Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for remodeling projects.
- 3#3: PlanSwift - On-screen takeoff and estimating software that allows users to measure and calculate directly from digital plans for remodel estimates.
- 4#4: JobTread - Construction management software with customizable estimating templates designed specifically for home improvement and remodeling contractors.
- 5#5: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform featuring integrated estimating, takeoff, and change order tools for remodelers.
- 6#6: Leap - CRM and estimating software for home remodeling contractors that streamlines sales proposals and project cost breakdowns.
- 7#7: Improveit 360 - Remodeling-specific CRM with advanced estimating tools to generate detailed bids and track project costs.
- 8#8: Joist - Mobile estimating and invoicing app that helps small remodelers create professional quotes on-site with material and labor costs.
- 9#9: Houzz Pro - Business management platform for design and remodel professionals including estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools.
- 10#10: Knowify - Cloud-based construction management software with estimating and job costing features suited for remodeling subcontractors.
We ranked these tools based on specialized features for remodeling, ease of use, computational accuracy, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical, tailored benefits for contractors of all scales
Comparison Table
Selecting the right remodeling estimating software can transform project efficiency, and this comparison table explores top tools including Buildxact, Stack, PlanSwift, JobTread, Buildertrend, and more. Readers will gain insights into key features, usability, and integration capabilities to identify the best fit for their unique needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for remodeling projects. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | PlanSwift On-screen takeoff and estimating software that allows users to measure and calculate directly from digital plans for remodel estimates. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | JobTread Construction management software with customizable estimating templates designed specifically for home improvement and remodeling contractors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform featuring integrated estimating, takeoff, and change order tools for remodelers. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | Leap CRM and estimating software for home remodeling contractors that streamlines sales proposals and project cost breakdowns. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Improveit 360 Remodeling-specific CRM with advanced estimating tools to generate detailed bids and track project costs. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Joist Mobile estimating and invoicing app that helps small remodelers create professional quotes on-site with material and labor costs. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | Houzz Pro Business management platform for design and remodel professionals including estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Knowify Cloud-based construction management software with estimating and job costing features suited for remodeling subcontractors. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
Cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
AI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for remodeling projects.
On-screen takeoff and estimating software that allows users to measure and calculate directly from digital plans for remodel estimates.
Construction management software with customizable estimating templates designed specifically for home improvement and remodeling contractors.
All-in-one construction management platform featuring integrated estimating, takeoff, and change order tools for remodelers.
CRM and estimating software for home remodeling contractors that streamlines sales proposals and project cost breakdowns.
Remodeling-specific CRM with advanced estimating tools to generate detailed bids and track project costs.
Mobile estimating and invoicing app that helps small remodelers create professional quotes on-site with material and labor costs.
Business management platform for design and remodel professionals including estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools.
Cloud-based construction management software with estimating and job costing features suited for remodeling subcontractors.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders and remodelers to create accurate bids quickly.
Dynamic, supplier-sourced material pricing database that auto-updates costs in real-time for precise remodeling estimates
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for remodeling contractors, builders, and trade professionals, enabling fast creation of accurate quotes from PDFs and plans. It features pre-built templates for common remodeling projects like kitchens, bathrooms, and additions, with automated material takeoffs and real-time pricing updates from supplier databases. The platform also supports job costing, scheduling, and seamless integrations with QuickBooks and Xero for end-to-end project management.
Pros
- Comprehensive digital takeoff and customizable estimating templates optimized for remodeling projects
- Real-time material and labor pricing database with automatic updates
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and project management tools for streamlined workflows
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers can be costly for solo operators or very small teams
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customization and takeoff features
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized remodeling contractors seeking an all-in-one solution for accurate estimating, quoting, and job tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month (Essentials, billed annually) up to $499+/user/month for Premium teams, with a 14-day free trial.
Stack
specializedAI-powered digital takeoff and estimating platform that automates measurements and cost calculations for remodeling projects.
AI-powered instant takeoffs that analyze plans and generate material lists automatically with 99% accuracy
Stack (stackct.com) is an AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating software tailored for remodeling contractors, automating the extraction of material quantities and costs directly from digital blueprints and PDFs. It streamlines the entire preconstruction process by generating professional estimates, managing bids, and enabling real-time team collaboration. With integrations to accounting tools like QuickBooks, it helps remodeling pros win more jobs faster while reducing errors in takeoffs.
Pros
- AI automation delivers takeoffs in minutes, saving hours of manual work
- Extensive cost database and customizable assemblies for precise remodeling estimates
- Seamless collaboration and client presentation tools for faster bid approvals
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for solo remodelers or very small teams
- Optimal performance requires high-quality digital plans
- Mobile app is functional but lacks full desktop feature parity
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling contractors who handle complex projects and need rapid, accurate AI-driven takeoffs from plans.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $99/user/month for basic plans, scaling with project volume and features.
PlanSwift
specializedOn-screen takeoff and estimating software that allows users to measure and calculate directly from digital plans for remodel estimates.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that allow users to instantly apply pre-built cost packages to takeoff items for lightning-fast remodeling estimates
PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, including remodelers, enabling precise measurements from PDFs, blueprints, and CAD files using intuitive point-and-click tools. It automates quantity takeoffs, assembles costs with customizable databases for materials, labor, and subcontractors, and generates professional bids quickly. Particularly suited for remodeling projects, it streamlines the transition from plans to accurate estimates, reducing errors and saving time.
Pros
- Extremely fast point-and-click takeoffs from digital plans
- Highly customizable assemblies and databases for remodeling-specific items
- Seamless integrations with Excel, QuickBooks, and other estimating tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users without training
- Windows-only compatibility, no native Mac or mobile support
- Upfront cost can be high for small remodeling firms
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling contractors who frequently work with complex blueprints and need rapid, precise quantity takeoffs and customizable cost estimating.
Pricing
Perpetual license starts at $1,749 per user, with optional annual maintenance around $559 for updates and support; volume discounts available.
JobTread
specializedConstruction management software with customizable estimating templates designed specifically for home improvement and remodeling contractors.
Pre-loaded cost assemblies and estimating wizard optimized specifically for remodeling projects
JobTread is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for remodeling contractors, offering robust estimating tools with digital takeoffs, assemblies, and cost databases. It streamlines the entire job process from bid creation and proposals to scheduling, invoicing, and job costing. The platform integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and provides mobile access for real-time field updates.
Pros
- Comprehensive estimating with pre-built remodeling assemblies and takeoffs
- Strong QuickBooks integration for seamless financial tracking
- Mobile app for on-site job management and updates
Cons
- Pricing scales per user, which can add up for larger teams
- Report customization options are somewhat limited
- Initial setup and data import can require time investment
Best For
Remodeling contractors and small to mid-sized construction firms needing an all-in-one tool for accurate estimating and job tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $69/user/month (Basic), $99/user/month (Pro), $149/user/month (Enterprise); annual billing offers discounts.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management platform featuring integrated estimating, takeoff, and change order tools for remodelers.
Integrated client portal for sharing interactive estimates, gathering approvals, and tracking change orders in real-time
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with integrated estimating tools designed for remodelers and builders. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs, build detailed cost estimates using customizable assemblies and cost databases, and generate professional proposals. The software seamlessly connects estimating to scheduling, budgeting, and client communication, streamlining the entire remodeling workflow from bid to completion.
Pros
- Seamless integration of estimating with scheduling, budgeting, and project management
- Mobile app supports on-site takeoffs and real-time updates
- Extensive template library and cost database for quick estimate creation
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced estimating features
- Higher cost compared to dedicated estimating-only tools
- Limited advanced takeoff capabilities like 3D modeling
Best For
Small to mid-sized remodeling contractors seeking an all-in-one platform that combines estimating with full project management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$299/month for entry-level plans (5 users), scaling up to $500+/month for advanced features and more users.
Leap
specializedCRM and estimating software for home remodeling contractors that streamlines sales proposals and project cost breakdowns.
Instant financing integration that allows contractors to offer and approve loans on the spot during customer meetings
Leap is an all-in-one platform tailored for home remodeling contractors, enabling rapid creation of professional estimates, bids, and contracts directly from a smartphone or tablet. It integrates sales tools, CRM, project management, and financing options to streamline the entire process from lead capture to project closeout. By using pre-built templates and real-time data, it helps remodelers generate accurate estimates in minutes, improving win rates and efficiency.
Pros
- Lightning-fast estimating with customizable templates for remodeling projects
- Built-in financing integrations for instant approvals during sales
- Mobile-first design with on-site tools for measurements and proposals
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small or solo operations
- Steep initial learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Limited advanced reporting compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling firms seeking an integrated sales and estimating platform to accelerate deal closures.
Pricing
Starts at $199/user/month for basic plans, scaling to $499+/month for teams with full features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Improveit 360
specializedRemodeling-specific CRM with advanced estimating tools to generate detailed bids and track project costs.
The 360 Selling System, which embeds financing options and e-signatures directly into estimates for seamless deal conversion.
Improveit 360 is a comprehensive CRM and management platform tailored for home remodeling and improvement contractors. It provides robust estimating tools for creating accurate bids, professional proposals with 3D visualizations, and integrated pricing calculators specific to remodeling projects like kitchens, baths, and exteriors. The software streamlines the sales process from lead capture to contract signing and production scheduling.
Pros
- Industry-specific estimating templates for remodeling projects
- Integrated CRM, financing, and digital proposals for faster sales cycles
- Mobile access for on-site measurements and estimates
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small teams
- Initial setup and training require time investment
- Fewer third-party integrations than broader construction software
Best For
Mid-sized remodeling contractors needing an all-in-one sales and estimating solution to accelerate deal closures.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$500 per month depending on users and features.
Joist
specializedMobile estimating and invoicing app that helps small remodelers create professional quotes on-site with material and labor costs.
One-tap conversion from estimate to invoice with e-signatures
Joist is a mobile-first app designed for home service professionals, including remodelers, to create professional estimates, invoices, and manage jobs on the go. It offers customizable estimate templates, photo attachments, digital signatures, and seamless conversion to invoices with integrated payment processing. While suitable for quick quoting, it lacks advanced takeoff tools or detailed cost databases typical of specialized remodeling software.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile interface for on-site use
- Quick estimate creation with templates and photos
- Seamless integration of estimating, invoicing, and payments
Cons
- Lacks advanced takeoff and material takeoff capabilities
- Limited customization for complex remodeling projects
- Basic reporting and no CAD/BIM integration
Best For
Solo remodelers or small teams needing fast, mobile estimates and invoicing without deep project management needs.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro Solo at $29/month, Team plans from $89/month.
Houzz Pro
specializedBusiness management platform for design and remodel professionals including estimating, scheduling, and client proposal tools.
Houzz Cost Guide integration, providing real-time, region-specific remodeling cost data directly within estimates
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for remodeling professionals, featuring robust estimating tools that draw from Houzz's extensive cost database and material library. It enables users to create customizable estimates quickly using templates for rooms, projects, and trade-specific items, with options for markups, taxes, and change orders. Beyond estimating, it integrates seamlessly with scheduling, invoicing, CRM, and marketing features to manage the full remodeling workflow.
Pros
- Comprehensive cost database powered by Houzz's network for accurate remodeling estimates
- Intuitive template-based estimating with visual aids and 3D integration
- All-in-one platform that combines estimating with CRM, project management, and lead generation
Cons
- Estimating lacks advanced takeoff tools and detailed quantity takeoffs compared to specialized software
- Higher pricing tiers required for full estimating and advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for non-estimating modules despite user-friendly interface
Best For
Remodeling contractors and home pros seeking an integrated platform that ties estimating to marketing and project management within the Houzz ecosystem.
Pricing
Starts at $65/month (Essentials), $165/month (Premium), up to $349/month (Pro+) billed annually; free trial available.
Knowify
enterpriseCloud-based construction management software with estimating and job costing features suited for remodeling subcontractors.
Two-way QuickBooks sync that automatically pushes job costs, invoices, and payments for real-time financial visibility
Knowify is a cloud-based construction management software tailored for specialty trade contractors, including remodelers, offering robust estimating, takeoff, job costing, and invoicing tools. It enables users to create detailed estimates with assemblies, digital takeoffs, and cost databases, while integrating seamlessly with QuickBooks for real-time financial tracking. The platform also supports project scheduling, change orders, and mobile field management to streamline remodeling workflows from bid to payment.
Pros
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for accurate job costing and invoicing
- Digital takeoff and customizable estimate templates speed up bidding
- Mobile app supports on-site approvals and time tracking
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
- Pricing can add up for larger teams or advanced features
- Limited built-in 3D modeling or advanced visualization compared to specialized estimating tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized remodeling contractors seeking an all-in-one solution for estimating, job management, and accounting integration.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month for Starter plan (up to 5 users), $299/month for Pro, and custom Enterprise pricing; billed annually with QuickBooks integration included.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools showcase varied strengths, with Buildxact emerging as the top choice—ideal for residential and remodelers seeking quick, accurate cloud-based estimating. Stack follows with AI-powered automation to streamline measurements and costs, while PlanSwift stands out for on-screen takeoff directly from digital plans, each offering distinct value for different needs.
Dive into these solutions, starting with Buildxact, to elevate your remodeling estimating process and secure precise, professional bids.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison