Top 10 Best Building Contractor Estimating Software of 2026

PlanSwift is a premier digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for building contractors, enabling rapid quantity takeoffs from PDFs, CAD files, and scanned blueprints via an intuitive point-and-click interface. It automates calculations for areas, lengths, volumes, and counts, while supporting customizable assemblies, labor, and material databases to generate accurate bids. The software facilitates on-screen assemblies, formula-driven estimating, and exports to Excel or accounting systems like QuickBooks, streamlining the entire pre-construction workflow.

Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based AI-powered takeoff and estimating software tailored for building contractors, automating measurements from digital plans and blueprints to accelerate the estimating process. It enables users to generate precise bids, manage assemblies, and track project costs with customizable templates and real-time collaboration tools. The platform integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, making it a comprehensive solution for streamlining pre-construction workflows.

Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editing and markup software designed for the AEC industry, excelling in digital quantity takeoffs and measurements from blueprints for construction estimating. It allows contractors to annotate drawings, perform precise area, length, and volume calculations, and export data directly to Excel for cost integration. While not a comprehensive estimating platform with built-in pricing databases, it streamlines pre-bid takeoff workflows essential for building contractors.

ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for building contractors, offering digital takeoff, precise cost estimation, and bid management tools. It features a robust database of over 21,000 pre-built assemblies to accelerate estimate creation and supports real-time collaboration across teams. The platform integrates with leading accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage, streamlining the transition from bid to project execution.

Sage Estimating is a powerful desktop-based construction estimating software tailored for building contractors, enabling precise bid creation through digital takeoffs, assemblies, and cost databases. It supports detailed quantity takeoffs from PDFs, CAD files, and Excel, with parametric estimating for rapid conceptual bids. The software integrates deeply with Sage 300 accounting and other construction management tools, making it ideal for mid-to-large firms handling complex commercial projects.

Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with robust estimating tools designed for building contractors, allowing users to create detailed bids, perform quantity takeoffs, and track costs using customizable templates and cost codes. It integrates estimating seamlessly with project scheduling, budgeting, and accounting software like QuickBooks for real-time financial oversight. The software also supports client portals for sharing estimates and change orders, making it suitable for end-to-end project workflows in residential and light commercial construction.

Togal.AI is an AI-driven platform designed specifically for construction professionals to automate quantity takeoffs and estimating from 2D blueprints. It uses machine learning to instantly detect, measure, and quantify elements like walls, doors, windows, and areas from uploaded PDFs or images, slashing manual takeoff time from hours to minutes. The software integrates with popular estimating tools like Xactimate and Excel, enabling seamless workflow for accurate bid preparation.

JobTread is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for building contractors, offering robust estimating tools including digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, and bid creation. It integrates estimating seamlessly with job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and CRM to manage the full project lifecycle from bid to closeout. The software provides real-time profitability insights and mobile access, helping contractors improve accuracy and efficiency in competitive bidding.

Knowify is a cloud-based construction management platform designed primarily for subcontractors and specialty trades in the building industry. It excels in estimating with digital takeoff tools, customizable assemblies, and real-time cost tracking, while also handling job costing, scheduling, invoicing, and purchase orders. Deep integration with QuickBooks automates financial workflows, making it a solid choice for contractors focused on accurate bidding and project profitability.

IntelliBid is a robust estimating software tailored primarily for electrical contractors within the building industry, providing digital takeoff tools, automated assemblies, and precise cost calculations. It excels in generating detailed bids with real-time material pricing, labor factoring, and professional proposals. While highly effective for electrical estimating, its specialized focus may limit versatility for general building contractors handling multiple trades.