Top Clear Estimates Alternatives & Competitors For 2024

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Looking for alternatives to Clear Estimates? Many users crave user-friendly and feature-rich solutions for tasks like Reports and Dashboards, Platform Capabilities, and Document and Database Management. Leveraging crowdsourced data from over 1,000 real Construction Estimating Software selection projects based on 400+ capabilities, we present a comparison of Clear Estimates to leading industry alternatives like McCormick Estimating, ProEst, The Estimating Edge, and Methvin.

McCormick Estimating Software Tool
ProEst Software Tool

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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McCormick Estimating is a management and estimating solution designed for specialty contractors. Contractors in electrical, mechanical piping, automated building, distribution and transmission, and plumbing use it on industrial, commercial and residential projects. It has four levels and offers modules for single-contractor shops to multi-million dollar contractors. Win 1000 is suitable for a one-man shop, Win 3000 for small – medium contractors, Win 4000 for small – large contractors and Win 6000 for large contractors.

It lets users dot and spot drawings to add selections, edit extensions, view audit trails and track job status. It operates as a stand-alone product or integrates with other modules. It includes more than 25,000 pre-built assemblies and 55,000 items.
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ProEst is an estimating, bidding and pre-construction management tool that helps general contractors and subcontractors navigate business operations. Deploy it on the cloud and desktops with macOS, Windows and Linux. Its cost database provides accurate material, labor and equipment cost estimates to enable winning bids. Users can manage client and prospect information, create cost estimates, and create proposals.

It streamlines material counts and pre-construction workflows. Construction professionals can use it to manage accounting, plumbing and electrical estimation.
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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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Methvin is a takeoff and estimating software designed to streamline construction project bidding and cost management. It caters to contractors of all sizes, but its comprehensive features and integrated functionalities might particularly benefit medium-sized businesses handling complex projects. Users can extract quantities directly from plans, generate bills of materials, and create detailed cost estimates. Integration with scheduling and resource management modules allows for comprehensive project oversight. Methvin is praised for its ease of use, powerful automation, and ability to handle diverse project types. Compared to similar offerings, Methvin emphasizes visual takeoff tools, comprehensive cost databases, and seamless integration across estimating, scheduling, and resource management. However, user reviews suggest its pricing might be less competitive for smaller firms, with costs typically based on a per-user, annual subscription model.

Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based accessibility
  • Integrates with other tools
  • Affordable pricing
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Customer support can be slow
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$79
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$27
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Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
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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
In Person
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
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
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24/7 Live Support
Email
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24/7 Live Support

Product Ranking

#12

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#43

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#11

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#41

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#40

among all
Construction Estimating Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

57
66
65
76
we're gathering data
24
49
90
79
we're gathering data
69
80
63
80
we're gathering data
45
83
78
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we're gathering data
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Platform Capabilities
Reports and Dashboards
Takeoff Capabilities
Reports and Dashboards
Takeoff Capabilities
Bid Management
Reports and Dashboards
Platform Capabilities
Takeoff Capabilities
Cost Management
Project Management
Reports and Dashboards
Platform Capabilities
Takeoff Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Clear Estimates
McCormick Estimating
ProEst
The Estimating Edge
Methvin
+ 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 49 80 83 73 53 57 97 89 90 63 78 60 44 68 92 91 79 80 66 82 99 61 100 88 0 25 50 75 100
29%
71%
57%
43%
86%
14%
86%
14%
0%
100%
75%
25%
88%
12%
63%
37%
88%
12%
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45%
55%
91%
9%
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18%
73%
27%
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77%
23%
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59%
41%
86%
14%
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63%
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63%
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67%
33%
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88%
12%
88%
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

33%
67%
25%
75%
33%
67%
42%
58%
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100%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 221 reviews
Great User Sentiment 83 reviews
Great User Sentiment 79 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 289 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 35 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.

88%
of users recommend this product

McCormick Estimating has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 83 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

81%
of users recommend this product

ProEst has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 81% when considering 79 user reviews from 3 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.

90%
of users recommend this product

Methvin has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 35 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

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4.3 (32)
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4.4 (17)
4.54 (112)
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4.5 (109)
4.4 (83)
3.8 (44)
4.5 (289)
4.6 (18)
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4.4 (3)
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Awards

User Favorite Award
we're gathering data
we're gathering data
User Favorite Award
Platform Capabilities Award
Reports and Dashboards Award
User Favorite 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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Estimating Accuracy: McCormick is known for its comprehensive database of construction costs, which helps estimators produce more accurate bids and reduces the risk of cost overruns.
Efficiency: The software automates many of the tasks involved in estimating, such as quantity takeoffs and pricing, which can save estimators a significant amount of time and effort. McCormick also integrates with other construction software, such as project management and accounting systems, which can further improve efficiency.
Customization: McCormick allows users to customize the software to meet their specific needs, such as creating custom reports and databases. This flexibility makes it a suitable solution for a wide range of construction projects.
Collaboration: McCormick's cloud-based platform enables teams to collaborate on estimates in real-time, regardless of their location. This can improve communication and coordination among team members.
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Intuitive Interface: Users praise ProEst's user-friendly design, finding it easy to navigate and utilize for creating estimates, even without extensive software experience.
Detailed Reporting: ProEst's reporting features provide comprehensive insights into project costs, allowing for better decision-making and cost control.
Integration Capabilities: ProEst integrates seamlessly with other software commonly used in the construction industry, streamlining workflows and reducing manual data entry.
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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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User-Friendly Interface: Many users appreciate Methvin for its intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which simplifies the learning curve and accelerates the adoption process for new users.
Flexible Estimating Tools: The estimating suite in Methvin is often praised for its flexibility, allowing users to create detailed and adjustable estimates that can be easily tailored to different project requirements.
Collaborative Features: The platform promotes team collaboration, enabling multiple stakeholders to work on the same estimate simultaneously, which enhances efficiency and reduces errors.
Integration Capabilities: Users favor Methvin’s ability to integrate with other software systems, expanding its functionality and fitting well into existing technology ecosystems.
Responsive Customer Support: Responsive customer service garners positive feedback, as users find the support team helpful and quick to resolve any issues that arise.
Cloud-Based Solution: Being a cloud-based platform, Methvin offers accessibility from various devices and locations, which is crucial for teams that are often on-the-go or working remotely.
Comprehensive Reporting: Methvin’s reporting capabilities are considered robust, enabling users to generate insightful reports that assist with decision-making and project tracking.
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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 complexity can be overwhelming for new users due to its extensive features and functionalities. This can lead to a prolonged onboarding process and require significant time investment to achieve proficiency.
Cost: McCormick Estimating software can be expensive, especially for smaller construction firms or independent estimators. The pricing structure may involve upfront costs, subscription fees, or module-based purchases, which can impact affordability.
Customization Challenges: While the software offers customization options, tailoring it to specific workflows or industry requirements can be complex. Users may require advanced technical skills or rely on support services to achieve desired customizations.
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Steep Learning Curve: ProEst's extensive features and functionalities can overwhelm new users, requiring significant time investment to master the platform effectively.
Customization Challenges: Tailoring ProEst to specific workflows or unique estimating requirements can be complex, often necessitating assistance from ProEst support or engaging in advanced configuration processes.
Integration Limitations: Integrating ProEst with existing software ecosystems or third-party applications may pose challenges due to compatibility issues or limited API capabilities, potentially hindering seamless data exchange and workflow automation.
Mobile App Functionality: The mobile app's features and user experience may not fully replicate the desktop version's capabilities, potentially limiting on-the-go access and productivity for field-based users.
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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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Limited Integration Capabilities: Users often find Methvin's integration with other systems lacking, making it challenging to achieve a seamless workflow between various construction management tools.
User Interface Complexity: Some users report that Methvin's user interface can be less intuitive and more complicated than similar platforms, leading to a steeper learning curve.
Performance Issues: There are occasional reports about the software's slow performance, especially when handling larger, more complex projects, which can hinder productivity.
Customer Support Concerns: Users have expressed frustrations with customer support, indicating slow response times and lack of effective solutions to technical problems.
Feature Limitations: Some users feel that Methvin is not as feature-rich as competing estimating solutions, lacking advanced functionalities that could streamline the estimating process.
Mobile Experience: Users needing robust on-the-go access have pointed out that Methvin's mobile experience doesn't measure up to its desktop counterpart.
Reporting Inflexibility: The software's reporting tools are sometimes described as inflexible, offering limited customization options for users who need detailed and specific reports.
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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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McCormick Estimating has garnered positive feedback for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, making it a popular choice among construction professionals. Users appreciate the software's ease of use, highlighting its intuitive design and straightforward functionality, which allows them to quickly learn and utilize the software effectively. The software's affordability further enhances its appeal, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Additionally, McCormick Estimating offers a wide range of features that cater to various aspects of the estimating process, including takeoff, bidding, and project management, providing users with a complete solution for their construction estimating needs. However, some users have noted that McCormick Estimating may not be as powerful as some of its competitors, such as Bluebeam Revu or PlanSwift, particularly when it comes to handling complex projects. These users have expressed a desire for more advanced features and capabilities to address the intricacies of larger-scale construction endeavors. Despite these limitations, McCormick Estimating remains a valuable tool for many construction professionals due to its ease of use, affordability, and comprehensive feature set. The software is particularly well-suited for small to medium-sized contractors who require a reliable and efficient estimating solution without the complexity and cost associated with more robust software options.

