Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for home building projects.
- 3#3: Clear Estimates - User-friendly estimating software with pre-built assemblies for quick and professional cost estimates in residential construction.
- 4#4: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and bid management for home builders.
- 5#5: JobTread - Project management and estimating software designed for home builders to streamline bids, scheduling, and job costing.
- 6#6: Houzz Pro - Comprehensive business software for home professionals including estimating tools to create detailed proposals and track costs.
- 7#7: Leap - Modern platform for home service contractors with instant estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for residential projects.
- 8#8: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows point-and-click measurements from PDFs for fast home building cost calculations.
- 9#9: ProEst - Cloud-based estimating solution with database-driven assemblies for accurate material and labor cost estimates in construction.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Powerful enterprise estimating software with advanced item and assembly databases for detailed residential construction bidding.
These tools were ranked based on rigorous assessment of key features, including automation efficiency, user-friendliness, comprehensive material/labor databases, and integration with broader construction workflows, ensuring they deliver both quality and value for diverse residential building needs.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key features, pricing structures, and usability of leading home building estimating software, including Buildxact, Stack, Clear Estimates, Buildertrend, JobTread and more. It equips readers to match tools with their project needs, workflow, and budget, enabling informed decisions for efficient, accurate cost projections in residential construction.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for home building projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Clear Estimates User-friendly estimating software with pre-built assemblies for quick and professional cost estimates in residential construction. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 4 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and bid management for home builders. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | JobTread Project management and estimating software designed for home builders to streamline bids, scheduling, and job costing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Houzz Pro Comprehensive business software for home professionals including estimating tools to create detailed proposals and track costs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Leap Modern platform for home service contractors with instant estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for residential projects. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows point-and-click measurements from PDFs for fast home building cost calculations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | ProEst Cloud-based estimating solution with database-driven assemblies for accurate material and labor cost estimates in construction. | enterprise | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Powerful enterprise estimating software with advanced item and assembly databases for detailed residential construction bidding. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.9/10 |
Cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for home building projects.
User-friendly estimating software with pre-built assemblies for quick and professional cost estimates in residential construction.
All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and bid management for home builders.
Project management and estimating software designed for home builders to streamline bids, scheduling, and job costing.
Comprehensive business software for home professionals including estimating tools to create detailed proposals and track costs.
Modern platform for home service contractors with instant estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for residential projects.
Digital takeoff and estimating software that allows point-and-click measurements from PDFs for fast home building cost calculations.
Cloud-based estimating solution with database-driven assemblies for accurate material and labor cost estimates in construction.
Powerful enterprise estimating software with advanced item and assembly databases for detailed residential construction bidding.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
Dynamic live pricing from 500+ suppliers that auto-updates estimates to reflect current market rates
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job management software tailored for residential home builders, remodelers, and small contractors. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs, generate professional estimates using pre-built templates and live material pricing, and track jobs from quote to completion. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero, providing end-to-end workflow efficiency for home building projects.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop takeoffs and one-click estimating
- Live material pricing updates from major suppliers for accuracy
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and supplier portals
Cons
- Advanced customization options are limited compared to enterprise tools
- Pricing can be steep for very small solo operators
- Mobile app lacks some desktop-level takeoff functionality
Best For
Small to medium-sized home builders and remodelers seeking fast, accurate estimating without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Essentials (basic estimating), $299/month for Premium (full takeoffs and job costing), up to $499/month for Enterprise; annual discounts available.
Stack
specializedAI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for home building projects.
AI Plan Viewer for instant, hyper-accurate quantity takeoffs from any PDF, image, or CAD file
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and general contractors. It automates quantity takeoffs from digital plans using advanced AI, generates precise cost estimates with customizable assemblies and a vast material database, and facilitates bid management, subcontractor invites, and trade collaboration. The cloud-based platform integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks and Procore, enabling real-time project budgeting and profitability analysis.
Pros
- AI-driven takeoffs save hours on plan analysis
- Extensive integrations with accounting and project management tools
- Real-time cost database updates for accurate home building estimates
Cons
- Steep pricing for small solo operators
- AI occasionally requires manual verification for complex plans
- Learning curve for advanced customization features
Best For
Mid-sized home building companies looking to streamline pre-construction estimating and bidding with AI automation.
Pricing
Pro plan at $99/user/month (billed annually), Business at $199/user/month, Enterprise custom pricing.
