Construction estimating software is a job costing solution designed for builders, contractors, and construction businesses of any trade. Construction estimating software reduces errors and accounts for industry standards and updated information. With construction estimating software, construction professionals can efficiently track costs and manage the budget of a job both before and during the lifecycle of a project. Construction estimating software does overlap in proposal creation and cost comparison functionalities with bid management software. However, functionalities of bid management software end at the management of bids and tenders whereas construction estimating software continues the takeoff and cost management process.
Construction estimating tools are essential to construction companies and contractors landing business. Generally, standalone construction estimating software interfaces well with construction project management software and construction accounting software. Some construction estimating solutions are designed to meet the needs of specific industries (such as mechanical HVAC, utility) and some are flexible enough to be used across trade specialties.
Products in the construction estimating category can be tailored to one or more of the following specialties: mechanical estimating, electrical estimating, plumbing estimating, HVAC estimating, or framing estimating. Mechanical estimating solutions cater to mechanical contractors, who work in the field of heating or cooling systems, refrigeration, piping, plumbing, etc. Electrical estimating solutions cater to electrical contractors. Plumbing estimating solutions cater to plumbing contractors. HVAC estimating solutions cater to HVAC contractors. Framing estimating solutions cater to framing contractors, who work in the field of housing, foundational construction, or both.
To qualify for inclusion in the Construction Estimating category, a product must:
- Generate accurate estimates, bill of quantities (BoQs), or takeoffs for potential construction projects
- Digitize quantities
- Generate or offer templates for bids, proposals, cost reports, or other types of project cost documentation
- Facilitate markups of line items, proposals, and customer or jobsite information
- Offer or provide access to cost databases
