Clear Estimates vs The Estimating Edge

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Our analysts compared Clear Estimates vs The Estimating Edge based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Estimating Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Clear Estimates is a cloud-based software designed for contractors and remodelers to address estimation needs. It prepares professional proposals and estimates and calculates average costs while providing pricing data for 400 areas of the U.S. It also comes preloaded with 15,000 parts with detailed labor and material costs.

Over 60 templates for jobs such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens and additions are available. All parts come equipped with contract language to help users avoid writing long proposals. It offers several customization options, enabling users to create and edit templates and parts in boilerplate language.
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The Estimating Edge helps commercial subcontractors streamline bidding and estimating processes. Automated project managing functionality assists managers in saving time. Enable estimators to perform precise takeoffs using internet-enabled devices. Store files in a cloud-based server for quick access.

Integrate with construction accounting, takeoff and subcontractor solutions to maintain data consistency. Estimate materials for complex shapes and cladding modules to help eliminate waste. Create what-if scenarios to evaluate bids and measure variations.
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$79 Monthly
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$12,000 One-Time
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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Product Insights

  • Streamline Workflows: Integrate with QuickBooks to reduce accounting errors. Enable employees to track work hours electronically. 
  • Generate Error-Free Estimates: Access built-in material and cost databases to avoid quoting mistakes. Create quotes in just a few clicks using internet-enabled devices. 
  • Impress Clients: Produce professional proposals in minutes. Add the company logo, name, address and phone number to reports. 
  • Save Time: Integrate with Buildertrend to complete projects on schedule. Use customizable templates to produce precise estimates. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Store data in a secure environment. Enable employees to view and download documents from a centralized location. 
  • Stay Mobile: View information from anywhere at any time using Android or iOS devices. Monitor project progress off-site. 
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  • Streamline Workflows: Automatically update material prices across estimates when changes occur. Produce bid variations to help clients make the right choice. Access and analyze historical bids to plan bidding strategies. 
  • Win Better Jobs: Track opportunities using the construction management app. Integrate with Salesforce to predict bid outcomes. Share information with clients via a messaging portal. 
  • Perform Accurate Takeoffs: Automate takeoff processes to calculate precise material quantities. View 2D models in 3D mode to identify design errors. Store blueprints in a secure cloud environment. 
  • Generate Error-free Estimates: Add products, markups and labor rates to trade databases. Review quotes before sending them to clients to avoid costly errors. Pull up measurements from takeoff systems to maintain data accuracy. 
  • Make Data-driven Decisions: Generate profit recap, material ordering, job costing and alternate pricing reports to evaluate financial and operational performance. Export reports to Excel to gain better data visualization. 
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  • Estimation: Access cost databases to create accurate estimates. Reuse data from previous estimates to save time. 
  • Customizable Templates: Remove unwanted parts, change pricing details or add additional components to jobs to speed up estimating processes. 
  • Integrations: Import sales and receipt data to QuickBooks. Export estimates to Buildertrend. Send customer data to existing CRM systems using Zapier. 
  • Localized Pricing: Access region-specific material and labor costs. Acquire pricing data of 400 areas across the U.S. 
  • Professional Proposals: Automatically generate formal proposals by adding parts from databases prewritten in contract language. 
  • Reporting: Update and track project statuses from the project information tab. View statuses of sent proposals and invoices. 
  • Change Order Management: Add alternate prices to projects to maintain financial stability. 
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  • Bid Management: Update materials and labor costs while simultaneously detecting cost errors to secure more bids. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Produce detailed reports to make strategic business decisions. Filter data by project requirements to ensure effective communication with clients. 
  • Labor Management: Leverage smart labor technology to save time and generate precise estimates. Automatically calculate adjustments based on predetermined preset values. 
  • Mobile Application: Track production progress in real time using iOS devices. Automatically capture material prices to omit manual data entry processes. 
  • Integration: Streamline estimation and production operations by integrating with Foundation, Sage Estimating, Mosaic and ComputerEase
  • Takeoff: Move data from the takeoff screen to the final estimate to simplify bid preparation. Save assembly templates to speed up takeoff processes. 
  • Historical Database: Customize manufacture-specific components according to business needs. 
  • Estimate: Color-code blueprints by steel type, UL design, hourly rating and thickness. Make a copy of existing estimates and adjust materials or labor rates to conduct what-if analyses. 
  • Template Customization: Add product values such as labor rates, overhead and profits, and tax rates to existing templates. 
  • Cloud-based: Enable team members to save and share documents with each other to encourage a collaborative work environment. 
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Product Ranking

#12

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#41

among all
Construction Estimating Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

57
76
24
79
69
80
45
66
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Platform Capabilities
Reports and Dashboards
Platform Capabilities
Takeoff Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Clear Estimates
The Estimating Edge
+ Add Product + Add Product
Bid Management Cost Management Document And Database Management Estimate Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Takeoff Capabilities 24 69 45 78 93 75 62 0 79 80 66 82 99 61 100 88 0 25 50 75 100
29%
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71%
86%
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14%
75%
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88%
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12%
45%
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55%
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27%
77%
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23%
86%
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14%
100%
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63%
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37%
63%
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67%
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33%
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100%
88%
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12%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

33%
0%
67%
42%
0%
58%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 221 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 289 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

Clear Estimates has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 221 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

The Estimating Edge has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 289 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.54 (112)
n/a
4.5 (109)
4.5 (289)

Awards

Clear Estimates stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated The Estimating Edge and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Platform Capabilities and Reports and Dashboards. The Estimating Edge stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Reports and Dashboards Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Interface: Users praise the platform for its user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and input project details, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.
Accurate Material Costs: Clear Estimates is recognized for providing reliable material cost data, ensuring estimates are grounded in real-world pricing.
Detailed Reports: The software generates comprehensive reports that clearly outline all aspects of the estimate, facilitating transparent communication with clients.
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Database of Construction Assemblies: The Estimating Edge provides a comprehensive database of pre-built construction assemblies, which can save estimators significant time and effort during the takeoff process. These assemblies include detailed material and labor breakdowns, allowing for accurate cost estimates.
Customization Options: Users can customize the database by adding their own assemblies, materials, and labor rates to reflect their specific needs and local market conditions. This flexibility ensures that estimates are tailored to each project's unique requirements.
Integration with Other Software: The Estimating Edge integrates with popular construction software programs, such as scheduling and project management tools. This integration streamlines the workflow and reduces the need for manual data entry, improving efficiency and accuracy.
Reporting Capabilities: The software offers a variety of reporting options, allowing estimators to generate detailed cost breakdowns, proposals, and other documents. These reports can be customized to meet the specific needs of clients and stakeholders.
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Limited Customization: Some users have expressed frustration with the limited ability to customize templates and features to align with their specific workflow or company branding.
Learning Curve: While generally considered user-friendly, some individuals have noted a learning curve associated with mastering all of Clear Estimates' features, particularly for those transitioning from traditional spreadsheet-based estimating methods.
Mobile App Functionality: A subset of users have pointed out limitations in the mobile app's functionality compared to the desktop version, particularly regarding offline access and editing capabilities, which can be inconvenient for on-site use.
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Steep Learning Curve: The software's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a significant time investment to learn and master effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting the software to specific workflows or unique estimating requirements can be complex, often necessitating advanced configuration or custom programming.
Integration Limitations: Integrating The Estimating Edge with other construction management software or external databases may require additional tools or custom development, potentially hindering seamless data exchange.
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Is Clear Estimates clearly the best estimating software out there? User reviews from the past year suggest that Clear Estimates is a solid choice for construction professionals, particularly those focused on residential remodeling. Users praise its ease of use, highlighting the intuitive interface and pre-built templates that expedite the estimate creation process. The software's integration with QuickBooks is also a big plus, streamlining accounting workflows. However, some users express frustration with the limited customization options for reports and proposals. While the software offers some flexibility, it may not fully satisfy users who require highly tailored outputs. A key differentiator for Clear Estimates is its comprehensive database of locally adjusted costs for materials and labor. This feature ensures accurate estimates, saving users from the hassle of manual research and adjustments. Users also appreciate the software's regular price updates, guaranteeing they're working with the most current data. This is particularly crucial in today's volatile market, where prices can fluctuate rapidly. Overall, Clear Estimates is best suited for small to medium-sized remodeling contractors who prioritize ease of use and accurate cost data. Larger firms or those with more complex reporting needs might find the software's limited customization options restrictive.

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The Estimating Edge has garnered positive feedback from users, particularly those in the construction industry, for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features. Users appreciate the software's intuitive design, which allows for easy navigation and efficient estimate creation. The Estimating Edge offers a wide range of tools and functionalities, including pre-built templates, cost calculators, and material databases, enabling users to generate accurate and detailed estimates. Additionally, the software's ability to track project progress and compare estimated costs to actual expenses has proven valuable for project management and cost control. Compared to similar products, The Estimating Edge stands out for its affordability and customization options. Users have noted that the software is more cost-effective than other estimating solutions on the market, making it an attractive choice for small businesses and independent contractors. The ability to customize templates, reports, and databases allows users to tailor the software to their specific needs and workflows. Furthermore, The Estimating Edge offers trade-specific features and databases, catering to the unique requirements of different construction trades. This level of customization ensures that estimates are accurate and reflect the specific materials, labor costs, and industry standards relevant to each project. The Estimating Edge is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized construction businesses and contractors who require a reliable and efficient estimating solution. Its ease of use, comprehensive features, and affordability make it an ideal choice for those who may not have extensive experience with estimating software or dedicated estimating departments. The software's ability to streamline the estimating process, improve accuracy, and enhance project management capabilities can significantly benefit businesses looking to optimize their operations and increase profitability. However, it's important to note that software options and features can evolve rapidly, so it's recommended to check for the latest information and updates directly from The Estimating Edge or other reliable sources.

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