Quick Overview
- 1#1: Clear Estimates - Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.
- 2#2: Buildxact - Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.
- 3#3: Xactimate - Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.
- 4#4: Stack - AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.
- 5#5: JobTread - All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.
- 6#6: Buildertrend - Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.
- 7#7: PlanSwift - Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.
- 8#8: Knowify - Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.
- 9#9: Houzz Pro - Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.
- 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.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear Estimates Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Buildxact Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Xactimate Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Stack AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | JobTread All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Buildertrend Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | PlanSwift Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Knowify Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Houzz Pro Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 10 | Leap CRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
Cloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.
Fast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.
Industry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.
AI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.
All-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.
Comprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.
Digital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.
Mobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.
Business software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.
CRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster.
Clear Estimates
specializedCloud-based estimating software tailored for residential remodelers with pre-built cost databases and customizable templates.
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.
Buildxact
specializedFast digital takeoff and estimating tool designed for home builders and remodelers with integrated job costing.
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.
Xactimate
specializedIndustry-standard cost estimating software with extensive pricing database for accurate remodeling and restoration bids.
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.
Stack
specializedAI-powered takeoff and estimating platform that accelerates remodeling project cost calculations from plans.
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).
JobTread
specializedAll-in-one construction management software featuring advanced customizable estimating for custom remodels.
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.
Buildertrend
enterpriseComprehensive project management platform with robust estimating tools for residential remodeling firms.
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).
PlanSwift
specializedDigital on-screen takeoff software with estimating capabilities for quick remodeling quantity and cost analysis.
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.
Knowify
specializedMobile-first job costing and estimating app suited for small remodeling contractors and trades.
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.
Houzz Pro
specializedBusiness software for home pros offering simple estimating alongside project and client management for remodels.
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.
Leap
specializedCRM and sales platform for remodelers with integrated estimating to streamline quoting and close deals faster.
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.
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.
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.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
