Top 10 Construction Estimating Software Solutions for 2024: A Detailed Guide

Everything in the modern-day construction industry is moving towards a more data-centric approach and estimation software is certainly one such moving in this direction. 

Estimation software is a lifeline tool for construction contractors, builders, and project managers. While precise estimates give the assurance of profitability and prevent excessive expense in running overtime, they also help win competitive bids. 

If you’re an estimator who’s looking for the ideal solution for your business, here’s what you need to know: So, several factors determine the type of estimating software that would be the best to use.

This might be your company size, project scope, pricing models, and whether AI predictions, automation, or cloud access are required. 

With this guide, we have reviewed the 10 best construction estimating software tools available in 2024 and each software’s features, pros, cons, use cases, and pricing to assist you in selecting the best software for your business.

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Key Considerations When Selecting Estimating Software

1. Project Scope and Company Size

Small firms often need simple, affordable solutions with basic estimating tools and easy onboarding, such as CoConstruct.

Large companies handling multi-million-dollar projects benefit from robust platforms like Procore or Candy, which provide comprehensive tools for cost control, scheduling, and resource management.

2. Cloud vs. On-Premise Solutions

Cloud-based software provides flexibility and allows teams to collaborate remotely. These solutions are ideal for companies with distributed teams.

On-premise tools offer more control over data security and may appeal to firms handling sensitive information.

3. Usability and Training Requirements

Software like Bluebeam Revu offers feature-rich estimating tools but may require more time to master. In contrast, CoConstruct has user-friendly interfaces with fast learning curves.

4. Budget and Scalability

Modular pricing models from vendors like Procore allow companies to pay for only what they need.

It's also essential to factor in costs for additional users and potential long-term scalability.

Speaking of budget and scalability, Clue - a leading construction equipment management software offers analytics and alerts with which contractors can minimize downtime, prevent unexpected delays, and manage costs more effectively, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

By leveraging equipment analytics and predictive insights, estimators not only produce more accurate and competitive bids but also help reduce unforeseen equipment-related costs ensuring that projects stay within budget and on schedule.

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The Best Construction Estimating Software for Every Business Need in 2024

Feature by Feature Comparison for First 5 Companies

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1. STACK

Best For: Contractors and estimators handling complex takeoffs and multi-phase projects that require collaboration, precision, and cloud accessibility.

STACK offers a comprehensive cloud-based estimating and takeoff solution, making it an excellent choice for contractors managing intricate, multi-phase projects.

With real-time collaboration tools, team members can work on estimates simultaneously, streamlining communication between office and field teams.

STACK’s integration with Microsoft Excel allows for easy customization of reports, ensuring data fits seamlessly with other business workflows. 

The platform also features pre-built templates that accelerate the material estimation process.

Although its offline limitations may be a drawback for users in remote areas, STACK's cloud hosting ensures up-to-date data and quick access from any device, reducing administrative delays.

Key Features

• Digital Takeoff Tools: Annotate and measure construction plans digitally.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can access and modify projects simultaneously.

• Pre-Built Templates: Streamline material estimation with ready-to-use templates.

• Excel Integration: Export reports for further analysis.

• Cloud-Based Access: Data auto-syncs, enabling on-the-go usage.

Pros

• “The thing I like best about stack is the cloud-based storage, which makes it great for multiple users performing takeoffs. Everyone can see what everyone else is doing which is very convenient.” - Mark H., Estimator/PM
• “Stack is excellent from the ground up. It's simply well-built software, from an intuitive interface to the detailed and customizable archive of items and assemblies. The value Stack brings to takeoffs and estimating is worth every penny.” - Lee W., Owner/Operator

Cons

• “Slow, less functions than the other 4 take off software I tried, false advertising, increases time threefold it requires to measure the easiest of takeoffs.
• Limited capability, worst take off software I have yet tried, staff is vicious, dishonest, unethical, thieves, promising call backs after robbing you of your hard-earned money and ignoring. Their refund policy does not exist.” - Jacob K., Small-Business Owner j

• “Sometimes it is hard to find a take off once you have closed out of the page it’s on. There is a tab on the left side, but it doesn’t always take you exactly where you need to be.” - Ashley B., Legal Services

Pricing

Starts at $1,999 per year, with additional costs for larger teams and advanced modules.

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2. ProEst

Best For: Large firms needing advanced BIM integration and detailed cost tracking for competitive bids.

