Top Construction Cost Estimator Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

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Looking for alternatives to Construction Cost Estimator? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Planroom & Document Management, General Contractor Functionalities, and Bid Request Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Construction Bidding Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of Construction Cost Estimator to leading industry alternatives like Bidtracer, PlanHub, BidPlanroom, and ConstructConnect.

Construction Cost Estimator Software Tool
Bidtracer Software Tool
ConstructConnect Software Tool

Product Basics

Construction Cost Estimator is an iOS-based management and estimation tool designed for general contractors, electricians, excavators, insurance estimators, painters, roofers and more. It helps with on-site and service estimates. Users can create estimates on-site, send quotes to clients and print documents with just a few clicks.

Its app contains the cost of 30,000 items. Users can add custom items to costbooks. Generate customized reports with contact details and the company’s logo for internal staff and customers.
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Developed by Specialty Software Group, Bidtracer is a web-based software that offers project and bid managing, equipment tracking, and estimating functionalities. Contractors can track leads and opportunities with sales and marketing inclusions. It provides integration with Microsoft Outlook to help streamline communication. Project managers can export proposals to PDFs or Microsoft Word.

Store unlimited documents in a centralized database. Access files from remote locations using iOS or Android devices. Encourage workers to use prebuilt task lists to simplify work processes. Collaborative tools help promote harmony as well as improve productivity among employees.
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PlanHub is a cloud-based software that helps suppliers, subcontractors and general contractors streamline their bidding process. It lets general contractors send invitations to over 25,000 suppliers, commercial contractors and preferred subcontractors. It allows contractors to add unlimited members to the dashboard, post unlimited projects, track progress and activity status and view contractor databases by expertise and locale. It also provides unlimited space to store projects and an instant messaging service.

Subcontractors can filter, sort and search projects by requirements, receive information about upcoming projects, bid on unlimited projects, meet other contractors and more. Suppliers can upload estimates, view material takeoffs and search for projects. It also integrates with Stack, Raken, Databid and eSUB to provide bidding services.
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BidPlanroom offers bid and project management solutions to help streamline business operations. Managers can send personalized bid invites to subcontractors. Accept or reject submittals to speed up approval processes. Enable workers to add notes to tasks to keep everyone in the loop. Integrate with Citrix ShareFile to enable employees to communicate securely and build a collaborative environment.

Contractors can create customized questionnaires to assess subcontractor qualifications. Subcontractors can access the network directory to find bidding opportunities. Change correspondence notification settings to send alerts to specific trades or groups.
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ConstructConnect provides pre-construction, bidding and takeoff solutions designed for contractors of all sizes to help streamline and optimize business processes. Track projects right from inception up to bid day. Contractors can manage important project documents off-site using the mobile app. It offers analytical tools that help project managers make strategic business decisions.

Perform accurate takeoffs that help generate error-free estimates. It offers integrations with Excel, Salesforce, SmartBid and more to assist contractors with avoiding data entry errors.
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$19.98
$50
$1,199
$149
$1,000
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On-Premise
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Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
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Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
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FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Ranking

#39

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#25

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#7

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#40

among all
Construction Bidding Software

#8

among all
Construction Bidding Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

we're gathering data
55
59
48
63
we're gathering data
39
25
25
42
we're gathering data
80
59
45
69
we're gathering data
88
71
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81
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General Contractor Functionalities
Planroom & Document Management
Support
Subcontractor Prequalification
Subcontractor Functionalities
Planroom & Document Management
Bid Request Management
General Contractor Functionalities
Planroom & Document Management
Planroom & Document Management
Support

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Construction Cost Estimator
Bidtracer
PlanHub
BidPlanroom
ConstructConnect
+ Add Product + Add Product
Analytics & Reporting Bid Invitation & Closing Management Bid Request Management General Contractor Functionalities Planroom & Document Management Subcontractor Functionalities Subcontractor Prequalification 39 80 88 59 100 12 61 25 59 71 100 100 78 46 25 45 57 63 100 53 80 42 69 81 82 81 78 68 0 25 50 75 100
0%
100%
42%
58%
25%
75%
25%
75%
42%
58%
0%
100%
77%
23%
59%
41%
45%
55%
73%
27%
0%
100%
92%
8%
75%
25%
58%
42%
83%
17%
0%
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63%
37%
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88%
12%
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86%
14%
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11%
89%
78%
22%
56%
44%
78%
22%
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100%
63%
37%
50%
50%
88%
12%
75%
25%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

0%
100%
7%
93%
29%
71%
0%
100%
14%
86%

Analyst Ratings for Vendor Qualification Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 12 reviews
Great User Sentiment 20 reviews
Great User Sentiment 422 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 1 reviews
Great User Sentiment 5 reviews
85%
of users recommend this product

Construction Cost Estimator has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 12 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

80%
of users recommend this product

Bidtracer has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 80% when considering 20 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

85%
of users recommend this product

PlanHub has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 422 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

100%
of users recommend this product

BidPlanroom has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 100% when considering 1 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

84%
of users recommend this product

ConstructConnect has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 5 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.5 (1)
n/a
4.0 (1)
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4.0 (10)
4.19 (229)
n/a
n/a
4.2 (11)
4.0 (10)
4.3 (192)
5.0 (1)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
4.2 (5)

Awards

we're gathering data
we're gathering data
General Contractor Functionalities Award
User Favorite Award
we're gathering data

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Accurate Estimates: Users appreciate the software's ability to generate precise cost estimates, which helps them win bids and avoid costly overruns. For example, one user mentioned that the software helped them accurately estimate the cost of a large commercial project, saving them thousands of dollars.
Time-Saving Features: The software's automated features, such as material takeoffs and labor calculations, save users significant time and effort. One user stated that the software reduced their estimating time by 50%, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their business.
User-Friendly Interface: Users find the software's interface intuitive and easy to navigate, even for those with limited experience in construction estimating. One user commented that the software was "so easy to use, even my interns could figure it out."
Comprehensive Database: The software's extensive database of materials, labor costs, and other relevant information ensures that users have access to the most up-to-date pricing data. One user noted that the software's database helped them stay ahead of the curve on fluctuating material costs.
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Centralized Platform: Bidtracer provides a single location to manage the bidding process, eliminating the need to juggle multiple spreadsheets and emails.
Streamlined Communication: The platform facilitates seamless communication between general contractors and subcontractors, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Improved Subcontractor Discovery: Bidtracer's extensive network allows general contractors to easily find qualified subcontractors for their projects.
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User-Friendly About 81% of users who mentioned this pro said the platform’s UI is intuitive.
Bid Management: The solution’s bid listing, inviting and tracking features simplify bidding processes, according to 70% of users.
Subcontractor Functionalities: According to 80% of users who reviewed this pro, it’s easy to contact subs via subcontractor databases.
Project Posting: Regarding this feature, approximately 80% of users said that publishing projects out to bid isn’t a daunting task.
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Centralized Bidding Information: Users appreciate the platform's ability to streamline the bid invitation process, allowing them to easily invite numerous subcontractors to bid on projects.
Improved Communication: BidPlanroom facilitates seamless communication between general contractors and subcontractors, enabling efficient clarification of project details and bid submission.
Enhanced Organization: The platform's intuitive design helps users effectively manage project documents and track bid submissions, ensuring a more organized and efficient bidding process.
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Comprehensive Project Information: Access detailed project information, including plans, specs, contacts, and bid dates, all in one place.
Streamlined Bidding Process: Submit bids electronically, track their progress, and receive notifications of bid awards or rejections.
Targeted Project Leads: Receive customized project leads based on your company's capabilities and interests, ensuring you're only bidding on projects you're qualified for.
Collaboration Tools: Collaborate with team members and subcontractors on bids and projects, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Time Savings: Reduce the time spent searching for and bidding on projects, allowing you to focus on winning more work.
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Limited Material Database: Some users have reported that the material database is not comprehensive enough, especially for niche or specialized materials. This can lead to inaccurate estimates and require manual adjustments.
Inaccurate Labor Cost Estimates: Labor costs can vary significantly depending on location, project complexity, and union regulations. Some users have found that the software's labor cost estimates are not always accurate, leading to potential over- or under-bidding.
Lack of Customization Options: The software may not offer enough flexibility to accommodate specific project requirements or company-specific pricing structures. This can make it difficult to tailor estimates to individual bids.
Steep Learning Curve: Some users have found the software interface to be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for those new to construction cost estimating. This can lead to frustration and wasted time.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: The software may not provide detailed reports or analysis tools that are essential for tracking project costs and identifying potential cost overruns.
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Limited Customization: Users have expressed frustration over the inflexibility of Bidtracer's templates, finding it difficult to tailor them to their specific project needs and branding preferences.
Cumbersome Interface: Navigating the platform has been described as clunky and unintuitive, particularly when managing a large volume of bids or complex projects.
Integration Challenges: A common complaint is the lack of seamless integration with other popular construction management software, leading to data silos and manual workarounds.
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Document Management: Sometimes project files are labeled incorrectly, according to 75% of users.
Scope of Work: According to 90% of users who reviewed this con, the platform doesn’t categorize items according to cost codes or CSI divisions.
Communication: About 73% of users who mentioned this con said the product doesn’t offer a robust messaging system.
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Cumbersome File Management: Many users have expressed frustration with the platform's file management system, citing difficulties in organizing and retrieving project documents efficiently.
Limited Collaboration Features: Some users have pointed out that BidPlanroom lacks robust collaboration tools, making it challenging to communicate and coordinate effectively with project stakeholders.
Steep Learning Curve: Several users have reported that the platform's interface can be unintuitive and difficult to navigate, particularly for new users who are unfamiliar with construction bidding software.
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Limited Functionality for Subcontractors: ConstructConnect's primary focus is on general contractors, offering limited features and functionalities for subcontractors. This can be a major drawback for subcontractors seeking a comprehensive platform to manage their bidding process.
Inaccurate or Outdated Project Information: Users have reported encountering inaccurate or outdated project information on the platform, leading to wasted time and effort in pursuing irrelevant or unavailable projects.
Limited Customer Support: ConstructConnect's customer support has been criticized for being slow, unresponsive, and unhelpful. This can be frustrating for users who encounter issues or require assistance with the platform.
High Cost: ConstructConnect's subscription fees can be expensive, especially for small or medium-sized construction companies. This can be a significant barrier to entry for businesses looking for a cost-effective bidding platform.
Cumbersome User Interface: The platform's user interface has been described as clunky and difficult to navigate, making it challenging for users to find the information they need efficiently.
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Is Construction Cost Estimator the keystone to winning more bids? Construction Cost Estimator has garnered mixed reviews from contractors over the past year. While many appreciate its user-friendly interface for creating on-site estimates and generating professional PDFs for clients, some have expressed concerns about its limitations. On the plus side, users highlight the software's speed in generating estimates, breaking down costs by material, labor, and subcontracts, which streamlines the bidding process. The availability of customizable templates with company branding is also praised for adding a professional touch. However, several users find the software's features to be basic, lacking the robustness of competitors like Procore, particularly when handling complex projects or requiring advanced reporting functionalities. The reliance on additional paid costbooks, while offering localized data, is a point of contention for some, who find the pricing structure less than ideal. Overall, Construction Cost Estimator seems best suited for smaller contractors and service companies handling straightforward projects where speed and ease of use are paramount. Larger firms or those dealing with intricate projects might find its capabilities lacking and may need to consider more comprehensive solutions.

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Recent user reviews highlight its strengths and weaknesses, offering insights into whether it's the right fit for your business. Users praise Bidtracer's intuitive interface and robust project management features, particularly its ability to streamline bid tracking and centralize project information. This allows teams to stay organized and efficiently manage bids, ensuring no opportunities fall through the cracks. However, some users express frustration with occasional software glitches and limited customer support responsiveness. Bidtracer differentiates itself through its specialized focus on the construction industry, offering tailored features like equipment tracking and subcontractor management. This makes it a strong contender for companies seeking industry-specific solutions. However, its lack of seamless integration with popular accounting software is a notable drawback for some users. Overall, Bidtracer is best suited for small to mid-sized construction businesses seeking a dedicated platform to manage bids, projects, and subcontractors. Its industry-specific features and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for streamlining operations and improving bid organization. However, companies prioritizing seamless accounting integration or requiring extensive customer support might need to consider alternative options.

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PlanHub is a cloud-based software that helps subcontractors, suppliers and contractors streamline bidding operations and win jobs. Several users noted, the product provides a user-friendly interface that helps reduce administrative burdens and save time. Many users were satisfied with the product’s subcontractor management functionalities, However, many observed, communicating with subcontractors can be challenging. Overall, the software’s a good fit for companies looking for basic bidding and lead-generating functionalities.

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Want to know if BidPlanroom is the blueprint for success in construction bidding? While user reviews are limited, those available highlight BidPlanroom's user-friendly interface as a major plus, making it easy for teams to get up and running quickly. The platform's robust project management system, which allows for meticulous bid tracking and analysis, is also praised. However, the lack of extensive user feedback makes it difficult to thoroughly evaluate BidPlanroom's performance against competitors like SmartBid or Procore, especially regarding advanced features and scalability. Based on available information, BidPlanroom appears well-suited for small to mid-sized construction firms seeking a streamlined, user-friendly platform to manage their bidding process. Larger companies with more complex needs might require a solution offering a broader range of integrations and advanced functionalities.

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ConstructConnect is a construction project management software that helps users manage tasks such as bidding, project management, and risk management. Users have provided a variety of feedback on the software, with some praising its features and others criticizing its usability. Overall, ConstructConnect seems to be a popular choice for construction professionals, but it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. One of the most common complaints about ConstructConnect is its user interface. Some users find it to be clunky and difficult to navigate, while others find it to be intuitive and easy to use. It is important to note that the user interface has been updated in recent years, so it is possible that some of the negative feedback is no longer relevant. Additionally, ConstructConnect offers a variety of training resources to help users get the most out of the software. Another common complaint about ConstructConnect is its cost. The software can be expensive, especially for small businesses. However, it is important to note that ConstructConnect offers a variety of pricing options, so it is possible to find a plan that fits your budget. Additionally, the software can save you money in the long run by helping you to avoid costly mistakes. Overall, ConstructConnect is a powerful construction project management software that can help you to improve your efficiency and productivity. However, it is important to consider the specific needs of your business before making a decision. If you are looking for a user-friendly and affordable option, there are other software programs available that may be a better fit for you.

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Related Categories

Top Alternatives in Construction Bidding Software


BidPlanroom

Bidtracer

Buildertrend

BuildingBlok

BuildingConnected

CoConstruct

ConstructConnect

Dodge Data and Analytics

e-Builder

iSqFt

PipelineSuite

PlanHub

Procore

SmartBid

WeBuild

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