Quick Overview
- 1#1: TurboBid - Specialized plumbing and mechanical estimating software with extensive databases for materials, labor, and assemblies to win commercial bids.
- 2#2: PataBid - AI-powered estimating and takeoff software for MEP contractors, automating commercial plumbing bids with real-time pricing.
- 3#3: Success Estimator Plumbing - Dedicated estimating software for plumbing contractors, featuring pre-built assemblies for commercial pipework and fixtures.
- 4#4: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating platform with plumbing-specific tools, integrations, and live pricing for commercial projects.
- 5#5: Sage Estimating - Enterprise-level estimating solution with customizable plumbing databases and advanced reporting for large commercial jobs.
- 6#6: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating tool that accelerates plumbing quantity calculations from plans for commercial estimates.
- 7#7: Stack - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for fast, accurate commercial plumbing cost generation and collaboration.
- 8#8: Buildxact - All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and project management software supporting plumbing trades for commercial work.
- 9#9: Methvin - Online construction estimating platform with plumbing libraries and customizable templates for commercial bidding.
- 10#10: RIB CostX - Advanced 2D/3D BIM estimating software for detailed commercial plumbing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
Tools were selected and ranked based on specialized plumbing features, usability, accuracy, and value, ensuring they align with the distinct demands of commercial plumbing construction.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right commercial plumbing estimating software is key to boosting project efficiency and precision. This comparison table explores tools like TurboBid, PataBid, Success Estimator Plumbing, ProEst, Sage Estimating, and others, outlining their features, usability, and adaptability to various project scales. Readers will discover how to select the best fit for their business requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TurboBid Specialized plumbing and mechanical estimating software with extensive databases for materials, labor, and assemblies to win commercial bids. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | PataBid AI-powered estimating and takeoff software for MEP contractors, automating commercial plumbing bids with real-time pricing. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Success Estimator Plumbing Dedicated estimating software for plumbing contractors, featuring pre-built assemblies for commercial pipework and fixtures. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating platform with plumbing-specific tools, integrations, and live pricing for commercial projects. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Sage Estimating Enterprise-level estimating solution with customizable plumbing databases and advanced reporting for large commercial jobs. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating tool that accelerates plumbing quantity calculations from plans for commercial estimates. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | Stack Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for fast, accurate commercial plumbing cost generation and collaboration. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Buildxact All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and project management software supporting plumbing trades for commercial work. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Methvin Online construction estimating platform with plumbing libraries and customizable templates for commercial bidding. | other | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | RIB CostX Advanced 2D/3D BIM estimating software for detailed commercial plumbing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
Specialized plumbing and mechanical estimating software with extensive databases for materials, labor, and assemblies to win commercial bids.
AI-powered estimating and takeoff software for MEP contractors, automating commercial plumbing bids with real-time pricing.
Dedicated estimating software for plumbing contractors, featuring pre-built assemblies for commercial pipework and fixtures.
Cloud-based construction estimating platform with plumbing-specific tools, integrations, and live pricing for commercial projects.
Enterprise-level estimating solution with customizable plumbing databases and advanced reporting for large commercial jobs.
Digital takeoff and estimating tool that accelerates plumbing quantity calculations from plans for commercial estimates.
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for fast, accurate commercial plumbing cost generation and collaboration.
All-in-one estimating, takeoff, and project management software supporting plumbing trades for commercial work.
Online construction estimating platform with plumbing libraries and customizable templates for commercial bidding.
Advanced 2D/3D BIM estimating software for detailed commercial plumbing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
TurboBid
specializedSpecialized plumbing and mechanical estimating software with extensive databases for materials, labor, and assemblies to win commercial bids.
Turbo Takeoff, the industry's fastest on-screen takeoff tool that digitizes quantities instantly with point-and-click precision
TurboBid is a powerful digital estimating software renowned for its speed and accuracy, primarily tailored for electrical contractors but adaptable for commercial plumbing estimating through customizable assemblies and takeoff tools. It enables users to perform lightning-fast digital takeoffs, access labor-adjusted pricing databases, and generate professional proposals in minutes. The software excels in handling complex commercial projects by automating cost calculations and integrating material pricing updates.
Pros
- Ultra-fast digital takeoff capabilities reduce estimating time by up to 80%
- Extensive pre-built assemblies and labor database adaptable for plumbing with customization
- Seamless integration of real-time material pricing and proposal generation
- Strong customer support and training resources
Cons
- Primarily electrical-focused assemblies require initial customization for plumbing specifics
- Steep learning curve for new users despite intuitive interface
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic spreadsheet alternatives
Best For
Established commercial plumbing contractors handling large-scale bids who prioritize speed, accuracy, and professional outputs over out-of-the-box plumbing templates.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $4,995 for the base software, with optional add-ons for advanced training ($995+), annual updates, and support plans.
PataBid
specializedAI-powered estimating and takeoff software for MEP contractors, automating commercial plumbing bids with real-time pricing.
Industry-leading plumbing assemblies database with automated calculations for fixtures, piping, and labor
PataBid is a specialized estimating software tailored for plumbing contractors, focusing on commercial projects with digital takeoff tools, a vast database of plumbing fixtures, pipes, and assemblies. It streamlines bid creation by allowing users to perform precise quantity takeoffs from PDFs or CAD files and assemble estimates with pre-built labor and material costs. The platform supports customization for regional pricing and integrates with accounting software for seamless project management.
Pros
- Extensive database of over 100,000 plumbing-specific items and assemblies for rapid estimating
- Accurate digital takeoff tools with PDF and CAD support
- Customizable templates and regional labor/material adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners without prior estimating experience
- Pricing can be high for smaller firms
- Limited native integrations compared to broader construction platforms
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial plumbing contractors needing precise, scalable estimating for complex bids.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $149/user/month for basic plan; scales to $299+ for advanced features with custom enterprise pricing.
Success Estimator Plumbing
specializedDedicated estimating software for plumbing contractors, featuring pre-built assemblies for commercial pipework and fixtures.
Over 10,000 pre-built plumbing assemblies tailored for commercial installations, drastically reducing manual input time.
Success Estimator Plumbing is a Windows-based desktop software designed specifically for commercial plumbing contractors, offering digital takeoff capabilities from PDFs and CAD files. It features an extensive database of plumbing materials, fixtures, labor units, and over 10,000 pre-built assemblies to accelerate accurate cost estimation and bid preparation. The tool supports customization for complex commercial projects and generates professional proposals, making it a focused solution for precise plumbing estimating workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive plumbing-specific database with thousands of assemblies
- Fast digital takeoffs and automated calculations
- Customizable for complex commercial projects
Cons
- Desktop-only with no cloud or mobile access
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High upfront cost without subscription flexibility
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial plumbing firms handling detailed, high-volume estimating needs on desktop environments.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $4,995, plus annual maintenance fees around $995 for updates and support.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based construction estimating platform with plumbing-specific tools, integrations, and live pricing for commercial projects.
Dynamic Assemblies that automatically calculate complete plumbing systems (pipes, fittings, valves) based on takeoff inputs and job conditions
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for specialty trades like commercial plumbing, offering digital takeoff, customizable databases, and automated bid generation. It features pre-built assemblies for plumbing systems including piping, fixtures, and HVAC integration, enabling accurate material and labor cost calculations. The platform supports real-time collaboration, project history tracking, and integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks for seamless workflow.
Pros
- Extensive library of plumbing-specific assemblies for quick, accurate estimates
- Cloud-based collaboration and mobile access for team efficiency
- Strong integrations with accounting and takeoff software like PlanSwift
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- Quote-based pricing can be costly for small plumbing firms
- Reporting customization is somewhat limited compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized commercial plumbing contractors seeking scalable, team-based estimating with robust assembly libraries.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; annual plans typically range from $5,000-$15,000+ based on users, features, and support level.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseEnterprise-level estimating solution with customizable plumbing databases and advanced reporting for large commercial jobs.
Visual Assemblies database with pre-built, customizable plumbing-specific assemblies for rapid, accurate takeoffs
Sage Estimating is a comprehensive construction estimating software from Sage, designed for commercial contractors including those in plumbing, offering detailed databases for materials, labor, and assemblies specific to plumbing systems. It supports digital takeoffs, bid management, and integration with Sage accounting and project management tools for seamless workflows. The software excels in handling complex commercial plumbing projects with historical cost data and customizable reports to improve bid accuracy.
Pros
- Extensive trade-specific databases with plumbing assemblies and real-time cost updates
- Strong integration with Sage 300 and other ERP systems for end-to-end workflows
- Advanced what-if analysis and reporting for precise commercial bid preparation
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for new users
- High subscription costs that may not suit smaller firms
- Limited native mobile access compared to cloud-first competitors
Best For
Established commercial plumbing contractors handling large-scale projects who need robust integration with accounting and enterprise tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based; starts at ~$5,000-$10,000 annually per seat with custom enterprise quotes, plus optional training and support fees.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating tool that accelerates plumbing quantity calculations from plans for commercial estimates.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate and populate related plumbing components from a single point takeoff
PlanSwift is a versatile on-screen digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades, including commercial plumbing, enabling users to measure quantities directly from PDF, CAD, and scanned plans. It supports point-and-click takeoff for pipes, fittings, fixtures, valves, and other plumbing elements, with customizable assemblies and formulas for accurate cost estimation. The tool generates professional reports and integrates with Excel and accounting software like QuickBooks for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoff from digital plans
- Customizable assemblies and databases for plumbing-specific items
- Strong export capabilities to Excel and accounting integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners and advanced customization
- No native 3D or BIM modeling support
- Windows-only platform with limited mobile access
Best For
Commercial plumbing estimators focused on 2D plan takeoffs who need flexible, customizable estimating without deep BIM integration.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,595 for standard edition, plus optional annual maintenance (~20% of license cost) for updates and support.
Stack
enterpriseCloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for fast, accurate commercial plumbing cost generation and collaboration.
AI Auto-Count that instantly detects and quantifies plumbing components like pipes, fittings, and fixtures directly from uploaded plans
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform tailored for specialty trades like commercial plumbing, leveraging AI to automate quantity extraction from PDFs and digital plans. It enables users to build detailed plumbing estimates with pre-built assemblies for pipes, fixtures, valves, and equipment, while supporting real-time collaboration and integrations with accounting tools like QuickBooks. The software streamlines bid preparation by combining fast takeoffs with customizable pricing databases, making it efficient for plumbing contractors handling complex commercial projects.
Pros
- AI-powered automated takeoffs drastically reduce manual measurement time for plumbing elements
- Robust library of plumbing-specific assemblies and customizable databases
- Seamless cloud collaboration for teams reviewing estimates in real-time
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller firms without high project volume
- AI accuracy depends on plan quality, requiring occasional manual adjustments
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Mid-sized commercial plumbing contractors seeking AI automation to accelerate takeoffs and improve bid accuracy on large-scale projects.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Essentials plan, $299/user/month for Pro, with custom Enterprise pricing; annual discounts available.
Buildxact
specializedAll-in-one estimating, takeoff, and project management software supporting plumbing trades for commercial work.
Live supplier price feeds that automatically update material costs in estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimating and management software primarily designed for residential builders, offering digital takeoffs, customizable estimating templates, and job costing tools. It supports plumbing workflows through material databases, PDF plan imports, and supplier price integrations, enabling quick quote generation. However, for commercial plumbing estimating, it lacks specialized features like advanced pipe sizing, BIM integration, or large-scale project modeling found in dedicated tools.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop takeoffs
- Real-time supplier pricing integrations for accurate estimates
- Mobile app for on-site access and job tracking
Cons
- Limited specialized tools for complex commercial plumbing calculations
- Primarily geared toward residential rather than large-scale commercial projects
- Customization options may not scale well for enterprise-level plumbing firms
Best For
Small to medium plumbing contractors handling residential and light commercial projects who need simple, cloud-based estimating.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (Essentials plan) up to $499/user/month (Enterprise), with annual discounts and a free trial available.
Methvin
otherOnline construction estimating platform with plumbing libraries and customizable templates for commercial bidding.
User-contributed, location-specific pricing database that auto-updates labor and material costs for precise plumbing estimates
Methvin is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for construction trades, including commercial plumbing, enabling users to perform digital measurements, generate bills of quantities, and produce accurate tenders. It features extensive material and labor rate databases, real-time collaboration tools, and integration with accounting systems for seamless workflow. Primarily used in Australia and internationally, it supports plumbing-specific estimating for pipes, fixtures, HVAC, and large-scale projects.
Pros
- Robust digital takeoff tools with support for PDF/DWG imports and plumbing-specific item libraries
- Cloud collaboration for team tender reviews and real-time updates
- Comprehensive pricing databases with regional rate adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff and customization
- Limited native mobile app; relies heavily on web browser
- Higher cost for small firms compared to simpler alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized commercial plumbing contractors handling complex tenders who value accuracy and collaboration over simplicity.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~AUD $99/user/month for basic plans, scaling to enterprise tiers with custom quoting.
RIB CostX
enterpriseAdvanced 2D/3D BIM estimating software for detailed commercial plumbing quantity takeoffs and cost analysis.
Hybrid 2D/3D takeoff engine that seamlessly measures plumbing elements from PDFs, CAD, and BIM models
RIB CostX is a powerful construction estimating and quantity takeoff software from RIB Software, supporting 2D PDFs, CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models for accurate measurements. It excels in generating detailed bills of quantities and cost estimates for commercial plumbing projects, including pipework, fixtures, and HVAC integrations. With customizable databases and assemblies, it streamlines workflows for complex plumbing systems in large-scale builds.
Pros
- Versatile takeoff from 2D/3D sources including BIM for precise plumbing quantities
- Extensive customizable rate libraries and assemblies tailored to plumbing trades
- Live linking between takeoffs and estimates for real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High pricing not ideal for small firms
- Less specialized plumbing templates compared to niche tools
Best For
Experienced estimators on large commercial plumbing projects needing BIM integration and advanced quantity takeoff.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; perpetual licenses or subscriptions start around $5,000-$15,000 annually per user, depending on modules.
Conclusion
The top 10 tools reviewed offer tailored solutions to streamline commercial plumbing estimating, with TurboBid leading as the top choice for its specialized databases and focus on winning bids, PataBid excelling with AI-powered automation for real-time pricing, and Success Estimator Plumbing standing out for its pre-built assemblies tailored to commercial pipework. Each tool addresses unique needs, but these three rise above for their ability to enhance accuracy and efficiency in the bidding process.
Don’t miss out—try TurboBid today to leverage its extensive materials, labor, and assembly databases and elevate your commercial plumbing bidding success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison