Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software that enables residential contractors to create accurate bids quickly with pre-built material pricing.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements from plans to speed up bidding for contractors.
- 3#3: Clear Estimates - Residential construction estimating software designed to generate professional, customizable bids and proposals in minutes.
- 4#4: Leap - CRM and sales platform for home improvement contractors featuring advanced estimating tools for fast, accurate project bids.
- 5#5: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management software with integrated estimating and bidding features for efficient job quoting and client proposals.
- 6#6: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows contractors to measure plans and assemble bids directly on-screen.
- 7#7: Jobber - Field service management tool with quoting and estimating capabilities to help contractors send professional bids and track jobs.
- 8#8: Housecall Pro - Home service business software offering quick estimating, quoting, and invoicing to streamline contractor bidding processes.
- 9#9: Knowify - Construction management platform for subcontractors with tools for job costing, estimating, and submitting competitive bids.
- 10#10: Joist - Mobile app for small contractors providing simple estimating, invoicing, and professional proposals to win more bids.
We ranked tools by features (including estimating, takeoff, and automation), usability, reliability, and value, ensuring a comprehensive guide for residential, commercial, and subcontracting professionals.
Comparison Table
Discover a comparison of leading contractor bidding software tools, including Buildxact, Stack, Clear Estimates, Leap, Buildertrend, and more, designed to highlight key features, usability, and support. This table equips readers with insights to evaluate which solution aligns best with their business needs for efficient bidding and project management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software that enables residential contractors to create accurate bids quickly with pre-built material pricing. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements from plans to speed up bidding for contractors. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | Clear Estimates Residential construction estimating software designed to generate professional, customizable bids and proposals in minutes. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Leap CRM and sales platform for home improvement contractors featuring advanced estimating tools for fast, accurate project bids. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management software with integrated estimating and bidding features for efficient job quoting and client proposals. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows contractors to measure plans and assemble bids directly on-screen. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Jobber Field service management tool with quoting and estimating capabilities to help contractors send professional bids and track jobs. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Housecall Pro Home service business software offering quick estimating, quoting, and invoicing to streamline contractor bidding processes. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Knowify Construction management platform for subcontractors with tools for job costing, estimating, and submitting competitive bids. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Joist Mobile app for small contractors providing simple estimating, invoicing, and professional proposals to win more bids. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software that enables residential contractors to create accurate bids quickly with pre-built material pricing.
AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements from plans to speed up bidding for contractors.
Residential construction estimating software designed to generate professional, customizable bids and proposals in minutes.
CRM and sales platform for home improvement contractors featuring advanced estimating tools for fast, accurate project bids.
All-in-one construction management software with integrated estimating and bidding features for efficient job quoting and client proposals.
Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows contractors to measure plans and assemble bids directly on-screen.
Field service management tool with quoting and estimating capabilities to help contractors send professional bids and track jobs.
Home service business software offering quick estimating, quoting, and invoicing to streamline contractor bidding processes.
Construction management platform for subcontractors with tools for job costing, estimating, and submitting competitive bids.
Mobile app for small contractors providing simple estimating, invoicing, and professional proposals to win more bids.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based estimating and takeoff software that enables residential contractors to create accurate bids quickly with pre-built material pricing.
Dynamic live material pricing database that pulls real-time costs from major suppliers for precise bids
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and quoting software tailored for residential builders, remodelers, and trade contractors. It streamlines the bidding process with digital takeoffs, customizable templates, and real-time material pricing from a vast supplier database. Users can generate professional quotes, track job costs, and integrate seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero for end-to-end project management.
Pros
- Lightning-fast digital takeoffs and area calculations
- Live pricing database with automatic supplier updates
- Robust integrations and professional quote generation
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for complex jobs
- Pricing can be high for solo contractors
- Limited advanced features for commercial-scale projects
Best For
Small to medium residential builders and remodelers seeking accurate, efficient bidding tools.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Essentials), $299/month (Pro), $399/month (Premium); annual billing discounts available.
Stack
specializedAI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements from plans to speed up bidding for contractors.
Unified bid board that consolidates invitations from hundreds of GCs into one searchable platform
Stack (stackct.com) is a comprehensive bidding platform designed specifically for subcontractors and contractors in the construction industry. It aggregates bid opportunities from general contractors into a centralized dashboard, allowing users to search, qualify for projects, access plans and specs, and submit bids digitally. The software also supports collaboration tools, prequalification management, and project handoff to streamline the entire bidding-to-award process.
Pros
- Vast network of bid opportunities from top GCs
- Intuitive interface for quick bid submissions and document management
- Prequalification tools that build trust and visibility with GCs
Cons
- Limited built-in estimating or takeoff capabilities
- Subscription costs add up for high-volume users
- Regional focus may limit opportunities outside major markets
Best For
Subcontractors and specialty trade contractors aiming to discover and win more bids through a streamlined marketplace.
Pricing
Freemium model with basic access free; paid plans start at $99/month for unlimited bids, advanced analytics, and priority support.
Clear Estimates
specializedResidential construction estimating software designed to generate professional, customizable bids and proposals in minutes.
Digital takeoff with assembly library that auto-calculates costs from measurements on PDFs and photos
Clear Estimates is a cloud-based estimating and bidding software tailored for home service contractors, enabling digital takeoffs from PDFs and images, accurate cost calculations, and professional proposal generation. It simplifies the bidding process with pre-built assemblies for materials and labor, client approval tracking, and seamless integration with QuickBooks for invoicing. The platform also includes mobile access for on-site adjustments and job management features to handle projects from estimate to completion.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff tools for quick and accurate measurements
- Professional, customizable proposals with e-signatures and client portals
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
Cons
- Higher pricing may deter solo contractors
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Mobile app can have occasional sync issues
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential contractors focused on efficient home improvement bidding and proposal management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Basic (1 user), $199/month for Pro (up to 3 users), $299/month for Enterprise (unlimited users); annual discounts available.
Leap
specializedCRM and sales platform for home improvement contractors featuring advanced estimating tools for fast, accurate project bids.
One-click financing integration that embeds lender approvals directly into bids, allowing customers to finance projects instantly without leaving the proposal
Leap (onleap.com) is an all-in-one platform designed for home service contractors, focusing on streamlining the bidding process with digital proposals, e-signatures, and integrated financing options to close deals faster. It combines sales tools like customizable bids and one-click approvals with operational features such as scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing. The software emphasizes mobility, allowing contractors to manage bids and contracts directly from the field via its app.
Pros
- Integrated financing partnerships enable instant loan approvals within bids, boosting close rates
- Mobile app supports on-the-spot bid creation and e-signing for field efficiency
- Robust CRM and sales pipeline tools track leads from bid to payment seamlessly
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo contractors or very small teams
- Customization of bid templates is somewhat limited compared to specialized tools
- Full feature set requires higher-tier plans, with some integrations needing add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized residential home service contractors seeking to accelerate sales cycles through digital bidding and financing integrations.
Pricing
Starts at $199/month for Essentials (up to 5 users), $399/month for Pro, $599+/month for Enterprise; billed annually with contractor-per-month scaling.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management software with integrated estimating and bidding features for efficient job quoting and client proposals.
Select Takeoff module for precise, digital quantity takeoffs that automatically populate bids and budgets
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform designed for contractors, with strong bidding and estimating capabilities that allow for digital takeoffs, cost breakdowns, and professional proposal generation. It streamlines the bidding process by integrating subcontractor bids, material pricing, and change order management directly into project workflows. Users can track bids from lead generation through award, ensuring accurate forecasting and seamless transition to job costing and scheduling.
Pros
- Robust estimating and takeoff tools with customizable templates
- Seamless integration of bids into full project management
- Excellent mobile app for on-site bid reviews and updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing can be prohibitive for solo contractors
- Limited advanced customization in bidding reports
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and remodelers who need bidding tools integrated with end-to-end project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $399/month for base plan, plus $99/user/month and additional fees for projects or features.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that allows contractors to measure plans and assemble bids directly on-screen.
Real-time visual bid assembly with instant recalculation as takeoffs or costs change
PlanSwift is an on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for contractors, enabling digital measurements directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned blueprints with point-and-click precision. It automates bid assembly by linking takeoffs to customizable databases of materials, labor, and costs, providing real-time bid updates and exportable reports. Ideal for 2D plan-based bidding, it supports integration with tools like Excel and QuickBooks for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs with drag-and-drop assemblies
- Highly customizable cost databases and real-time bid calculations
- Strong integrations with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users despite intuitive interface
- Limited native 3D/BIM support compared to modern competitors
- Subscription pricing can be costly for solo or small operations
Best For
Mid-sized general contractors and subcontractors focused on 2D takeoffs and precise bidding for residential or light commercial projects.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $1,749 for Solo (single user), $2,299 for Pro, up to custom team plans; perpetual licenses discontinued.
Jobber
enterpriseField service management tool with quoting and estimating capabilities to help contractors send professional bids and track jobs.
ClientHub portal for self-service quote approvals, payments, and job updates
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management software designed for contractors, with robust quoting and bidding tools that allow users to create customizable estimates, send professional quotes via email or SMS, and track client responses in real-time. Clients can approve quotes online with e-signatures, enabling seamless conversion to scheduled jobs and invoices. It integrates bidding with scheduling, invoicing, payments, and CRM features, streamlining operations for service-based businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive quote builder with templates and pricing tables
- Real-time client approvals and e-signatures
- Strong mobile app for on-site quote adjustments
Cons
- No built-in digital takeoff or advanced cost estimating
- Key features like automation require higher-tier plans
- Pricing scales quickly for teams with multiple users
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service contractors like landscapers or plumbers seeking integrated bidding with scheduling and invoicing.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Lite, billed annually) for basic quoting; Core ($129/month) adds approvals and scheduling; higher tiers up to $349+/month for advanced features.
Housecall Pro
enterpriseHome service business software offering quick estimating, quoting, and invoicing to streamline contractor bidding processes.
One-click quote-to-job conversion with automated scheduling and dispatching
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for home service contractors, including tools for scheduling, invoicing, and customer management. Its contractor bidding capabilities focus on quick estimate creation with customizable templates, line items, pricing books, and photo attachments for professional quotes sent via email or text. Quotes can be easily converted to jobs, integrating bidding seamlessly into the full workflow, though it lacks advanced features like digital takeoff found in specialized estimating software.
Pros
- Intuitive quote builder with templates and mobile editing
- Seamless integration of bids into scheduling and invoicing
- Real-time customer approvals via text or portal
Cons
- No digital takeoff or advanced cost calculating tools
- Pricing scales up quickly for advanced bidding features
- Customization limited compared to dedicated estimating platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized home service contractors needing integrated bidding with daily operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month (Starter plan, billed annually) up to $349/month (Max plan) with per-user scaling on higher tiers.
Knowify
enterpriseConstruction management platform for subcontractors with tools for job costing, estimating, and submitting competitive bids.
Subcontractor Bid Board for easy bid invitations, real-time submissions, and automated comparisons
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for trade contractors, focusing on estimating, bidding, job costing, invoicing, and project tracking. It provides digital takeoff tools, customizable bid templates, and a subcontractor bid board to streamline the bidding process from solicitation to award. The platform integrates deeply with QuickBooks for accurate financial tracking and offers mobile access for on-site management.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and assembly-based estimating
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless job costing
- Subcontractor bid management and invitation tools
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for solo contractors
- Steep learning curve for advanced customization
- Limited reporting flexibility compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized trade contractors in specialties like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC who need robust bidding and job management in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per user per month for basic plans, with Pro and Enterprise tiers at $199+ per user per month; custom quotes required for larger teams.
Joist
otherMobile app for small contractors providing simple estimating, invoicing, and professional proposals to win more bids.
One-tap estimate creation with photo integration and instant client sharing via text/email
Joist is a mobile-first app tailored for small contractors, enabling quick creation of professional estimates, invoices, and job management directly from the field. It streamlines the bidding process with customizable templates, photo attachments, and digital signatures for client approval. Beyond bidding, it integrates invoicing and payments, making it a comprehensive tool for solo tradespeople and small teams.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile interface for on-site bidding
- Seamless transition from estimates to invoices and payments
- Affordable entry-level pricing with essential features
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for complex bids
- Reporting and analytics are basic compared to desktop competitors
- Web dashboard lacks full mobile functionality
Best For
Ideal for solo contractors or small trades teams needing simple, mobile bidding without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free Essentials plan (limited to 3 active jobs); Pro at $29/month (unlimited jobs, payments); Premium at $69/month (advanced scheduling, QuickBooks integration).
Conclusion
The reviewed contractor bidding software tools vary in focus but collectively streamline the process, with Buildxact leading as the top choice—its cloud-based estimating and takeoff features enable quick, accurate residential bids using pre-built material pricing. Stack, with AI-powered takeoff automation, and Clear Estimates, known for fast, customizable proposals, are standout alternatives, each catering to distinct needs to enhance efficiency. Regardless of the tool, the options reviewed empower contractors to bid with confidence and speed.
Begin your journey to more successful bids by trying Buildxact, the top-ranked tool, or explore Stack or Clear Estimates if you prioritize automation or customization—any of these will elevate your bidding process.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison