Quick Overview
- 1#1: PaintScout - Streamlines commercial painting estimates with automated paint calculations, labor costs, and professional proposals tailored for painting contractors.
- 2#2: PlanSwift - Provides digital takeoff and estimating tools for accurate material and labor calculations on commercial painting projects from blueprints.
- 3#3: Stack - Uses AI-powered takeoff to quickly measure areas, calculate paint quantities, and generate precise estimates for commercial painting jobs.
- 4#4: Bluebeam Revu - Offers PDF-based markup and takeoff capabilities for detailed surface measurements and cost estimating in commercial painting bids.
- 5#5: ProEst - Delivers cloud-based construction estimating with customizable assemblies for paint, labor, and overhead in commercial projects.
- 6#6: Sage Estimating - Provides comprehensive database-driven estimating for commercial painting trades, including itemized costs and bid management.
- 7#7: Jobber - Enables quick estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for commercial painting contractors with mobile-friendly templates.
- 8#8: On-Screen Takeoff - Facilitates digital plan takeoffs for precise square footage and paint quantity calculations in commercial estimating workflows.
- 9#9: Housecall Pro - Supports field service estimating with customizable pricing for commercial painting jobs, including GPS job tracking.
- 10#10: ServiceTitan - Offers enterprise-level estimating and dispatch for large-scale commercial painting operations with real-time pricing updates.
Tools were ranked based on a blend of core functionality—including automated material/labor calculations and user-friendly interfaces—alongside long-term reliability, value for money, and adaptability to commercial project complexities, ensuring they cater to both small-scale operations and enterprise-level workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key features of popular commercial painting estimating software, including PaintScout, PlanSwift, Stack, Bluebeam Revu, ProEst, and more, to guide readers in identifying tools that align with their project needs. It highlights usability, efficiency, and specialized functions, helping those in the industry make informed decisions for streamlining estimating processes.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PaintScout Streamlines commercial painting estimates with automated paint calculations, labor costs, and professional proposals tailored for painting contractors. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | PlanSwift Provides digital takeoff and estimating tools for accurate material and labor calculations on commercial painting projects from blueprints. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Stack Uses AI-powered takeoff to quickly measure areas, calculate paint quantities, and generate precise estimates for commercial painting jobs. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Bluebeam Revu Offers PDF-based markup and takeoff capabilities for detailed surface measurements and cost estimating in commercial painting bids. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | ProEst Delivers cloud-based construction estimating with customizable assemblies for paint, labor, and overhead in commercial projects. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Sage Estimating Provides comprehensive database-driven estimating for commercial painting trades, including itemized costs and bid management. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | Jobber Enables quick estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for commercial painting contractors with mobile-friendly templates. | specialized | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | On-Screen Takeoff Facilitates digital plan takeoffs for precise square footage and paint quantity calculations in commercial estimating workflows. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Housecall Pro Supports field service estimating with customizable pricing for commercial painting jobs, including GPS job tracking. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 5.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 10 | ServiceTitan Offers enterprise-level estimating and dispatch for large-scale commercial painting operations with real-time pricing updates. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
Streamlines commercial painting estimates with automated paint calculations, labor costs, and professional proposals tailored for painting contractors.
Provides digital takeoff and estimating tools for accurate material and labor calculations on commercial painting projects from blueprints.
Uses AI-powered takeoff to quickly measure areas, calculate paint quantities, and generate precise estimates for commercial painting jobs.
Offers PDF-based markup and takeoff capabilities for detailed surface measurements and cost estimating in commercial painting bids.
Delivers cloud-based construction estimating with customizable assemblies for paint, labor, and overhead in commercial projects.
Provides comprehensive database-driven estimating for commercial painting trades, including itemized costs and bid management.
Enables quick estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for commercial painting contractors with mobile-friendly templates.
Facilitates digital plan takeoffs for precise square footage and paint quantity calculations in commercial estimating workflows.
Supports field service estimating with customizable pricing for commercial painting jobs, including GPS job tracking.
Offers enterprise-level estimating and dispatch for large-scale commercial painting operations with real-time pricing updates.
PaintScout
specializedStreamlines commercial painting estimates with automated paint calculations, labor costs, and professional proposals tailored for painting contractors.
Interactive Designer Proposals that clients can view, approve, and pay for directly on any device, dramatically increasing conversion rates.
PaintScout is a cloud-based estimating and proposal software specifically designed for painting contractors, enabling rapid takeoffs, accurate cost calculations, and professional proposal generation tailored to commercial projects. It supports detailed area and linear measurements, customizable pricing databases, and seamless integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks for streamlined workflows. The platform excels in commercial painting estimating by allowing users to handle complex jobs with room-by-room breakdowns, labor scheduling, and real-time collaboration, ultimately speeding up the bid-to-win process.
Pros
- Lightning-fast estimating with intuitive takeoff tools and pre-built painting templates
- Stunning, interactive proposals that boost close rates with digital approvals and client portals
- Robust mobile app for on-site measurements and real-time updates, plus strong QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Limited to painting-specific workflows, less ideal for multi-trade contractors
- Advanced customization requires initial setup time
- Subscription pricing can feel steep for very small operations
Best For
Commercial painting contractors and estimators seeking professional-grade tools to create precise bids and win larger projects efficiently.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plan, $197/user/month for Pro (most popular), with annual discounts and custom enterprise options.
PlanSwift
specializedProvides digital takeoff and estimating tools for accurate material and labor calculations on commercial painting projects from blueprints.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that instantly apply painting formulas (e.g., sq ft x coats x coverage rate) to measurements for rapid, error-free estimates
PlanSwift is a robust digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades, including commercial painting, enabling users to measure plans directly from PDFs, CAD files, and images with point-and-click precision. It supports creating custom assemblies to calculate paint quantities, labor costs, wall coverings, and more based on accurate area, linear, and volume takeoffs. The software streamlines bid preparation by integrating with Excel, QuickBooks, and other tools for professional estimates.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate visual takeoff tools for walls, ceilings, and complex surfaces
- Customizable assemblies and databases for painting-specific estimating like coats, prep work, and materials
- Seamless integration with Excel, accounting software, and reporting for efficient workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users despite intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Higher pricing may deter smaller painting firms
- Requires powerful hardware for handling large plan sets smoothly
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial painting contractors managing complex projects with digital blueprints who need precise, scalable estimating.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at $1,749 per user; volume discounts and custom quotes available.
Stack
specializedUses AI-powered takeoff to quickly measure areas, calculate paint quantities, and generate precise estimates for commercial painting jobs.
Pre-built library of painting assemblies that automate square footage calculations, labor, and material costs from takeoffs
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction management platform specializing in digital takeoff and estimating for subcontractors, including commercial painting crews. It enables precise quantity takeoffs from PDFs and blueprints, automated cost calculations using industry-specific assemblies, and seamless bid generation with real-time collaboration. The software integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and offers mobile access for field updates, streamlining the entire estimating workflow for painting projects.
Pros
- Robust digital takeoff tools with paint-specific assemblies and calculators
- Real-time team collaboration and cloud sharing for bids
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Procore
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Higher pricing for smaller teams
- Limited advanced reporting customization
Best For
Mid-sized commercial painting contractors needing accurate, collaborative estimating with digital takeoff capabilities.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $125/user/month for Essentials plan; Pro and Enterprise tiers up to $300+/user/month with custom quotes.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedOffers PDF-based markup and takeoff capabilities for detailed surface measurements and cost estimating in commercial painting bids.
Dynamic, scalable measurement tools with assemblies that allow stacking measurements (e.g., walls + paint layers) for complex quantity takeoffs
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF editing and markup software tailored for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, enabling precise digital takeoffs and measurements from blueprints. For commercial painting estimating, it excels in area, length, and volume calculations essential for determining paint quantities, surface coverage, and labor scopes directly on PDF plans. Its customizable toolsets and quantity extraction features streamline pre-construction workflows, though it requires manual setup for painting-specific rates and assemblies.
Pros
- Highly accurate scalable measurement tools for areas and perimeters
- Customizable quantity takeoffs with cost columns and summaries
- Seamless collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews
- Supports scripting and OCR for automating repetitive estimating tasks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff features
- No built-in painting-specific calculators for coats, yields, or material databases
- Subscription pricing adds up for small teams
- Less intuitive for non-PDF workflows compared to dedicated estimating software
Best For
Commercial painting estimators and contractors who primarily work with digital blueprints and need versatile, precise takeoff capabilities integrated into broader construction workflows.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $240/user for Revu Core, $350/user for eXtreme; perpetual licenses from $600+ with maintenance fees.
ProEst
enterpriseDelivers cloud-based construction estimating with customizable assemblies for paint, labor, and overhead in commercial projects.
Dynamic worksheet-based estimating engine for flexible, trade-specific bid customization
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed for accurate digital takeoffs, detailed cost estimating, and bid management, making it suitable for commercial painting contractors handling large-scale projects. It features customizable assemblies for painting tasks like wall coverage, trim work, and surface prep, along with labor and material databases tailored to trade-specific needs. The platform supports real-time collaboration, mobile access, and integrations with accounting systems to streamline workflows from estimate to project handover.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff tools with precise area and linear measurements ideal for painting surfaces
- Customizable cost databases and assemblies for accurate commercial painting bids
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Viewpoint, and other accounting software
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-construction estimators
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for smaller firms
- Less pre-built templates specifically for painting compared to general construction
Best For
Mid-sized commercial painting contractors managing complex, high-volume projects that need scalable estimating with strong integrations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually depending on users and modules.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseProvides comprehensive database-driven estimating for commercial painting trades, including itemized costs and bid management.
Visual Estimator with drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid, database-driven painting cost modeling
Sage Estimating is a powerful construction cost estimating software designed for detailed bid preparation across various trades, including commercial painting. It features customizable databases, digital takeoffs, assemblies, and labor/material calculations to generate accurate estimates for painting projects involving large-scale surfaces, multi-coat applications, and specialty finishes. Integrated with Sage's accounting and project management tools, it supports end-to-end workflows for commercial contractors.
Pros
- Extensive customizable cost databases with painting-specific assemblies
- Advanced digital takeoff tools for precise area and volume calculations
- Strong integration with Sage accounting and ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training
- High cost not ideal for small painting firms
- Overly complex interface for simple painting estimates
Best For
Large commercial painting contractors managing complex, multi-phase projects that require integration with enterprise accounting systems.
Pricing
Custom pricing upon request; typically $5,000+ annually per user with subscription or perpetual license options.
Jobber
specializedEnables quick estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for commercial painting contractors with mobile-friendly templates.
One-click conversion of estimates into scheduled jobs with automated client follow-ups
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management platform tailored for small to medium service businesses, including commercial painters, offering tools for creating estimates, scheduling jobs, invoicing, and client communication. Its estimating features allow for customizable quote templates, line-item pricing, and quick conversion of estimates to jobs, but rely primarily on manual data entry without advanced painting-specific tools like digital takeoffs or material calculators. While versatile for overall business operations, it serves as a general-purpose solution rather than a dedicated commercial painting estimating software.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with scheduling, invoicing, and payments
- Intuitive mobile app for on-site quote creation and client approvals
- Robust automation for recurring jobs and QuickBooks sync
Cons
- Lacks specialized tools for commercial painting like blueprint takeoffs or paint/labor calculators
- Manual estimating process can be time-consuming for complex projects
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple users
Best For
Small to mid-sized commercial painting businesses seeking a user-friendly all-in-one platform for general operations with basic estimating needs.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $69/user/month (billed annually), Connect at $169, Grow at $349; custom enterprise options available.
On-Screen Takeoff
specializedFacilitates digital plan takeoffs for precise square footage and paint quantity calculations in commercial estimating workflows.
Intelligent Assemblies that allow users to define and instantly apply complex painting routines (e.g., walls with doors/windows deducted) across entire drawings
On-Screen Takeoff (OST) by ConstructConnect is a digital takeoff software designed for construction professionals to extract precise measurements from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files. It excels in area, length, and count takeoffs, with customizable assemblies that can be tailored for commercial painting tasks like wall surfaces, ceilings, and trim. While powerful for quantity extraction, it requires integration with external tools for full paint quantity calculations, labor, and costing.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoffs from PDFs and plans, reducing manual errors for painting area measurements
- Customizable assemblies streamline repetitive painting items like drywall, trim, and doors
- Robust reporting and export options integrate well with Excel or estimating software
Cons
- Lacks built-in painting-specific calculators for coats, waste factors, or material optimization
- Moderate learning curve for advanced assemblies and customization
- Pricing can be steep for smaller painting firms without heavy takeoff volume
Best For
Mid-sized commercial painting contractors focused on precise plan takeoffs who integrate with separate estimating tools.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription; typically $1,500–$2,000 per user/year, with volume discounts available.
Housecall Pro
specializedSupports field service estimating with customizable pricing for commercial painting jobs, including GPS job tracking.
Integrated estimate-to-job workflow with real-time scheduling and dispatching
Housecall Pro is an all-in-one field service management platform that includes basic estimating tools for service businesses, including painting contractors. It enables users to create customizable estimates, convert them to jobs, and manage invoicing, scheduling, and payments in one app. While versatile for general home services, it lacks specialized features for commercial painting estimating like digital takeoffs, paint-specific cost databases, or large-scale bid management.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-site estimating
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for financial tracking
- Customizable estimate templates and one-click job conversion
Cons
- Lacks advanced commercial painting tools like area takeoffs or material calculators
- More oriented toward residential/field services than large commercial projects
- Pricing scales quickly with users and add-ons, reducing value for estimating-only needs
Best For
Small painting contractors needing a general business management tool with basic estimating rather than dedicated commercial takeoff software.
Pricing
Starts at $65/user/month (Basic, billed annually) up to $269/user/month (Unlimited); additional fees for payment processing and premium features.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseOffers enterprise-level estimating and dispatch for large-scale commercial painting operations with real-time pricing updates.
Seamless integration of estimating with real-time dispatching and GPS tracking for efficient project mobilization
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive field service management platform designed for contractors, including commercial painting businesses, offering tools for estimating, scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and job costing. It enables quick estimate generation using customizable pricebooks, labor rates, and material costs tailored to painting projects. While versatile for service-based operations, its estimating features are more generalized than specialized takeoff software for large-scale commercial painting bids.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrates estimating with scheduling, CRM, and accounting for streamlined workflows
- Mobile app allows field teams to update estimates and job costs in real-time
- Robust reporting and analytics for tracking bid win rates and profitability
Cons
- Lacks advanced digital takeoff and blueprint integration needed for complex commercial painting projects
- High pricing makes it less accessible for smaller painting firms focused solely on estimating
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features beyond core estimating
Best For
Mid-sized commercial painting contractors needing a full business management suite that includes solid estimating capabilities.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $265+ per technician/month with minimums, onboarding fees, and add-ons.
Conclusion
The top three commercial painting estimating tools showcase distinct strengths, with PaintScout leading as the best choice for its automated calculations, tailored proposals, and end-to-end efficiency in streamlining estimates. PlanSwift and Stack follow closely, offering robust digital takeoff capabilities and AI-powered accuracy respectively, making them strong alternatives for contractors prioritizing specific needs. Ultimately, all tools simplify the estimating process, but PaintScout stands out as the most comprehensive option.
Don’t let estimating slow you down—start using PaintScout today to experience faster, more accurate, and more professional estimates for your commercial painting projects, and take your business to the next level.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
