Questimate software

Online products are also more easily updated than on-premise products. In fact, online products are automatically updated for every user whenever the estimating software developer updates their product. One inconvenience of using an on-premise estimating tool is that it will usually have to be manually updated either by re-downloading or by a technical representative of the company who produced it.

In most cases, it also means an additional annual fee to continue receiving updates from the provider. Even though online estimating software provides many conveniences, users should consider both and pay more attention to the specific features that the products provide than the way they are deployed.

If your business has specific security needs, an on-premise product could be right for you. The power of an estimating software lies in the features that improve the estimating, takeoff, and bidding processes for users. Not all users need a software loaded with features, but rather just want a product that helps tackle a few specific challenges.

This section reviews the most important features that contractors should consider when choosing between estimating software companies. Different software companies will package and design these features differently, so buyers should ask company representatives about the details when certain features are critical. Above, we detailed the different steps of the bidding process: takeoff, estimating, and bidding.

Here, we cover some of the features that software can offer to improve the takeoff process for contractors and subcontractors. Often, digital takeoff capabilities are sold in separate software packages from the estimating tools because they are advanced capabilities that not everybody needs. As such, these features can also add a significant amount of cost to the software.

These features all focus on improving the efficiency involved with digital takeoff:. Once takeoff has been performed, the next step is to use that data to create cost estimates for materials, supplies, and labor for the project.

The following list briefly covers the features that help contractors and subcontractors more efficiently create project estimates:. Putting together and submitting a bid is a different process from estimating, and thus, software companies have added features to help manage the intricacies of construction bidding.

Here is a list of some of the most common features software makers provide to optimize the bid management process. Aside from specific takeoff, estimating, bidding, and unique trade-specific features, wise buyers should search for tools that play nicely with their existing technologies. Many companies integrate nicely with Microsoft Excel.

Some tools will also go above-and-beyond in their reporting and analysis tools. Companies who provide this type of analytic review of your estimating and bid data can add a tremendous amount of insight and help to create meaningful changes in the way you manage your business.

So the reporting and analysis features of your top estimating and bidding options are worth a careful review. Cost estimating, takeoff, and bidding are necessary in most of the specialty trades of subcontractors, such as electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.

Many software providers make solutions that are specific to the different specialties of subcontractors. These software solutions may include trade-specific cost databases and other useful features unique to each area.

The following list shows what to look for in specialized estimating, takeoff, and bidding solutions if you are a contractor in one of the these areas:. Electricians must use estimating tools to gather lengths for conduits, wiring, and cables, as well as the number of switches and receptacles in order to determine the costs and to estimate labor.

But electricians should also look for tools that include formulas for electricians, which calculate voltage drops, electrical loads, fault currents, and counts for conduit, boxes, and wiring. HVAC contractors should seek products that provide formulas that assist in calculating the heating and cooling needs of each room in the project plans.

Estimating for plumbing installation, requires contractors to know takeoff counts for fixtures and fittings, as well as the linear measurements of CPVC, drainage, and supply piping. Estimating software for plumbers should include pricing databases for plumbing parts and predefined plumbing assemblies.

Three-dimension takeoff formulas or features should help contractors who frequently work on landscaping projects. Construction estimating software is typically a very affordable piece of technology, especially compared to enterprise software solutions. These tools save significant time compared to manual methods of calculating and totalling costs of construction.

Often, the pricing model will vary between software providers, but the cost is usually dependent on three key things:. Not all software companies price their products the same, so ask before diving into a contract how the software is priced. However, these factors will usually provide a good proxy for the costs associated with using the tool.

Some free tools and templates do exist, but the majority of tools that provide major value come at a cost. While the monthly cost can be a few hundred dollars or less for online tools, desktop tools that require a one-time installation are much more expensive up front.

This is because after installation, you own the product for life. However, if you would like to receive software updates from the developer, it will require additional fees. When it comes to finding free construction estimating software, there are two options to consider: 1 using open-source software, or 2 using the free version of a paid option. Open-source software is a type of software in which the original developer makes the source code available for anyone to use and adapt to fit their needs.

The big downside to open-source software is that you will need to hire a software developer to help you implement it and provide ongoing support. For large organizations that need a highly customizable solution, this could be a good option, but most construction firms will be better off working with a vendor that provides a full-service estimating software solution.

Two open-source options to consider are 2-plan Team and Wanhive. Outside of open-source solutions, there are other free estimating options on the market in the form of free trials or free versions of otherwise paid solutions.

Sometimes, even with the best companies, things require users to interact with the company many times, maybe for extensive product training or difficult product issues. Some products require an onsite installation with a company rep, while others require nothing more than a simple online sign up. Ongoing product accessibility, on the other hand, is something that users should weight very heavily. We prefer products that are accessible online, or at least available for any platform—Mac or Windows.

Online estimating software products have the benefit of being accessible from any device, and they usually offer stronger collaboration capabilities as well. Luckily, most companies offer free trials or, at least, product demos, to prospective users. First and foremost, make sure that these needs are met by the estimating software you choose.

Confirm that the tool meets your estimating needs before you lock into a contract with a new software provider. Pricing is a sticking point for many construction professionals when they compare software. Usually, if the software does as advertised, it will save the business money by making the estimating process more accurate and efficient, even if it seems expensive.

Still, software should be priced right for the business, and part of making that a reality is choosing a product that fits. Additional licenses can always be added later. Paying up for a full-featured product is worth it if the features fit your needs, but no one should overpay for a weak product. As discussed above, we prefer products that are cloud-based and accessible online via a web browser. At a minimum, we prefer software companies that offer their products on any platform—Mac or Windows.

EstiMate sign estimating software levels the playing field by giving you tools to determine what you need to make in order to cover your costs and achieve your profit goals, then making sure every single job is priced to meet your target — all the while giving you professional printed, faxed or emailed estimates that you can have in your customer's hand literally minutes after getting the job specs.

EstiMate also offers you customer and vendor relationship management, job tracking, production tools, work-in-progress reporting, job material lists, purchase orders, and much, much more. Learn More. Calculating takeoff measurements in eTakeoff Dimension Source. Methvin is a construction takeoff and estimating solution that allows you to create cost estimates using calculation worksheets.

You can use its JavaScript function to create estimates on the worksheets as well as copy the worksheet of one project to use in another. The software offers a takeoff tool that lets you measure the area, perimeter, etc. Also, your team members can collaborate on the calculations and export the takeoff report as an Excel or a PDF document.

Creating cost estimates in Methvin Source. STACK is a takeoff and estimating solution that lets you create construction cost estimates and perform takeoff calculations. It offers an item and assembly library that you can use to estimate the cost of labor, equipment, and materials required to complete a project.

The software allows you to markup and measure site drawings using area, linear, and count tools. You can also upload project documents blueprints, drawings, etc. Features Custom Branding - Use your company logo. Includes a Virtual Signature Pad to allow your customers e-sign estimates on the spot or remotely via a password protected link. This will help speed up approvals and allow you to win more jobs Get automatic notifications when your estimates have been signed.

Create a Menu of all your Service items and set rates for each and easily apply them when creating quotes to save time. Approximate size Age rating For all ages. This app can Access your Internet connection.

Permissions info. Installation Get this app while signed in to your Microsoft account and install on up to ten Windows 10 devices.