration, QuickBooks integration, robust reporting	Teams needing collaboration tools
Clear Estimates	Cost databases, easy-to-use interface, designed for residential contractors	Residential contractors
Sage Estimating	Customizable, integrates with Sage 300, supports large projects	Enterprise-level projects
Estimate by Warhive	Innovative features, user-friendly, affordable	Startups and small businesses
Intellibid	Electrical industry focus, detailed cost databases, easy bid management	Electrical contractors
Conwize	Cloud-based, excellent for tendering, collaborative tools	Tendering processes

#1 PlanSwift

PlanSwift Key Functionality: 

PlanSwift offers powerful digital takeoff capabilities with drag-and-drop functionality. It integrates seamlessly with CAD software, allowing for precise measurements and cost estimations. This tool helps contractors quickly generate accurate bids, reducing manual errors and saving time on project estimates.

Pros:

• Accurate digital takeoffs
• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
• Integration with CAD software

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for new users
• Higher initial cost

Best for: Contractors needing accurate digital takeoffs

Why it’s on our list: 

PlanSwift is renowned for its precision and ease of use in digital takeoffs, making it an invaluable tool for contractors looking to improve accuracy and efficiency in their estimating processes.

#2 Buildxact

Buildxact Key Functionality: 

Buildxact provides cloud-based access with real-time updates, making it easy to manage estimates from anywhere. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth learning curve, and its features include job management, scheduling, and purchasing, which are particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their operations.

Pros:

• Cloud-based access
• Real-time updates
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Subscription-based pricing

Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses

Why it’s on our list: 

Buildxact’s cloud-based platform and intuitive design make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a flexible and accessible estimating solution.

#3 RedTeam

RedTeam Key Functionality: 

RedTeam includes comprehensive project management tools and collaboration features. It supports mobile access, allowing contractors to manage projects and estimates on the go. Its features include contract management, change order tracking, and document control, making it a robust solution for general contractors.

Pros:

• Project management tools
• Collaboration features
• Mobile access

Cons:

• Can be expensive for small businesses
• Requires training for optimal use

Best for: General contractors

Why it’s on our list:

RedTeam’s robust project management capabilities and mobile access make it a top choice for general contractors needing a comprehensive and versatile estimating tool.

#4 Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman Key Functionality: 

Contractor Foreman offers a wide range of features at an affordable price. It integrates with popular accounting software and provides tools for managing estimates, projects, and invoices. This software is particularly useful for small contractors who need a cost-effective solution to handle multiple aspects of their business.

Pros:

• Comprehensive features
• Affordable pricing
• Integration with accounting software

Cons:

• Interface can be cluttered
• Some features may be redundant

Best for: Small contractors

Why it’s on our list: 

Contractor Foreman is an excellent value for small contractors, providing a broad set of tools that streamline project and financial management.

#5 UDA ConstructionOnline

UDA ConstructionOnline Key Functionality: 

UDA ConstructionOnline excels in project collaboration, offering tools for communication, file sharing, and task management. It integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for financial management, making it ideal for teams that need to stay connected and manage their projects efficiently.

Pros:

• Excellent collaboration tools
• QuickBooks integration
• Robust reporting

Cons:

• May be overkill for small projects
• Requires a learning period

Best for: Teams needing collaboration tools

Why it’s on our list: 

UDA ConstructionOnline is perfect for teams that need to collaborate closely on projects, with strong integration capabilities and detailed reporting features.

#6 Clear Estimates

Clear Estimates Key Functionality: 

Clear Estimates is designed for residential contractors, offering easy-to-use cost databases and a user-friendly interface. It helps streamline the estimating process for home projects, making it easier for contractors to provide accurate quotes and manage their budgets.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive cost databases
• Designed for residential projects

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Primarily for smaller projects

Best for: Residential contractors

Why it’s on our list: 

Clear Estimates is tailored for residential contractors, providing an intuitive platform that simplifies cost estimation for home projects.

#7 Sage Estimating

Sage Estimating Key Functionality: 

Sage Estimating is highly customizable and integrates with Sage 300. It supports large projects with detailed cost estimation and advanced reporting features. This software is ideal for enterprises that need a scalable solution capable of handling complex project requirements.

Pros:

• Highly customizable
• Integrates with Sage 300
• Supports large projects

Cons:

• Expensive
• Complex setup and training required

Best for: Enterprise-level projects

Why it’s on our list: 

Sage Estimating is ideal for large enterprises that need a powerful, customizable solution to manage complex project estimates.

#8 Estimate by Warhive

Estimate by Warhive Key Functionality: 

Estimate by Warhive offers innovative features at an affordable price, making it a great choice for startups. It provides an easy-to-use platform that simplifies the estimation process, allowing new businesses to quickly generate accurate estimates and bids.

Pros:

• Innovative features
• User-friendly
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited scalability
• Basic reporting features

Best for: Startups and small businesses

Why it’s on our list: 

Estimate by Warhive is perfect for startups and small businesses looking for an affordable yet effective estimating tool.

#9 Intellibid

Intellibid Key Functionality: 

Intellibid focuses on the electrical industry, offering detailed cost databases and easy bid management. It simplifies the estimating process for electrical contractors, providing industry-specific features that help streamline their workflow.

Pros:

• Industry-specific features
• Detailed cost databases
• Easy bid management

Cons:

• Niche focus may limit broader use
• Higher cost for specialized features

Best for: Electrical contractors

Why it’s on our list: 

Intellibid is tailored for electrical contractors, providing specialized features and detailed databases that streamline the estimating process.

#10 Conwize

Conwize Key Functionality: 

Conwize is a cloud-based platform designed for tendering processes. It offers collaborative tools and an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for managing bids and tenders. Its features include cost estimation, bid comparison, and project tracking.

Pros:

• Cloud-based
• Excellent for tendering
• Collaborative tools

Cons:

• Limited to tendering processes
• May require training for new users

Best for: Tendering processes

Why it’s on our list: 

Conwize excels in managing tendering processes, offering a collaborative and user-friendly platform that simplifies bid management.

What Do Estimators Consider Before Choosing a Construction Estimating Program?

Key Functionalities

When selecting construction estimating software, it’s crucial to consider the functionalities that align with your project needs. There’s overlap between estimating, takeoff and bidding software, but you need to look for tools that offer accurate takeoffs, cost databases, and integration with other software you use. For example, integrating with CAD software can significantly enhance the accuracy of your estimates.

Key Features

Key features to evaluate include cloud access, real-time updates, and user-friendly interfaces. These features ensure that the software is both practical and efficient for your estimating process. Cloud-based solutions offer the flexibility to work from anywhere, while real-time updates keep your estimates current and accurate. You need to consider the features that are most suited to current projects, and the future, which brings us to the next point.

Future Expansion

Consider whether the software can scale with your business. 

As your projects grow in size and complexity, you’ll need a solution that can handle increased demands and offer advanced features. Scalable software can save you from having to switch platforms as your business expands, ensuring continuity and reducing learning curves.

Ease of Use (Interface)

A user-friendly interface is essential for reducing the learning curve and ensuring that your team can quickly adapt to the new tool. Look for software that offers intuitive navigation and clear instructions. An easy-to-use interface not only improves efficiency but also boosts productivity by minimizing the time spent on training.

How Does Construction Estimating Software Improve The Estimation Process?

Construction estimating software improves the estimation process by automating calculations, reducing human errors, and providing accurate cost data. It streamlines workflow, enhances collaboration, and allows for better project management, ultimately saving time and resources. By automating repetitive tasks, estimators can focus on more strategic aspects of project planning and execution.

Of course, choosing the right construction estimating software can make a significant difference in managing projects efficiently and accurately. Each of the software programs listed offers unique features tailored to various needs, from small contractors to large enterprises. By understanding your specific requirements and evaluating these options, you can find a solution that best fits your business needs – but, you still need to know how to use the software. That’s where Master Estimators come into the picture. 

If you’re looking for professional construction estimates, consider Master Estimators.

Our experienced team provides accurate and detailed estimates to help you plan your projects with confidence. Contact us for a free consultation to get started today!