Quick Overview
- 1#1: Buildxact - Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job costing software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
- 2#2: Stack - AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity extraction from plans for faster renovations bids.
- 3#3: Xactimate - Industry-standard line-item estimating software for accurate cost calculations in property restoration and renovation projects.
- 4#4: PlanSwift - Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows drag-and-drop assemblies for quick renovation cost generation from blueprints.
- 5#5: Buildertrend - All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, scheduling, and client portals for remodelers.
- 6#6: ProEst - Cloud-based construction estimating software with real-time pricing and customizable templates for renovation projects.
- 7#7: Houzz Pro - Business management tool for home professionals featuring estimating, invoicing, and lead generation for renovations.
- 8#8: Improveit 360 - CRM and sales platform with built-in 3D estimating and visualization for home remodeling companies.
- 9#9: Bluebeam Revu - PDF-based markup and takeoff software for precise quantity measurements and collaboration in renovation estimating.
- 10#10: Sage Estimating - Advanced database-driven estimating solution for detailed cost modeling in large-scale construction and renovation bids.
We ranked these tools based on features (e.g., automation, takeoff accuracy), user experience, and overall value, ensuring a comprehensive guide that balances functionality and practicality for renovation workflows.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores leading renovation estimating software tools—such as Buildxact, Stack, Xactimate, PlanSwift, and Buildertrend—to help readers evaluate options for their projects. It compares key features like takeoff accuracy, cost tracking, and integration capabilities, highlighting how each tool suits different workflows. Whether for small-scale renos or larger ventures, this guide equips users with clear insights to choose software that aligns with their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buildxact Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job costing software tailored for residential builders and remodelers. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Stack AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity extraction from plans for faster renovations bids. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Xactimate Industry-standard line-item estimating software for accurate cost calculations in property restoration and renovation projects. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | PlanSwift Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows drag-and-drop assemblies for quick renovation cost generation from blueprints. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Buildertrend All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, scheduling, and client portals for remodelers. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | ProEst Cloud-based construction estimating software with real-time pricing and customizable templates for renovation projects. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Houzz Pro Business management tool for home professionals featuring estimating, invoicing, and lead generation for renovations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Improveit 360 CRM and sales platform with built-in 3D estimating and visualization for home remodeling companies. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Bluebeam Revu PDF-based markup and takeoff software for precise quantity measurements and collaboration in renovation estimating. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Sage Estimating Advanced database-driven estimating solution for detailed cost modeling in large-scale construction and renovation bids. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.1/10 |
Cloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job costing software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
AI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity extraction from plans for faster renovations bids.
Industry-standard line-item estimating software for accurate cost calculations in property restoration and renovation projects.
Digital takeoff and estimating tool that allows drag-and-drop assemblies for quick renovation cost generation from blueprints.
All-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, scheduling, and client portals for remodelers.
Cloud-based construction estimating software with real-time pricing and customizable templates for renovation projects.
Business management tool for home professionals featuring estimating, invoicing, and lead generation for renovations.
CRM and sales platform with built-in 3D estimating and visualization for home remodeling companies.
PDF-based markup and takeoff software for precise quantity measurements and collaboration in renovation estimating.
Advanced database-driven estimating solution for detailed cost modeling in large-scale construction and renovation bids.
Buildxact
specializedCloud-based estimating, takeoff, and job costing software tailored for residential builders and remodelers.
Integrated live supplier pricing from hundreds of vendors, automatically updating estimates with current market rates
Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating and takeoff software tailored for residential builders, renovators, and trade contractors. It enables fast digital takeoffs, accurate material costing with integrated supplier pricing, and professional quote generation directly to clients. Beyond estimating, it includes job costing, scheduling, selections management, and mobile access for on-site use, streamlining the entire renovation workflow from bid to completion.
Pros
- Lightning-fast digital takeoffs and customizable estimate templates
- Real-time pricing from 300+ suppliers for accurate material costs
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and other accounting tools
Cons
- Higher cost may deter very small solo operators
- Limited advanced reporting customization
- Cloud-only requires reliable internet
Best For
Small to medium renovation contractors and home builders seeking an all-in-one platform for precise estimating and project tracking.
Pricing
Starts at $149/month (Essentials), $249/month (Premium), $349/month (Pro); annual billing offers 10-20% discounts, 14-day free trial.
Stack
specializedAI-powered construction takeoff and estimating platform that automates quantity extraction from plans for faster renovations bids.
Ultra-fast, sub-millimeter accurate digital takeoffs optimized for renovation blueprints and PDFs
Stack (stackct.com) is a cloud-based takeoff and estimating software tailored for renovation and remodeling contractors, enabling precise digital measurements from PDFs, plans, and CAD files. It features an extensive library of pre-built assemblies specific to residential and commercial renovations, allowing users to generate accurate bids quickly. The platform supports real-time collaboration, QuickBooks integration, and mobile access for on-site adjustments, streamlining the entire pre-construction workflow.
