And how to choose the best one for your business?
The more accurate question may be "What is the best estimating software for your business?". Before we dig more into the various estimating software, let’s figure out what are the needs of your business.
What type of construction estimating software do you need tailored for your business?
Every business has its own challenges. There is no one solution to fit all companies. Therefore, you must consider 3 things before you choose one construction estimating tool.
Is it cloud-based software?
Cloud-based estimating software can give you a lot more flexibility since you and all your team members can access the same projects simultaneously. Also, everyone can have the most up-to-date version of the projects which eliminates a lot of issues. The software can collect all project data and help you to make more data-driven decisions.
What type of integrations do they provide?
Estimating is not the only task in preconstruction. You will be using many software to keep your business up and running. QuickBooks for billing, Salesforce for CRM, and many others. Therefore, you need to be sure the product you choose can seamlessly integrate with the software you use.
What are the functionalities that suit your needs?
As a subcontractor, you deal with a lot of non-field work. Most of these tasks include a lot of reworks. It is essential to decrease the rework to complete tasks to increase productivity. A good tool can eliminate these reworks by converting the data from one thing to another so you will spend minimum time completing the job.
Gamyte platform can streamline preconstruction workflow by minimizing manual tasks. Once the takeoff is completed, you can create bids, proposals, and SOVs with one click.
What is the best construction estimating software in 2022?
Blue Beam
Bluebeam is an on-premises software that is more advanced than PlanSwift, and you can directly import PDFs from design software like Revit and Sketchup. With just a few clicks, you can easily make changes and perform estimating directly on your PDFs. You can compare changes between 2 different versions of the same drawing.
This software is paid for, but you can download Bluebeam free for a 30-day trial period. The annual fee to purchase the software is $240.
On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff is an on-premises software like Blue Beam. However, it offers a more intelligent way to perform the estimation. There are tools inside the platform that calculate the items automatically. It also eases estimating of the repeated items in the drawings. Like Blue Beam, you can compare changes between 2 different versions of the same drawing.
It offers a 14-days trial period. However, the pricing is upon request.
PlanSwift
PlanSwift is again an on-premises software that is easier to use compared to its competitors. It is largely used by flooring and drywall subs. It is suitable for both commercial and residential jobs. However, there is no strong automation offered by this software.
Once the takeoff is completed, it can be converted to an excel spreadsheet to prepare bids.
You can download PlanSwift free trial for 14 days. Once the trial gets finished or expired, you must buy the software for $1,195.
Measure Square
Measure square is an on-premises software but its Mobile Measure estimating app with Measure Square Cloud gives you the ability to reach your data on-site. It has many automations to assist you during the construction estimating such as auto-detecting items, and auto-creating bases. Also, you can manage materials inside the software. You can create and download proposals from the platform.
You can download Measure Square free trial for 14 days. The monthly pricing is $179.
Square Takeoff
Square Takeoff is a web-based software that provides both takeoff estimating and the construction cost of materials and labor for a project. It's easy to use on mobile devices and computers, making it can be used for commercial or residential projects.
You can also use customized template designs for the preparation of bid proposals. With this software, it is also possible to share your digital estimation data with the clients for review which makes it more convenient for both parties involved.
You can sign-up free trial for 14 days. Once the trial gets finished or expired, you must buy the software for $1,299.