ProEst’s cloud-hosted solution bridges the gap between estimation and project management, offering seamless BIM integration.

Its robust dashboards provide project managers with detailed insights into ongoing bids, making it a go-to platform for large enterprises handling complex projects. 

ProEst’s mobile access ensures that estimators can update bids and collaborate with stakeholders on the go.

However, the platform's advanced features require a steep learning curve, which can be challenging for smaller firms or new users.

With its bid management system, ProEst ensures all submissions are tracked accurately, improving the chances of winning competitive tenders.

Key Features

• BIM Integration: Align estimates with project designs for better accuracy.

• Bid Management Tools: Centralize all bids and submissions.

• Mobile Access: Collaborate and manage estimates from any device.

• Customizable Dashboards: Tailor data views based on project needs.

Pros

• “The convenience of ProEst is great. If I'm not in the office, I'm able to log in remotely and continue my work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
• The software also gives users the ability to organize estimates as they see fit. This organization is key to making sure that anyone within our company who views an estimate is able to find what they're looking for with relative ease. The support staff is great, too. Whenever I have a question about using a feature or if I encounter a bug within the software, they are quick to respond and get me the help I need.” - John W., Estimator
• “ProEst gives you the ability to create estimates right from a takeoff. Their takeoff tool lets you upload drawings directly to the cloud-based platform, begin doing take-offs for the project, and then automatically price them using historical input data. The best part is; you can upload your quantities and line items directly into a report for unique deliverables.” - Jonathan S., Preconstruction Manager

Cons

• “Tedious to customize what you want. Need to be able to change the look of reports more, wasted space due to Proest Borders and Photos.” - Verified User in Commercial Real Estate

• “Non-existence of full courses for the features. While the software aligns well with our processes and integrates easily with ACC, the lack of comprehensive training materials or detailed courses on using all of its features makes it challenging to unlock its full potential. Users are left to figure out some functionalities on their own, which can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for new team members or those unfamiliar with ProEst’s capabilities.” - Mahmoud M., Process, Information & Documentation Head

Pricing

Custom pricing based on business size and feature requirements.

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3. PlanSwift by ConstructConnect

Best For: Estimators needing precise blueprint takeoffs and advanced PDF markup capabilities.

PlanSwift by ConstructConnect is known for its accurate takeoff tools that simplify blueprint analysis and project collaboration.

Users can measure directly on PDFs, ensuring every element is accounted for. It allows real-time collaboration among estimators and project managers, which enhances communication and reduces errors.

While community support makes onboarding easier, PlanSwift’s reliance on training can slow down adoption for some firms.

Add-ons are available to extend its functionality, but they can increase costs over time.

Key Features

• Precise Measurements: Measure and mark up PDFs accurately.

• Collaboration Tools: Sync and collaborate with project teams.

• Cloud Storage: Securely store and access files remotely.

• Extensive Community Support: Benefit from a large user network for guidance.

Pros

• “The convenience of ProEst is great. If I'm not in the office, I'm able to log in remotely and continue my work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
• The software also gives users the ability to organize estimates as they see fit. This organization is key to making sure that anyone within our company who views an estimate is able to find what they're looking for with relative ease. The support staff is great, too. Whenever I have a question about using a feature or if I encounter a bug within the software, they are quick to respond and get me the help I need.” - John W., Estimator
• “ProEst gives you the ability to create estimates right from a takeoff. Their takeoff tool lets you upload drawings directly to the cloud-based platform, begin doing take-offs for the project, and then automatically price them using historical input data. The best part is; you can upload your quantities and line items directly into a report for unique deliverables.” - Jonathan S., Preconstruction Manager

Cons

• “Tedious to customize what you want. Need to be able to change the look of reports more, wasted space due to Proest Borders and Photos.” - Verified User in Commercial Real Estate

• “Non-existence of full courses for the features. While the software aligns well with our processes and integrates easily with ACC, the lack of comprehensive training materials or detailed courses on using all of its features makes it challenging to unlock its full potential. Users are left to figure out some functionalities on their own, which can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for new team members or those unfamiliar with ProEst’s capabilities.” - Mahmoud M., Process, Information & Documentation Head

Pricing

Starts at $1,495 annually. Add-ons may increase costs.

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4. Buildxact

Best For: Small and mid-sized contractors focused on job costing with live pricing updates.

Buildxact combines cost estimation, job costing, and scheduling into one intuitive platform.

With integration into dealer networks, it provides live pricing updates, ensuring estimates remain accurate throughout the project. 

Its unlimited user policy makes it highly scalable for growing firms. However, limited reporting tools and the absence of offline mode can limit its versatility.

Buildxact's simplicity makes it ideal for contractors who need quick setup and minimal training.

Key Features

• Job Costing Tools: Monitor costs against estimates.

• Live Pricing Integration: Access real-time supplier data.

• Unlimited Users: Add team members without extra fees.

• Simple Interface: User-friendly design for fast adoption.

Pros

• “Our company has been using Buildxact for a couple of years. At first, it was only used as a quoting program, and with its advanced take-off feature, it made quoting more efficient. We are now utilizing the job part more effectively with the amazing help from all the Buildxact staff—any questions or queries, they are happy to help, offering free sessions to ensure we understand the program. We can track all costs for all jobs and link our labor hours via Deputy, so nothing gets missed.” - Holly B., Administration Manager
• “Ease of use for estimating and quantity calculation. I use it every single day for all my quantities. The client portal is good, but the time it takes to get the client onboard can be a bit hard. The customer support is great. I've had a few glitch issues, and they’ve addressed them within minutes or at the latest within the hour.” - Kane B., Director, Builder

Cons

• “The recipe feature allows us to establish baseline costs (e.g., m2 of concrete @ 150mm) and tweak the margin either by item, section, or project. Very flexible. However, I dislike that curved linear meter takeoffs can't be done—they need to be entered as multiple straight lines, which crowds the takeoff.” - Mick W., CEO

• “The system tracks costs and revenue on jobs, and the helpdesk has a fast turnaround time. However, the system is missing many basic features. You can't track which user performed a task, so anyone with access can make updates with no trace. Running multiple companies requires separate logins for each..” - Verified User in Construction

Pricing

Starts at $149 per month. A free trial is available.

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5. Candy by RIB Software

Best For: Large companies needing resource planning and advanced reporting tools.

RIB Software Candy is a powerful resource planning and project control platform. Created for large and complex projects it integrates its cost estimation with resource management and provides actionable insights through customizable dashboards.

This platform allows construction firms to monitor labor, materials and equipment usage in real time, allowing managers to participate in real time to spot bottlenecks and change workflow to stay on schedule and within budget. 

With their advanced reporting ability, firms can produce professional reports for internal audits and external stakeholders which ensure transparency of the project lifecycle from start to finish.

But it's a bit steep if you don’t have much technical experience as well, so it might not work well for smaller contractors.

Key Features

• Resource Management: Optimize labor and material allocation.

• Customizable Dashboards: View detailed analytics and performance metrics.

• Advanced Reporting: Generate reports for stakeholders and project audits.

Pros

• “Functionality, flexibility, and reporting are the standout features. However, the multi-user techniques need to be more advanced in both process and rendering.” - Amr Abdel Halim, Construction
• “Candy is easy to learn, user-friendly, and provides accurate estimates quickly. The automated processes save time, and the comprehensive help documentation provides detailed instructions. However, it can be slow at times, and some features are hard to find within the interface.” - Mohamed Salah, Management Consulting

Cons

• “The software provides useful costing information and the ability to convert money into a timeline. However, the support is limited to average users, offering little help to experts. It also lacks integration with major financial software, and the one-size-fits-all pricing model is frustrating since not all users are at the same skill level.” - Anonymous, Construction

• “While the software simplifies project management, setting it up to align with company operations is time-consuming. It takes a lot of effort initially before the software becomes easy to use, which can be challenging for some users.” - Victor, Construction

Pricing

Available upon request.

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Feature by Feature Comparison for Next 5 Companies

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6. CoConstruct

Best For: Builders and remodelers needing QuickBooks integration and easy project management tools.

CoConstruct is an all-in-one platform comprising project management, communication with clients, and cost estimation tools.

It's perfect for builders, remodelers, and small contractors and allows them to work on estimates, schedules, and client activities from a single interface. 

One of its strongest features is it integrates with QuickBooks to automatically bring in project budgets and expenses so you know exactly where your money is going.

Its easy-to-use interface, combined with a short set up time, makes it usable by contractors without very technical experience.

While the platform proves good for smaller firms and projects, it is not scalable and more suitable for smaller firms handling less complex projects.

Key Features

• QuickBooks Integration: Sync with accounting systems for seamless bookkeeping.

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and set up.

• Customer Support: Responsive assistance available for users.