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Is ProEst the most "pro" solution for your estimating needs? Users appreciate ProEst's accuracy, attributing it to the software's use of diverse data sources like historical costs and current labor rates, which helps them create competitive bids. The platform's user-friendly interface and helpful support resources make it easy for both seasoned pros and newcomers to navigate the software. A standout feature is its integration with other construction management tools, such as Buildertrend, streamlining workflows and boosting overall project efficiency. This seamless data flow between platforms eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing errors and saving valuable time. However, some users have expressed concerns about occasional software glitches and the learning curve associated with mastering all of ProEst's advanced features. While the software offers a robust suite of tools, some users find the sheer number of options overwhelming, especially those accustomed to simpler estimating solutions. Despite these drawbacks, ProEst emerges as a powerful tool for contractors of all sizes who need accurate estimates and efficient project management. Its comprehensive features and integrations make it particularly well-suited for larger firms handling complex projects, where precise cost management and seamless collaboration are paramount.

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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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Sifting through user reviews of Methvin paints a picture of a user-friendly, affordable takeoff and estimating software ideal for smaller to medium-sized projects. Customers consistently praise its intuitive interface, cloud-based accessibility, and budget-conscious pricing compared to feature-rich competitors like OnCenter or PlanSwift. However, when complexity ramps up, some users find Methvin's capabilities limited. While its basic shapes and scaling tools handle standard takeoffs well, intricate details or curved walls might require exploring alternatives with advanced 3D modeling features. Collaboration shines as a major strength. Real-time data updates and integrations with project management platforms like Asana streamline communication and ensure everyone's on the same page. This is particularly valuable for geographically dispersed teams, a common scenario in construction. Ultimately, Methvin's value proposition lies in its user-friendliness, affordability, and collaborative features. If your projects prioritize ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and team-based workflows within moderate complexity, Methvin emerges as a strong contender. But for highly specialized needs or extensive 3D modeling, exploring competitors with more robust functionalities might be necessary.

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Related Categories

Top Alternatives in Construction Estimating Software


B2W Software

Buildertrend

Buildxact

CoConstruct

ConstructionOnline

Corecon

HeavyBid

McCormick Estimating

PlanSwift

Plexxis

ProEst

RedTeam

Sage Estimating

The Estimating Edge

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