Construction projects depend on accurate estimating to achieve success, not simply because of calculating costs but because accurate estimation means meeting timelines. Accurate estimates help keep projects within their budget while meeting client demands on time for client satisfaction and profitability. Thanks to technological advances and an emphasis on precision, many estimating solutions have emerged that streamline this process; here we look at some of these top solutions used on construction projects.
Construction Estimating Software
One of the greatest advances in construction estimating services is software-aided estimation tools such as construction estimating software. These programs automate many parts of the estimating process to reduce human errors significantly; these programs include popular options like:
ProEst is an innovative cloud-based estimating software solution developed specifically to aid construction professionals in streamlining their estimating processes. Offering features like digital takeoff, templates for different project types, and integration with project management tools, ProEst allows estimators to quickly develop accurate bids with user-friendly features like digital takeoff. In turn, its user-friendly interface and robust reporting capabilities have quickly made ProEst popular among contractors.
Sage Estimating for Construction Businesses
Sage Estimating is tailored for construction businesses of all sizes. It offers detailed cost databases, customizable templates, and integration with other Sage products for seamless project management. In addition, its software facilitates quick adjustments and real-time collaboration—perfect for teams working on large-scale projects.
PlanSwift excels at digital takeoff, enabling users to estimate material quantities directly from digital plans. It simplifies measuring by eliminating manual calculations. Furthermore, integration with other estimating tools and cost databases further extends its utility, making PlanSwift an attractive proposition for construction professionals.
Cloud-Based Estimating Solutions
As more construction firms embrace digital transformation, cloud-based estimating solutions have become an increasingly popular form of collaboration tool for teams in different locations to access project data from any device at any time. Such solutions allow team members to work from any location with access to project info from anywhere at any time—some notable cloud-based estimating systems include.
ETakeoff
ETakeoff provides a cloud-based platform that integrates digital takeoff with extensive estimating features, enabling teams to collaborate in real time while sharing data instantly—an especially helpful solution for remote teams as it gives access to vital information from any device.
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management software with an estimator as one of its core features, providing project tracking, communication, scheduling, and bid creation all from within one cloud-based platform. Their quick estimating module also integrates smoothly with other project management tools for efficient bid management and more accurate bid creation quickly and effortlessly.
Cost Databases and Historical Data
Reliable cost databases and historical data resources are integral for creating accurate estimates, offering information such as material prices, labor costs, and project timelines that are indispensable when developing estimates. Some top-cost database solutions available today are:
RSMeans, a comprehensive cost database for construction materials and labor costs, provides up-to-date prices that help estimators submit bids accurately. Available in both print and online formats, RSMeans is a trusted resource among construction professionals.
BuildingCost.net, an online database of construction costs, gives estimators instantaneous access to real-time costs across different regions and project types, making for quick searches—an indispensable asset to contractors looking for competitive bids.
Mobile Estimating Applications
With mobile technology rapidly progressing, more construction professionals are turning to mobile estimating applications as tools that allow estimators to work remotely while gathering information from project stakeholders or team members on the go. A few popular examples are:
Construction Cost Estimator
This app makes creating estimates and managing costs easy on mobile devices with its intuitive features that make entering data, calculating costs, and creating reports straightforward—an excellent option for contractors working onsite.
Integrated Project Management Solutions
Modern project management tools now often feature robust estimating features that make managing construction easier from a single platform. Notable options of integrated solutions for managing projects include:
CoConstruct is an all-in-one project management software solution specifically tailored for custom home builders and remodelers, featuring tools that enable users to generate detailed proposals, manage budgets, and track expenses, while its integration with scheduling and communication tools enhances its value for project managers.
Procore is a widely utilized construction management platform with tools for estimating, project management, and financial analytics. Procore’s estimating module enables users to generate accurate bids while managing costs effectively while working collaboratively as team members on bids, with team members collaborating over cost estimates & bid collaboration features & collaboration tools with seamless communication among various aspects of projects through integration capabilities, allowing seamless communication among project tasks & aspects and allowing seamless project communication for smooth completion.
Conclusion
Within construction estimating companies, accurate estimation is key for project success. With various estimating solutions at their fingertips, construction professionals can use technology to streamline processes and enhance collaboration—whether via software applications, cloud-based tools, cost databases, mobile apps, or integrated project management solutions—while keeping abreast of evolving estimating technologies can give their firm a competitive advantage in an ever-evolving field.