Clear Estimates
specializedUser-friendly estimating software with pre-built assemblies for quick and professional cost estimates in residential construction.
Pre-built assemblies library with over 10,000 items for lightning-fast estimate assembly
Clear Estimates is a Windows-based desktop software tailored for home builders, remodelers, and contractors, enabling rapid creation of professional estimates using a vast database of costs, assemblies, and labor rates. It supports detailed takeoffs, customizable pricing, and generates polished proposals, contracts, and change orders. The tool integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for invoicing and accounting, streamlining the transition from estimate to payment.
Pros
- Extensive pre-built assemblies and cost database for quick, accurate estimates
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless billing
- One-time purchase model with reliable professional outputs
Cons
- Windows-only desktop app with no cloud or mobile access
- Steep initial learning curve for complex projects
- Lacks advanced AI-driven features or real-time collaboration found in newer competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized home builders and remodelers seeking robust, cost-effective desktop estimating without subscription fees.
Pricing
One-time fee of $1,495 for Pro edition; optional annual maintenance (~$300) for updates and support.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, takeoff, and bid management for home builders.
Seamless bid-to-budget conversion that automatically flows estimates into schedules and financial tracking
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform tailored for home builders, featuring robust estimating tools for creating detailed cost breakdowns, takeoffs, and bids. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, budgeting, and project tracking to streamline the entire home building process from pre-construction to completion. The software supports custom assemblies, supplier integrations, and real-time cost updates, making it suitable for managing complex residential projects.
Pros
- All-in-one integration of estimating with scheduling, budgeting, and client communication
- Digital takeoff tools and customizable cost databases for accurate home building bids
- Mobile app and real-time collaboration features for field and office teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve, especially for estimating module newcomers
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams or single-project users
- Estimating lacks some advanced automation found in dedicated takeoff software
Best For
Small to mid-sized home builders and remodelers seeking an integrated platform for estimating and full project management.
Pricing
Starts at $399/month (billed annually) for the Essential plan; higher tiers up to $799+/month for unlimited projects and advanced features.
JobTread
specializedProject management and estimating software designed for home builders to streamline bids, scheduling, and job costing.
The proprietary four-phase workflow (Estimate, Schedule, Select, Job Cost) that uniquely ties together the entire home building lifecycle in one system.
JobTread is an all-in-one construction management software tailored for home builders and remodelers, focusing on streamlining the estimating, scheduling, selections, and job costing processes. It enables quick digital takeoffs, customizable assemblies, and real-time cost tracking to help contractors bid accurately and manage projects profitably. The platform integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks, offering a mobile app for on-site access and comprehensive reporting for better decision-making.
Pros
- Intuitive all-in-one workflow combining estimating, scheduling, selections, and job costing
- Fast digital takeoffs and customizable cost databases for accurate home building bids
- Strong mobile app and QuickBooks integration for real-time field updates
Cons
- Pricing is on the higher side for smaller operations
- Limited advanced customization and reporting compared to enterprise tools
- Fewer third-party integrations than some competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized home builders and remodelers seeking a user-friendly platform to handle end-to-end project management from estimate to closeout.
Pricing
Starts at $295/month for Essentials (billed annually), up to $595/month for Enterprise; custom quotes available.
Houzz Pro
specializedComprehensive business software for home professionals including estimating tools to create detailed proposals and track costs.
Visual proposal builder that embeds interactive 3D designs and product recommendations directly into estimates
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business management platform designed for home professionals, including builders, remodelers, and designers, offering tools for lead generation, project proposals, estimating, scheduling, and invoicing. For home building estimating, it provides template-based cost breakdowns, QuickBooks integration for accurate pricing, and visual proposal builders that incorporate Houzz's design library. While versatile for the full project lifecycle, its estimating capabilities are more suited to residential remodeling than complex new home builds requiring advanced takeoffs.
Pros
- Integrated lead generation from Houzz's massive homeowner marketplace
- Intuitive drag-and-drop proposal and estimating templates with visual design elements
- Seamless mobile app for on-site estimates and project updates
Cons
- Lacks advanced digital takeoff tools and customizable cost databases found in dedicated estimating software
- Estimating features are basic and better for remodels than large-scale home building
- Higher pricing tiers required for full estimating and automation features
Best For
Small to mid-sized residential remodelers and builders seeking an integrated platform with marketing and basic estimating tools.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Pro Lite) for basic features; Pro ($165/month) and Pro+ ($349/month) unlock advanced estimating and automations; annual billing offers discounts.
Leap
specializedModern platform for home service contractors with instant estimating, scheduling, and invoicing for residential projects.
QuickQual instant financing tool that pre-approves buyers in under 60 seconds during the estimate process
Leap is an all-in-one digital platform designed for home builders, specializing in rapid estimating, sales proposals, financing integration, and project management for residential construction. It automates takeoffs, pricing, and contract generation to help builders close deals faster. By connecting with a network of lenders, Leap enables instant buyer pre-qualifications directly within the estimating workflow.
Pros
- Lightning-fast estimating and proposal generation with AI-assisted tools
- Seamless integration with lender networks for instant financing approvals
- Mobile-first design supports field teams and real-time collaboration
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo builders or very small teams
- Limited advanced customization for complex estimating formulas
- Relies heavily on its ecosystem, with fewer third-party integrations
Best For
Mid-sized home builders and remodelers seeking an integrated sales-to-finance pipeline to accelerate deal closures.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $99/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $500+/month for teams with full features.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating software that allows point-and-click measurements from PDFs for fast home building cost calculations.
Point-and-click digital takeoff that allows instant measurements and assemblies without manual entry
PlanSwift is an on-screen takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, including home builders, enabling rapid digital measurements directly from PDFs, CAD files, or scanned plans. Users can point, click, and drag to quantify materials like framing, roofing, and drywall, then apply customizable assemblies to generate accurate cost estimates. It excels in streamlining the pre-construction bidding process with export options to Excel and accounting software like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Exceptionally fast point-and-click takeoffs from digital plans
- Highly customizable assemblies for home building components like lumber and finishes
- Strong integration with Excel and QuickBooks for seamless estimating workflows
Cons
- Desktop-only application with no native cloud or mobile access
- Steep learning curve for building and managing complex assemblies
- Higher cost may not suit very small or infrequent home building operations
Best For
Mid-sized home builders and estimators who perform frequent digital takeoffs and need precise, customizable material and labor cost calculations.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at $1,749 for Solo license; team plans range from $2,500+ per year.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based estimating solution with database-driven assemblies for accurate material and labor cost estimates in construction.
Visual Item Database for quick, image-based lookup and insertion of construction items
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed for accurate digital takeoff, bid management, and real-time cost calculations across various trades. It automates estimating workflows with customizable assemblies, integrates with accounting and project management tools like QuickBooks and Procore, and supports collaborative bidding. While versatile for commercial and trade work, it can be adapted for home building estimates but lacks deep residential-specific templates.
Pros
- Real-time labor and material pricing updates for accurate bids
- Digital takeoff tools that speed up quantity calculations
- Strong integrations with Procore, Sage, and QuickBooks
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Limited out-of-the-box residential assemblies for home builders
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small firms
Best For
Mid-sized home builders or trade contractors handling custom residential projects who need scalable, collaborative estimating.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting around $5,000 annually, based on users and features; free trial available.
Sage Estimating
enterprisePowerful enterprise estimating software with advanced item and assembly databases for detailed residential construction bidding.
Extensive, customizable databases of assemblies and items that enable rapid, database-driven estimating with automatic price updates
Sage Estimating is a professional-grade construction estimating software tailored for detailed cost analysis in home building and other construction projects. It features extensive databases of items, assemblies, and labor units, allowing users to build precise bids with customizable templates and real-time cost updates. The software integrates seamlessly with Sage accounting solutions, supporting takeoff from plans and generating professional reports for bidding.
Pros
- Comprehensive industry-standard cost databases for accurate home building estimates
- Strong integration with Sage accounting and project management tools
- Advanced reporting and bid management capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High pricing not ideal for small home builders
- Overly complex interface for simple residential projects
Best For
Mid-to-large home builders or contractors needing enterprise-level estimating integrated with accounting software.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription starting around $2,500-$5,000 per user/year, with perpetual license options plus annual maintenance.
Conclusion
Across the top 10 home building estimating tools, Buildxact stands out as the leading choice, excelling with cloud-based takeoff and rapid bid creation for residential and remodel projects. Stack and Clear Estimates follow strongly, with AI-driven automation and user-friendly pre-built assemblies offering unique strengths tailored to diverse needs.
Take the next step in efficient bidding—try Buildxact to experience its seamless workflow, or explore Stack and Clear Estimates to find the tool that aligns best with your project requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison