The Best Construction Estimating Software In 2023

Key Takeaways:

Overcoming Traditional Challenges with Construction Estimating Software:

• Traditional methods in construction estimation are often laden with time consumption and susceptibility to errors.
• Construction estimating software efficiently addresses critical challenges such as time consumption, human errors, data management, lack of standardization, collaboration difficulties, and the complexities of tracking changes.

Benefits of Implementing Construction Estimation Software:

• Improved Accuracy and Efficiency: Significantly reduces errors and increases precision in estimates.
• Time and Cost Savings: Streamlines the estimating process, leading to considerable time and cost reductions.
• Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: Facilitates better coordination among team members and stakeholders.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Adapts to varying project sizes and complexities with ease.
• Greater Project Visibility: Offers clear insights into project metrics and progress.
• Competitive Advantage: Empowers businesses with advanced tools to stay ahead in the market.
• Integration Capabilities: Allows seamless integration with other construction management tools, enhancing overall project management.

Top Commercial Construction Estimating Software for 2023:

• Buildxact, PlanSwift by ConstructConnect, BUILDFitters, STACK, and Assignar: These are notable software solutions recognized for their robust features and reliability in construction estimating.

Deep Dive into BUILDFitters:

• Specialized for MEP Contractors: Tailored specifically for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors.
• Industry-Specific Features: Includes prebuilt component libraries, labor and material tracking, bid management, and integrated project management capabilities.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Known for its focus on customer satisfaction and meeting the specific needs of AEC professionals.
• Robust Capabilities and Advanced Integration: Features advanced integration capabilities that promote real-time information sharing and enhanced project coordination.
• Streamlining the Estimating Process: Reduces manual input, thereby ensuring more accurate estimates and streamlining the overall estimating process.
• Seamless Integration with Other Tools: Enhances project coordination by integrating seamlessly with various construction management tools and systems.

Introduction

Accurate estimating is pivotal in achieving success in today’s ever-changing construction industry. Technological advancements have made construction estimating software an essential tool for AEC professionals. However, with the surge in demand, the market is flooded with numerous construction estimation software options, promising to simplify this intricate and time-consuming process. Consequently, many construction industry experts purchase project management software that fails to meet their estimation requirements.

To help such AEC professionals, this article will explore the top solutions that can revolutionize the estimating process and help them stay ahead in the fiercely competitive construction market.

Construction Estimating Software: A Game-Changer

The construction industry has significantly transformed recently, and technology has played a pivotal role in this evolution. Traditional construction estimating tools are often time-consuming and susceptible to errors, resulting in cost overruns and project delays. However, introducing construction estimating software has provided practical solutions to these challenges. Here are some important problems that this software helps solve:

Time-Consuming Construction Estimation Process:

Construction projects involve many complex calculations and manual data entry, which can be time-consuming. various tasks, streamlining the estimation process, and saving valuable time.

Human Error in Calculations:

Traditional estimation methods are prone to human errors, such as mathematical miscalculations or overlooking certain factors. Construction estimating software utilizes advanced algorithms and data validation techniques, significantly reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accurate estimates.

Difficulty Managing Large Amounts of Data:

Construction projects involve managing vast amounts of data, including material costs, labor expenses, subcontractor quotes, etc. To counter this, construction estimating software provides a centralized platform to store and manage all relevant data, making it easier to access and update information as needed.

Lack of Standardization:

Estimation practices may vary across construction projects and organizations, leading to inconsistency and lack of clarity. Construction estimation software offers standardized templates and processes, ensuring uniformity in estimating practices and facilitating better communication among project stakeholders.

Inefficient Collaboration and Communication:

Traditional estimation methods often involve manually sharing spreadsheets or documents, leading to miscommunication and delays. Construction estimating software enables seamless collaboration among team members, allowing real-time sharing of information and fostering effective communication.

Difficulty Tracking Changes and Revisions:

Construction projects undergo frequent changes and revisions during the estimation phase. Construction estimating software provides version control and tracking capabilities, allowing users to easily monitor and manage changes, ensuring that estimates are current.

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Benefits of Using Construction Estimation Software

Construction estimating solutions offer many benefits, making them a game-changer for the industry. Let’s explore some of the key advantages:

• Improved accuracy and efficiency
• Time and cost savings
• Enhanced collaboration and communication
• Scalability and flexibility
• Greater project visibility
• Magnified competitive advantage
• Integration capabilities

Top Commercial Construction Estimating Software for Construction in 2024:

Now that we’ve grasped the importance of these software solutions, let’s delve into the top options available in 2023, which are also poised to be recognized among the best in 2024.

Buildxact

Buildxact is robust estimating software designed specifically for the AEC industry. It offers many features that simplify estimating and improve project management capabilities.

Starting price	Free trial	Cost forecasting
$149 monthly	Yes	Yes

Key Features:

• Takeoff and Measurement: Buildxact provides advanced takeoff tools for accurate quantity calculations. Its intuitive interface allows users to easily measure areas, lengths, and quantities, reducing errors and saving time.
• Material Costing: This cost-estimating software includes a comprehensive cost database that allows estimators to access up-to-date pricing information. Buildxact enables users to track material costs, create accurate estimates, and adjust prices based on real-time market fluctuations.
• Scheduling and Project Management: Buildxact offers integrated project management features, including scheduling tools, task allocation, and timeline tracking. This functionality enables efficient project coordination and resource allocation, improving productivity.
• Customizable Templates: With Buildxact, users can customize templates to streamline estimating workflows. This flexibility allows for creating consistent, professional-looking estimates tailored to specific project requirements.
• Integration and Collaboration: Buildxact integrates seamlessly with other construction management software, enabling efficient data exchange and collaboration among project stakeholders. This integration improves communication, reduces duplicate data entry, and enhances overall project efficiency.

PlanSwift by ConstructConnect

PlanSwift by ConstructConnect is a powerful estimating software specializing in digital takeoff and measurement capabilities. It offers advanced features for accurate and efficient estimating, making it a popular choice among construction professionals.

Starting price	Free trial	Cost forecasting
$1,913 annual license	Yes	Yes

Key Features:

• Digital Takeoff: PlanSwift allows users to import digital blueprints and perform takeoff directly on the digital plans. This feature eliminates manual measurement errors and speeds up the estimating process.
• Visual Assembly: With PlanSwift, estimators can create assemblies by grouping individual components. This visual assembly feature simplifies complex estimating tasks and ensures consistency across projects.
• Integration with External Data: PlanSwift enables seamless integration with external data sources, such as material databases and pricing services. This integration ensures accurate material pricing and automates the update process, saving time and improving accuracy.
• Customizable Estimating Templates: PlanSwift offers customizable templates for different construction trades, allowing users to create estimates tailored to specific project requirements. This flexibility enhances efficiency and ensures accurate estimations for various construction disciplines.
• Collaboration and Markup Tools: PlanSwift includes collaboration features and markup tools, allowing project teams to communicate effectively and annotate plans digitally. This real-time collaboration streamlines communication, reduces errors, and improves project coordination.

STACK

STACK is a cloud-based software designed to assist contractors throughout construction, from project evaluation to completion. It offers a range of preconstruction and construction solutions to streamline various tasks and maximize business profits.

Starting price	Free trial	Cost forecasting
$5,499.00 per year	Yes	Yes

Here’s an overview of STACK’s key features and pricing options:

Key Features:

• Preconstruction Solutions: STACK’s preconstruction tools enable fast and accurate bid management, takeoff, and estimating. Contractors can efficiently analyze plans, specifications, and other construction documents, making evaluating, measuring, and sharing critical project information from a centralized hub easier.
• Construction Solutions: STACK provides robust construction solutions for real-time field and project collaboration. Teams can quickly review, annotate, compare, and share plans from any location and device. This capability ensures smooth communication and collaboration, ultimately improving project outcomes and enhanced profitability.

STACK also offers a free plan with limited features, allowing users to explore the software’s functionality at no cost. The pricing options cater to businesses of different sizes and requirements, making STACK a flexible and accessible solution for contractors looking to optimize their construction processes.

Assignar

Assignar is an all-in-one construction operations platform specifically designed to streamline coordination and deployment processes for self-performing general contractors and subcontractors. By leveraging mobile technologies and real-time cloud data, Assignar connects the field to the office, offering enhanced visibility, optimized construction processes, and data-driven decision-making capabilities. This ensures that projects stay on track, on schedule, and within budget.

Starting price	Free trial	Cost forecasting
$140 per user/month	No	Information not explicitly available

Key Features:

• Cloud-Based Platform: Assignar operates as a cloud-based platform, allowing seamless access to critical project data from anywhere, anytime. This mobility empowers field workers, staff, and managers to collaborate efficiently and make informed decisions based on real-time information.
• Field-Office Connectivity: The platform bridges the gap between the field and the office, ensuring smooth communication and data sharing between both locations. This connectivity eliminates delays and inaccuracies associated with traditional paper-based and spreadsheet-based systems.
• Real-Time Tracking and Control: Assignar enables real-time tracking and control of field operations, enabling supervisors and managers to monitor project progress, resource allocation, and task completion in real-time. This transparency enhances project oversight and facilitates timely adjustments to keep projects on schedule.
• Data-Driven Decisions: With comprehensive data and analytics access, Assignar empowers managers to make data-driven decisions. This data-driven approach fosters better project planning, resource utilization, and risk management, improving project outcomes.
• Integration Capabilities: Assignar offers multiple integrations, allowing users to connect their data from end to end. This integration with other construction management software enhances efficiency by centralizing data and reducing duplicate data entry.

BUILDFitters

BUILDFitters is a comprehensive estimating software solution that caters to the specific needs of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contractors. This software offers specialized features tailored to the MEP industry, ensuring accurate estimates and streamlined project management.

Key Features:

• Specialized Sub-vertical Capabilities: BUILDFitters provides AEC, MEP, and HVAC contractors with industry-specific features, including extensive libraries of prebuilt components and systems. These libraries save time and effort by allowing users to select components directly from the database, minimizing manual input and ensuring accurate estimates.
• Labor and Material Tracking: BUILDFitters allows estimators to track labor and material costs accurately. This feature enables users to monitor project budgets, adjust estimates based on real-time data, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Bid Management and Proposal Generation: BUILDFitters streamlines the bid management process, enabling contractors to create professional proposals quickly. The software includes customizable templates for bids and proposals, ensuring consistency and professionalism in the submission process.
• Integrated Project Management: BUILDFitters integrates project management functionalities, such as scheduling, resource allocation, and task tracking. This integration improves project coordination, enhances communication, and increases project efficiency.
• Industry-specific Reporting: BUILDFitters offers specialized reporting capabilities for specialty contractors, allowing them to generate accurate reports on labor, material costs, and project progress. These reports provide valuable insights into decision-making and project analysis.

The BUILDFitters Advantage:

BUILDFitters stands out among its competitors due to its customer-centric approach, robust capabilities, and advanced integration features. With a strong emphasis on meeting the specific needs of AEC professionals across various sub-verticals in the construction industry, BUILDFitters prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering tailored features and functionalities. These capabilities address the unique challenges faced by professionals in different areas, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.

This customer focus translates into a software solution that closely aligns with the requirements of AEC professionals, including contractors, in various sub-verticals, enabling them to achieve accurate and efficient estimates. BUILDFitters boasts robust capabilities that empower AEC professionals to excel in estimating and project management. The software provides extensive libraries of prebuilt components and systems, saving valuable time and effort by allowing contractors to select items directly from the database. This feature streamlines the estimating process, reduces manual input, and ensures accurate estimates specific to each sub-vertical.

BUILDFitters also offers advanced integration features. The software seamlessly integrates with other construction management tools and systems, facilitating the exchange of data and enabling collaboration among project stakeholders. This integration eliminates the need for duplicate data entry and promotes real-time information sharing, leading to improved communication, reduced errors, and enhanced project coordination. By leveraging these capabilities, BUILDFitters empowers AEC professionals to work seamlessly within their existing technology ecosystem, maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Further reading: Construction Project Planning

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Conclusion

Accurate and efficient estimating is a crucial aspect of construction projects, and investing in the right software can significantly enhance a construction business’s estimating capabilities. The top estimating software solutions discussed in this article, Buildxact, PlanSwift, by ConstructConnect, Assignar, STACK and BUILDFitters, offer advanced features and functionality tailored to the industry’s unique needs.
By leveraging the power of such software tools, companies can streamline their estimating processes, improve accuracy, save time and costs, and enhance collaboration among project stakeholders. Embracing technology and staying up to date with construction estimation tools in 2024 will help companies maintain a competitive edge and succeed in the dynamic construction industry.