The construction industry has undergone rapid digitalization, making it easier for firms to access bidding software and other tools to prepare accurate estimates. Using these tools is essential for staying competitive in the sector. They offer various services such as quick cost calculation, market recommendations, profit review, instant takeoffs, CAD and BIM file reading, and coordination with project owners. These tools assist in managing a plethora of information required for precise estimates. Hand preparation of bids is laborious and prone to errors, hence digital tools should be utilized to their fullest potential.
1) Candy
Candy is a specialized software designed for Construction Project Management in the engineering and construction industry. It primarily caters to the needs of contractors, offering a range of features that focus on project control. These features include quantity take-off, pricing, planning, site-level control, analytical estimations, critical path planning, dynamic forecasting, project cash flow management, and final certificate management.
One of Candy’s unique features is its ability to establish an interactive link between the Bill of Quantity (BOQ) and the construction program or schedule of work. This allows contractors to have a comprehensive view of their project, including the scope of work, pricing, and scheduling. Candy is a complete solution for Construction Project Management, providing contractors with an integrated platform that ensures efficient project control and management.
2) CostX
CostX estimating software offers a unique and innovative feature that sets it apart from other similar tools in the market. This feature is the ability to swiftly obtain precise measurements from various types of drawings, such as scanned, PDF, and CAD drawings. Additionally, the software is capable of automatically generating BIM quantities from 3D/BIM models.
Users of CostX can take advantage of live-linked hierarchical workbooks to create an estimating build-up that includes links to their own rate libraries. This feature allows for a highly customizable estimating process that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of each user.
Furthermore, CostX enables users to generate customized reports, providing a highly flexible and adaptable approach to estimating. With its advanced capabilities, CostX is one of the fastest, smartest, and most accurate ways to takeoff and estimate, making it an invaluable tool for professionals in the industry.
3) Sage Estimating
Sage Estimating software is designed to assist construction firms of all sizes in expediting their estimation process with greater ease and flexibility. This software operates in accordance with the unique workflow of each company, allowing for faster, more accurate, and more confident bidding, along with the inclusion of cost databases and takeoff features. Additionally, by automating the flow of estimate details into Sage’s business management software, redundant tasks and data entry errors can be eliminated. Sage Estimating also facilitates forecasting of labor, raw materials, and other overhead expenses, providing contractors with the means to produce precise and accurate bids.
4) B2W Estimate
B2W Estimate is a software application designed for heavy civil construction estimation and bidding. The system provides users with the ability to develop comprehensive databases of costs, including pre-populated templates of pay items and crews. Even when disconnected from the office server, estimators can work with access to these resources and items. When reconnected, any new estimates or changes made are automatically synced and added to the server. This feature is particularly advantageous for companies seeking the flexibility to work remotely from job sites or to download bids locally for closing during bid day.
5) HCSS Heavy bid
HeavyBid developers aim to assist users in creating estimates and managing bids on a daily basis. The software employs automation to eliminate repetitive tasks by utilizing data from various sources such as past estimates, standardized libraries, historical costs, performance data, and integrated RSMeans. By leveraging these resources, users can swiftly develop, review and modify estimates, and efficiently conduct price calculations to identify discrepancies. HeavyBid enables users to deconstruct complicated work into smaller, more manageable sections and tailor estimates to their organizational requirements. Users can also evaluate quotes from subcontractors and suppliers by analyzing them with the software’s tools.
6) ProEst Estimating software
ProEst is a software designed for construction estimating that operates through the cloud. It is suitable for companies of various sizes and offers automated features to enhance efficiency. With ProEst, construction teams can manage estimates, takeoffs, contracts and reports from a centralized location. The software can be accessed and shared from any mobile device with an internet connection, ensuring continuous availability.
ProEst provides construction teams with the ability to evaluate and monitor business performance throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, it enables users to access current costing and productivity data from construction databases. ProEst also has the capability to track pending projects, update estimate pipelines, and create accurate short- and long-term business forecasts. These features allow users to obtain visibility into the future of their business.
8) On-Screen Takeoff
On-Screen Takeoff is a software solution that can help users generate and complete bids with greater accuracy. The platform is equipped with a variety of tools for estimating, bid management, and project visibility. For new users, the software features a bid wizard that guides them through the process of creating a new bid.
One of the key features of On-Screen Takeoff is its support for digitizer integration, which allows users to work with digital copies of plans and blueprints. The software also supports file integration for a variety of formats, including CAD and PDF. In addition, the platform offers 2D takeoff functionality, which allows users to measure and estimate quantities directly from digital plans.
The estimating application within On-Screen Takeoff includes an electronic quote system, cost databases organized by trade, and integration with accounting software. This makes it easier for users to manage their costs and expenses throughout the project lifecycle.
Finally, the software is compatible with tablet technology, which provides users with field access to project data for cost and labor management. This allows project managers and field personnel to stay up-to-date with the latest information and make informed decisions in real-time.
9) eSub
eSUB is a project management software that aims to make projects paperless and more efficient. It offers a central storage for all project-related information such as photos, drawings, PDFs, and other documents that can be accessed by all team members in real-time. With eSUB’s secure internet portal, subcontractors can create, log, and track important documents such as requests for information (RFIs) and change orders. This feature allows for streamlined communication and eliminates the need for manual tracking processes.
The software’s timecard module is designed to track subcontractors’ labor hours and costs. This information can be easily sent from the field to accounting software, further reducing the need for manual input and saving time. eSUB’s automation features make labor tracking and communication effortless, which can improve project management efficiency significantly.
eSUB’s mission is to simplify project management and eliminate manual processes by leveraging technology. By providing a single platform for all project-related information and automating communication and labor tracking, eSUB aims to help subcontractors and project managers increase productivity and reduce costs.
10) Clear Estimates
Clear Estimates is an online platform that offers construction estimating solutions to contractors and remodelers. The system enables users to generate cost estimates, create bid requests, draft proposals, manage clients, and perform other essential tasks. Although originally intended for remodelers, the system can be adapted to meet the needs of various trades, including homebuilders, design/build firms, finishing contractors, roofing and siding contractors, and other specialty contractors. The platform is specifically designed for smaller companies with an annual revenue of less than $5 million.