Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based construction estimating and quoting software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
- 2#2: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform with robust estimating and quoting tools for custom builders and remodelers.
- 3#3: Procore - Comprehensive construction management software featuring advanced estimating and bidding capabilities for projects of all sizes.
- 4#4: JobTread - Affordable construction management software with integrated quoting, estimating, and job tracking for small to mid-sized contractors.
- 5#5: Knowify - Cloud platform for subcontractors offering takeoffs, estimating, and quote generation to streamline bidding processes.
- 6#6: Stack - AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs for faster quote creation.
- 7#7: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based takeoff and estimating tool with powerful markup and measurement features for accurate construction quotes.
- 8#8: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff software that accelerates estimating by allowing point-and-click assemblies directly from blueprints.
- 9#9: ProEst - Cloud-based estimating solution for commercial construction with database-driven assemblies and real-time cost updates.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Advanced estimating software with item and assembly-based takeoff integrated with accounting for precise construction bids.
These tools were selected and ranked by evaluating feature depth (including takeoffs, integration, and bid management), user-friendly design, reliability, and overall value across residential, commercial, and subcontracting needs.
Comparison Table
Navigating construction quote software can be complex, but this table simplifies the process by comparing top tools like Buildxact, Buildertrend, Procore, JobTread, Knowify, and more. Readers will gain insights into each platform's key features, pricing models, and usability, helping them find the best fit for their project needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based construction estimating and quoting software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform with robust estimating and quoting tools for custom builders and remodelers. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Procore Comprehensive construction management software featuring advanced estimating and bidding capabilities for projects of all sizes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | JobTread Affordable construction management software with integrated quoting, estimating, and job tracking for small to mid-sized contractors. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Knowify Cloud platform for subcontractors offering takeoffs, estimating, and quote generation to streamline bidding processes. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | Stack AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs for faster quote creation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based takeoff and estimating tool with powerful markup and measurement features for accurate construction quotes. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff software that accelerates estimating by allowing point-and-click assemblies directly from blueprints. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | ProEst Cloud-based estimating solution for commercial construction with database-driven assemblies and real-time cost updates. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Advanced estimating software with item and assembly-based takeoff integrated with accounting for precise construction bids. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based construction estimating and quoting software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
All-in-one construction management platform with robust estimating and quoting tools for custom builders and remodelers.
Comprehensive construction management software featuring advanced estimating and bidding capabilities for projects of all sizes.
Affordable construction management software with integrated quoting, estimating, and job tracking for small to mid-sized contractors.
Cloud platform for subcontractors offering takeoffs, estimating, and quote generation to streamline bidding processes.
AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs for faster quote creation.
PDF-based takeoff and estimating tool with powerful markup and measurement features for accurate construction quotes.
Digital takeoff software that accelerates estimating by allowing point-and-click assemblies directly from blueprints.
Cloud-based estimating solution for commercial construction with database-driven assemblies and real-time cost updates.
Advanced estimating software with item and assembly-based takeoff integrated with accounting for precise construction bids.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based construction estimating and quoting software designed for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate quotes quickly.
Live supplier pricing integration that automatically pulls current costs from 300+ vendors into estimates for unmatched accuracy
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors, specializing in fast and accurate quoting, estimating, and job costing. It enables digital takeoffs, customizable templates, and real-time pricing integration from hundreds of suppliers to create professional quotes in minutes. Beyond quoting, it offers scheduling, selections management, and profitability tracking to manage entire projects efficiently.
Pros
- Lightning-fast quote generation with pre-built material templates and digital takeoffs
- Real-time supplier pricing from over 300 partners for accurate estimates
- Comprehensive job costing and scheduling tools integrated seamlessly
Cons
- Premium features require higher-tier plans which can be costly for solo users
- Steeper initial learning curve for non-tech-savvy teams
- Primarily optimized for residential construction, less ideal for large commercial projects
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential builders and remodelers seeking an all-in-one solution for quoting, estimating, and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $299/month (Premium); custom Enterprise pricing available.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management platform with robust estimating and quoting tools for custom builders and remodelers.
Advanced digital takeoff and estimating module with pre-loaded cost databases and assemblies for rapid, accurate bid creation
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with robust quoting and estimating capabilities tailored for builders and contractors. It enables detailed takeoffs, cost breakdowns, and bid creation using pre-built assemblies and real-time cost data. The software integrates quoting seamlessly with scheduling, budgeting, and client communication for end-to-end project control.
Pros
- Powerful estimating tools with digital takeoffs and customizable assemblies
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and supplier catalogs for accurate quoting
- Real-time collaboration and client portals for quote approvals and changes
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller teams
- Overkill for users needing only basic quoting without full project management
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms requiring integrated quoting within comprehensive project management workflows.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $99/month for solo users, with team plans from $299-$500+/month plus $99 per additional user.
Procore
enterpriseComprehensive construction management software featuring advanced estimating and bidding capabilities for projects of all sizes.
Bid-to-project handoff that automatically populates estimates into active jobs without re-entry
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust estimating and quoting capabilities tailored for the preconstruction phase. It supports digital takeoffs, detailed cost estimating, bid management, and subcontractor invitations to bid, all integrated into a unified project workflow. This allows contractors to generate accurate quotes while maintaining visibility across the entire project lifecycle from bid to closeout.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with full project management suite
- Advanced digital takeoff tools with item catalog and real-time collaboration
- Robust bid management including subcontractor portals and compliance tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High cost may not suit small contractors focused solely on quoting
- Customization requires setup time and training
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing integrated quoting within end-to-end project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; core platform starts around $500-$700/user/month, with Estimating add-on at additional $100-$200/user/month (billed annually).
JobTread
specializedAffordable construction management software with integrated quoting, estimating, and job tracking for small to mid-sized contractors.
One-click conversion from professional quotes to fully tracked jobs with automatic cost allocation
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors, focusing on streamlining the quoting, estimating, and job management processes. It enables users to create detailed quotes with built-in takeoffs, convert them seamlessly into jobs, and track costs, schedules, and changes in real-time. The platform integrates CRM, scheduling, and financial tools to manage projects from lead generation to completion, with strong QuickBooks connectivity for accurate bookkeeping.
Pros
- Comprehensive quoting and estimating with customizable templates and digital takeoffs
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for real-time job costing
- Mobile app for on-site access to quotes, schedules, and change orders
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features and custom setups
- Pricing can be high for very small teams or solo contractors
- Reporting capabilities lack depth compared to enterprise-level tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential construction firms and remodelers seeking an all-in-one platform for accurate quoting and end-to-end project tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plans (billed annually), with Pro at $149/user/month and Enterprise custom pricing.
Knowify
specializedCloud platform for subcontractors offering takeoffs, estimating, and quote generation to streamline bidding processes.
Digital Plan Takeoff that imports PDFs and performs automated quantity extractions for precise estimates
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors, specializing in estimating, quoting, and job costing. It features digital takeoff tools for accurate quantity calculations from plans, enabling quick generation of professional proposals and bids. Beyond quoting, it supports project management, time tracking, invoicing, and seamless QuickBooks integration for streamlined financial workflows.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and estimating tools for fast, accurate quotes
- Deep QuickBooks integration for automatic syncing of jobs, costs, and invoices
- Mobile app for on-site time tracking and job updates
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing scales quickly with users and features
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy teams
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC pros needing efficient quoting tied to accounting.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Essentials (1-5 users), $299/month for Pro, with custom Enterprise pricing.
Stack
specializedAI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software that automates quantity takeoffs for faster quote creation.
AI-assisted auto-count and measurement tools that dramatically reduce takeoff time on plans
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based construction quoting software that enables contractors to perform digital plan takeoffs, generate accurate estimates, and create professional quotes efficiently. It integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks for streamlined invoicing and financial tracking. The platform focuses on reducing manual errors and speeding up the bid process, making it suitable for residential and commercial construction projects.
Pros
- Lightning-fast digital takeoffs with intuitive measuring tools
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Procore
- Customizable quote templates for branding and flexibility
Cons
- Limited advanced analytics and reporting features
- Steeper learning curve for users new to digital estimating
- Higher pricing tiers may not suit very small contractors
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms and estimators seeking efficient digital takeoff and quoting tools to win bids faster.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic takeoff and estimating; scales to $199+/user/month for advanced quoting and integrations.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based takeoff and estimating tool with powerful markup and measurement features for accurate construction quotes.
Quantity Link for automatically syncing dynamic takeoffs from PDFs to Excel spreadsheets
Bluebeam Revu is a leading PDF solution for the AEC industry, offering advanced markup, editing, and digital takeoff tools that support construction quoting by enabling precise quantity measurements from blueprints and plans. Users can perform area, length, and volume takeoffs, customize tool sets, and export data to Excel for cost estimating and quote generation. Its Studio collaboration platform facilitates real-time reviews and markups among teams, streamlining the pre-quote phase. While not a full estimating suite, it excels in handling PDF-based workflows critical for accurate quoting.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff and measurement tools with customizable sets
- Seamless Excel export via Quantity Link for integrating quantities into quotes
- Robust collaboration through Bluebeam Studio for team quote reviews
Cons
- Lacks built-in cost databases, assemblies, or full bid management features
- Steep learning curve for advanced takeoff and scripting tools
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small firms
Best For
Construction professionals and estimators who rely on PDF plans for quantity takeoffs and need strong markup collaboration in their quoting process.
Pricing
Annual per-user subscriptions: Basics ~$240, Core ~$290, Complete ~$440; perpetual licenses available with maintenance fees.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff software that accelerates estimating by allowing point-and-click assemblies directly from blueprints.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that instantly apply costs and formulas to takeoff items for accelerated quoting
PlanSwift is a desktop-based digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling point-and-click measurements directly from PDF plans, blueprints, and CAD files to generate accurate quantity takeoffs. It features drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid cost estimating, customizable databases, and exports to Excel or accounting systems like QuickBooks. Widely used for creating detailed construction quotes, it supports both 2D and 3D takeoffs with laser scan integration for precise bidding.
Pros
- Intuitive point-and-click takeoff tools for fast quantity extraction
- Extensive drag-and-drop assemblies and customizable item databases
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Excel, and other estimating tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization and assemblies
- Primarily on-premise software requiring local installation and powerful hardware
- Limited cloud collaboration features compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Experienced construction estimators and contractors focused on detailed takeoffs and on-premise estimating for mid-sized residential or commercial projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at ~$1,749 per user, plus ~20% annual maintenance and optional training fees.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based estimating solution for commercial construction with database-driven assemblies and real-time cost updates.
Intelligent cost database with automatic updates from RSMeans and real-time market pricing
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed to streamline the takeoff, estimating, bidding, and project management processes for contractors. It features digital takeoff tools, a robust item database with real-time cost updates, and seamless integrations with accounting systems like QuickBooks, Sage, and Viewpoint. The platform supports collaborative workflows, allowing teams to produce accurate bids quickly and track changes throughout the project lifecycle.
Pros
- Comprehensive digital takeoff and estimating with customizable assemblies
- Strong integrations with popular accounting and project management tools
- Real-time cost data and labor calculators for accurate bidding
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Higher pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large firms
- Interface feels dated compared to newer competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms needing robust, scalable estimating with enterprise integrations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $5,000/year per license, with enterprise plans scaling based on users and features.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseAdvanced estimating software with item and assembly-based takeoff integrated with accounting for precise construction bids.
The Sage Estimating Database, an industry-standard library with supplier-verified costs and assemblies updated in real-time
Sage Estimating is a robust construction estimating software designed for contractors to produce accurate bids and takeoffs using a comprehensive database of costs, assemblies, and labor rates. It supports detailed itemized estimates across various trades like electrical, mechanical, and general construction, with tools for what-if analysis and customizable reporting. The software integrates seamlessly with Sage's accounting and project management solutions, streamlining workflows from estimate to job costing.
Pros
- Extensive Sage Master Library with millions of pre-built items and real-time cost data
- Advanced takeoff tools and customizable assemblies for complex projects
- Strong integration with Sage 300 and other ERP systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High upfront and ongoing costs with quote-based pricing
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud/mobile features
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms with experienced estimators needing database-driven precision for competitive bidding.
Pricing
Quote-based; perpetual licenses start at $4,000-$6,000 per user plus 18-22% annual maintenance; cloud subscriptions from $200+/month per user.
Conclusion
The top three software tools reviewed stand out for their unique strengths, with Buildxact leading as the best choice for quick, accurate quotes tailored to residential and remodeling needs. Buildertrend follows, offering a comprehensive all-in-one platform ideal for custom builders, while Procore excels with advanced capabilities suitable for projects of any size. Both Buildertrend and Procore are strong alternatives, each addressing distinct contractor requirements, but Buildxact proves the top pick for streamlined quoting processes.
Ready to enhance your quoting efficiency? Begin with Buildxact today to leverage its intuitive tools and start creating precise, fast quotes for your next project.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison