The Best Construction Estimating Software in 2024

*This article explores solutions for businesses of all sizes for a range of construction sectors. Small builders and those working in the trades may want to read our article What is the Best Estimating Software for Small Builders in the UK? 

What is the Best Construction Estimating Software?

The ‘best’ construction estimating software depends on a wide range of factors, such as –   

• Business needs  
• Business size  
• Business subsector  
• Preferred method of deployment – Cloud or on-premise  
• Budgets  

When reviewing construction estimating software, start by defining your construction estimating software needs, including your ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-haves’.

What Features to Look For in Construction Estimating Software 

Every construction estimating solution is unique, but below is a selection of some of the most important and useful features used in estimating software -  

• Integrated 2D and 3D Takeoff: Directly extract quantities from project plans. Eliminate manual calculations and reduces errors. 
• Work from templates and historical data: Save time by starting estimates from pre-built templates for common project types or leverage data from past projects.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects: The software keeps all your estimates organised in one place, allowing for easy switching and comparison between projects. 
• Import and export data from Excel: Import material costs, labour rates, and other details from Excel spreadsheets into the software. Export estimates back into Excel.  
• User access controls: Ensure data security. Define different permission levels for users. Grant access to specific projects or features based on user roles (estimator, project manager, etc.) 
• Category, subcategory and item depth: Organise your estimates with a hierarchical structure for analytical estimating. Break down costs into categories, subcategories, and individual items.  
• Reporting, generate PDF reports: Generate professional reports for bids, presentations or internal analysis. They are often exported as PDFs for easy sharing. 
• Bid Management: Streamline the bidding process. The software can help send bid requests to subcontractors, track responses and compare bids. 
• Valuations: Extending use beyond preconstruction, some estimating software also offers valuations for quantity surveyors to input both internal and external valuations throughout the project.  

Cloud vs On-Premise Construction Estimating Software  

A deciding factor when looking at construction estimating software is to consider how you want the software to be hosted. There are two options –  

1. Cloud-Hosted/Web-Based 

This means the software is hosted on The Cloud and can be accessed from anywhere on any compatible device online. This is becoming the most popular option for estimators and has a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Easy to access from anywhere 
• Data is securely hosted and backed-up on The Cloud 
• The software itself can be regularly updated remotely with new features 

2. Hosted On-Premise 

This means the software is installed directly onto the IT equipment and servers owned by your construction company. The main reason for choosing on-premise software is to meet specific data security standards.  

If the software is updated, it will need to be done so manually and re-installed to host computers. 

How to Choose Construction Estimating Software  

Choosing the right construction estimating software is crucial for streamlining your preconstruction process. Here's a breakdown of steps to follow: 

Define Your Needs: 

Identify how the software will contribute to your long-term vision. Are you aiming to improve efficiency, win more bids, or gain better cost control? 

Consider the types of projects you typically handle. Does the software cater to your specific needs (residential, commercial, civils)? 

How many users will need access? Choose software with an intuitive interface that aligns with your team's technical expertise. 

Evaluate Features and Functionality: 

Ensure the software offers features like quantity takeoff, historical data integration, and cost breakdowns. Consider functionalities that enhance your workflow, such as bid management. 

Research and Shortlist Vendors: 

Look for established vendors with a proven track record in the construction industry. Read online reviews and user testimonials to gain insights into user experience and common pain points. 

Consider Pricing and Licensing: 

Choose between cloud-based (accessible anywhere) or on-premise (installed on your server) solutions based on your needs and IT infrastructure. Understand the pricing structure (subscriptions, per-user fees) and ensure it aligns with your team size and budget. 

Read our guide to the cost of Construction Estimating Software  

Implementation and Support: 

Consider the training and support offered by the vendor. A smooth onboarding process is crucial for maximising software adoption within your team. Ensure the vendor offers ongoing technical support to address any issues or answer questions that may arise after implementation. 

Comparing Construction Estimating Software Providers 

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular construction estimating software options for your business in 2024.   

**Please be aware that the pricing may vary based on region, users and custom packages. Finally, user ratings are accurate as of June 2024.   

Access ConQuest 

Access ConQuest Overview 

Access ConQuest has been the trusted estimating solution in the UK and Ireland for over 30 years. It is an all-in-one estimating management software that enables estimating and preconstruction teams to manage processes quickly and accurately.  

Access ConQuest allows users to create and manage every aspect of a project from takeoff, project pricing and subcontractor enquiries, through to managing subcontractor bids, project handover and valuations.  

Supported by UK-based customer support and development teams, Access ConQuest empowers construction estimating teams to win more work - resulting in improved margins, profitability and growth. 

Access ConQuest Key Features 

• Integrated 2D and 3D Takeoff - Save time by extracting key information from PDFs, CAD files and BIM models. 
• Cost library of over 10 million customisable items - Everything can be modified to suit your needs- labour rates, material costs, constants and outputs. 
• Analytical Estimating - Even the most complex projects can easily be priced using a whole range of pricing techniques –Import bills of quantities or create them from scratch, and switch effortlessly between first principles and trade pricing as required. 
• Subcontractor bid management – Access ConQuest allows users to generate trade bills and subcontractor packages up to 70% faster, store them in the cloud and send notification emails. Live tracking lets users see which subcontractors have viewed and downloaded the information, and who intends to quote. 
• Valuations - Create internal and external valuations. Items can be remeasured by value, quantity, take off or percentage complete. Users also have a clear overview of budget vs actual vs claimed from the client. 
• Reporting - One click unlocks a wealth of project data: materials requirements, resource breakdowns (labour, plant, materials) by cost item, tender summaries with adjudication reports, CVR tracking, and internal/external valuations for every phase. 

Access ConQuest is Best For 

Access ConQuest is perfect for most types of contractors, developers, civil engineers, fit-out companies and many specialist subcontractors. 

Buildxact 

Buildxact Overview 

Based in Australia, Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimating system catering to the UK market. It provides a single system for builders and contractors to perform takeoff, build estimates and generate invoices.  

Simplicity is key with the Buildxact platform, with an easy-to-use interface, Buildxact claims estimating professionals will be able to get started on their platform within hours. 

While the ‘entry’ plan is limited to estimates only, the ‘pro’ plan also includes some project management tools for estimators such as Gantt charts and a supplier connection portal.  

Buildxact Key Features 

• Fast, integrated takeoff 
• Provides accurate custom quotes 
• Work from templates and past projects 
• (Pro plan) Lead management and tracking 
• (Pro plan) Supplier connection 

Buildxact is Best For  

Buildxact is best for small to mid-sized contractors, builders and homebuilders looking for an affordable tool to handle their entire preconstruction process. However, larger contractors may find their offering limited. 

UDA Construction Online 

UDA Construction Online Overview 

Part of a larger construction management system, UDA Construction Online provides both basic and advanced construction estimating tools to a range of construction sectors in the UK. 

Releasing its first estimating software in 1999, UDA Construction Online has developed a comprehensive estimating tool suited for contractors handling a diverse range of projects.  

UDA Construction Online has two estimating products – Estimating + Proposals and Advanced Estimating, which provides a depth of information for estimating professionals, breaking down estimates by category, subcategory and item.  

UDA Construction Online Key Features 

• Integrates estimates with proposals and contracts 
• Integrations with QuickBooks, Excel and more  
• Simple and easy-to-learn interface 
• Change order integration 

UDA Construction Online is Best For 

UDA Construction advanced estimating is suitable for large general contractors handling a range of projects.  

RIB CostX 

RIB CostX Overview 

Available as a Cloud or on-premises solution, RIB CostX links takeoff, estimating and reporting into one system.  

With an integrated 2D and 3D takeoff module, RIB CostX accurately lifts measurements and quantities from a range of documents to automatically populate an estimate, cutting hours of work. Estimates are built on spreadsheet-based workbooks. 

Revision tracking and comparison tools are especially useful for cost control or working on projects vulnerable to multiple revisions.  

RIB CostX Key Features 

• Collaboration tools – update estimates in real-time, maintain an audit trail 
• Produce a range of bespoke reports 
• ‘Revision mode’ allows teams to make comparisons between revised estimates 
• Integrated 2D and 3D takeoff 

RIB CostX is Best For 

RIB CostX is best for quantity surveyors and estimating teams within commercial contractors.  

BuilderTrend 

BuilderTrend Overview 

Part of a larger construction management software suite, BuilderTrend offers an estimating module aimed at growing contractors. Integrating takeoff and estimating, BuilderTrend Estimating is built around a range of templates to deliver accurate and agile estimates.   

BuilderTrend Key Keatures 

• Offers a range of templates and pre-built calculations 
• Integrated takeoff solution 
• Build your own cost database for both materials and labour 
• Generates professional bid proposals 

BuilderTrend is Best For  

BuilderTrend is used most by home builders, home remodellers and specialty contractors.  

STACK 

STACK Overview 

STACK offers a professional estimating tool alongside its project management offering.  

STACK is a browser-based solution that allows estimators to work from anywhere, offering takeoff, estimating and document management. STACK’s estimating tool allows estimators to easily customise their BoQ and generate bid documents.  

STACK is a popular choice for estimators due to its ability to customise cost data at any level, generating accurate and easily-editable estimates.  

STACK Key Features 

• Strong integrated takeoff tools 
• Highly customisable estimates  
• Excel integration 
• Proposal creation – generate branded proposals with pre-populated details 

STACK is Best For  

STACK is used by small to mid-sized contractors seeking a professional estimating tool. It may lack the depth of features required by large contractors and enterprises.  

ProEst 

ProEst Overview 

Founded in 1976 and now owned by AutoDesk, ProEst is a comprehensive cloud-based estimating too for contractors and subcontractors. ProEst combines takeoff, cost estimating and analysis into a single preconstruction package.  

Developed for larger estimating teams, ProEst’s cloud capabilities allows several estimators to collaborate on a single project and coordinate their project tasks. ProEst also boasts a built-in CRM which helps contractors track their opportunities alongside their cost estimates.  

ProEst Key Features 

• Bid-day analysis – compare costs, margins and exclusions 
• Wide range of reports and conceptual reports 
• Highly customisable estimates 
• Built-in CRM tracks client information  

ProEst is Best For  

As the most expensive option in the list, ProEst is best suited to large contractors working with large estimating teams who need to coordinate their activity and collaborate on complex projects.  

Methvin 

Methvin Overview 

Methvin’s estimating solution is available alongside project management and bid management offerings. A completely browser-based tool, Methvin allows several team members to work on a project at once, with real-time updates.  

Methvin focuses on ‘first principles’ estimating, breaking down every component for cost accuracy and providing the depth of information needed for complex projects. 

Developed for heavy construction, Methvin positions itself as a core estimating tool for ‘serious estimators’, ensuring cost accuracy, but lacking in additional features.  

Methvin Key Features 

• Browser-based software is accessible from everywhere 
• Offers advanced estimating options, including setting pricing variables and sub-schedules 
• Worksheet-based tool, suitable for those used to Excel 
• Takeoff, Gantt schedules and tender management available as add-ons 

Methvin is Best For  

Methvin is developed specifically for small-to-medium sized infrastructure and commercial building contractors.