Estimating is where contractors make or lose money. Underbid a job by 10% and you’re working for free. Overbid by 15% and you lose the project entirely. After 20 years in the trades, I can tell you that the right estimating software pays for itself on the first job.
But here’s the problem: there are dozens of construction estimating tools on the market, and they range from $0 to over $10,000 per year. Some are built for massive commercial GCs, others for one-person remodeling shops. Choosing the wrong one wastes money and creates more headaches than it solves.
We spent weeks testing and researching the most popular contractor estimating tools available in 2026. This guide covers 10 options with honest assessments of what each does well, where each falls short, and who each one is actually built for.
What Is the Best Construction Estimating Software in 2026?
The best construction estimating software depends on your business size, trade specialty, and budget. For most small-to-mid-size contractors, Clear Estimates and Contractor Foreman offer the best value. For digital takeoffs, STACK and PlanSwift lead the market. For AI-powered estimates from photos and voice, EstimationPro is a new option purpose-built for remodelers.
- No single tool is “best” for everyone — a framing contractor and a full-service remodeler have very different needs
- Pricing ranges from free tiers to $900+/month for enterprise platforms
- Cloud-based tools have largely replaced desktop software, though PlanSwift remains a strong desktop option
- AI-powered estimation is the fastest-growing category, with several tools now offering automated takeoffs from plans and photos
How Did We Evaluate These Tools?
We assessed each tool across five criteria that matter most to working contractors: accuracy, ease of use, pricing transparency, feature depth, and trade fit.
- Accuracy: Does it produce estimates you’d actually send to a client?
- Ease of use: Can a contractor (not an IT person) get up and running in a day?
- Pricing transparency: Is the real cost clear, or buried behind “contact sales” walls?
- Feature depth: Takeoffs, line-item estimates, material lists, client proposals — what’s included?
- Trade fit: Is it designed for your size and type of business?
We prioritized tools that contractors can realistically evaluate with a free trial or demo before committing.
Quick Comparison: 10 Best Construction Estimating Software Tools
| Software | Best For | Starting Price | Free Trial | Cloud-Based | AI Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildertrend | Mid-size builders & remodelers | $299/mo | No (demo only) | Yes | Limited |
| PlanSwift | Digital takeoffs (desktop) | $1,445 one-time | Yes | No (desktop) | No |
| STACK | Cloud-based takeoffs | $1,899/yr (~$158/mo) | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| ProEst | Commercial estimating teams | Custom (est. $500+/mo) | Demo only | Yes | Yes |
| Contractor Foreman | Budget-conscious contractors | $49/mo | Yes (free plan) | Yes | No |
| Clear Estimates | Residential remodelers | $79/mo | Yes | Yes | No |
| Buildern | Residential builders | $250/mo (2 seats) | 7-day trial | Yes | No |
| CoConstruct | Custom home builders | $199/mo | Demo only | Yes | No |
| Jobber | Service contractors & trades | $49/mo | Yes | Yes | No |
| EstimationPro | Small remodelers (AI-powered) | Free tier available | Yes (free) | Yes | Yes |
1. Buildertrend — Best All-in-One Platform for Mid-Size Builders
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform that includes estimating as part of a broader project management suite. It’s best for mid-size builders and remodelers doing $1M–$10M+ in annual revenue who want one tool to manage their entire business.
Key Features
- Full project management: scheduling, daily logs, to-dos, and document storage
- Built-in estimating with proposal generation
- Client portal for selections and change orders
- Integrated financial tools including invoicing and QuickBooks sync
- Unlimited users on all plans (no per-seat charges)
Pricing (2026)
- Standard: $299/month ($99 first month promo)
- Pro: $499/month
- Premium: $900+/month
- Onboarding fee: $400–$1,500 additional
- Year one cost on Pro plan: approximately $6,500–$7,500
Pros
- All-in-one platform means fewer software subscriptions
- Unlimited users is a genuine cost advantage for larger teams
- Strong client-facing portal
- Large user community and extensive training resources
Cons
- Expensive for small operations — $299/month minimum is steep for a 1–3 person crew
- Estimating module is functional but not best-in-class; it’s a project management tool with estimating built in
- Steep learning curve; most contractors need 2–4 weeks to get comfortable
- Onboarding fees add significant first-year costs
- Overkill if you primarily need estimating
Verdict
Buildertrend makes sense if you need a full business management platform and you’re doing enough volume to justify the cost. If you just need estimating, you’re paying for a lot of features you won’t use.
2. PlanSwift — Best Desktop Takeoff Software
PlanSwift is a Windows-based digital takeoff and estimating tool that lets you measure quantities directly from digital blueprints. It’s the industry standard for contractors who work heavily from plans and need precise material takeoffs.
Key Features
- Point-and-click digital takeoff from PDF plans
- Area, linear, and count measurement tools
- Built-in assemblies for common construction tasks
- Excel integration for exporting quantities
- Custom formulas and templates
Pricing (2026)
- One-time license: $1,445–$1,595
- Annual support/updates: $250/year after first year
- Training: $295/person (one-on-one)
- Total first-year cost: approximately $1,740–$1,890
Pros
- One-time purchase model means lower long-term costs vs. monthly subscriptions
- Extremely precise for plan-based takeoffs
- Mature, stable software with a 15+ year track record
- Works offline — no internet connection required
- Deep customization for trade-specific assemblies
Cons
- Windows only — no Mac, no mobile, no cloud access
- Interface looks dated compared to modern cloud tools
- Steep learning curve for the assembly builder
- No built-in project management, CRM, or invoicing
- Requires digital plans (not helpful for remodelers who work from site visits, not blueprints)
Verdict
PlanSwift is hard to beat for plan-based takeoffs. If you regularly bid from blueprints, the one-time cost model is a good deal. But if you’re a remodeler who estimates from site visits rather than plan sets, this isn’t your tool.
3. STACK — Best Cloud-Based Takeoff and Estimating
STACK (formerly STACK Construction Technologies) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform designed for preconstruction teams. It brings PlanSwift-level takeoff capability to the browser with collaboration features built in.
Key Features
- Cloud-based digital takeoff from any device
- Auto-count features for repetitive items (doors, windows, fixtures)
- Built-in material and labor cost databases
- Collaboration tools for team-based estimating
- Proposal generation and bid management
- Integration with accounting software
Pricing (2026)
- Starter: $1,899/year (~$158/month)
- Pro and Enterprise: Custom pricing (contact sales)
- Free trial available
Pros
- Cloud-based means access from anywhere, any device
- Modern interface that’s easier to learn than PlanSwift
- Strong collaboration features for teams
- Auto-count tools save significant time on repetitive measurements
- Regular feature updates without manual installs
Cons
- Requires internet connection at all times
- Annual pricing adds up faster than PlanSwift’s one-time license over time
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers with opaque pricing
- Less customizable than PlanSwift for complex assemblies
- Best suited for plan-based work, not as useful for remodel estimates from site visits
Verdict
STACK is the best option for contractors who want cloud-based takeoff capabilities with a modern interface. It’s particularly strong for subcontractors and estimating teams who collaborate on bids.
4. ProEst — Best for Commercial Estimating Teams
ProEst is an enterprise-grade cloud estimating platform built for commercial general contractors and large subcontractors. It includes a comprehensive cost database, digital takeoff, and advanced reporting for large-volume estimating operations.
Key Features
- Integrated cost database with RSMeans data
- Digital takeoff with automated measurements
- AI-assisted estimating and takeoff features
- Multi-user collaboration and role-based access
- Advanced reporting and analytics
- Integration with Procore, Sage, and other construction ERP systems
Pricing (2026)
- Custom pricing only (contact sales)
- Industry estimates suggest $500–$1,000+/month depending on seats and modules
- Implementation and training costs are additional
Pros
- Powerful cost database pre-loaded with industry-standard pricing
- AI features are among the most advanced in the category
- Enterprise-grade security and multi-office support
- Deep integrations with construction ERPs
- Strong audit trails and version control for estimates
Cons
- Pricing is completely opaque — no published plans
- Not designed for small contractors or residential work
- Significant implementation time (weeks, not hours)
- Overkill for companies doing under $5M in annual revenue
- Interface is complex and requires dedicated training
Verdict
ProEst is a serious tool for serious commercial estimating teams. If you’re running a GC doing $10M+ and bidding multiple projects simultaneously, it’s worth evaluating. For residential contractors and small remodelers, look elsewhere.
5. Contractor Foreman — Best Budget Option
Contractor Foreman is an affordable all-in-one construction management tool that includes estimating, scheduling, invoicing, and project management. At $49/month for the basic plan, it’s the most budget-friendly option on this list with a meaningful feature set.
Key Features
- Estimating with material and labor cost tracking
- Project scheduling and daily logs
- Time tracking and GPS-based crew management
- Invoicing and expense tracking
- Client portal
- Mobile app for field use
Pricing (2026)
- Basic: $49/month (billed annually at $588/year)
- Standard: $79/month
- Plus: $125/month
- Pro: $166/month
- Unlimited: $249/month
- Free plan available (limited to 1 project)
Pros
- Most affordable paid option with real estimating features
- Free plan lets you test before committing
- Surprisingly full-featured for the price
- Mobile app works well for field crews
- All-in-one approach reduces the need for multiple subscriptions
Cons
- Estimating module is basic compared to dedicated tools
- Interface is functional but not polished
- Limited customization for estimate templates and proposals
- Takeoff capabilities are minimal — no plan-based measurement tools
- Smaller user community means fewer templates and resources
Verdict
Contractor Foreman is an excellent choice for small contractors who need basic estimating plus project management on a tight budget. It won’t replace a dedicated estimating tool for complex jobs, but for straightforward residential work, it covers the essentials at a price that’s hard to argue with.
6. Clear Estimates — Best Dedicated Estimating Tool for Remodelers
Clear Estimates is a purpose-built estimating tool designed specifically for residential remodelers. It comes pre-loaded with a cost database of 4,000+ remodeling line items that are regularly updated with current pricing, making it the fastest way to produce professional remodeling estimates.
Key Features
- Pre-loaded cost database with 4,000+ residential remodeling items
- Drag-and-drop estimate builder
- Professional proposal and contract generation
- Client-facing presentation mode
- QuickBooks integration
- Regular cost database updates based on regional pricing
Pricing (2026)
- Standard: $79/user/month
- Pro: $119/user/month
- Franchise: $249/user/month
Pros
- Pre-loaded database means you can start producing estimates immediately
- Purpose-built for residential remodeling (kitchen, bath, additions, etc.)
- Clean, intuitive interface that doesn’t require technical training
- Proposal output looks professional and client-ready
- Regular pricing updates keep cost data current
Cons
- Not suitable for commercial construction
- Per-user pricing gets expensive if you have multiple estimators
- Limited customization for specialty trades
- No takeoff tools — you need to know quantities before entering them
- No project management, scheduling, or invoicing features
Verdict
Clear Estimates is the best standalone estimating tool for residential remodelers who want to produce professional estimates quickly. The pre-loaded cost database is a genuine time-saver. Just know that it’s estimating only — you’ll need separate tools for project management and invoicing.
7. Buildern — Best for Growing Residential Builders
Buildern is a residential construction management platform that combines estimating, scheduling, bid management, and financial tracking in a modern interface. It’s designed for home builders and remodelers scaling from a few projects to a full pipeline.
Key Features
- Estimating with cost catalog and templates
- Digital takeoff (on Professional plan)
- Bid request management for subcontractors
- Scheduling with Gantt charts
- Client portal with selections and change orders
- Budget tracking and cost code management
- QuickBooks and Xero integration
Pricing (2026)
- Starter: $250/month (includes 2 seats, additional seats $90/month)
- Professional: $400/month (includes 4 seats, additional seats $100/month)
- Enterprise: Custom pricing (30+ seats)
- 7-day free trial, no credit card required
Pros
- Modern, clean interface that feels intuitive
- Unlimited projects, field workers, clients, and subcontractors on all plans
- Strong pre-construction features including bid management
- Client portal is well-designed
- Active development with frequent feature releases
Cons
- Relatively new company with a smaller user base
- $250/month starting price is significant for small operations
- Takeoff features only available on the Professional plan ($400/month)
- Limited third-party integrations compared to established platforms
- Per-seat pricing adds up quickly beyond the included seats
Verdict
Buildern is a strong option for residential builders who want a modern, all-in-one platform. The interface and feature set are impressive for a newer entrant. The price point positions it between Contractor Foreman and Buildertrend.
8. CoConstruct — Best for Custom Home Builders
CoConstruct is a construction management platform specifically designed for custom home builders and high-end remodelers. Its strength is managing the selection and change order process that’s central to custom residential work.
Key Features
- Detailed estimating with spec-level selections
- Client selection management with allowances and upgrades
- Change order tracking with automatic budget impact
- Scheduling with trade-specific views
- Client communication portal
- QuickBooks and Xero integration
- Warranty tracking
Pricing (2026)
- Essential: Starting at $199/month
- Advanced: Starting at $299/month
- Complete: Starting at $399/month
- Additional pricing tiers up to $499/month available
- Demo required (no self-service signup)
Pros
- Best-in-class selection and change order management
- Purpose-built for the custom home building workflow
- Client portal gives homeowners appropriate visibility without overwhelming them
- Strong integration with accounting software
- Good mobile experience for field teams
Cons
- Expensive for small operations, especially at higher tiers
- Requires demo and sales process to get started (no free trial)
- Learning curve for the full feature set
- Not ideal for subcontractors or commercial work
- Estimating is functional but not as deep as dedicated estimating tools
Verdict
CoConstruct is the best choice specifically for custom home builders who manage complex selection processes and frequent change orders. If that describes your business, the specialized features justify the price. If you’re doing production remodels, simpler tools will serve you better.
9. Jobber — Best for Service Contractors and Trades
Jobber is a field service management platform that includes estimating, scheduling, invoicing, and CRM. While not a traditional construction estimating tool, it’s the top choice for service-based contractors like plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and handymen who need fast quoting in the field.
Key Features
- Quick quote and estimate generation from mobile
- Automated follow-ups on sent quotes
- Online approval — clients can approve estimates digitally
- Scheduling and dispatching
- Invoicing with online payment collection
- CRM and client history tracking
- GPS tracking for field crews
Pricing (2026)
- Core: $49/month (1 user)
- Connect: $129/month (up to 5 users)
- Grow: $249/month (up to 15 users)
- 14-day free trial
Pros
- Best mobile experience for field quoting
- Client can approve and pay from their phone
- Strong automation for follow-ups and reminders
- Excellent for high-volume service work
- Clean, modern interface
Cons
- Not built for complex construction estimating (no takeoffs, no detailed line items)
- Limited for remodeling or new construction work
- Per-plan user caps can be restrictive
- No material takeoff or plan measurement tools
- Estimating is simplified quoting, not detailed cost estimation
Verdict
Jobber excels for service contractors who send many small-to-mid-size quotes per week. It’s not a construction estimating tool in the traditional sense, but it’s the best option for trades contractors who need speed and simplicity over detailed line-item estimates.
10. EstimationPro — Best AI-Powered Estimating for Small Remodelers
EstimationPro is an AI-powered estimating tool designed specifically for small remodeling contractors who want to generate professional estimates from job photos, voice memos, and simple notes rather than detailed blueprints. It’s the newest tool on this list and takes a fundamentally different approach to estimation.
Key Features
- AI-generated estimates from job site photos
- Voice memo input — describe the job and get a structured estimate
- Pre-built templates for common remodeling trades
- Line-item estimates with materials, labor, and markup
- Professional client-ready proposal output
- Free construction calculator suite (40+ tools)
- Built-in payment collection through Stripe
Pricing (2026)
- Free tier: Access to all calculators and basic estimates
- Pro: Paid plan for full AI estimating features (see website for current pricing)
- No long-term contracts
Pros
- AI-powered input is genuinely different — snap photos, describe the job, get an estimate
- Lowest barrier to entry on this list (free tier available)
- Purpose-built for small remodelers, not adapted from enterprise software
- Fast estimate generation — minutes instead of hours
- Built by contractors with 20+ years of field experience
- No blueprint required — ideal for remodel/renovation work
Cons
- Newer platform with a smaller user base than established tools
- AI estimates require review and adjustment (not a replacement for trade knowledge)
- Limited integrations compared to mature platforms
- No digital takeoff from blueprints
- Best suited for residential remodeling; less applicable to commercial work
Verdict
EstimationPro fills a gap that other tools don’t address: small remodelers who estimate from site visits, not plan sets. The AI-from-photos approach is a genuinely novel input method. The free tier makes it risk-free to evaluate. It won’t replace PlanSwift for a takeoff-heavy commercial sub, but for a remodeler who currently estimates in a spreadsheet or on paper, it’s worth trying.
Which Estimating Software Should You Choose?
The right tool depends on three factors: your business type, your estimating workflow, and your budget. Here’s a decision framework:
By Business Type
| If You Are… | Consider These First |
|---|---|
| Small remodeler (1–3 person crew) | EstimationPro, Clear Estimates, Contractor Foreman |
| Mid-size builder ($1M–$5M revenue) | Buildertrend, Buildern, CoConstruct |
| Commercial GC or large sub | ProEst, STACK, PlanSwift |
| Service contractor (plumbing, HVAC, electrical) | Jobber, Contractor Foreman |
| Custom home builder | CoConstruct, Buildertrend |
By Budget
| Monthly Budget | Best Options |
|---|---|
| $0 (free tools) | EstimationPro (free tier), Contractor Foreman (free plan) |
| Under $100/month | Contractor Foreman ($49), Clear Estimates ($79), Jobber ($49) |
| $100–$300/month | Clear Estimates Pro ($119), STACK ($158), Buildertrend ($299), CoConstruct ($199) |
| $300+/month | Buildern ($250–$400), Buildertrend Pro ($499), ProEst (custom) |
By Estimating Style
| How You Estimate | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| From blueprints/plan sets | PlanSwift, STACK |
| From site visits and photos | EstimationPro, Clear Estimates |
| Quick field quotes | Jobber |
| Detailed cost databases | Clear Estimates, ProEst |
| All-in-one with project management | Buildertrend, Buildern, CoConstruct |
What About Free Construction Estimating Software?
Truly free estimating software is rare, but several tools offer functional free tiers or free plans that cover basic estimating needs.
- EstimationPro offers a free tier with access to 40+ construction calculators and basic estimation tools
- Contractor Foreman has a free plan limited to 1 active project
- Jobber offers a 14-day free trial (not a permanent free plan)
- Spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Excel) remain the most common “free” estimating tool, though they lack automation, cost databases, and professional output. If you want something better than a spreadsheet but don’t want to pay yet, try our free construction cost estimator. And if you’re not sure whether a spreadsheet is holding you back or still gets the job done, read our breakdown of contractor estimating spreadsheets vs software before you commit to a paid tool.
For most contractors, a free tier or trial is enough to evaluate whether a tool fits your workflow before committing to a paid plan.
How Is AI Changing Construction Estimating?
AI is transforming construction estimating in three key ways: automated takeoffs from digital plans, cost estimation from photos and descriptions, and historical data analysis for more accurate pricing.
- Automated plan takeoffs: Tools like ProEst and STACK are adding AI features that automatically identify and measure elements from digital blueprints, reducing manual measurement time
- Photo-based estimation: EstimationPro uses AI to analyze job site photos and generate preliminary estimates, which is particularly useful for remodelers who work from site visits rather than plan sets
- Cost intelligence: AI-powered tools analyze historical project data to suggest pricing, flag outliers, and improve estimate accuracy over time
- Voice and natural language input: Instead of clicking through forms, some tools now accept voice descriptions of work scope and convert them to structured estimates
AI won’t replace experienced estimators, but it’s dramatically reducing the time required to produce a first-draft estimate. The contractors who adopt these tools early will have a speed and accuracy advantage in competitive bidding situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most accurate construction estimating software?
Accuracy depends more on the user’s input than the software itself. Tools with pre-loaded cost databases like Clear Estimates and ProEst give you a strong starting point, but every estimate needs local market adjustment. PlanSwift and STACK produce the most precise takeoff measurements. AI tools like EstimationPro can generate surprisingly accurate preliminary estimates, but they always require experienced review.
Can I use construction estimating software on my phone?
Most cloud-based tools offer mobile access, but the experience varies significantly. Jobber has the best mobile experience for field quoting. Buildertrend, CoConstruct, and Contractor Foreman have functional mobile apps. PlanSwift is desktop-only. For quick field estimates, EstimationPro’s photo-based input works well on mobile.
Is Excel still good enough for construction estimating?
Excel works but has significant limitations. There are no built-in cost databases, no automatic material calculations, no professional proposal output, and no client approval workflows. Most contractors who switch from Excel to dedicated software report saving 5–10 hours per week on estimating. If you’re doing more than a few estimates per month, dedicated software will pay for itself in time savings.
How much should a contractor spend on estimating software?
A reasonable budget is 0.5%–1% of annual revenue. For a $500K/year contractor, that’s $200–$400/month. For a $1M+ operation, up to $500–$800/month is justifiable if the tool meaningfully improves win rates or reduces estimating time. Start with a free tier or trial and upgrade only when you’ve confirmed the tool fits your workflow.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” construction estimating software — there’s only the best tool for your specific situation. A one-person remodeling operation has completely different needs than a 50-person commercial GC.
Start by identifying your actual pain point. If you’re losing time on takeoffs, look at PlanSwift or STACK. If you need an all-in-one platform, evaluate Buildertrend or Buildern. If you’re a small remodeler who wants to stop estimating on paper, Clear Estimates or EstimationPro will get you up and running quickly.
Most of these tools offer free trials or demos. Test 2-3 options with a real project before committing. The best estimating software is the one your team actually uses every day. While you’re evaluating, you can start building professional proposals right now with our free contractor estimate template, or verify your labor rates with the Labor Cost Calculator before putting numbers into any tool.
For a deeper look at the estimating process itself, read our guide on how to estimate construction jobs. And if you want to understand the fundamentals behind accurate pricing, our cost estimating guide covers the methods and principles that every tool on this list relies on.
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