Pros

• “CoConstruct is a useful tool with well-designed budgets, purchase orders, and change orders. However, once you start using the software, it becomes difficult to leave due to the challenge of exporting data. Our small business faced an exponential price increase of about $5,000, which blindsided us. Because of how reliant we are on CoConstruct, we are effectively locked in and unable to switch without losing valuable project data. I would advise avoiding CoConstruct unless you're prepared to abandon your data if needed.” - Verified User in Construction, Small-Business
• “CoConstruct consolidates project elements such as estimating, plans, and subcontractor communication into one place. However, the estimating tool is frustratingly clunky. It doesn’t allow easy comparison of different estimates or automatic budget updates. For instance, evaluating various materials (roofing, siding, kitchens) is complicated, which hinders flexibility when planning project costs.” - Verified User in Real Estate, Small-Business

Cons

• “Despite useful features like estimating, Gantt charts, and customer support, basic tasks are overly complicated. Sending invoices is a hassle, there is no dashboard or accounts receivable, and email confirmations are missing. The software seems poorly designed for the construction industry, forcing us to work around its limitations just to make it function properly.” - Kevin Z., Owner, Small-Business

• “CoConstruct simplifies managing subcontractors, but the app doesn’t work reliably when connected to Wi-Fi. This causes issues for project managers trying to upload tasks from job sites, making it less efficient and delaying workflows.” - Kristina H., Office Administrator

Pricing

Starts at $99 per month.

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7. Procore

Best For: Enterprises requiring comprehensive project management with estimating tools.

Procore offers an integrated construction management platform that covers everything from estimating and bid tracking to financial management and workforce planning. With support for unlimited users, Procore allows project teams to collaborate seamlessly, regardless of their location.

The platform’s mobile access makes it easy for on-site workers to stay updated and submit reports in real-time.

Procore is particularly valued for its financial management tools, which help enterprises monitor expenses, forecast budgets, and track labor costs accurately.

However, its high onboarding costs and advanced features may be overwhelming for smaller firms.

Key Features

• Bid Tracking: Manage bids effectively.

• Financial Management Tools: Track costs and budgets in real-time.

• Mobile Access: Manage projects from anywhere.

Pros

• “I love how user-friendly Procore is, with clearly labeled buttons. The Procore Learning Center is very helpful when I need to start or edit a task. I appreciate the invoicing workflow feature and the ability to set permissions, ensuring sensitive data remains private.” - Olivia E., Senior Administrative Coordinator, Enterprise

• “Procore is robust and customizable, aligning well with our company’s workflows. It has automated time-saving features and top-notch customer support, which resolves issues promptly via chat. Procore has become an integral part of our daily operations.” - John M., Procurement, Enterprise

Cons

• “While Procore is a useful tool with well-designed features, our small business experienced a sudden and steep price increase, making it difficult to continue using the software. Exporting data is complicated, leaving us locked into the platform unless we’re willing to walk away from our project data.” - Verified User in Construction, Small-Business

• “Although Procore is practical and well-suited for construction projects, the abundance of features makes it overwhelming. Even for someone tech-savvy, some processes can be tricky, and I often have to support others in using it.” - Austen H., Building Cadet, Small-Business

Pricing

Starts at $375/month based on annual construction volume.

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8. Bluebeam Revu

Best For: Firms focused on PDF collaboration and document management.

Bluebeam Revu is a powerful tool for PDF collaboration and document management, ideal for construction teams that handle large volumes of blueprints and other project documents.

With features like advanced markup tools and cloud storage, the platform allows multiple users to annotate and share documents in real-time.

Bluebeam Revu integrates seamlessly with construction workflows, enabling teams to manage version control and ensure that all stakeholders are working with the latest project updates.

While it excels at document collaboration, the software has limited mobile functionality and may require training to master its more advanced features.

Key Features

• PDF-Based Collaboration: Share and annotate project files.

• Document Management: Organize blueprints and reports efficiently.

• Real-Time Collaboration: Work on files with multiple stakeholders.

Pros

• “Bluebeam Revu provides powerful tools for both engineers and admins, making it easy to modify and manage PDFs. Features like the "Flatten/Unflatten" function and collaborative sessions enhance productivity and document control. Users can apply stamps, lock documents, and collaborate seamlessly.” - Ronda R., Enterprise
• “Bluebeam Revu is highly functional and suits various needs, making it a great tool for everyday use. It allows for easy document editing, markup, and signatures. The collaborative editing function (Studio) facilitates team reviews, and users can customize layouts according to their preferences.”- Ariadna B., Project Engineer

Cons

• “While the customizable tools and ability to model and flatten documents are appreciated, saved tools often disappear without warning. This creates frustration when signatures and tools must be reloaded manually.” - Verified User in Construction, Mid-Market

• “Although Bluebeam Revu simplifies commenting and reviewing drawings, the editing features are limited and could benefit from further development to make drawing modifications more seamless.” - Armand R., Architect, Small-Business

Pricing

Starts at $240/year per user.

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9. RedTeam

Best For: Mid-sized contractors needing CRM, project tracking, and estimating tools.

RedTeam offers an all-in-one platform that combines CRM tools, project management, and estimating features, making it ideal for mid-sized firms managing client relationships alongside construction projects.

The platform allows teams to track estimates, schedules, and progress from a central dashboard, promoting transparency across departments.

Its cloud-based interface ensures remote accessibility, although some advanced features may require additional training.

RedTeam simplifies client communication by integrating CRM tools, enabling firms to nurture long-term client relationships.

Key Features

• CRM Integration: Manage client relationships alongside projects.

• All-in-One Management: Track estimates, schedules, and progress.

• Cloud-Based Platform: Access data remotely.

Pros

• “RedTeam Flex offers a streamlined platform for all project management needs, keeping everything organized for smaller companies. The support team is accessible through email and chat, and the help articles are detailed and helpful.” - Chelsey C., Small-Business
• “RedTeam Flex is straightforward and avoids unnecessary features. It performs well for managing projects, though some permissions can be frustrating at times. Overall, it's easy to use for project management.”- Ashley V., Executive Administrative Assistant

Cons

• “RedTeam Flex organizes jobs well and offers customization, but the servers are slow, and response times are poor. The change order process needs improvement, and having multiple estimates for the same job would be helpful.” - Akaash P., Associate, Small-Business

• “Fieldlens by RedTeam is easy to use and affordable, but uploading drawings can be frustrating. New versions create separate files instead of updating existing ones, requiring manual adjustments to match numbers.” - Arthur K., Senior Construction Superintendent

Pricing

Starts at $125 per month.

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10. Contractor Foreman

Best For: Small contractors needing an affordable, user-friendly solution.

Contractor Foreman offers a cost-effective solution for small construction businesses looking for an all-in-one platform to manage projects, track time, and estimate costs.

With its simple interface, the software is easy to adopt, making it a great fit for contractors without extensive technical experience.

Contractor Foreman includes essential tools for time tracking and cost management, helping contractors keep projects on schedule and within budget.

While it offers excellent value for small businesses, the platform lacks advanced customization options, which may limit its scalability for larger firms.

Key Features

• Cost Estimation Tools: Track expenses effectively.

• Time Tracking: Monitor labor hours in real-time.

• Free Trial: Test the platform before committing.

Pros

• “Contractor Foreman features an intuitive interface that simplifies project management and reporting, making it easy for users of all skill levels to navigate. The support is exceptional, helping users feel confident in mastering the platform.” - Jordan C., Owner, Small-Business
• “The platform is user-friendly, with intuitive modules and helpful training materials available on demand. The onboarding process is quick and efficient, ensuring users can set up their projects without hassle.”- Verified User in Construction, Small-Business

Cons

• “While Contractor Foreman has a strong design, its server reliability issues have led to significant downtime, making it unreliable for daily use. The training is limited, requiring users to adapt their existing workflows without sufficient support.” - Verified User in Construction, Small-Business

• “Although the cost and features are appealing, the platform has been plagued by broken promises and a lack of responsiveness to urgent support tickets, leading to frustration for users.” - Jeffrey E., Small-Business

Pricing

Starts at $49/month.

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Final Thoughts

Depending on company size, project complexity, budget, and desired features—like cloud access, AI integration, or CRM tools—it's essential to select the right construction estimating software.

From the affordability and ease of use in small contractor tools to the robust project management capabilities needed by large enterprises, this guide covers the best tools for 2024.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for construction estimating software: from STACK’s advanced takeoffs to ProEst’s BIM integration to Contractor Foreman’s cost-effectiveness, each software solution meets different needs.

By evaluating your specific requirements against these offerings, you can identify the perfect tool that supports more accurate estimates, smoother workflows, and improved project outcomes.