Quick Overview
- 1#1: QuoteSoft - Specialized fire sprinkler estimating software that automates takeoffs, pricing, and labor calculations for precise bids.
- 2#2: SprinkSOFT - Comprehensive fire protection design and estimating tool with hydraulic analysis and material lists for sprinkler systems.
- 3#3: HydraLIST - Material takeoff and cost estimating software integrated with hydraulic design for fire sprinkler projects.
- 4#4: Trimble AccuBid Pipe - Database-driven pipe estimating solution supporting fire protection systems with advanced labor and material factoring.
- 5#5: PlanSwift - Digital plan takeoff and estimating software optimized for fast measurements in fire protection and MEP trades.
- 6#6: On-Screen Takeoff - Accurate 2D digital takeoff tool widely used for fire protection quantity takeoffs from blueprints.
- 7#7: Bluebeam Revu - PDF markup and takeoff software with quantity calculation features for fire protection estimating workflows.
- 8#8: STACK - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform with assemblies tailored for fire protection contractors.
- 9#9: ProEst - Cloud estimating software with pre-built fire protection assemblies and real-time cost updates.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Robust construction estimating system with customizable databases for fire protection cost analysis.
We selected these tools based on features like automation (takeoffs, pricing, labor), integration with critical workflows (hydraulic design, material lists), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring they meet the needs of fire protection contractors of all sizes.
Comparison Table
This comparison table simplifies evaluating fire protection estimating software, highlighting tools like QuoteSoft, SprinkSOFT, HydraLIST, Trimble AccuBid Pipe, PlanSwift, and more to help users find the best fit for their workflow. Readers will learn key differences in features, efficiency, and suitability for various fire protection tasks, aiding informed software selection.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QuoteSoft Specialized fire sprinkler estimating software that automates takeoffs, pricing, and labor calculations for precise bids. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | SprinkSOFT Comprehensive fire protection design and estimating tool with hydraulic analysis and material lists for sprinkler systems. | specialized | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | HydraLIST Material takeoff and cost estimating software integrated with hydraulic design for fire sprinkler projects. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Trimble AccuBid Pipe Database-driven pipe estimating solution supporting fire protection systems with advanced labor and material factoring. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | PlanSwift Digital plan takeoff and estimating software optimized for fast measurements in fire protection and MEP trades. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | On-Screen Takeoff Accurate 2D digital takeoff tool widely used for fire protection quantity takeoffs from blueprints. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 7 | Bluebeam Revu PDF markup and takeoff software with quantity calculation features for fire protection estimating workflows. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | STACK Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform with assemblies tailored for fire protection contractors. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | ProEst Cloud estimating software with pre-built fire protection assemblies and real-time cost updates. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Robust construction estimating system with customizable databases for fire protection cost analysis. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6.8/10 |
Specialized fire sprinkler estimating software that automates takeoffs, pricing, and labor calculations for precise bids.
Comprehensive fire protection design and estimating tool with hydraulic analysis and material lists for sprinkler systems.
Material takeoff and cost estimating software integrated with hydraulic design for fire sprinkler projects.
Database-driven pipe estimating solution supporting fire protection systems with advanced labor and material factoring.
Digital plan takeoff and estimating software optimized for fast measurements in fire protection and MEP trades.
Accurate 2D digital takeoff tool widely used for fire protection quantity takeoffs from blueprints.
PDF markup and takeoff software with quantity calculation features for fire protection estimating workflows.
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating platform with assemblies tailored for fire protection contractors.
Cloud estimating software with pre-built fire protection assemblies and real-time cost updates.
Robust construction estimating system with customizable databases for fire protection cost analysis.
QuoteSoft
specializedSpecialized fire sprinkler estimating software that automates takeoffs, pricing, and labor calculations for precise bids.
Automated pipe run modeling that instantly assembles complete systems with fittings, hangers, seismic bracing, and hydraulic calculations
QuoteSoft is a premier estimating software tailored for fire protection contractors, specializing in accurate digital takeoffs and pricing for sprinkler systems, fire alarms, suppression systems, and related piping. It integrates seamlessly with AutoCAD and other CAD tools, enabling precise modeling of pipe runs, hangers, fittings, and accessories with automated assemblies. The software generates professional proposals, change orders, and reports, streamlining the bid process from site plans to final submission.
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy in fire protection-specific assemblies and pricing databases
- Powerful CAD-integrated digital takeoff and 3D modeling capabilities
- Comprehensive proposal generation and labor/material optimization tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users without training
- High upfront cost and modular pricing structure
- Primarily Windows-based with limited mobile access
Best For
Mid-to-large fire protection contractors handling complex commercial and industrial bids requiring precision and speed.
Pricing
Modular perpetual licenses starting at $6,000-$15,000 per module plus annual maintenance (~20%); custom quotes for bundles.
SprinkSOFT
specializedComprehensive fire protection design and estimating tool with hydraulic analysis and material lists for sprinkler systems.
Integrated visual piping takeoff with automatic hydraulic node placement
SprinkSOFT from FirePro Inc. is a specialized desktop estimating software designed for fire protection contractors, particularly those focused on sprinkler systems. It enables precise digital takeoffs from PDFs and CAD files, automates material and labor calculations using an extensive industry-specific database, and generates professional bid documents. The tool supports overhead, profit, and tax computations, making it efficient for competitive bidding in fire protection projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive fire protection material and labor database
- Accurate visual takeoffs and automated calculations
- Customizable reports and export options for bids
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited cloud or mobile accessibility
- Requires Windows environment and powerful hardware
Best For
Mid-sized fire sprinkler contractors needing detailed, industry-specific estimating for complex projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting at $4,995 plus annual maintenance fees around $1,000.
HydraLIST
specializedMaterial takeoff and cost estimating software integrated with hydraulic design for fire sprinkler projects.
Pre-built NFPA-compliant assemblies and labor database optimized exclusively for fire protection estimating
HydraLIST from HydraSoftware is a specialized desktop estimating and takeoff software tailored for fire protection contractors, focusing on sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and suppression systems. It offers digital plan takeoffs from PDFs, scans, and CAD files, paired with a comprehensive database of fire protection materials, fittings, labor units, and NFPA-compliant assemblies. The tool automates bid preparation, cost calculations, and professional reporting to streamline the estimating workflow for accurate and competitive bids.
Pros
- Extensive, industry-specific database of fire protection components and assemblies
- Precise digital takeoff tools with automatic pipe length calculations
- Customizable reports and bid documents for professional presentations
Cons
- Windows desktop-only with no cloud or mobile access
- Steeper learning curve due to dense interface
- Limited integrations with modern accounting or project management software
Best For
Established fire protection contractors handling complex sprinkler and suppression system bids who prefer robust desktop tools.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 depending on modules, plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%; custom quotes available.
Trimble AccuBid Pipe
enterpriseDatabase-driven pipe estimating solution supporting fire protection systems with advanced labor and material factoring.
LiveCount digital takeoff with intelligent pipe routing and automatic fitting generation
Trimble AccuBid Pipe is a robust estimating software tailored for mechanical piping contractors, including fire protection specialists handling sprinkler systems and piping networks. It features digital takeoff tools, customizable databases for materials and labor, and automated bid generation to streamline the estimating process from takeoff to final proposal. The software excels in handling complex pipe configurations with accurate cost calculations compliant with industry standards like NFPA.
Pros
- Comprehensive material and labor databases with real-time pricing updates
- Advanced digital takeoff and BIM integration for precise fire protection system modeling
- Customizable assemblies and reporting for scalable project bidding
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior estimating experience
- High initial setup and training costs
- Less intuitive interface compared to cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large fire protection contractors requiring detailed, database-driven estimates for complex piping projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starting around $5,000-$10,000 plus annual maintenance fees; enterprise subscriptions available upon request.
PlanSwift
enterpriseDigital plan takeoff and estimating software optimized for fast measurements in fire protection and MEP trades.
On-screen point-and-click takeoff that instantly populates customizable assemblies for real-time estimating
PlanSwift is a versatile digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction trades, including fire protection, allowing users to extract quantities directly from PDF plans and blueprints with point-and-click tools. It supports customizable assemblies for fire protection elements like piping, sprinkler heads, alarms, and suppression systems, enabling rapid estimate assembly and export to Excel or accounting software. While not exclusively tailored for fire protection, it streamlines bidding workflows for contractors handling complex layouts.
Pros
- Intuitive point-and-click takeoff for quick measurements of pipes, fittings, and devices
- Highly customizable assemblies adaptable to fire protection specifications
- Seamless integration with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating tools
Cons
- No built-in libraries or databases specific to fire protection codes and standards
- Lacks advanced features like hydraulic calculations for sprinkler systems
- Requires user setup for complex fire protection assemblies, increasing initial time investment
Best For
Fire protection contractors seeking a fast, general-purpose takeoff tool for digital plans who are willing to customize assemblies for their workflows.
Pricing
One-time license starting at $1,749 per user, with optional annual maintenance around $350.
On-Screen Takeoff
enterpriseAccurate 2D digital takeoff tool widely used for fire protection quantity takeoffs from blueprints.
Point-and-click digital takeoff with auto-issue visualization and real-time quantity updates from PDF plans
On-Screen Takeoff by ConstructConnect is a digital takeoff software designed for construction professionals to measure quantities directly from PDF plans and blueprints with high accuracy. It excels in creating custom assemblies for material estimation, making it adaptable for fire protection projects like calculating pipe lengths, sprinkler heads, and hangers. While not specialized for fire protection, it integrates with Quick Bid for bidding and supports exporting to Excel, streamlining workflows for general estimators.
Pros
- Highly accurate on-screen measuring tools reduce errors in quantity takeoffs
- Customizable assemblies allow adaptation for fire protection components like piping and fittings
- Seamless integration with Quick Bid and Excel for estimating and reporting
Cons
- Lacks built-in fire protection-specific databases or NFPA-compliant templates
- Advanced assembly setup has a learning curve for non-general construction users
- No native hydraulic calculation or specialized fire system modeling capabilities
Best For
Fire protection estimators in general construction firms who prioritize fast digital plan takeoffs and already use ConstructConnect tools.
Pricing
Subscription-based at approximately $1,995/year or $349/month per user; volume discounts and quotes available.
Bluebeam Revu
otherPDF markup and takeoff software with quantity calculation features for fire protection estimating workflows.
Dynamic Quantity Link that auto-updates measurements and exports live data to Excel for real-time estimating adjustments
Bluebeam Revu is a robust PDF review, markup, and measurement software widely used in the AEC industry for digital takeoffs and collaboration. For fire protection estimating, it excels at precise quantity extraction from PDF blueprints, such as measuring pipe runs, counting sprinkler heads, and annotating plans with custom symbols. Measurements can be linked to Excel for cost calculations, and it supports generating takeoff reports, though it lacks specialized fire protection databases or hydraulic calculations.
Pros
- Highly accurate PDF measurement and takeoff tools for pipes, fittings, and devices
- Seamless integration with Excel for custom estimating spreadsheets
- Customizable toolsets and markups tailored to fire protection symbols and legends
Cons
- No built-in fire protection material databases or pricing libraries
- Lacks automated calculations for hydraulics, labor, or system-specific logic
- Subscription pricing adds up for small firms without full AEC needs
Best For
Fire protection estimators focused on PDF plan takeoffs who integrate with Excel or other estimating tools.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $240/user (Basics), $349/user (Core for estimating), up to $449/user (Extreme); perpetual licenses available but less common.
STACK
enterpriseCloud-based takeoff and estimating platform with assemblies tailored for fire protection contractors.
Seamless cloud collaboration allowing multiple users to edit and review takeoffs in real-time from any device
STACK (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals, enabling digital measurement of plans from PDFs, CAD files, and images to generate accurate quantity takeoffs and cost estimates. For fire protection estimating, it supports custom assemblies for elements like sprinklers, piping, valves, and alarms, streamlining bid preparation. It emphasizes collaboration with real-time sharing and integrates with accounting and project management tools for efficient workflows.
Pros
- Intuitive cloud-based interface for quick digital takeoffs
- Real-time collaboration and sharing for team-based estimating
- Customizable assemblies adaptable to fire protection items
Cons
- Lacks built-in fire protection-specific databases or compliance tools
- Advanced customization requires initial setup time
- Subscription pricing may feel high for niche fire protection use
Best For
Mid-sized fire protection contractors needing versatile cloud takeoff and estimating for general construction bids with moderate customization.
Pricing
Starts at $2,495/year per user for unlimited projects; free trial available, with tiered plans based on usage.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud estimating software with pre-built fire protection assemblies and real-time cost updates.
Real-time national cost database with automatic updates for accurate material pricing in fire protection bids
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software that supports digital takeoff, assembly-based estimating, and real-time cost data integration, making it adaptable for fire protection projects like sprinkler systems and fire alarms. It allows users to build custom assemblies for fire protection components and integrates with accounting tools for streamlined bidding. While not exclusively designed for fire protection, its robust general construction features enable accurate estimates for specialized trades with some customization.
Pros
- Cloud-based platform enables real-time collaboration and remote access for fire protection teams
- Digital takeoff tools integrated with estimating reduce manual errors in complex fire system layouts
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Viewpoint, and other construction software for seamless workflows
Cons
- Lacks pre-built libraries and assemblies specific to fire protection equipment like sprinklers or suppression systems
- Customization for niche fire protection items requires significant initial setup and expertise
- Pricing is higher than specialized fire protection estimating tools, potentially overkill for small firms
Best For
Mid-to-large fire protection contractors managing diverse construction projects who need scalable, integrated estimating beyond just fire systems.
Pricing
Subscription-based, quote-dependent; typically $5,000-$15,000 annually based on users, modules, and takeoff needs.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseRobust construction estimating system with customizable databases for fire protection cost analysis.
Centralized Visual Database for building and sharing precise fire protection assemblies and item libraries
Sage Estimating is a robust construction estimating software from Sage that supports detailed cost estimation across multiple trades, including fire protection systems like sprinklers, alarms, and suppression. It features a centralized database of items, assemblies, labor rates, and productivity factors that can be tailored for fire protection takeoffs and bidding. The tool integrates with Excel for flexible bid sheets and supports on-screen takeoff capabilities, making it adaptable for complex projects.
Pros
- Highly customizable databases for fire protection items, assemblies, and labor
- Seamless Excel integration for bid customization and reporting
- Supports detailed takeoffs and integration with other Sage construction tools
Cons
- Not specialized for fire protection, requiring significant custom setup
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost may not justify for fire-protection-only firms
Best For
Multi-trade contractors or general estimators needing a versatile platform adaptable to fire protection alongside other construction disciplines.
Pricing
Subscription-based or perpetual license; typically $4,000+ per user annually, contact Sage for custom quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed fire protection estimating tools vary in focus, but QuoteSoft leads as the top choice, celebrated for its specialized automation in takeoffs, pricing, and labor calculations. Close behind, SprinkSOFT shines with its comprehensive design and hydraulic analysis integration, while HydraLIST excels in merging material takeoff with hydraulic workflows. Each tool serves distinct needs, yet QuoteSoft’s precision and automation make it a standout for many.
Start with QuoteSoft to streamline your estimating process, unlock precise bids, and elevate your project efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
