The Best Construction Estimating Software in 2025

Every construction estimating solution is unique, but below is a selection of some of the most important and useful features used in estimating software -  

• Integrated 2D and 3D Takeoff - Directly extract quantities from project plans. Eliminate manual calculations and reduces errors. 
• Work from templates and historical data - Save time by starting estimates from pre-built templates for common project types or leverage data from past projects.  
• Ability to manage multiple projects - The software keeps all your estimates organised in one place, allowing for easy switching and comparison between projects. 
• Import and export data from Excel - Import material costs, labour rates, and other details from Excel spreadsheets into the software. Export estimates back into Excel.  
• User access controls - Ensure data security. Define different permission levels for users. Grant access to specific projects or features based on user roles (estimator, project manager, etc.) 
• Category, subcategory and item depth - Organise your estimates with a hierarchical structure for analytical estimating. Break down costs into categories, subcategories, and individual items.  
• Reporting, generate PDF reports - Generate professional reports for bids, presentations or internal analysis. They are often exported as PDFs for easy sharing. 
• Bid Management - Streamline the bidding process. Some options can help send bid requests to subcontractors, track responses and compare bids. 
• Valuations - Extending use beyond preconstruction, some estimating software also offers valuations for quantity surveyors to input both internal and external valuations throughout the project.  

Choosing the right construction estimating software is crucial for streamlining your preconstruction process. Here's a breakdown of steps to follow:

Define Your Needs:

1. Identify how the software will contribute to your long-term vision. Are you aiming to improve efficiency, win more bids, or gain better cost control?
2. Consider the types of projects you typically handle. Does the software cater to your specific needs (residential, commercial, civils)?
3. How many users will need access? Choose software with an intuitive interface that aligns with your team's technical expertise.

Evaluate Features and Functionality:

Ensure the software offers features like quantity takeoff, historical data integration, and cost breakdowns. Consider functionalities that enhance your workflow, such as bid management.

Research and Shortlist Vendors:

Look for established vendors with a proven track record in the construction industry. Read online reviews and user testimonials to gain insights into user experience and common pain points.

Consider Pricing and Licensing:

Choose between cloud-based (accessible anywhere) or on-premise (installed on your server) solutions based on your needs and IT infrastructure. Understand the pricing structure (subscriptions, per-user fees) and ensure it aligns with your team size and budget.

Implementation and Support:

Consider the training and support offered by the vendor. A smooth onboarding process is crucial for maximising software adoption within your team. Ensure the vendor offers ongoing technical support to address any issues or answer questions that may arise after implementation.

Here is a comparison of some of the most popular construction estimating software options for your business in 2024.   

**Please be aware that the pricing may vary based on region, users and custom packages. Finally, user ratings are accurate as of June 2024.   

Access ConQuest 

Access ConQuest Overview 

Access ConQuest has been a trusted estimating solution in the UK and Ireland for over 30 years. It is an all-in-one estimating management software that enables estimating and preconstruction teams to manage processes quickly and accurately.

The platform allows users to create and manage every aspect of a project estimate from takeoff, pricing and sourcing subcontractor enquiries, through to managing subcontractor bids, project handover and valuations.

Access ConQuest is trusted by a huge range of construction companies, from tier-one contractors to estimating specialists.

Access ConQuest Key Features 

• Integrated 2D and 3D Takeoff - Save time by extracting key information from PDFs, CAD files and BIM models. 
• Cost library of over 10 million customisable items - Everything can be modified to suit your needs- labour rates, material costs, constants and outputs. 
• Analytical Estimating - Even the most complex projects can easily be priced using a whole range of pricing techniques –Import bills of quantities or create them from scratch, and switch effortlessly between first principles and trade pricing as required. 
• Subcontractor bid management – Access ConQuest allows users to generate trade bills and subcontractor packages up to 70% faster, store them in the cloud and send notification emails. Live tracking lets users see which subcontractors have viewed and downloaded the information, and who intends to quote. 
• Valuations - Create internal and external valuations. Items can be remeasured by value, quantity, take off or percentage complete. Users also have a clear overview of budget vs actual vs claimed from the client. 
• Reporting - One click unlocks a wealth of project data: materials requirements, resource breakdowns (labour, plant, materials) by cost item, tender summaries with adjudication reports, CVR tracking, and internal/external valuations for every phase. 

Access ConQuest is Best For 

Access ConQuest is perfect for most types of contractors, developers, civil engineers, fit-out companies and many specialist subcontractors. 

Buildxact 

Buildxact Overview 

Based in Australia, Buildxact is a cloud-based construction estimating system catering to the UK market. It provides a single system for builders and contractors to perform takeoff, build estimates and generate invoices.  

Simplicity is key with the Buildxact platform, with an easy-to-use interface, Buildxact claims estimating professionals will be able to get started on their platform within hours. 

While the ‘entry’ plan is limited to estimates only, the ‘pro’ plan also includes some project management tools for estimators such as Gantt charts and a supplier connection portal.  

Buildxact Key Features 

• Fast, integrated takeoff 
• Provides accurate custom quotes 
• Work from templates and past projects 
• (Pro plan) Lead management and tracking 
• (Pro plan) Supplier connection 

Buildxact is Best For  

Buildxact is best for small to mid-sized contractors, builders and homebuilders looking for an affordable tool to handle their entire preconstruction process. However, larger contractors may find their offering limited. 

UDA Construction Online 

UDA Construction Online Overview 

Part of a larger construction management system, UDA Construction Online provides both basic and advanced construction estimating tools for a range of construction sectors in the UK. 

Releasing its first estimating software in 1999, UDA Construction Online has developed a comprehensive estimating tool suited for contractors handling a diverse range of projects.  

UDA Construction Online has two estimating products – OnCost Core and OnCost Advanced, which provides a further depth of information for estimating professionals, breaking down estimates by category, subcategory and item.  

UDA Construction Online Key Features 

• Integrates estimates with proposals and contracts 
• Estimate Templates 
• Integrations with QuickBooks, Excel and more  
• Simple and easy-to-learn interface 
• Change order integration 

UDA Construction Online is Best For 

UDA Construction OnCost Advanced is suitable for large general contractors handling a range of projects who are already using the UDA Construction platform.  

RIB CostX 

RIB CostX Overview 

Available as a Cloud or on-premises solution, RIB CostX links takeoff, estimating and reporting into one system.  

With an integrated 2D and 3D takeoff module, RIB CostX accurately lifts measurements and quantities from a range of documents to automatically populate an estimate, cutting hours of work. Estimates are built on spreadsheet-based workbooks. 

Revision tracking and comparison tools are especially useful for cost control or working on projects vulnerable to multiple revisions.  

RIB CostX Key Features 

• Collaboration tools – update estimates in real-time, maintain an audit trail 
• Produce a range of bespoke reports 
• ‘Revision mode’ allows teams to make comparisons between revised estimates 
• Integrated 2D and 3D takeoff 

RIB CostX is Best For 

RIB CostX is best for quantity surveyors and estimating teams within commercial contractors.  

BuilderTrend 

BuilderTrend Overview 

Part of a larger construction management software suite, BuilderTrend offers an estimating module aimed at growing contractors. Integrating takeoff and estimating, BuilderTrend Estimating is built around a range of templates to deliver accurate and agile estimates.   

BuilderTrend Key Keatures 

• Offers a range of templates and pre-built calculations 
• Integrated takeoff solution 
• Build your own cost database for both materials and labour 
• Generates professional bid proposals 

BuilderTrend is Best For  

BuilderTrend is used most by home builders, home remodellers and specialty contractors.  

STACK 

STACK Overview 

STACK offers a professional estimating tool alongside its project management offering.  

STACK is a browser-based solution that allows estimators to work from anywhere, offering takeoff, estimating and document management. STACK’s estimating tool allows estimators to easily customise their BoQ and generate bid documents.  

STACK is a popular choice for estimators due to its ability to customise cost data at any level, generating accurate and easily-editable estimates.  

STACK Key Features 

• Strong integrated takeoff tools 
• Highly customisable estimates  
• Excel integration 
• Proposal creation – generate branded proposals with pre-populated details 

STACK is Best For  

STACK is used by small to mid-sized contractors seeking a professional estimating tool. It may lack the depth of features required by large contractors and enterprises.  

ProEst 

ProEst Overview 

Part of the AutoDesk Cosntruction Cloud, ProEst is a comprehensive cloud-based estimating tool for contractors and subcontractors. ProEst combines takeoff, cost estimating and analysis into a single preconstruction package.  

Developed for larger estimating teams, ProEst’s cloud capabilities allows several estimators to collaborate on a single project and coordinate their project tasks. ProEst also boasts a built-in CRM which helps contractors track their opportunities alongside their cost estimates.  

ProEst Key Features 

• Bid-day analysis – compare costs, margins and exclusions 
• Wide range of reports and conceptual reports 
• Highly customisable estimates 
• Built-in CRM tracks client information  

ProEst is Best For  

As the highest cost option on the list, ProEst is best suited for large contractors working with multi-region estimating teams who need to coordinate their activity and collaborate on complex projects.  

Methvin 

Methvin Overview 

Methvin’s estimating solution is available alongside project management and bid management offerings. A completely browser-based tool, Methvin allows several team members to work on a project at once, with real-time updates.  

Methvin focuses on ‘first principles’ estimating, breaking down every component for cost accuracy and providing the depth of information needed for complex projects. 

Developed for heavy construction, Methvin positions itself as a core estimating tool for ‘serious estimators’, ensuring cost accuracy, but lacking in additional features.  

Methvin Key Features 

• Browser-based software is accessible from everywhere 
• Offers advanced estimating options, including setting pricing variables and sub-schedules 
• Worksheet-based tool, suitable for those used to Excel 
• Takeoff, Gantt schedules and tender management available as add-ons 

Methvin is Best For  

Methvin is developed specifically for small-to-medium sized infrastructure and commercial building contractors.  

Estimating software isn’t just for the larger players in the construction landscape. It is becoming an increasingly popular tool for small builders and those working in the trades that specialise in smaller-scale construction projects and may not necessarily have a dedicated estimating resource.   
Estimating software can help small builders by enabling them to produce accurate and timely quotations with the latest costs of labour, materials and equipment.  

Moving away from time-consuming paper-based processes and the manual errors associated with Excel and other spreadsheet software provides clear benefits for small builders in the UK.

Small builders can benefit from many features that estimating software can provide, including: 

• Flexible cost estimating
• Up-to-date material price lists
• Quote Templates
• Integrations with Excel and accounting tools
• Reporting
• Mobile access
• Automated job quotes

Using estimating software can help small builders streamline their quote processes, reduce errors, and improve their bottom line.

There are numerous estimating software options available for small builders in the UK, with many providers also offering tools, such as project management, that will enhance the estimating process. 

Popular estimating software for small builders include –  

• Tradify
• Estimator Xpress
• Esti-Mate
• Price-A-Job

Tradify

Tradify is an all-in-one job management app built for the trades, including specialist trades such as gas engineers and HVAC. 

Its estimating tool includes templates, up-to-date pricing lists and the ability to transform an estimate into an invoice once the quote is accepted. 

The Tradify quoting tool is available as part of their ‘Lite’ package at a cost of £34 per user per month.

Templates and custom branding are accessible at the ‘Pro’ tier at a cost of £34 per user per month. A 14 day free trial is also available.

Estimator Xpress 

Used by over 10,000 tradespeople in the UK, Estimator Xpress is a popular estimating package for small builders. Advanced features include live price tracking for material costs and range of quote templates to work from.

The software is available in a range of tiers suitable for different company sizes and needs, including specialised modules for specific jobs like shop refits. It is available wither as a single licence product or as a yearly subscription.   

Esti-Mate 

With the ability to import from Excel files, Esti-Mate helps generate professional bills of quantities for small builders using standard pricing libraries.

This single license product comes at a one-off cost and provides a ‘no frills’ estimating solution for small builders in the UK to generate industry-standard BOQ. Additional modules and specialised pricing libraries are also available for an added cost.  

Price-A-Job 

Developed for small to medium businesses within the construction industry, Price-A-Job is a cloud-based estimating solution with regularly-updated materials prices which cuts down the time spent estimating for smaller building businesses. It is both low-cost and easy-to-use, with additional modules available to help small businesses handle their project management and compliance.