11 Construction Cost Estimating Software in 2022

When it comes to the construction industry, budget is everything. 

This is why you must have an accurate estimation so that there are no unexpected surprises.

Construction projects are not like building a treehouse. If you miscalculated and you require an extra panel of wood, you go over your budget by $10. 

Construction projects are complex, with a lot of moving parts, and inaccuracy can mean going over budget by thousands. In addition, you have to factor in that customers can make changes even after you’ve started, and if you haven’t budgeted well, then you may come into some major troubles. 

However, there is a way to control your costs and end a project with profit.

That’s why when creating your estimation, you need to have it right from the beginning. You can’t change your budget midway because you will just be digging yourself a big hole. By achieving success the first time, you can witness profits and not run into the red. What you need is a construction cost estimating app.

What Are Construction Cost Estimating Apps?

Put simply, construction cost estimating software is computer software designed specifically for contractors to predict how much a construction project will cost, what materials they need, and how much of it they need to order. 

There are certain differences between construction cost estimating software. Some are designed specifically for costs and measurements of various metals, while others are designed specifically to deal with the financial side of the business too. 

How do you know which one is right for you? We did the leg work for you and checked dozens of providers that can help you align costs and send out professional invoices.

Apps & Solutions To Consider For Invoicing and Estimating Costs:

Connecteam comes in at number one as it offers you a multitude of features to keep your construction business running efficiently. With built-in GPS on the time clock, your workers can only clock in and out from the site. This cuts out any time theft or buddy punching. With accurate timesheets you wont have to give payroll a second thought and you can even integrate it with Quickbooks Payroll. With these timesheets you can also invoice customers for the exact amount of time worked on site.  

You can always bring up old timesheets to give an estimate for new projects. Once you have created an estimate, you can then PDF it and share it with clients, managers, accountants, etc. With Connecteam, you can manage the entire process from quote to invoice while tracking time and adjusting costs along the way. The timesheet capabilities are so diverse with capabilities of adding job, project, customer classifications, and more, directly onto the timesheet. When your worker arrives they already know exactly what to do. Your employees can send reports directly from the field to update you with the status of the project. 

For whom?

Small to large businesses that have at least 40% of their workforce out of the office. Connecteam is best suited for companies in the Field Services, Construction, Hospitality, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, Retail, and Manufacturing industries. When you have a large majority of deskless employees, having one construction estimating software to do everything is the best option.

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Founded by a small business owner so it’s no surprise that this easy to use invoicing system is catering to small business owners. Access this software through your laptop or mobile device.

For whom?

Small business owners, owner-operators, freelancers, and contractors.

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Create an invoice, any time anywhere using this handy app. You can get as inventive and creative as you like using SpeedInvoice’s +500 background images when setting up your invoices and estimates. What’s more, you can print or share any bill or estimate via other apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, or SMS if your client prefers this route. To give the client the whole picture you can add documents for e.g. contractual terms, drawings, project plans in Word, Excel, and PDFs.

For Whom?

Big and small businesses. It’s ideal for workers on the go as you can work on the system offline (and send when you’ve got internet access again).

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ProEst’s pre-construction estimation uses cloud-based software to provide contractors accurate estimations. The platform works online and assists with cost estimating and CRM.

For whom?

For Contractors and subcontractors to help create estimates.

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Quilder lets you send professional quotations and invoices to clients directly from your phone by text or email. If you have your own catalog for parts, labor costs, etc., you can add it all to Quilder and add it straight to your invoice.

For whom?

Quilder says its services are aimed directly at tradesmen. Anyone in the construction industry really – from plumbers to joiners to electricians and beyond.

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Building Calculator is compatible with all mobile devices and helps calculate the allotment of materials for house building or maintenance. You can use it offline too. One downside is that it only allows for metric measurements. This construction estimating software is also available in Russian.

For whom?

Anyone who has to regularly calculate values for materials and formulate budgets for house building tasks.

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Use this app to answer your everyday building questions like ‘How many do I need?’, ‘How much will it cost?’

For whom?

Anyone in the construction industry who needs something that can quickly provide material solutions for gravel, fences, blocks, flooring, tile, paint, decking, and more.

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For whom?

It has a calculator catering to the construction industry which can estimate cement, sand, or gravel quantities for concrete blocks, wall plastering, and brickworks. 

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If you need to calculate the weight and length of different types of metal, then this app is for you. This handy app helps you calculate the weight simply by inputting details about its length, and it can also do the same calculation in reverse (i.e. input the weight to get the length). Measurements are available in the metric system and the U.S. measuring system.

For Whom?

Civil engineers and others in the construction industry that deals in metal.

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For measurement estimation, you can’t go wrong with this handy app. It can quickly and accurately calculate a construction problem while you’re standing there consulting with a client.

For Whom?

It’s ideal for contractors, estimators, architects, carpenters, builders, draftspersons, engineers, farmers, and tradesmen.

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For Whom?

BuilderTREND is great for residential, commercial builders, refurbishing, specialty builders, etc.

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Why Do I Need Cost Estimation Apps (And Why Now)?

Welcome to 2020, where customers want quotes and estimates – and they want it now. While you’re taking out your measuring tape, and fiddling with the calculations at the office on a spreadsheet, some other carpenter, architect, or builder has whipped out an app and given your client a quote on the spot.

I know that it may seem like some unnecessary bells and whistles and “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” but don’t underestimate the importance of the Wow Factor. It could be what sets you apart and what helps you get the stick out in a sea of hard hats.

Not to mention, it will actually save you time and money. If you haven’t yet, it’s time to embrace technology and be able to provide accurate calculations and costs. Some apps are free, while others charge a monthly or yearly fee. It’s important to compare costs and functions to choose the one that’s best for you and your business.

How To Choose The Construction Estimating Software That’s Right For You

Cost: is not the only factor to consider when choosing the right app. It’s important to define what needs this system will serve and what functions it must perform to enable you to do your job. Every business has its own needs and requirements but here’s what you should factor in to narrow your decision:

Ease of use: Downloading a tool that you don’t understand or can’t use is not a good fit, that’s just obvious. If you’re not the only one accessing it, make sure that your employees or other team members know how it functions.

Compatibility and integration: This app may need to integrate with other systems of your business. Consider what your app needs to gel with and plan accordingly.

Compliance and regulations: Think about your industry and what rules and regulations it needs to follow. Does this app accommodate this or is it not suitable when it comes to your industry’s standards? Can it even help improve your regulatory compliance while reducing the costs you incur along the way?!

Security and reliability: Within the construction trade it’s vital that measurements are accurate and estimates need to be close to the final amount. You need an app that meets all of these needs. Then there’s also the app’s ability to store information safely and securely, particularly when it comes to your financials and invoices. The last thing you want is to lose precious data! So make sure you choose software that’s safe and secure with good reviews from those of your peers that also make use of them.

Estimations and invoices are the fuel that keeps your business running they are the oil in your gears. However, if you want your business running smoothly there’s more to it than just an oil change.

Best Practices In Construction Cost Estimating

So we know that construction cost estimating software has made things much easier, but it is still the responsibility

Remember that the key to cost estimation all starts with understanding all of the different costs and categories. For instance, the two most significant cost types are direct and indirect costs. Direct costs typically include team wages, fuel for equipment, and so on. Whereas, indirect costs usually include security costs, utilities, and so on. What other categories do costs come from? There is labor, material, equipment, services, software, hardware, facilities, and contingency costs. All of the expenses we just listed, in addition to all of the direct and indirect costs, are collected to make a “basis of estimate” report.

Construction cost estimating software is to help keep your costs within budget. The software follows industry standards whether that’s for all measurement units or filling out the following cost-related documents.

By using a cost estimator you can ensure your work is verifiable and easy to hand over to a contractor, or such. A cost estimator’s job role involves identifying indirect costs and examining contractual terms to know what impact indirect costs have. They are also responsible for:

• Evaluating subcontractors’ bids
• Reviewing all construction drawings for constructibility and accuracy in terms of representing the project scope 
• Assessing client’s schedule requirements in terms of impact on the performance of the project
• Analyzing completed estimates for accuracy
• And the list goes on! 

This job is for someone who is focused and experienced to make certain it’s done right.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cost Estimating Software

Is it easy to adapt to cost estimating software?

Yes, using digital cost estimating software can allow you to have more control over your budgets. Some apps have a calculator that can calculate each material for you, so that there is less waste and more accurate estimates. 

Should I choose an all in one app?

An all-in-one app for construction can help streamline your business. Apps such as Connecteam offer you a sophisticated time clock that allows you to provide an accurate quote according to the time spent. You can also allocate the time using the scheduling tool where you can set your team’s schedule and utilize the time allocated to complete the project effectively and efficiently. You can also task manage, communicate via the app and so much more. 

From Estimation to Paid Invoices and Everything In Between

The construction industry is changing, and you don’t want to be the one lagging behind. Software providers know that productivity can increase by at least 15% by using the right technology. The apps are tailored to the needs of a construction PM or business owner. They simplify cost estimation so you can remain within budget and see more of the blue than red. 

Apps are becoming more in demand because they offer a lot more than just assisting with cost estimation. Some apps have time tracking, so you can make sure important projects are complete first. Furthermore, you cut out buddy punching and time theft provided that you chose an app with built-in GPS on the clock in feature. With so many capabilities technology can provide, your question shouldn’t be why do we need an app? It should be why, didn’t we do it sooner?