Importing files and images into Active Takeoff ( Source )Īctive Takeoff is an estimating and takeoff software that offers features for document management, onscreen editing of digital blueprints, and automated calculation of labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractor fees required to complete a project. Who should use this software: Civil contractors working in heavy construction such as mining, earthwork, bridges, and highways. Key feature: Its repository of past cost estimates that can be used to quickly create new estimates by simply dragging and dropping bid items. The software offers some additional modules for managing other construction-related tasks such as tracking field crew and monitoring equipment installed at a construction site. HCSS HeavyBid is a cost estimation and bidding solution that offers features such as cost estimation templates with automated calculations and a repository of past estimates and quotes for setting up quick bid approvals. Repository of past cost estimates in HCSS HeavyBid ( Source ) Who should use this software: Small and midsize contractors such as home remodelers.
Key feature: Its automated proposal generator and integration with the cost data book RemodelMAX for localized pricing. Additionally, the tool offers built-in proposal templates that make the process of creating and sending bids faster for contractors. Clear EstimatesĬost estimation in Clear Estimates ( Source )Ĭlear Estimates offers features such as a proposal generator, automatic calculation of labor and materials, document management, and contact management. Who should use this software: Small and midsize contractors for both residential and commercial construction projects.
Key feature: Its mobile functionalities that include GPS tracking of crew at job sites and the ability to file expenses, manage time cards, and upload photos. Besides job cost estimation, the tool offers project management and document management features that help track team tasks and store project documentation in a centralized location. Knowify offers a job costing module that helps contractors and subcontractors create project cost estimates and generate proposals. Who should use this software: Architects, cost estimators, and contractors that want a tool to improve the pre-construction processes of takeoff and estimation. Key feature: Its “Point and Click” functionality that automatically calculates lengths, volumes, and other measurements when a user points and clicks at items on a digital blueprint. Additionally, the tool offers integration with third-party tools such as QuickBooks and UDA ConstructionSuite. PlanSwift is a takeoff and estimating solution that allows users to upload construction blueprints and perform digital takeoffs to quickly calculate the quantity and cost of materials required to complete a project. The tools are listed in decreasing order based on search traffic. Listed below are the seven construction estimating tools with the highest average monthly searches in our Construction Estimating FrontRunners. We tried to identify which among the high-rated tools our readers are most interested in. That’s why we decided to research what’s buzzing inside the market and what are the people looking for. Branding content and marketing efforts are now so effective that it’s hard to tell the right from the “best.” and almost every vendor claims to be offering the best tool. The available options vary in terms of their features, pricing, targeted user, etc. The catch, however, is that so many options on the market make it tough to determine what will work for a particular organization and what won’t. Their features, such as proposal generators and integrated cost databases, help standardize workflows, enhance collaboration, create highly accurate estimates, and win more bids for business. Cost estimation as a function within the construction industry is supported by an ecosystem of estimating software tools.