What is the Best Estimating Software?
Table of Contents
What is the Best Estimating Software?
Construction estimation requires accuracy, which is hard to achieve without technology. Before there was advanced software developed, every estimation was calculated physically or roughly, making it time-consuming. In this modern and fast-paced world, construction estimations are not made roughly or take up lengthy amounts of time. Many modern solutions are developed, such as advanced software, that do all the work regarding estimations of the residential and commercial construction tasks for contractors and builders. The software options for estimation are endless. Although, out of all the choices, only a handful have the best features for accurate construction cost estimates.
The best estimation software has accuracy, a database, measuring plans, and a fast interface. We have picked eight of the most modern and used software for estimations for accurate workflow, saving time and money, and decreasing risks of miscalculations.
1) PlanSwift
PlanSwift is the best software to use for accurate digital takeoffs. It examines the project's designs and conducts measurements and pricing digitally. PlanSwift is a paid software that has a one-time purchase option to use all its features- drag-and-drop measurements and top templates for high-end construction projects.
2) Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu software is a favorite in the construction world. It is a PDF-based software that allows estimators to perform digital takeoffs. The advantage of using this software is that contractors and customers can collaborate in real time, making it an ideal tool for being updated on the designs, data, and calculations. The software can be merged with EXCEL or other tools for a smooth workflow.
3) AutoCAD Construction Cloud
Auto CAD construction cloud is a powerful tool with the capacity to create 3D models of structures. Civil engineers generate accurate estimates with the help of the 3D model. Furthermore, it comes with installed features to detect errors and miscalculations during the ongoing process of estimation.
4) STACK
STACK is a fast and easy-to-use tool that works for the on-screen takeoffs of residential, commercial, and industrial construction, whether the project size is small or large and regardless of its complexity. The advantage you can obtain with this cloud-based tool is access to a ready-to-use material catalog and the option to collaborate with the entire team and keep them updated in real time. Plus, STACK gives you the chance to explore its features before using it for your estimations with the option of a free trial.
5) CoConstruct
CoConstruct is the ideal tool for those looking to manage budgets and estimate accurate costs by integrating with a power tool called QuickBooks. Other than the two most crucial features, it allows users more features, such as project management, client communication, and time management. In short, CoConstruct is software where contractors and builders will find all the relevant features, helping to enhance their project and generate accurate cost-expense estimations.
6) Procore
Procore keeps the project organized by ensuring every factor generates accurate results. Here, users can estimate takeoffs, upload project designs, share updates, and track the budget, making it a beneficial tool for the success of the project and contractors.
7) Contractor Foreman
The Contractor Foreman is a versatile software solution for contractors, builders, and architects looking for a tool where they can manage all aspects of the construction in one place. Under this tool, small to medium-sized companies may track project schedules and budgets, measure accurate material estimates, and create bids.
8) Buildxact
The Buildxact software is developed for builders working on small-scale and remodeling projects. This software has five features: quote design, cost estimation, project management, cost sheet, and financial transactions. Receive all the crucial features with Buildxact, leading to fast and smooth planning and strategy..
Why Estimating Software is a Need?
It is not possible in the fast-growing world to get accurate results without using technology, and the same can be expressed for construction estimations. Builders, contractors, architects, etc., looking to start their residential or commercial projects with the correct figure of cost and quantity need to use any software as their support. Using software reduces or completely erases the risk of human error and miscalculations with its automatically generated calculations.
Construction work has a deadline to meet, and to construct the structure on the given date the estimations need to be conducted quickly. Calculating estimations on spreadsheets can consume a great deal of time, unlike software that only requires a few minutes of the day to generate accurate measurements and estimations.
Another crucial reason why estimating software is a necessity is the organization it provides. All the calculations are divided into groups and columns with their estimations understandable. That helps customers to comprehend how and why the price was estimated. Additionally, it shows that your work is organized and professional, creating a good reputation in the industry and keeping you on top of competitors.
How to Tell a Software is the Best
- The first thing that determines if the software is the right one is whether it is easy to use. Estimating software should always have a user-friendly interface.
- The software should be able to connect to other tools for a smoother procedure, such as QuickBooks and EXCEL.
- Does the software have cloud-based access that allows you to work from anywhere? If it does, then it is the right one to use for construction estimations.
- The software should constantly be updated with the material pricing and labor rates to ensure accuracy in the calculations.
- The best software has takeoff tools to estimate and measure the design.
- Communicative customer support is a must to help you with features not clear or if you face a difficulty.
Final Words
There is no determined answer to inform contractors and builders what the best software is. Every software mentioned above has its features, making it the best in its way; which one is the best is decided by the users themselves. Take free trials of the estimating software you think will work for you, and if it is easy to use and provide accurate numbers, then it is the best software!
Share Your Project Plans With Us!
Email us your drawings or blueprints, and let our experts handle the takeoff process with precision and speed.