Esticom vs CostX

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Our analysts compared Esticom vs CostX based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Takeoff Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Esticom is a web-based estimation and takeoff software that supports electrical, construction, HVAC, plumbing and residential estimating. It includes quantity takeoff and bid management and helps construction businesses build cost estimates and bid on projects. Its customer service module helps users utilize KPI data to optimize performance. Its project templates streamline processes, lower set up time and simplify the estimating system.

Other features include plan management, auto count, linear and area measurements, proposals, plan and design markup tools, and customizable databases.

Pros
  • Easy to learn & use
  • Intuitive interface
  • Fast takeoff creation
  • Cloud-based access
  • Good customer support
Cons
  • Limited customization
  • Fewer features than some competitors
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited reporting options
  • Integration issues with other software
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Designed by RIB, costX provides cost estimating and takeoff solutions that help to plan budgets, determine material quantities and create reports. Managers can compare drawings and highlight model changes to identify modifications. Compare multiple subcontractors simultaneously to make strategic business decisions.

It supports BIM files exported from SketchUp, Revit, Tekla, Microstation, ArchiCAD, Mudshark and several others. Color code estimates to streamline the review process. Integrate with Microsoft Excel to avoid duplicate entries.
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$139/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$4,500 One-Time
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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24/7 Live Support
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Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Intuitive interface and automated calculations accelerate takeoffs and estimate creation, saving valuable time and resources.
  • Improved Accuracy: Cloud-based platform reduces manual errors and inconsistencies, leading to more precise and reliable estimates.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Real-time access and project sharing enable seamless collaboration between estimators, project managers, and stakeholders.
  • Streamlined Workflow: Integrated takeoff, estimating, and bid management tools eliminate cumbersome data transfer and manual processes.
  • Optimized Bidding: Powerful quoting tools help generate professional bids quickly and accurately, increasing bid competitiveness.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Customizable reports and insights provide valuable data for informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-based architecture adapts to the needs of growing businesses and diverse project types.
  • Reduced Costs: Improved efficiency, accuracy, and bidding processes contribute to overall project cost savings.
  • Mobile Accessibility: Access projects and data from anywhere on any device, ensuring greater flexibility and responsiveness.
  • Enhanced Client Satisfaction: Timely and accurate estimates coupled with improved communication lead to better client experiences.
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  • Generate Precise Quotes: Upload BIM files to estimate quantities and costs with just a few clicks. Develop forecast models to test what-if scenarios to improve efficiency. Enable multiple cost planners to work on the same estimate to promote collaboration. 
  • Eliminate Data-entry Errors: Drag and drop dimensions directly from the system to Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to save time. Automatically update changes made to estimates to keep everyone on the same page. 
  • Perform Accurate Takeoffs: Cut takeoff time by up to 80% with 2D takeoff tools. Automatically assign random colors to negative and positive measurements in each dimension group. 
  • Make Informed Decisions: Create and analyze data using reporting modules. Categorize tasks by zones and codes. Generate charts and graphs to identify trends and outliers. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Access files from remote locations through web-enabled devices. Track project statuses in real time. 
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  • Automating Cost Estimates: Remove time-consuming Excel sheets and build accurate construction cost estimates on the web-based system.
  • Bid Management: Catalog projects according to bid due date, estimator or project value to keep track of deadlines.
  • Review: Review projects with the management team and improve performance through key performance data.
  • Cloud-Based Software: Access construction takeoff and estimating software from anywhere, any time on any device.
  • Ready-Made Templates: Get project templates to bid on more projects and streamline takeoff and estimating processes.
  • Area & Linear Measurements: Measure conduits, wire runs and add fittings automatically.
  • Customizable Database: Customize the database with out-of-the-box parts and assemblies, including labor units and material prices.
  • Plan Management: Organize plan sheets into folders by automatically renaming them. Update projects with new versions of the software.
  • Proposals: Customize bid proposals by adding a company logo, inclusions, exclusions and detailed pricing.
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  • BIM Takeoff: Extract material quantities from 3D models to create accurate estimates. Customize takeoffs by creating model maps. Encourage multiple employees to work on a single project. View BIM takeoffs using costX Viewer. 
  • 2D Takeoff: Calculate lengths, areas and counts of scanned 2D drawings, CAD files and PDFs. Integrate with costXL to link changes in dimensions and quantities into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. 
  • Workbooks: Live-link material quantities to drawings and cost databases to help eliminate costly errors. Import Excel data retaining existing formulas. 
  • Subcontractor Comparison: Build databases consisting of relevant quotes using the bid day tool. Integrate subcontractors’ data with associated reports to make informed decisions. 
  • Auto-revisioning: Load initial measurements into revised DWG drawings to highlight modifications, make comparisons and update quantities. 
  • Reports: Build cost plans and bills of quantities as per client requirements using customizable report writing functionality. Automatically add page breaks to reports. 
  • Rate Libraries: Extract workers’ information, create bills of materials and generate cost estimates from BIM files. Access system administration to create rate libraries. 
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Product Ranking

#7

among all
Takeoff Software

#24

among all
Takeoff Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Measurement Management Measurement Tools Mobile Capabilities Plans Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Trades Management 76 62 0 63 0 84 71 79 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 114 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 34 reviews
90%
of users recommend this product

Esticom has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 114 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

90%
of users recommend this product

CostX has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 34 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

5.0 (1)
4.4 (4)
4.5 (110)
4.5 (28)
4.9 (3)
4.5 (2)

Awards

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

User Favorite Award

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

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Ease of Use: The solution offers an intuitive and user friendly interface, according to 75% of users.
Functionality: According to 81% of users who reviewed this pro, the software offers a complete product suite for construction companies to optimize their processes.
Cost: About 87% of users affirmed that the application is worth the price range. The features and user-friendly interface justify the price completely.
Support: Regarding support, approximately 76% of users said the support team quickly responds to calls and resolves issues efficiently.
Connectivity and Integrations: According to 75% of users, the application integrates seamlessly with third-party solutions.
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Detailed Cost Breakdown: Users appreciate the ability to break down costs into granular detail, allowing for precise tracking and analysis of project expenses. For example, they can easily see the cost of labor, materials, and equipment for each specific task.
Streamlined Bidding Process: CostX simplifies the bidding process by providing a centralized platform for managing bids, allowing users to easily compare different bids and make informed decisions. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors.
Improved Accuracy: Users find that CostX helps them create more accurate cost estimates by providing access to real-time data and allowing for adjustments based on changing market conditions. This leads to more competitive bids and a higher likelihood of winning projects.
Enhanced Collaboration: CostX facilitates collaboration among team members by providing a shared platform for accessing and updating project data. This ensures everyone is working with the same information and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
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Data Visualization: According to 84% of users, navigating the solution and locating icons can be challenging at times.
Learning Curve: With a complete suite of features, the solution can be difficult to leverage and learn without step-by-step guidance according to 78% of users.
Performance: About 75% of users said that the solution tends to lag in the event of internet failure.
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Limited Customization: Some users have found that CostX's customization options are limited, making it difficult to tailor the software to their specific needs. For example, they may not be able to create custom reports or modify the interface to suit their workflow.
Steep Learning Curve: CostX can be challenging to learn, especially for users who are new to construction estimating software. The interface can be complex and the software has a lot of features, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Lack of Mobile Functionality: CostX is primarily a desktop application, which can be inconvenient for users who need to access their data on the go. The lack of a mobile app can make it difficult to work on projects remotely or to quickly check estimates while on site.
Price: CostX can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual contractors. The cost of the software, combined with the potential need for training and support, can be a significant investment.
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Esticom users in the past year have lauded its ease of use and intuitive interface, praising its fast learning curve compared to competitors. They emphasize the time-saving benefits of features like auto-count and pre-built libraries, enabling them to generate estimates quickly and efficiently. The cloud-based platform is also a major plus, allowing for real-time collaboration and access from anywhere. However, some users have expressed concerns about limited customization options compared to more established software. While Esticom offers basic customization, it may not cater to highly specialized needs. Additionally, the reporting capabilities have been cited as less robust than some competitors, potentially hindering in-depth project analysis. A key differentiator for Esticom is its competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for smaller companies and startups. Its scalability is also praised, allowing users to upgrade as their needs grow. However, larger companies may find its feature set less comprehensive compared to industry giants. Overall, Esticom is a strong contender in the takeoff and estimating software market, particularly for ease of use, affordability, and time-saving features. However, users seeking in-depth customization, advanced reporting, and experience with larger projects may need to consider alternative solutions.

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Does CostX make your construction bids "cost-effective" or just "costly"? CostX is a popular software for construction bidding and takeoff, but user reviews are mixed. Some users praise its flexibility and accuracy, highlighting its ability to handle specialized work and provide reliable quantities for negotiations. They appreciate the speed and efficiency it brings to the bidding process, allowing them to tender more projects and increase profitability. However, others find the software lacking in training and support, leading to difficulties in maximizing its potential. The lack of a streamlined backup procedure is also a concern, as losing data in CostX can be detrimental to a company. CostX is most suited for construction companies that require a flexible and accurate takeoff and estimating solution, particularly those specializing in niche areas. Its ability to handle various drawing types and provide detailed quantities makes it a valuable tool for negotiating contracts and ensuring profitability. However, companies should be prepared to invest in training and ensure proper backup procedures are in place to mitigate potential data loss.

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