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Plumbing Estimating Software
WenDuct and WenPipe
WenPipe by Wendes has been a long-time leader in plumbing estimating software. It is typically used by commercial contractors doing over $5 million in construction volume. Offers updated, localized pricing for materials and labor.
Plumbing Bid Manager
Plumbing Bid Manager is one of the leading plumbing estimating systems for small and mid-sized commercial and residential plumbing and mechanical contractors. Offers integrated material pricing updates and digital plan takeoff.
McCormick Estimating Software
McCormick leverages its deep roots in electrical estimating software to bring its plumbing estimating program to market. The system offers comprehensive templates for residential, commercial, and industrial contractors.
Maxwell Systems Estimation
Estimation offers an estimating package designed specifically for commercial plumbing and process piping contractors. Integrates material pricing and MCAA or PHCC labor rates. It can be expanded to include accounting as well.
QuoteExpress Piping & SheetMetal
QuoteExpress Piping is designed specifically for plumbing and mechanical contractors. For example, it offers a labor database that uses MCCA/PHCC labor information. It's a popular plumbing estimation system with 1,200 customers.
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FastPIPE & FastDUCT
FastPIPE is a specialized system designed to automate much of the plumbing estimating process. FastPIPE includes built-in pipe assemblies, a plumbing item database, and parts pricing to help create estimates more efficiently.
Sage Estimating (formerly Sage Timberline Estimating)
Sage Estimating is a good fit for plumbing firms with at least $10 million in revenue. Sage’s best-of-breed estimating system helps eliminate manual calculation errors by automating labor and material cost calculations.
AutoBid SheetMetal by QuickPen
AutoBid by QuickPen is an estimating, takeoff and project management system designed for plumbing, mechanical and utility contractors. It offers 3D takeoff, visual assemblies, Excel integration, CAD file integration and more.
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General estimating systems are designed for contractors that develop high-level estimates across multiple divisions. However, when a more detailed drill-down of the plumbing work required, a system that is designed specifically for plumbers will be a better fit. There are about a dozen top-rated vendors that serve this market.
Key Requirements for Estimating Software
| Plumbing Item Database | Plumbers need fast access to every pipe, fitting, valve, flange, mount, and more. A plumbing estimating program will have a vast database that includes the approximately 150,000 items a plumber would need to access. |
| Plumbing Assemblies | Each bathroom you install uses most of the same items. The same with each shower, each sink, etc. “Assemblies” are the groupings of items you’ll need for each job. Naturally these can be customized as standard or for each individual job, but by standardizing this information, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every single time you put in a bid. |
| Plumbing-specific Pricing Integration | It’s important to submit a professional-looking bid. A good plumbing estimating software will export your bid information to a customizable template that includes your company information and logo, helping you reinforce your company’s brand through your bid. |
Related Plumbing Software Applications
Leading vendors will integrate their estimating software with additional features to make for a full plumbing software suite. Applications commonly associated with the top plumbing software include:
| Time and Materials Billing | Plumbers bill based on the time spent on the job, as well as the materials used, so keeping accurate accounts of both is critical for effective estimating and billing. Therefore, consider this feature carefully when selecting your plumbing software. |
| Project Management | If your company has more than a few subcontractors, you’ll want to manage project schedules and track job documents. For this, project management capabilities can save a considerable amount of time and energy, ensuring efficient scheduling and maximizing your use of labor resources. |
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