construction estimating software for mac

Buildxact

In regional Australia, residential builders often rely on browser-based tools for speed and simplicity, especially on Mac where native apps can lack features. Buildxact emerges as a reliable cloud construction estimating software, offering plan imports, digital takeoffs, and real-time material pricing updates to handle volatile costs like timber or steel with ease.

A Queensland builder estimating a home extension used Buildxact’s templates to cut manual work drastically, reducing hours to minutes while embedding local supplier rates. This not only improved bid accuracy but also enhanced collaboration with subcontractors through shared project access, keeping all stakeholders aligned with the same dataset and avoiding version conflicts.

Cubit Estimating

Civil estimators managing complex projects benefit from software capable of quantity surveys and 3D visualisations. Cubit Estimating, created by Buildsoft in Australia, provides advanced takeoff functions. Though primarily Windows-based, it runs on Mac using tools like Parallels. Its core strength is linking takeoffs with bills of quantities for accurate project breakdowns.

AroFlo

Managing field operations alongside estimating requires a platform that bridges office and site seamlessly. AroFlo provides job management features integrated with quoting tools, accessible on Mac via its cloud interface, though some users opt for a Windows emulator for full functionality. It excels in creating detailed quotes that include labour scheduling and inventory tracking, ideal for trade-focused businesses.

In practice, a Melbourne-based plumbing contractor used AroFlo to estimate a multi-unit renovation, pulling in historical data from past jobs to forecast pipework needs accurately. This not only sped up the process but also flagged potential supply chain delays early, a common issue in Australia’s logistics network, ultimately keeping the project under budget by 15%.

Procore

Large-scale projects demand estimating tools that integrate with broader project management systems. Procore’s estimating module, part of its comprehensive suite, works well on Mac through web access and iOS apps, supporting AI-assisted takeoffs for faster quantity assessments. It emphasises collaboration, allowing teams to annotate plans and share estimates in real time.

For instance, during a commercial fit-out in Sydney, estimators leveraged Procore to automate wall and fixture measurements from PDFs, reducing errors in material orders that often lead to 10-20% waste in such builds, as per Construction Industry Development Council insights. This integration with BIM models further enhances precision for multi-disciplinary teams.

STACK

Digital takeoffs are crucial for scaling estimates without proportional time increases. STACK offers a fully native cloud-based solution optimised for Mac, with intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces for measuring plans and assembling assemblies. Its AI features assist in pattern recognition, making it suitable for both small and mid-sized operations.

A practical application saw a Victorian subcontractor use STACK for a warehouse expansion, where it calculated roofing quantities from satellite imagery integrations, cutting takeoff time by half compared to manual methods. This efficiency is vital in competitive tenders, where speed can determine contract awards.

PlanSwift

When precision in linear and area measurements matters, software with advanced assembly tools can elevate your estimates. PlanSwift requires a virtual Windows environment on Mac, such as Boot Camp, but delivers powerful point-and-click takeoffs once set up. It’s geared towards detailed labour and material breakdowns, supporting custom formulas for unique project needs.

Take a roofing project in Tasmania, where estimators applied PlanSwift’s drag features to map out complex pitches and valleys, generating a cost report that included waste factors based on local weather data. This methodical approach helps mitigate risks associated with Australia’s variable climates, ensuring bids remain realistic.

Bluebeam

PDF-based workflows are indispensable for reviewing and marking up construction drawings. Bluebeam Revu for Mac provides dedicated measurement tools for takeoffs, with options to export data to spreadsheets for further estimating. While its full suite shines in collaboration, the Mac version focuses on core markup and quantification.

In a real-world case, an architect-led team in Perth used Bluebeam to quantify electrical layouts in a hospital retrofit, layering measurements over revised plans to adjust for code changes. This adaptability proved invaluable, aligning estimates with evolving designs and reducing revision cycles that delay 30% of projects industry-wide.

Best construction estimating software for Mac

Choosing the top construction estimating software for Mac depends on your project scale and workflow preferences, but several stand out for their reliability and user feedback. Based on evaluations from Australian construction forums and recent market analyses, options like STACK and Buildxact frequently top lists for seamless Mac integration and feature depth.^{15 Most Popular Construction Estimating Software}

Factors such as ease of onboarding and support for local standards play a key role in these rankings. To help compare, here’s a table outlining key attributes of leading choices:

These selections reflect balanced performance without favouring any single vendor, drawing from user reviews on platforms like GetApp.

Free construction estimating software for Mac

1. STACK Takeoff & Estimate: free version exists, cloud-based, Mac-compatible.
2. Estimate (by Medevel): open source, web-based cost estimation + material takeoff.
3. FreeCAD: free, open source CAD/BIM tool; can help with drawing, dimensioning etc.
4. LibreCAD: free, open source 2D CAD; useful for drafting / simple takeoffs.

Remodeling estimating software for Mac

• Buildxact: Aussie favourite, cloud estimating and job management built for small builders and renovators
• Cubit Estimating (by Buildsoft): widely used in Australia, strong take-off and estimating features
• Buildertrend: popular across Australian construction firms, project management with integrated estimating
• Houzz Pro: used by local renovators and designers for quoting and proposals
• ContractorTools: estimating and job costing with local price book options
• Clear Estimates: cloud access, works on Mac, practical for residential remodelling projects

Key features to look for in construction estimating software for Mac

Choosing the right Construction Estimating Software for Mac means looking beyond basic tools. Prioritise cloud access, automated takeoffs, and integration with Australian supplier databases. Xero compatibility streamlines invoicing, while mobile syncing supports on-site changes. With custom templates and scalability, these platforms cut errors and align with international construction standards.