Pros
- Lightning-fast digital takeoffs with high accuracy for complex renovation plans
- Comprehensive assembly database customized for remodeling projects
- Seamless integrations with QuickBooks and real-time team collaboration
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to advanced customization options
- Higher pricing tiers required for full enterprise features
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized renovation contractors and remodelers seeking precise, scalable estimating tools for residential and light commercial projects.
Pricing
Starts at $149/user/month for Pro plan (billed annually); Enterprise custom pricing available.
Xactimate
specializedIndustry-standard line-item estimating software for accurate cost calculations in property restoration and renovation projects.
Proprietary monthly-updated price lists derived from actual market data across 450+ line-item categories and 600+ markets.
Xactimate, from Xactware (a Verisk company), is the industry-standard software for renovation estimating, particularly in insurance restoration and property damage repair. It offers a comprehensive line-item database with region-specific pricing updated monthly, integrated sketching tools for accurate measurements, and robust reporting for claims and bids. Professionals use it to generate defensible estimates that are widely accepted by insurers and contractors.
Pros
- Extensive, real-time updated regional price database for precise estimates
- Integrated Sketch tool for floor plans, roofs, and 3D modeling
- Seamless mobile-desktop sync and strong insurance industry compatibility
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training time
- High subscription costs that may deter small contractors
- Occasional interface glitches and mandatory updates disrupting workflow
Best For
Insurance restoration contractors and adjusters managing complex, high-value renovation projects who prioritize accuracy and standardization.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$289/month for desktop (Essentials), up to $465+/month for Elite with mobile and advanced features; annual discounts available.
PlanSwift
specializedDigital takeoff and estimating tool that allows drag-and-drop assemblies for quick renovation cost generation from blueprints.
Drag-and-drop assemblies that automatically calculate costs from takeoff measurements
PlanSwift is a robust digital takeoff and estimating software tailored for construction professionals, enabling precise quantity takeoffs directly from PDF, CAD, or scanned plans using point-and-click functionality. It features drag-and-drop assemblies for rapid cost estimation, customizable databases, and real-time reporting to streamline renovation bidding processes. Ideal for renovation estimators, it integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and supports detailed project breakdowns for accurate budgeting.
Pros
- Lightning-fast point-and-click takeoffs from digital plans
- Extensive customizable assemblies and item databases
- Strong integrations with QuickBooks and Excel for reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring training for full proficiency
- Windows-only compatibility, no Mac or cloud version
- Subscription costs add up for multiple users or small firms
Best For
Renovation contractors and estimators handling detailed takeoffs from blueprints who need powerful on-premise desktop software.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at $1,749 for a single license, with multi-user and enterprise plans available.
Buildertrend
enterpriseAll-in-one construction management platform with integrated estimating, scheduling, and client portals for remodelers.
Integrated estimating engine that automatically syncs bids with scheduling and real-time cost updates
Buildertrend is a comprehensive construction management platform with robust estimating tools designed for renovation and remodeling professionals. It enables users to perform digital takeoffs, build customizable cost databases, generate accurate bids, and integrate estimates seamlessly with scheduling and budgeting. The software supports real-time cost tracking and change order management, making it suitable for managing the full project lifecycle from bid to completion.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and estimating with customizable templates
- Seamless integration between estimates, schedules, and financials
- Strong mobile app for on-site cost updates and client communication
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Pricing can be high for solo or very small renovation teams
- Less specialized in advanced estimating analytics than pure-play tools
Best For
Mid-sized renovation contractors and remodelers seeking an all-in-one platform for estimating and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month (up to 3 users), $299/month (up to 10 users), $399/month (unlimited users); annual discounts available.
ProEst
enterpriseCloud-based construction estimating software with real-time pricing and customizable templates for renovation projects.
Integrated Visual Estimating with on-screen takeoff and automatic labor/material calculations
ProEst is a cloud-based construction estimating software tailored for pre-construction workflows, offering digital takeoff, customizable cost databases, and bid management tools. It supports renovation estimating through flexible assemblies, labor factoring, and real-time cost updates for materials and subcontractors. The platform integrates seamlessly with project management and accounting systems like Procore and Sage, enabling efficient scaling from small remodels to large renovations.
Pros
- Powerful digital takeoff and assembly libraries for precise renovation bids
- Strong integrations with Procore, Sage, and QuickBooks
- Real-time collaboration and mobile access for on-site adjustments
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing can be high for small renovation firms
- Fewer pre-built templates for niche residential renovations
Best For
Mid-sized renovation contractors handling complex commercial and residential projects who need scalable, accurate estimating.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at ~$5,000/year for basic access; scales to $20,000+ for enterprise with multiple users.
Houzz Pro
specializedBusiness management tool for home professionals featuring estimating, invoicing, and lead generation for renovations.
Integration of photorealistic 3D renderings and Houzz's product marketplace directly into customizable estimate proposals
Houzz Pro is an all-in-one business management platform for home professionals, featuring renovation estimating tools that enable users to create detailed proposals with line items, quantities, costs, and markups. It stands out by integrating estimates with Houzz's vast product catalog and design visuals, allowing for material lists and 3D renderings within proposals. The software also supports scheduling, invoicing, time tracking, and CRM, making it a comprehensive solution beyond just estimating.
Pros
- Visual proposal builder with 3D renderings and Houzz product integration for quick material estimating
- Mobile app supports on-site estimate creation and updates
- All-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced digital takeoff or CAD integration for complex projects
- Estimating templates are somewhat basic compared to dedicated software
- Full features require higher-tier plans, increasing costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized renovation contractors and designers who prioritize visually compelling proposals integrated with product sourcing.
Pricing
Free Launch plan; Core at $165/mo (billed annually), Pro at $349/mo, Elite at $849/mo.
Improveit 360
specializedCRM and sales platform with built-in 3D estimating and visualization for home remodeling companies.
Lightning-fast estimating engine with dynamic pricing adjustments and 3D visualizers for immersive client presentations
Improveit 360 is a comprehensive CRM and business management platform tailored for home improvement and remodeling contractors. It excels in renovation estimating by offering customizable templates, real-time calculators, and dynamic proposal generation to create accurate bids quickly. The software integrates estimating with lead tracking, sales processes, and project management, helping teams close deals faster.
Pros
- Robust estimating tools with customizable templates and supplier integrations
- Seamless end-to-end workflow from lead to project completion
- Strong mobile app for on-site estimating and approvals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for full feature utilization
- Pricing can be high for smaller teams
- Limited flexibility outside home remodeling niche
Best For
Mid-sized home remodeling contractors seeking an all-in-one CRM with powerful estimating to streamline sales and operations.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically starting at $295/user/month with annual contracts; scales with users and add-ons like visualizers.
Bluebeam Revu
specializedPDF-based markup and takeoff software for precise quantity measurements and collaboration in renovation estimating.
Dynamic Quantity Link that automatically tallies and updates measurements across markups and summaries
Bluebeam Revu is a PDF-centric software solution designed for the AEC industry, excelling in markup, measurement, and takeoff functionalities that support renovation estimating workflows. It allows users to perform precise quantity extractions from digital plans, including lengths, areas, volumes, and counts, with dynamic summaries and exports to Excel for further cost analysis. While powerful for takeoffs, it lacks native cost databases or full bid management, positioning it as a strong supplementary tool for estimators.
Pros
- Highly accurate dynamic measurement and takeoff tools for quantities from PDFs
- Customizable tool sets and seamless Excel integration for data export
- Excellent collaboration via Bluebeam Studio for team reviews
Cons
- No built-in cost databases, assemblies, or advanced estimating calculations
- Subscription pricing can be steep for smaller renovation firms
- Full feature set limited to Windows; Mac version is less capable
Best For
Renovation estimators and contractors who specialize in PDF-based plan takeoffs and need robust markup tools for quantity extraction.
Pricing
Annual subscription per user: Basics (~$240), Core (~$360), Complete (~$480); perpetual licenses discontinued.
Sage Estimating
enterpriseAdvanced database-driven estimating solution for detailed cost modeling in large-scale construction and renovation bids.
Visual Assembler for drag-and-drop creation of custom assemblies tailored to renovation scopes
Sage Estimating is a powerful construction estimating software from Sage that leverages a massive database of over 22,000 line items and assemblies to create precise cost estimates for projects including renovations. It supports digital takeoffs, CAD/BIM integration, and customizable templates for detailed bidding and labor planning. The tool excels in producing professional bids with real-time cost updates and integrates seamlessly with Sage accounting software for end-to-end project management.
Pros
- Comprehensive national cost database with renovation-specific assemblies
- Strong integration with CAD, BIM, and Sage accounting tools
- Advanced customization and reporting for complex bids
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High cost prohibitive for small renovation firms
- Interface feels dated and overly complex for quick estimates
Best For
Mid-to-large renovation contractors needing enterprise-grade, database-driven estimating integrated with accounting systems.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$4,500-$6,000 per user, plus one-time setup fees and optional training; volume discounts for multi-user licenses.
Conclusion
Across the 10 reviewed tools, Buildxact emerges as the top choice, offering a robust, tailored cloud-based solution ideal for residential builders and remodelers. Close behind are Stack, with its AI-driven takeoff automation, and Xactimate, the industry standard for precise cost calculations, each excelling in specific areas to meet varied project needs. Together, these tools demonstrate the breadth of innovation in renovation estimating, ensuring users have powerful options to streamline their work.
Ready to transform your renovation estimates? Start with Buildxact to experience its intuitive features and competitive edge firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison