ProEst, PlanSwift and Sage Estimating are recognised as the best estimating software for builders, helping contractors achieve accurate and reliable cost planning. These tools streamline construction estimating through features like detailed digital take-offs, automated reporting, and integrated project data, ensuring builders save time, reduce errors, and deliver projects with confidence.
ProEst: Cloud-Based Estimating Software for Builders
ProEst shines for its cloud accessibility, allowing builders to collaborate from job sites across Australia without missing a beat. It integrates seamlessly with accounting systems, pulling in real-time material costs and labour rates. For instance, on a recent multi-unit development in Sydney, it helped adjust estimates on the fly when steel prices fluctuated, avoiding a 15% overrun.
What sets ProEst apart is its database of localised Australian costs, which includes GST calculations and compliance with building codes. Builders appreciate the custom reporting that tracks variances between estimates and actuals, fostering better decision-making. In practice, this means fewer surprises during the build phase, keeping projects on budget and on time.
Buildertrend: All-in-One Project & Estimating Tool for Builders
Buildertrend combines estimating with project management, making it ideal for builders juggling multiple sites. Its mobile app lets you update estimates directly from the field, incorporating photos and notes for precision. Take a suburban home renovation: it streamlined subcontractor bids, reducing admin time by about 30% according to industry benchmarks.
The software’s strength lies in its workflow automation, from initial quotes to change orders. It supports Australian-specific features like progress claims under the Security of Payment Act. Users find the client portal handy for transparent communication, which builds trust and minimises disputes over costs.
STACK: Best Estimating Software for Builders with Takeoff Features
STACK excels in digital takeoffs, turning blueprints into detailed estimates quickly. For builders dealing with complex designs, its measurement tools calculate quantities accurately, integrating with CAD files. On a commercial fit-out project, it identified material savings of 10-12% by optimising layouts, a real game-changer in tight margins.
Beyond takeoffs, STACK offers cloud storage for plans and team sharing, ensuring everyone works from the latest version. It’s particularly useful for pre-construction planning, where speed matters. Builders in regional areas value its offline mode, syncing data once connected, which suits Australia’s vast landscapes.
Here’s a quick look at how STACK compares in key areas:
| Feature | Benefit for Builders | Example Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Takeoff | Fast quantity calculations | Reduced estimating time by 50% on average |
| Cloud Collaboration | Real-time team updates | Fewer errors in multi-crew projects |
| Cost Database | Australian material pricing | Accurate bids without manual research |
PlanSwift: User-Friendly Estimating Software for Builders
PlanSwift stands out for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, perfect for builders new to digital tools. It handles assemblies for common tasks like framing or roofing, speeding up repetitive estimates. In a Queensland housing project, it allowed quick adjustments for site-specific soil conditions, preventing budget blows from unexpected earthworks.
The software integrates with Excel for custom formulas, giving flexibility without complexity. Many small firms praise its short learning curve; you can be productive in days, not weeks. This accessibility makes it a solid entry point into advanced Construction Estimating Software, enhancing overall efficiency.
Sage Estimating: Enterprise-Level Estimating Solution for Builders
Sage Estimating caters to larger builders with its robust scalability, handling everything from tenders to detailed breakdowns. It pulls from extensive databases, including Australian standards for compliance. For a high-rise in Melbourne, it managed layered subcontracting, tracking costs across phases and flagging variances early.
Its reporting depth provides insights into historical data, helping refine future bids. While it’s more feature-rich, the investment pays off in precision for complex jobs. Builders with growing operations find it evolves with them, supporting integrations that keep estimates aligned with procurement.
Houzz Pro: Best Estimating Software for Builders in Residential Projects
Houzz Pro blends estimating with design inspiration, tailored for residential work where client input is key. It generates quotes from mood boards, incorporating finishes and fixtures seamlessly. On a custom home build, it facilitated client approvals by visualising costs, cutting revision cycles by 20%.
The platform’s marketplace connects to suppliers, ensuring quotes reflect current Australian prices. It’s user-friendly for estimating software for residential construction, with tools for lead management that tie directly into estimates. This holistic approach strengthens client relationships from concept to completion.
Buildxact: Affordable Estimating Software for Small Builders
Buildxact offers value-packed features at a lower price point, ideal for small Australian builders. Its template-based system speeds up quotes for standard jobs like extensions or renovations. In a rural project, it integrated local supplier catalogues, delivering spot-on material costs without endless calls.
With job costing and scheduling built-in, it helps track profitability in real time. Many users highlight its Australian focus, including tax handling and compliance checklists. For startups, it’s a smart way to professionalise operations without breaking the bank.
How Builders Can Choose the Right Estimating Software?
Selecting the best estimating software for builders starts with assessing your needs such as scale, project types, and team size. Consider integration with existing tools like accounting or CRM systems to avoid silos. Always trial options; what works for a high volume urban firm might overwhelm a solo operator in the outback.2025 Guide to Estimating Methods in Construction: Mastering Cost Estimation
Key factors include:
- User interface: Intuitive designs reduce training time.
- Cost accuracy: Look for localised databases.
- Support: Reliable help during peak seasons.
- Scalability: Grows with your business.
Involve your team in demos to ensure buy-in, and check reviews from similar Australian builders for practical insights.
ROI of Using the Best Estimating Software for Builders
Investing in top estimating software yields measurable returns, often recouping costs within months. Studies show builders using digital tools see a 20–30% drop in estimating errors, leading to fewer change orders. For example, a mid-sized firm reported 15% higher win rates on bids due to faster, more accurate quotes.
With first-year ROI exceeding 5,000% and payback periods under one month, the financial case for implementation is quantifiable and immediate.Bid Estimating Software ROI Calculator
Beyond numbers, it frees up time for value-adding tasks like client engagement. With Australian construction facing labour shortages, efficiency gains translate to handling more projects without added staff, potentially boosting revenue by 10–25% annually based on industry reports.
Future Trends in Estimating Software for Builders
Looking ahead, AI-driven predictions will refine estimates by analysing past data and market trends, like fluctuating timber prices in Australia. Integration with BIM (Building Information Modelling) will become standard, enabling 3D visualisations tied to costs for immersive planning.
Mobile advancements will push real-time updates further, with AR overlays on-site for instant adjustments. Sustainability features, tracking carbon footprints in estimates, align with green building mandates. Builders adopting these early will gain a competitive edge in an evolving industry.