Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based estimating software designed for residential remodelers to create fast, accurate cost estimates with material pricing integration.
- 2#2: Leap - Comprehensive platform for home remodeling firms offering quick estimating, CRM, sales, and project management tools.
- 3#3: CoConstruct - Custom home building software with robust estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration features tailored for remodelers.
- 4#4: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform including detailed cost estimating, scheduling, and financial tracking for remodeling projects.
- 5#5: Xactimate - Industry-standard estimation tool for remodeling and restoration with extensive pricing databases and line-item detailing.
- 6#6: Stack - Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that automates measurements and integrates with accounting for remodelers.
- 7#7: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff software for rapid quantity calculations and customizable estimating assemblies in remodeling plans.
- 8#8: Chief Architect - Professional 3D home design software with integrated material lists and cost estimating for remodeling visualizations.
- 9#9: Houzz Pro - Business management tool for home pros featuring quoting, estimating, invoicing, and project tracking for remodelers.
- 10#10: JobTread - Construction CRM and management software with estimating, job costing, and scheduling optimized for small remodeling businesses.
Tools were evaluated based on key metrics including feature robustness (e.g., material integration, takeoff automation), user-friendliness, reliability, and value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs from small firms to large remodelers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading home remodeling estimate software tools, including Buildxact, Leap, CoConstruct, Buildertrend, Xactimate, and more, to help you assess options for efficient project planning. Readers will discover key features and practical differences to choose the best fit for their workflow needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based estimating software designed for residential remodelers to create fast, accurate cost estimates with material pricing integration. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Leap Comprehensive platform for home remodeling firms offering quick estimating, CRM, sales, and project management tools. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | CoConstruct Custom home building software with robust estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration features tailored for remodelers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform including detailed cost estimating, scheduling, and financial tracking for remodeling projects. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Xactimate Industry-standard estimation tool for remodeling and restoration with extensive pricing databases and line-item detailing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | Stack Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that automates measurements and integrates with accounting for remodelers. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff software for rapid quantity calculations and customizable estimating assemblies in remodeling plans. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Chief Architect Professional 3D home design software with integrated material lists and cost estimating for remodeling visualizations. | creative_suite | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Houzz Pro Business management tool for home pros featuring quoting, estimating, invoicing, and project tracking for remodelers. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | JobTread Construction CRM and management software with estimating, job costing, and scheduling optimized for small remodeling businesses. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based estimating software designed for residential remodelers to create fast, accurate cost estimates with material pricing integration.
Comprehensive platform for home remodeling firms offering quick estimating, CRM, sales, and project management tools.
Custom home building software with robust estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration features tailored for remodelers.
All-in-one construction management platform including detailed cost estimating, scheduling, and financial tracking for remodeling projects.
Industry-standard estimation tool for remodeling and restoration with extensive pricing databases and line-item detailing.
Cloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that automates measurements and integrates with accounting for remodelers.
Digital takeoff software for rapid quantity calculations and customizable estimating assemblies in remodeling plans.
Professional 3D home design software with integrated material lists and cost estimating for remodeling visualizations.
Business management tool for home pros featuring quoting, estimating, invoicing, and project tracking for remodelers.
Construction CRM and management software with estimating, job costing, and scheduling optimized for small remodeling businesses.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based estimating software designed for residential remodelers to create fast, accurate cost estimates with material pricing integration.
Dynamic supplier-integrated material pricing that auto-updates costs in real-time for precise, competitive estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based construction management platform designed specifically for residential builders, remodelers, and tradespeople, offering fast digital takeoff, accurate estimating, and job management tools. It enables users to import plans from PDFs, perform 2D takeoffs, generate professional quotes with built-in material pricing, and track projects from estimate to completion. The software integrates seamlessly with accounting tools like QuickBooks and Xero, providing real-time cost tracking and profitability insights for home remodeling projects.
Pros
- Lightning-fast 2D takeoff and estimating from PDFs or images
- Live material pricing database updated from major suppliers
- Comprehensive job management including scheduling, variations, and timesheets
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Higher pricing may deter very small solo operators
- Limited 3D modeling compared to specialized CAD tools
Best For
Small to medium-sized home remodeling contractors and builders seeking an all-in-one solution for accurate estimating and efficient project management.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Essentials plan (1 user), $299/month for Premium (unlimited users), with annual discounts and a 14-day free trial.
Leap
specializedComprehensive platform for home remodeling firms offering quick estimating, CRM, sales, and project management tools.
Instant in-app financing approvals from multiple lenders, embedded directly into proposals
Leap is a comprehensive platform tailored for home remodeling contractors, offering tools for fast digital estimating, professional proposals with 3D visualizations, and seamless financing integration. It streamlines the sales process by enabling instant loan approvals from multiple lenders directly within proposals, helping close deals 3x faster. Additionally, it includes CRM, project management, and scheduling features to manage the full project lifecycle from lead to completion.
Pros
- Lightning-fast proposal generation with 3D renderings and pricing templates
- One-click financing integrations with instant approvals from top lenders
- Robust sales CRM and project tracking in a mobile-first interface
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small operations
- Advanced estimating requires integrations for complex takeoffs
- Occasional reliance on internet connectivity for real-time features
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling contractors focused on accelerating sales cycles through digital tools and financing options.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $199/month for core plans with per-user scaling and enterprise options.
CoConstruct
specializedCustom home building software with robust estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration features tailored for remodelers.
The customer selection portal that lets homeowners interactively choose finishes and approve changes directly tied to estimates and budgets
CoConstruct is an all-in-one construction management platform designed specifically for custom home builders and remodelers, with robust estimating tools that allow for detailed takeoffs, budgeting, and bid creation. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, selections management, change orders, and client communication via a dedicated customer portal. This makes it a comprehensive solution for handling the full lifecycle of home remodeling projects from initial estimate to project completion.
Pros
- Powerful estimating and takeoff tools with customizable templates for accurate remodeling bids
- Excellent client portal for real-time selections, approvals, and communication
- Integrated job costing and scheduling to track project profitability in real-time
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Higher pricing may not suit very small remodeling operations
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling firms needing an integrated platform for precise estimating, client collaboration, and full project management.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for the Launch plan (1-3 projects), scaling to $499+/month for Pro/Enterprise tiers based on projects and users; annual discounts available.
Buildertrend
specializedAll-in-one construction management platform including detailed cost estimating, scheduling, and financial tracking for remodeling projects.
Real-time job costing that syncs estimates directly with actual expenses and change orders
Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management software designed for home builders and remodelers, featuring robust estimating tools that allow users to create detailed bids, perform takeoffs, and track costs from estimate to completion. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, budgeting, change orders, and client portals for streamlined project oversight. While not exclusively an estimating tool, its comprehensive suite supports remodeling professionals in managing the full project lifecycle efficiently.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of estimating with job costing and scheduling
- Powerful mobile app for on-site updates and client communication
- Customizable templates and real-time reporting for accurate remodeling bids
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Higher pricing may not suit solo remodelers
- Estimating module less specialized than dedicated takeoff software
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling firms needing an integrated platform for estimating, project management, and client interactions.
Pricing
Starts at $399/month for base plan (1 user, limited projects), scales to $500+/month with more users/features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Xactimate
specializedIndustry-standard estimation tool for remodeling and restoration with extensive pricing databases and line-item detailing.
Proprietary national price list with real-time, region-specific data covering millions of line items
Xactimate, developed by Xactware, is an industry-standard estimating software tailored for home remodeling, property restoration, and construction professionals. It features a vast, regularly updated national database of line-item prices, advanced 2D/3D sketching tools for accurate takeoffs, and customizable reporting for professional estimates. The platform supports desktop, online, and mobile access, enabling seamless workflows from site measurements to client presentations and insurance submissions.
Pros
- Comprehensive, localized price database updated monthly for accuracy
- Powerful sketching and diagramming tools for precise room and roof takeoffs
- Seamless integrations with insurance carriers, QuickBooks, and other industry tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High subscription costs that may not suit small contractors
- Overly complex interface for simple remodeling projects
Best For
Established remodeling contractors and restoration firms handling insurance claims and mid-to-large projects that demand precise, standardized estimates.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$289/month for Xactimate Online, with desktop/mobile add-ons (~$100-200/month extra); annual plans offer discounts.
Stack
specializedCloud-based construction takeoff and estimating software that automates measurements and integrates with accounting for remodelers.
One-click assemblies that automatically convert takeoffs into fully itemized, profit-loaded estimates
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for home remodeling contractors, enabling digital measurements from PDFs, images, or sketches with one-click assemblies that instantly generate detailed cost estimates. It integrates job costing, scheduling, client selections, and production tracking into a single platform to streamline the entire project workflow from bid to completion. Designed for remodelers, it emphasizes speed and accuracy, reducing estimation time from hours to minutes.
Pros
- Ultra-fast digital takeoffs from any plan format
- Extensive pre-built assemblies library for quick, accurate remodeling estimates
- All-in-one platform with job costing and scheduling
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced takeoff and assembly customization
- Limited integrations with accounting or CRM tools
- Pricing can be steep for solo contractors
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling firms needing fast, precise estimating and project management in one tool.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (Basic), $249/user/month (Pro), $399/user/month (Enterprise); annual discounts available.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff software for rapid quantity calculations and customizable estimating assemblies in remodeling plans.
Revolutionary point-and-click digital takeoff that measures plans 10x faster than manual methods
PlanSwift is a powerful on-premise takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, including home remodelers, enabling digital measurements directly from imported PDFs, CAD files, or scanned plans via simple point-and-click tools. It features customizable assemblies, cost databases, and reporting for accurate remodeling bids. The software excels in handling complex remodel projects like kitchens, bathrooms, and additions by automating quantity takeoffs and integrating with popular accounting systems.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs for areas, lengths, and counts
- Highly customizable assemblies and cost databases for remodeling specifics
- One-time purchase model with robust reporting and Excel export
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- On-premise only, lacking cloud collaboration
- Windows-exclusive with no mobile app support
Best For
Experienced home remodeling contractors who perform detailed plan takeoffs and prefer desktop software over subscriptions.
Pricing
One-time license starts at $1,749 per user, plus ~$350 annual maintenance; volume discounts available.
Chief Architect
creative_suiteProfessional 3D home design software with integrated material lists and cost estimating for remodeling visualizations.
Seamless 3D-to-estimate workflow that auto-generates precise material schedules and costs from remodel models
Chief Architect is a powerful 3D architectural design software tailored for residential construction and remodeling professionals. It enables users to model existing homes, design remodels with precise floor plans and elevations, and generate detailed material takeoffs and cost estimates directly from the 3D model. While primarily a design tool, its estimating capabilities make it suitable for home remodeling projects requiring accurate quantity and cost calculations.
Pros
- Exceptional 3D modeling and visualization for accurate remodel designs
- Automated material lists and cost estimating from models
- Vast library of architectural components and customization options
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High upfront cost not ideal for small contractors
- Estimating features are design-dependent, less flexible for quick bids
Best For
Professional remodelers and architects handling complex residential projects who prioritize integrated design-to-estimate workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $3,295 for Premier edition, plus $895 annual maintenance; lower-cost Home Designer versions from $99-$595.
Houzz Pro
specializedBusiness management tool for home pros featuring quoting, estimating, invoicing, and project tracking for remodelers.
Seamless integration with Houzz's design inspiration library for visually compelling estimates and proposals
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business management platform for home remodeling professionals, featuring estimating and proposal tools that allow users to create detailed bids with line items, assemblies, and cost tracking. It integrates seamlessly with the Houzz marketplace for lead generation and includes project management, scheduling, invoicing, and time tracking. While versatile for general contractors, its estimating capabilities focus on quick proposal generation rather than advanced takeoff or quantity surveying.
Pros
- Integrated lead generation from Houzz's large homeowner audience
- User-friendly proposal and estimate builder with templates and mobile access
- All-in-one suite combining estimating with CRM, scheduling, and invoicing
Cons
- Lacks advanced takeoff tools or customizable cost databases found in specialized estimating software
- Pricing can be steep for solo remodelers or small teams
- Full feature set has a learning curve despite intuitive interface
Best For
Home remodeling contractors who want integrated marketing leads, proposals, and basic project management in one platform.
Pricing
Tiered plans start at $165/month (Core), $349/month (Plus), and $849/month (Premium), billed annually with discounts.
JobTread
specializedConstruction CRM and management software with estimating, job costing, and scheduling optimized for small remodeling businesses.
Customizable estimate assemblies that allow rapid reuse of predefined cost templates for remodeling projects
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for home remodeling contractors, focusing on estimating, job costing, scheduling, and project tracking. It enables users to create detailed estimates with customizable assemblies, perform digital takeoffs, and monitor costs in real-time against budgets. The platform also handles invoicing, change orders, client portals, and mobile access for field teams, streamlining workflows from bid to completion.
Pros
- Robust estimating tools with assemblies and takeoffs for quick, accurate bids
- Real-time job costing and budgeting to track profitability
- Integrated CRM, scheduling, and mobile app for end-to-end project management
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small teams with limited users
- Fewer third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Interface feels dated and has a moderate learning curve
Best For
Small to mid-sized home remodeling contractors needing an all-in-one tool for estimating and job management without enterprise complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $299+/user/month for premium features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
After examining the top 10 home remodeling estimate software tools, Buildxact emerges as the leading choice, offering fast, accurate estimates with material pricing integration tailored to residential remodelers. While Leap impresses with its comprehensive all-in-one platform combining estimating, CRM, and project management, and CoConstruct stands out for customizable features and client collaboration, Buildxact’s focus on streamlined efficiency makes it the top pick. Each tool has unique strengths, ensuring there’s a solution for diverse needs, whether for small businesses or larger operations.
Take the next step in improving your remodeling process—try Buildxact today to experience its powerful estimating capabilities and transform how you manage projects.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.