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Top 10 Best Remodeling Cost Estimator Software of 2026

Compare top remodeling cost estimator software to plan your project. Find the best tools for accurate budgeting—start planning today!

Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Feb 11, 2026

10 tools comparedExpert reviewed
Independent evaluation · Unbiased commentary · Updated regularly
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Remodeling cost estimator software is indispensable for modern contractors, streamlining project planning, budget accuracy, and profitability by bridging the gap between design and execution. With a diverse range of tools—from AI-powered takeoff platforms to all-in-one management systems—choosing the right solution can transform workflows; our list of the top 10 highlights software tailored to meet varying needs.

Quick Overview

  1. 1#1: Clear Estimates - Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.
  2. 2#2: Buildxact - Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.
  3. 3#3: Xactimate - Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.
  4. 4#4: Stack - AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.
  5. 5#5: JobTread - All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.
  6. 6#6: Buildertrend - Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.
  7. 7#7: PlanSwift - Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.
  8. 8#8: Knowify - Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.
  9. 9#9: Houzz Pro - Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.
  10. 10#10: Leap - CRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster.

Tools were selected and ranked based on core features (e.g., cost databases, customization), user experience (intuitive design), and overall value (integration capabilities, scalability, and additional functionalities like CRM or job management).

Comparison Table

Navigating remodeling cost estimator software? This comparison table examines top tools like Clear Estimates, Buildxact, Xactimate, Stack, JobTread and more, guiding readers to identify the right fit for their projects. Here, you’ll discover key features, pricing nuances, and ideal use cases to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy.

Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
9.5/10
Value
9.4/10
2Buildxact logo9.1/10

Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.

Features
9.4/10
Ease
8.7/10
Value
8.6/10
3Xactimate logo9.2/10

Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.

Features
9.8/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
8.1/10
4Stack logo8.6/10

AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.

Features
9.1/10
Ease
8.3/10
Value
8.2/10
5JobTread logo8.3/10

All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
8.0/10
Value
8.2/10

Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.

Features
8.5/10
Ease
7.5/10
Value
7.8/10
7PlanSwift logo8.1/10

Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.

Features
9.0/10
Ease
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10
8Knowify logo8.2/10

Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.

Features
8.7/10
Ease
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
9Houzz Pro logo7.4/10

Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.

Features
6.7/10
Ease
8.6/10
Value
7.1/10
10Leap logo7.8/10

CRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster.

Features
8.2/10
Ease
8.5/10
Value
7.0/10
1
Clear Estimates logo

Clear Estimates

specialized

Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.

Overall Rating9.7/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
9.5/10
Value
9.4/10
Standout Feature

Pre-built dynamic assemblies tailored to remodeling trades that automatically compute material quantities, labor hours, and waste factors for precise cost estimates.

Clear Estimates is a cloud-based estimating software specifically designed for remodeling and home improvement contractors. It features a comprehensive database of costs and pre-built assemblies for common jobs like roofing, siding, kitchens, and bathrooms, enabling users to generate detailed, professional proposals in minutes. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks for invoicing and offers mobile access for on-site estimating, with automatic updates to material and labor costs.

Pros

  • Extensive library of remodeling-specific assemblies that handle takeoffs, labor, and waste automatically
  • Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless invoicing and accounting
  • Cloud-based platform with mobile app for on-site estimating and real-time collaboration
  • Regular automatic updates to national cost databases ensuring accuracy

Cons

  • Higher monthly pricing may deter very small or solo contractors
  • Initial learning curve for customizing assemblies and templates
  • Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise-level ERP systems

Best For

Professional remodeling contractors and home improvement firms seeking fast, accurate estimates with strong accounting integration.

Pricing

Starts at $125/month for the Pro plan (unlimited users and estimates), with annual billing discounts and a 30-day free trial.

Visit Clear Estimatesclearestimates.com
2
Buildxact logo

Buildxact

specialized

Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.

Overall Rating9.1/10
Features
9.4/10
Ease of Use
8.7/10
Value
8.6/10
Standout Feature

Live supplier price integrations for real-time material cost updates

Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimation software tailored for residential builders and remodelers, enabling quick digital takeoffs, accurate cost estimates, and professional quoting. It features extensive pre-built price lists for materials and labor, customizable templates, and tools for job costing and scheduling. The platform integrates seamlessly with accounting software like QuickBooks and offers mobile access for on-site management.

Pros

  • Vast pre-built libraries of remodeling items with regional pricing
  • Integrated digital takeoff and instant quote generation
  • Strong integrations with QuickBooks and supplier price feeds

Cons

  • Steep pricing for smaller operations or solo users
  • Learning curve for advanced customization
  • Primarily focused on residential, less ideal for commercial

Best For

Small to mid-sized remodeling contractors seeking efficient, accurate estimating and job tracking in residential projects.

Pricing

Starts at $149/user/month (Basic plan) up to $499/user/month (Pro plan); annual billing offers discounts, with a free trial available.

Visit Buildxactbuildxact.com
3
Xactimate logo

Xactimate

specialized

Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.

Overall Rating9.2/10
Features
9.8/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
8.1/10
Standout Feature

Its patented, dynamic pricing database providing hyper-local, real-time accurate material and labor costs across thousands of zip codes.

Xactimate is a leading cloud-based estimating software tailored for the construction, remodeling, and insurance restoration industries, enabling users to create precise, detailed cost estimates for projects of all sizes. It offers a comprehensive library of over 840 line-item categories, advanced sketching tools for takeoffs, and region-specific pricing data updated multiple times annually. The platform supports mobile access via apps for iOS and Android, facilitating fieldwork, and generates professional reports compliant with insurance standards.

Pros

  • Extensive, regionally accurate pricing database with frequent updates
  • Powerful sketching and 3D takeoff tools for precise measurements
  • Robust mobile app and integrations with accounting/CRM software

Cons

  • Steep learning curve requiring significant training
  • High subscription costs that may not suit small contractors
  • Interface feels dated and cluttered for new users

Best For

Professional remodeling contractors, insurance restoration firms, and adjusters needing defensible, standardized estimates for large-scale projects.

Pricing

Subscription tiers start at $249/month (Essentials) up to $389/month (Elite) per user, with annual plans offering discounts; additional fees for training and advanced features.

Visit Xactimatexactimate.com
4
Stack logo

Stack

specialized

AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.

Overall Rating8.6/10
Features
9.1/10
Ease of Use
8.3/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Built-in subcontractor outreach and real-time bidding platform for fast vendor quotes

Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction and remodeling professionals, enabling digital plan analysis, quantity takeoffs, and detailed cost estimates. It supports PDF, CAD, and image imports, allowing users to build assemblies, apply pricing, and generate proposals quickly. The platform excels in real-time collaboration, subcontractor bidding, and integrations with tools like QuickBooks for streamlined workflows in remodeling projects.

Pros

  • Powerful digital takeoff from plans with customizable assemblies
  • Real-time team and subcontractor collaboration
  • Seamless integrations with accounting and project management tools

Cons

  • Learning curve for complex takeoff tools
  • Pricing scales with usage, costly for high-volume users
  • Limited automation for non-standard remodeling items

Best For

Mid-sized remodeling contractors needing collaborative estimating and subcontractor management for residential and light commercial projects.

Pricing

Subscription tiers start at ~$250/month for core features, with pay-per-estimate options based on project volume (~$2.50 per $1K estimated).

Visit Stackstackct.com
5
JobTread logo

JobTread

specialized

All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.

Overall Rating8.3/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
8.0/10
Value
8.2/10
Standout Feature

Pre-built assemblies for common remodeling tasks that enable estimators to generate accurate, detailed bids in minutes

JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for remodeling contractors, offering robust cost estimating tools including digital takeoff, pre-built assemblies, and a comprehensive cost database for residential projects. It streamlines the estimating process by allowing users to create professional bids quickly while integrating seamlessly with scheduling, invoicing, and job tracking features. This all-in-one platform helps remodeling businesses manage the full project lifecycle from initial estimate to completion.

Pros

  • Rapid estimate creation using pre-built remodeling assemblies and templates
  • Seamless integration of estimating with scheduling and job costing
  • Mobile app for on-site access and real-time updates

Cons

  • Lacks advanced 3D takeoff and visualization tools compared to specialized estimators
  • Pricing scales quickly with additional users and features
  • Some users report a learning curve for advanced customization

Best For

Small to medium-sized remodeling contractors seeking an all-in-one platform for estimating and project management.

Pricing

Starts at $99/user/month for Basic plan; Pro at $169/user/month and Enterprise at $299/user/month, with annual discounts available.

Visit JobTreadjobtread.com
6
Buildertrend logo

Buildertrend

enterprise

Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.5/10
Ease of Use
7.5/10
Value
7.8/10
Standout Feature

Seamless estimating-to-scheduling integration that automatically updates budgets and timelines from bids

Buildertrend is an all-in-one construction management platform that includes robust cost estimating tools tailored for remodeling contractors, allowing users to create detailed bids using assemblies, cost codes, and material takeoffs. It integrates estimating seamlessly with scheduling, budgeting, and change order management to provide real-time cost tracking throughout projects. While not a standalone estimator, its features support accurate remodeling cost projections and client approvals via a portal.

Pros

  • Comprehensive integration of estimating with project scheduling and budgeting
  • Customizable cost assemblies and real-time cost tracking
  • Client portal for estimate approvals and transparency

Cons

  • Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
  • Pricing is higher, better suited for teams rather than solo estimators
  • Takeoff tools less advanced than specialized estimating software

Best For

Remodeling contractors and small teams needing integrated estimating within full project management workflows.

Pricing

Custom quote-based; starts at around $399/month for basic plans, scales with users and features (annual contracts common).

Visit Buildertrendbuildertrend.com
7
PlanSwift logo

PlanSwift

specialized

Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.

Overall Rating8.1/10
Features
9.0/10
Ease of Use
7.2/10
Value
7.5/10
Standout Feature

Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate nested quantities and costs from on-screen takeoffs

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction and remodeling professionals, enabling rapid quantity measurements from digital plans like PDFs, CAD files, and scanned images. It allows users to perform point-and-click takeoffs for lengths, areas, volumes, and counts, then assemble costs with customizable databases for materials, labor, and subcontractors. The software generates professional bid reports, integrates with QuickBooks and Excel, and supports visual markups for accurate remodeling cost estimates.

Pros

  • Extremely fast point-and-click takeoffs with high accuracy
  • Robust customizable assemblies and cost databases
  • Strong integration with accounting tools like QuickBooks

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Windows-only desktop app, no native cloud version
  • High upfront cost with ongoing maintenance fees

Best For

Remodeling contractors and estimators who work with complex digital plans and need precise, visual quantity takeoffs.

Pricing

Perpetual license starts at $1,749 per user plus ~$500 annual maintenance; subscription plans from $135/month.

Visit PlanSwiftplanswift.com
8
Knowify logo

Knowify

specialized

Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.

Overall Rating8.2/10
Features
8.7/10
Ease of Use
7.6/10
Value
8.0/10
Standout Feature

Pre-built assemblies library tailored for remodeling, enabling rapid and accurate cost estimates from takeoff to bid.

Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software designed for remodeling contractors, offering robust tools for cost estimating, digital takeoff, job costing, and project management. It enables users to build detailed estimates using pre-built assemblies, track actual costs against budgets in real-time, and streamline invoicing and payments. With strong QuickBooks integration, it bridges estimating with accounting for accurate financial oversight in remodeling projects.

Pros

  • Comprehensive estimating with digital takeoff and customizable assemblies
  • Real-time job costing and QuickBooks integration for seamless accounting
  • Mobile app for on-site updates and project tracking

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for new users
  • Pricing can be high for solo remodelers
  • Limited advanced reporting customization

Best For

Small to medium-sized remodeling contractors seeking integrated estimating, costing, and project management tools.

Pricing

Starts at $149/month for Essentials (1 user), $299/month for Pro (up to 5 users), with Enterprise custom pricing.

Visit Knowifyknowify.com
9
Houzz Pro logo

Houzz Pro

specialized

Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.

Overall Rating7.4/10
Features
6.7/10
Ease of Use
8.6/10
Value
7.1/10
Standout Feature

Visual estimate proposals enhanced by Houzz's vast 3D design and product library

Houzz Pro is a comprehensive business management platform for home remodeling professionals that includes built-in cost estimating tools for creating detailed proposals. It enables users to itemize costs, incorporate product pricing from the Houzz marketplace, and generate professional estimates with visual elements like 3D renderings. While it excels in integration with design and project management features, its estimating capabilities are more suited for quick quotes rather than complex takeoffs.

Pros

  • Intuitive proposal builder with drag-and-drop templates
  • Seamless integration with Houzz's product library for accurate material costs
  • Mobile accessibility for on-site estimate adjustments

Cons

  • Lacks advanced digital takeoff and quantity calculation tools
  • Estimating is basic compared to dedicated software
  • Higher cost for full features may not justify for estimating-only use

Best For

Small remodeling contractors who want an all-in-one platform combining basic cost estimating with project management and client visuals.

Pricing

Free limited plan; paid tiers start at $65/user/month (billed annually) up to $165+/month for premium features.

10
Leap logo

Leap

specialized

CRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster.

Overall Rating7.8/10
Features
8.2/10
Ease of Use
8.5/10
Value
7.0/10
Standout Feature

One-click financing integration that embeds lender-approved loans directly into estimates for instant approvals

Leap (leap.to) is an all-in-one sales and operations platform designed for home service contractors, including remodelers, that excels in generating fast, professional cost estimates with pre-built templates and real-time pricing adjustments. It streamlines the entire sales process by allowing contractors to create itemized proposals on-site via mobile app, complete with photos, 3D renderings, and integrated financing options. While not a standalone estimator, its tools help remodeling pros close deals quicker by combining estimation with CRM and payment features.

Pros

  • Lightning-fast estimate creation with drag-and-drop templates
  • Built-in financing integration to boost close rates
  • Mobile-first design for on-site use

Cons

  • Less depth for highly complex remodeling takeoffs compared to specialized tools
  • Subscription pricing can feel steep for small teams focused only on estimation
  • Overemphasis on sales features may overwhelm pure estimators

Best For

Remodeling contractors who want a sales-oriented estimator with seamless financing and CRM integration to win jobs faster.

Pricing

Starts at $149/user/month for Essentials plan; Pro and Enterprise tiers up to $299+/user/month with advanced features like unlimited financing.

Visit Leapleap.to

Conclusion

When it comes to remodeling cost estimator software, three tools shine brightest, each with unique strengths. Clear Estimates emerges as the top choice, tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built databases and customizable templates, while Buildxact impresses with fast takeoff and integrated job costing, and Xactimate stands out for its industry-leading pricing data. Together, they provide reliable solutions to streamline and enhance remodeling estimates.

Clear Estimates logo
Our Top Pick
Clear Estimates

Start with Clear Estimates to leverage its intuitive design and robust features, or explore Buildxact and Xactimate to find the perfect fit for your specific remodeling needs.