Quick Overview
- 1#1: Joist - Joist enables handymen to create, send, and track professional estimates and invoices from mobile devices.
- 2#2: Housecall Pro - Housecall Pro provides all-in-one estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for home service professionals.
- 3#3: Jobber - Jobber streamlines quoting, job tracking, and billing for handymen and field service businesses.
- 4#4: ClearEstimates - ClearEstimates generates accurate, customizable estimates for handyman and remodeling projects.
- 5#5: Stack - Stack offers cloud-based takeoffs and estimating for construction and handyman jobs.
- 6#6: Knowify - Knowify handles estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors and handymen.
- 7#7: Buildertrend - Buildertrend provides project management with integrated estimating for remodelers and handymen.
- 8#8: ServiceTitan - ServiceTitan delivers advanced estimating and field service management for growing handyman businesses.
- 9#9: Procore - Procore offers construction management with powerful estimating and bidding tools.
- 10#10: PlanSwift - PlanSwift automates digital plan takeoffs and cost estimating for contractors.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including feature breadth, ease of use, integration capabilities, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional support for daily operations and growth.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores key handyman estimating software, including Joist, Housecall Pro, Jobber, ClearEstimates, Stack, and more, to guide professionals in finding tools that match their workflow needs. Readers will gain insights into critical features, pricing structures, and usability aspects to select the best fit for their business.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joist Joist enables handymen to create, send, and track professional estimates and invoices from mobile devices. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Housecall Pro Housecall Pro provides all-in-one estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for home service professionals. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Jobber Jobber streamlines quoting, job tracking, and billing for handymen and field service businesses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | ClearEstimates ClearEstimates generates accurate, customizable estimates for handyman and remodeling projects. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | Stack Stack offers cloud-based takeoffs and estimating for construction and handyman jobs. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 6 | Knowify Knowify handles estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors and handymen. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | Buildertrend Buildertrend provides project management with integrated estimating for remodelers and handymen. | enterprise | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.1/10 |
| 8 | ServiceTitan ServiceTitan delivers advanced estimating and field service management for growing handyman businesses. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | Procore Procore offers construction management with powerful estimating and bidding tools. | enterprise | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 5.0/10 |
| 10 | PlanSwift PlanSwift automates digital plan takeoffs and cost estimating for contractors. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Joist enables handymen to create, send, and track professional estimates and invoices from mobile devices.
Housecall Pro provides all-in-one estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for home service professionals.
Jobber streamlines quoting, job tracking, and billing for handymen and field service businesses.
ClearEstimates generates accurate, customizable estimates for handyman and remodeling projects.
Stack offers cloud-based takeoffs and estimating for construction and handyman jobs.
Knowify handles estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors and handymen.
Buildertrend provides project management with integrated estimating for remodelers and handymen.
ServiceTitan delivers advanced estimating and field service management for growing handyman businesses.
Procore offers construction management with powerful estimating and bidding tools.
PlanSwift automates digital plan takeoffs and cost estimating for contractors.
Joist
specializedJoist enables handymen to create, send, and track professional estimates and invoices from mobile devices.
One-tap professional estimates generated instantly from pre-built, customizable templates
Joist is a mobile-first estimating and invoicing software tailored for handymen and small service businesses, enabling quick creation of professional estimates on-site using customizable templates with material and labor costs. Users can send estimates via email or SMS, track job progress, convert approvals to invoices, and collect payments seamlessly through integrated gateways. It also offers job scheduling, expense tracking, and QuickBooks integration for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Lightning-fast mobile estimate creation with drag-and-drop templates
- Integrated payments and QuickBooks sync for effortless cash flow
- Intuitive interface perfect for on-the-go handymen
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to desktop tools
- Customization depth may fall short for highly complex projects
- Heavy reliance on mobile app with minimal desktop functionality
Best For
Solo handymen or small crews needing simple, mobile estimating and invoicing without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free basic plan; paid tiers start at $25/month (Solo), $49/month (Crew), $99/month (Business) with annual discounts.
Housecall Pro
specializedHousecall Pro provides all-in-one estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for home service professionals.
Pro Estimates with one-click conversion to jobs, including automated scheduling and customer portal for approvals
Housecall Pro is a comprehensive field service management platform tailored for handymen and home service pros, featuring robust estimating tools to create professional quotes and proposals on the go. It enables quick estimate generation using customizable templates, digital signatures for approvals, and seamless conversion to scheduled jobs with invoicing and payments. The software integrates estimating with dispatching, customer communication, and accounting for end-to-end workflow efficiency.
Pros
- Powerful estimate builder with templates, pricing catalogs, and e-signatures
- Mobile app supports field estimating and real-time updates
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and payment processors
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with users and locations
- Steeper learning curve for non-estimating features
- Some advanced customizations require higher tiers
Best For
Small to mid-sized handyman businesses seeking an all-in-one platform that combines estimating with scheduling, dispatching, and payments.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (billed annually) for Basic; Essentials at $129/location/month + $49/user; up to Max at $229/location/month + users.
Jobber
specializedJobber streamlines quoting, job tracking, and billing for handymen and field service businesses.
Client Hub for self-service quote approvals, job updates, and payments directly from customer portals
Jobber is an all-in-one field service management software tailored for handymen and small service businesses, offering robust tools for creating professional estimates and quotes on the go. Users can build customizable quotes with line items, quantities, pricing, taxes, and discounts via a mobile app or web dashboard, then seamlessly convert them into jobs, schedules, and invoices. It integrates client communication, payments, and GPS tracking to streamline operations from estimate to completion.
Pros
- Intuitive quote builder with templates and mobile editing for fast on-site estimating
- Seamless workflow from quote to invoice and payment collection
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and payment processors
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers required for advanced features like unlimited users or automation
- Estimating lacks advanced takeoff tools or 3D modeling found in specialized software
- Occasional reports of mobile app glitches during peak usage
Best For
Solo handymen or small teams needing an integrated platform for estimating, scheduling, and billing without complex setup.
Pricing
Lite ($49/mo, 1 user), Core ($129/mo, up to 7 users), Connect ($229/mo), Grow ($349/mo); annual discounts and 14-day free trial available.
ClearEstimates
specializedClearEstimates generates accurate, customizable estimates for handyman and remodeling projects.
Touch-based digital takeoff tools on iPad for rapid, on-site quantity measurements and assembly insertion
ClearEstimates is a mobile-first estimating software designed for contractors and handymen, enabling quick creation of professional estimates using iPads, iPhones, or web browsers. It features a comprehensive library of over 20,000 pre-built assemblies for common handyman tasks like repairs, installations, and remodels, with tools for material takeoffs, labor costing, and customizable pricing. Users can generate polished proposals on-site, email them to clients, and sync with QuickBooks for seamless invoicing.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built assembly library speeds up estimating for common handyman jobs
- Fully functional offline mode with iOS app for fieldwork
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for invoicing and accounting
Cons
- Primarily optimized for Apple devices, less intuitive on Android or non-mobile setups
- Subscription model lacks a robust free tier or low-cost solo option
- Limited advanced reporting and customization compared to desktop-heavy competitors
Best For
Handymen and small contracting teams who primarily use iPads on job sites and need fast, mobile estimates with QuickBooks syncing.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic (1 user), $199/month for Pro, $299/month for Enterprise; annual plans offer 10-20% discounts.
Stack
specializedStack offers cloud-based takeoffs and estimating for construction and handyman jobs.
AI-powered instant takeoff that automatically detects and measures items from PDFs, images, or sketches
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based platform designed for construction professionals, including handymen, offering AI-powered digital takeoffs, estimating, and proposal generation from uploaded plans and PDFs. It automates measurements for materials and labor, integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks, and supports job costing and scheduling for efficient project management. While powerful for accurate bidding on residential repairs and remodels, it's optimized more for teams than solo operators.
Pros
- AI-automated takeoffs save hours on measurements
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Procore
- Customizable templates for professional proposals
Cons
- Pricing is steep for solo handymen
- Learning curve for advanced takeoff tools
- Limited mobile functionality compared to dedicated apps
Best For
Handymen and small contracting teams bidding on home repair and remodeling projects that require precise plan-based estimates.
Pricing
Starts at $125/month for Build plan (billed annually), up to $250+/month for Pro; 14-day free trial available.
Knowify
specializedKnowify handles estimating, job costing, and invoicing for trade contractors and handymen.
Advanced digital takeoff tool that automates quantity calculations from plans for precise material and labor estimates
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed for small to mid-sized contractors, featuring robust estimating tools with digital takeoff, customizable templates, and assemblies for quick bid creation. It streamlines the entire workflow from estimating and job costing to invoicing, scheduling, and payments, with strong integrations like QuickBooks. For handymen, it offers professional-grade estimating capabilities but includes broader project management features that may exceed simple solo needs.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and estimating with pre-built assemblies for accurate handyman bids
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless accounting
- Mobile app for on-site estimate approvals and updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for users new to advanced construction software
- Pricing is higher compared to lightweight handyman-specific tools
- Overkill features for solo handymen focused only on basic estimates
Best For
Small handyman teams or contractors needing scalable estimating integrated with full project management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Essentials plan (billed annually), up to $399/user/month for Enterprise, with a 14-day free trial.
Buildertrend
enterpriseBuildertrend provides project management with integrated estimating for remodelers and handymen.
Advanced estimating system with pre-built assemblies and digital takeoffs that auto-populate bids from plans
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform designed primarily for builders and remodelers, featuring robust estimating tools that enable detailed takeoffs, assemblies, and cost breakdowns for accurate bidding. It integrates estimating with project scheduling, time tracking, invoicing, and client portals to streamline workflows from bid to completion. For handymen, it provides powerful capabilities for larger jobs but may feel comprehensive beyond simple repair estimates.
Pros
- Comprehensive estimating with customizable assemblies, takeoffs, and real-time cost tracking
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and mobile app for on-site bid adjustments
- Built-in client portal for sharing estimates and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve with extensive features overwhelming for solo handymen
- High pricing not ideal for small-scale or occasional estimating needs
- Overkill for quick, simple handyman bids without full project management
Best For
Handymen or small remodeling teams managing multiple mid-sized projects who need integrated estimating and project tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for Essentials plan (billed annually); higher tiers up to $1,000+/month based on users and features; custom quotes required.
ServiceTitan
enterpriseServiceTitan delivers advanced estimating and field service management for growing handyman businesses.
Pricebook Pro for dynamic, rule-based pricing that automatically adjusts estimates based on job variables, location, and customer data
ServiceTitan is a robust field service management platform that includes advanced estimating and quoting tools tailored for home service businesses, enabling handymen to create detailed price quotes, manage material costs, and integrate labor estimates seamlessly. It supports mobile access for on-site quoting, inventory tracking, and real-time updates to ensure accuracy. While powerful for larger operations, its estimating features help handymen streamline bids from simple repairs to complex projects.
Pros
- Comprehensive estimating with dynamic pricebooks and real-time costing
- Seamless integration with scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing
- Mobile app for field techs to generate quotes on-site
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for solo handymen
- High cost makes it less viable for small-scale operations
- Overkill for basic handyman jobs without full business suite needs
Best For
Growing handyman businesses or teams transitioning to larger field service operations that need integrated estimating with CRM and operations management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $200-400 per user/month (billed annually), with additional fees for modules and setup; requires quote.
Procore
enterpriseProcore offers construction management with powerful estimating and bidding tools.
On-screen digital takeoff that automates measurements and quantities directly from uploaded blueprints
Procore is a comprehensive cloud-based construction management platform with robust estimating tools designed for creating detailed bids, material takeoffs, and cost projections from digital plans. It supports customizable estimate templates, labor and material assemblies, and integration with bidding and project management features. While powerful for professional contractors, its enterprise-scale capabilities can feel overwhelming for solo handymen handling small residential repairs or quick jobs. Overall, it excels in accuracy and scalability but at the cost of simplicity.
Pros
- Advanced digital takeoff and quantity calculation tools for precise estimates
- Seamless integration with full project management and bidding workflows
- Mobile app for on-site estimate adjustments and client approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface unsuitable for quick handyman bids
- Enterprise-level pricing that's disproportionate for solo or small-scale users
- Overkill for simple jobs, lacking lightweight templates for minor repairs
Best For
Small contracting teams or handymen scaling to mid-sized renovations who need integrated estimating with project tracking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $375+ per user/month for core features, with add-ons increasing costs significantly.
PlanSwift
specializedPlanSwift automates digital plan takeoffs and cost estimating for contractors.
Intelligent point-and-click takeoff that automatically performs area, length, and count measurements with real-time cost calculations
PlanSwift is a powerful digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals, enabling users to measure quantities directly from PDF plans, scanned drawings, or images using point-and-click tools. It supports building customizable assemblies, generating detailed cost estimates, and exporting data to Excel or accounting software. While robust for larger projects, it offers handymen advanced capabilities for accurate bidding on jobs involving blueprints, though it may feel heavyweight for simple repairs.
Pros
- Highly accurate digital takeoff tools with auto-counting
- Extensive customizable assemblies and item databases
- Seamless export to Excel, QuickBooks, and other integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- Expensive upfront and ongoing costs for small operations
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacks mobile support
Best For
Handyman businesses scaling to larger remodeling or subcontracting jobs that require precise takeoffs from blueprints.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $1,749 per user plus $574 annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals Joist as the leading choice, with its mobile-first estimating and invoicing capabilities standing out. Housecall Pro and Jobber follow, offering versatile all-in-one and streamlined workflows, making them excellent alternatives for different operational needs. Each tool excels in distinct areas, ensuring handymen can find the perfect fit for their business.
Take the next step in streamlining your operations—try Joist today to experience its intuitive features and boost your handyman business efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
