Quick Overview
- 1#1: Trimble AccuBid Pipe - Leading pipe estimating software with comprehensive labor units, material databases, and bid management for mechanical contractors.
- 2#2: ERP Pipe Estimating - Dedicated software for precise pipe takeoffs, fabrication lists, and cost estimating optimized for plumbing and mechanical trades.
- 3#3: PataBid Pro - AI-powered estimating platform specializing in piping, plumbing, and HVAC with automated takeoffs and real-time pricing.
- 4#4: Dawn Quick Bid - Mechanical trade estimating software featuring extensive pipe and plumbing assemblies for fast bid preparation.
- 5#5: Maximoch Pipe - Cloud-based pipe estimating tool with pre-loaded catalogs, labor factors, and reporting for efficient project bidding.
- 6#6: ConEst IntelliBid - Robust estimating system with customizable pipe databases, digital takeoffs, and integration for mechanical contractors.
- 7#7: Sage Estimating - Enterprise-level construction estimating software including detailed pipe assemblies and job costing capabilities.
- 8#8: PlanSwift - On-screen takeoff and estimating software excelling in quick pipe quantity extraction and cost calculations.
- 9#9: Stack - Cloud-based platform for construction takeoffs and estimating with strong support for piping measurements and bids.
- 10#10: Destini Estimator - MEP estimating solution providing model-based pipe quantity takeoffs and accurate cost forecasting.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver precise quantity takeoffs, robust material/labor databases, intuitive interfaces, and measurable value, ensuring they align with the unique needs of piping projects across trades.
Comparison Table
This comparison table evaluates leading pipe estimating software tools, including Trimble AccuBid Pipe, ERP Pipe Estimating, PataBid Pro, Dawn Quick Bid, Maximoch Pipe, and more, to assist readers in identifying the most suitable solution for their projects. By analyzing key functionalities and capabilities, users can gain clarity on which tool aligns with their specific needs for accuracy, efficiency, and workflow integration.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trimble AccuBid Pipe Leading pipe estimating software with comprehensive labor units, material databases, and bid management for mechanical contractors. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | ERP Pipe Estimating Dedicated software for precise pipe takeoffs, fabrication lists, and cost estimating optimized for plumbing and mechanical trades. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | PataBid Pro AI-powered estimating platform specializing in piping, plumbing, and HVAC with automated takeoffs and real-time pricing. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Dawn Quick Bid Mechanical trade estimating software featuring extensive pipe and plumbing assemblies for fast bid preparation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Maximoch Pipe Cloud-based pipe estimating tool with pre-loaded catalogs, labor factors, and reporting for efficient project bidding. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ConEst IntelliBid Robust estimating system with customizable pipe databases, digital takeoffs, and integration for mechanical contractors. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Sage Estimating Enterprise-level construction estimating software including detailed pipe assemblies and job costing capabilities. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 8 | PlanSwift On-screen takeoff and estimating software excelling in quick pipe quantity extraction and cost calculations. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | Stack Cloud-based platform for construction takeoffs and estimating with strong support for piping measurements and bids. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Destini Estimator MEP estimating solution providing model-based pipe quantity takeoffs and accurate cost forecasting. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.0/10 |
Leading pipe estimating software with comprehensive labor units, material databases, and bid management for mechanical contractors.
Dedicated software for precise pipe takeoffs, fabrication lists, and cost estimating optimized for plumbing and mechanical trades.
AI-powered estimating platform specializing in piping, plumbing, and HVAC with automated takeoffs and real-time pricing.
Mechanical trade estimating software featuring extensive pipe and plumbing assemblies for fast bid preparation.
Cloud-based pipe estimating tool with pre-loaded catalogs, labor factors, and reporting for efficient project bidding.
Robust estimating system with customizable pipe databases, digital takeoffs, and integration for mechanical contractors.
Enterprise-level construction estimating software including detailed pipe assemblies and job costing capabilities.
On-screen takeoff and estimating software excelling in quick pipe quantity extraction and cost calculations.
Cloud-based platform for construction takeoffs and estimating with strong support for piping measurements and bids.
MEP estimating solution providing model-based pipe quantity takeoffs and accurate cost forecasting.
Trimble AccuBid Pipe
specializedLeading pipe estimating software with comprehensive labor units, material databases, and bid management for mechanical contractors.
MEP Intelligence database with over 1 million items and automated specification matching for unmatched accuracy
Trimble AccuBid Pipe is a premier estimating software tailored for mechanical contractors in plumbing, HVAC, process piping, and fabrication. It streamlines digital takeoffs, assemblies, labor calculations, and material pricing using an extensive MEP Intelligence database. The tool generates accurate, competitive bids with overhead, profit, and tax computations, integrating seamlessly with Trimble's ecosystem for project management.
Pros
- Vast, updatable MEP database with real-time pricing from suppliers
- Advanced labor and productivity factoring for precise cost estimates
- Seamless integration with Trimble Viewpoint and fabrication software
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners without training
- High upfront cost and ongoing maintenance fees
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to cloud-native rivals
Best For
Large mechanical contractors and pipe fabricators requiring highly accurate, database-driven estimates for complex projects.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at ~$6,000 per seat plus annual maintenance (~20%); subscription options available via Trimble Connect.
ERP Pipe Estimating
specializedDedicated software for precise pipe takeoffs, fabrication lists, and cost estimating optimized for plumbing and mechanical trades.
Automated pipe spool generation and fabrication output directly from estimates
ERP Pipe Estimating from erpsoftware.com is a specialized software solution designed for mechanical contractors and pipe fabricators, offering precise digital takeoffs, material and labor cost calculations, and bid generation tailored to piping systems. It integrates seamlessly with full ERP systems for project management, inventory control, and accounting. The tool excels in handling complex pipe, valve, and fitting estimates from PDFs, CAD files, or paper plans, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in competitive bidding.
Pros
- Highly accurate automated takeoffs and calculations specific to piping systems
- Deep integration with ERP for end-to-end workflow from estimate to fabrication
- Customizable databases for materials, labor rates, and productivity factors
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to comprehensive feature set
- Pricing is custom and can be high for smaller firms
- Limited native mobile support for on-site use
Best For
Mid-to-large mechanical contractors and pipe fabricators needing integrated estimating with ERP for complex industrial projects.
Pricing
Custom quoted based on modules and users; typically $10,000+ annually for full implementation with ongoing support.
PataBid Pro
specializedAI-powered estimating platform specializing in piping, plumbing, and HVAC with automated takeoffs and real-time pricing.
Live Pricing Intelligence that pulls real-time material costs directly from supplier databases for up-to-the-minute accuracy
PataBid Pro is a cloud-based estimating software tailored for plumbing, piping, HVAC, and mechanical contractors, enabling precise pipe takeoffs, material costing, and bid generation. It features an extensive database of pipes, fittings, valves, and labor units, with automated calculations for lengths, offsets, and assemblies. The platform supports CAD imports, real-time pricing updates from suppliers, and customizable reports to streamline the entire estimating workflow for competitive bidding.
Pros
- Comprehensive piping database with thousands of pre-built assemblies and real-time supplier pricing
- Automated digital takeoffs and labor factoring for accurate pipe estimates
- Cloud-based collaboration and mobile access for on-site adjustments
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-expert users due to specialized piping tools
- Subscription costs can be high for very small firms
- Limited native integrations with some popular accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing and mechanical contractors focused on detailed pipe estimating for large-scale commercial projects.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $295/user/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise pricing for advanced features and multi-user access.
Dawn Quick Bid
specializedMechanical trade estimating software featuring extensive pipe and plumbing assemblies for fast bid preparation.
Pre-engineered assemblies for instant pipe system estimating, reducing manual input by up to 80%
Dawn Quick Bid is a Windows-based estimating software tailored for plumbing contractors, specializing in pipe estimating for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. It features digital takeoffs, an extensive database of plumbing materials, labor units, and pre-built assemblies for rapid bid preparation. The tool emphasizes speed and accuracy in generating detailed proposals, with regular price updates from suppliers.
Pros
- Comprehensive plumbing-specific database with thousands of assemblies
- Extremely fast takeoff and bid generation for pipe systems
- Customizable reporting and integration with accounting software
Cons
- Windows-only, no cloud or mobile support
- Dated user interface requiring training
- Higher upfront cost without subscription flexibility
Best For
Established plumbing contractors handling pipe-intensive residential and commercial bids who prefer desktop reliability over modern cloud tools.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,995 for basic version; pro editions up to $4,995 plus annual maintenance fees around $500.
Maximoch Pipe
specializedCloud-based pipe estimating tool with pre-loaded catalogs, labor factors, and reporting for efficient project bidding.
Automated spool and iso drawing generation directly from digital takeoffs
Maximoch Pipe (maximoch.com) is a cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for pipe contractors, fabricators, and mechanical estimators. It facilitates digital takeoffs from PDFs, DWGs, or paper plans, automatically calculating materials like pipe, fittings, valves, hangers, and labor costs including welding and insulation. The tool generates detailed bids, spool sheets, and reports to streamline the estimating and bidding process for industrial and commercial piping projects.
Pros
- Extensive database of pipe components and fittings for accurate takeoffs
- Automated labor and welding time calculations
- Cloud access for team collaboration and real-time updates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Limited offline functionality
- Higher pricing may deter small contractors
Best For
Mid-sized pipe fabrication and contracting firms handling complex industrial projects that require precise material and labor estimates.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $295/user/month; custom enterprise plans available.
ConEst IntelliBid
enterpriseRobust estimating system with customizable pipe databases, digital takeoffs, and integration for mechanical contractors.
IntelliAssemblies, which allow drag-and-drop pre-configured pipe assemblies with automatic material and labor calculations
ConEst IntelliBid is a robust digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction trades like plumbing, mechanical, and pipework. It provides tools for precise 2D/3D takeoffs, extensive databases of pipe fittings, materials, and labor factors, and automated bid sheets for accurate pipe estimating. Ideal for handling complex piping systems, it integrates assemblies and conditional logic to streamline the bidding process from quantity takeoff to final proposal.
Pros
- Comprehensive pre-built databases and IntelliAssemblies for pipe fittings, valves, and supports
- Advanced digital takeoff with labor and overhead factoring specific to piping
- Strong bid management and reporting for detailed pipe project proposals
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High upfront and maintenance costs
- Limited native mobile or cloud access, primarily desktop-based
Best For
Mid-to-large plumbing and mechanical contractors needing precise, database-driven pipe estimating for competitive bids.
Pricing
Custom quotes; perpetual licenses start around $5,000-$10,000 per seat plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20%.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseEnterprise-level construction estimating software including detailed pipe assemblies and job costing capabilities.
Visual Assembler tool for building and reusing customizable pipe assemblies with embedded labor and material intelligence
Sage Estimating is a robust, database-driven construction estimating software designed for detailed cost takeoffs and bidding across trades like plumbing, mechanical, and piping systems. It offers a vast library of pre-built assemblies for pipes, fittings, valves, and labor units, enabling accurate material and labor calculations from 2D plans, PDFs, or BIM models. The tool integrates with Sage accounting and project management solutions for seamless workflows in large-scale operations.
Pros
- Extensive database of pipe assemblies, fittings, and historical cost data for precise estimating
- Strong integration with CAD, BIM, Excel, and Sage ERP systems
- Customizable labor factors and conditional assemblies for complex piping projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training and setup time
- High cost makes it less accessible for small contractors
- Interface feels dated and less intuitive for quick pipe takeoffs compared to specialized tools
Best For
Large mechanical and plumbing contractors handling enterprise-level projects that demand integrated estimating with accounting.
Pricing
Custom quote required; typically starts at $4,000-$10,000 per user annually, plus add-ons for modules like digital takeoff.
PlanSwift
enterpriseOn-screen takeoff and estimating software excelling in quick pipe quantity extraction and cost calculations.
Reusable assemblies that bundle pipe, fittings, labor, and material costs for one-click application across drawings
PlanSwift, from ConstructConnect, is a digital takeoff and estimating software designed for construction professionals to extract quantities directly from 2D plans, PDFs, or scanned drawings. For pipe estimating, it supports custom assemblies for pipes, fittings, valves, hangers, and supports, enabling linear measurements, counts, and area calculations with automated pricing. While versatile across trades, it excels in speed for 2D-based pipe quantity takeoffs but lacks specialized 3D modeling or BIM integration for complex piping systems.
Pros
- Rapid drag-and-drop takeoffs for pipe lengths and fittings
- Highly customizable assemblies tailored to piping needs
- Seamless Excel export for detailed cost integration
Cons
- No native 3D/BIM support for isometric pipe modeling
- Requires manual setup for comprehensive pipe databases
- Limited automation for complex spool or fabrication estimating
Best For
Construction estimators focused on 2D plan takeoffs for plumbing and piping in general contracting projects.
Pricing
One-time purchase starting at $1,749 for standard edition, up to $2,995 for Pro, plus optional annual maintenance around $500-$800.
Stack
enterpriseCloud-based platform for construction takeoffs and estimating with strong support for piping measurements and bids.
AI-assisted auto-detection of linear measurements and counts directly from PDF drawings, minimizing manual tracing for pipe runs
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based digital takeoff and estimating software designed to automate quantity extraction from PDF plans and drawings, making it suitable for pipe estimating in plumbing and mechanical trades. It allows users to measure pipe lengths, count fittings, and annotate assemblies quickly without printing, then export data to Excel or integrate with estimating tools. While versatile for general construction, it supports pipe-specific workflows through customizable visual libraries and collaborative features for team bidding.
Pros
- Rapid automated measurements from PDFs reduce manual takeoff time significantly
- Cloud-based collaboration enables real-time team access and revisions
- Customizable visual libraries for tagging pipe types, sizes, and fittings
Cons
- Lacks deeply specialized pipe databases or automatic BOM generation for complex piping systems
- Subscription pricing can add up for small firms with infrequent use
- Advanced assemblies may require manual adjustments despite auto-detection tools
Best For
Mid-sized plumbing and piping contractors seeking efficient digital takeoffs from plans to speed up bid preparation without heavy customization.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for Basic plan (core takeoff features); Pro at $199/user/month adds estimating and integrations; Enterprise custom pricing.
Destini Estimator
enterpriseMEP estimating solution providing model-based pipe quantity takeoffs and accurate cost forecasting.
Dynamic Estimating Central with live supplier pricing feeds for pipes and fittings
Destini Estimator, part of Trimble's Constructible platform, is a cloud-based estimating solution tailored for mechanical, plumbing, and piping contractors. It facilitates digital takeoffs, detailed quantity calculations for pipes, fittings, valves, and supports, and generates comprehensive cost estimates with labor and material breakdowns. The software integrates real-time pricing data and collaborates across teams for accurate pre-construction bidding in pipe estimating workflows.
Pros
- Robust digital takeoff tools for precise pipe and fitting measurements
- Real-time material pricing integration reduces cost inaccuracies
- Seamless integration with Trimble's construction ecosystem for project handoff
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users unfamiliar with Trimble tools
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for small firms
- Limited advanced customization for highly specialized pipe fabrication needs
Best For
Mid-sized mechanical and plumbing contractors integrated into the Trimble suite seeking collaborative pipe estimating.
Pricing
Quote-based subscription model; typically $5,000+ annually per user depending on modules and scale.
Conclusion
The reviewed pipe estimating software provides tailored solutions for mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC trades, with the top 3 distinguishing themselves through specialized strengths. Trimble AccuBid Pipe leads with its comprehensive labor, material, and bid management tools, while ERP Pipe Estimating excels in precise takeoffs and fabrication lists, and PataBid Pro impresses with AI-powered automation. Each top choice caters to distinct needs, ensuring users find the optimal fit for their projects. Final CTA: Dive into Trimble AccuBid Pipe to streamline your estimating workflow—its robust feature set makes it the top pick for contractors aiming to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison