--- title: "Best Concrete Cost Estimating Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Concrete Cost Estimating Software for your organization. Compare top Concrete Cost Estimating Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/concrete-masonry-software-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Concrete Cost Estimating Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Concrete Cost Estimating Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide Filter products 97 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 97 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Houzz Pro](/construction/houzz-pro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 1,088 - Starting price: $0.00 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Houzz Pro is a business solution that streamlines operations for construction and design professionals. The platform offers planning tools including 3D floor plans, takeoffs, [Read more](/construction/houzz-pro-profile/) ##### What users love - Streamlined client collaboration features - User-friendly and intuitive interface - Centralized project organization tools ##### To take in mind - Unreliable and slow customer service - Low quality and scarce leads - Expensive and inflexible pricing model #### Features ##### Best rated features - Electronic Signature: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Design Management: 5/5 - GPS: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/houzz-pro-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: $0.00 ##### Pro - Price: $399.00/month ##### Custom - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/houzz-pro-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [plexxis](/construction/plexxis-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 79 - Starting price: CA$34,000.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Plexxis offers comprehensive solutions created specifically for the most demanding specialty sub-contractors. With on premise, subscription, cloud-based and mobile options, Plexxis [Read more](/construction/plexxis-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Accounting Integration: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 - Invoice Management: 5/5 - Project Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Reporting/Analytics: 3.9/5 [See all features](/construction/plexxis-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud)](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 2,212 - Best for: Project Tracking - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TradeTapp is a subcontractor qualification solution that helps businesses in the construction industry utilize the built-in crowdsourced network to analyze and qualify [Read more](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive project oversight tools - Centralized real-time team collaboration - Efficient drawing access and updates ##### To take in mind - Cumbersome file upload process - Slow loading and lag issues - Expensive for small teams #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Tracking: 4.5/5 - Risk Management: 4.5/5 - Compliance Management: 4.5/5 - Document Management: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Bid Management: 3/5 - Accounting Integration: 3.8/5 - Proposal Generation: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Sage Construction Suite](/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/) - Overall rating: 4.0/5 - Reviews: 1,061 - Best for: Popular - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview The Sage Construction Suite unites the critical functions of your business to help you build smarter, operate more efficiently, and drive profitable growth. Built on 50+ years of [Read more](/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/) ##### What users love - Tailored for construction needs - Robust accounting for construction - Integrated project management tools ##### To take in mind - Slow and inconsistent support experience - Limited and complex reporting - Steep learning curve and complexity #### Features ##### Best rated features - API: 5/5 - Reporting & Statistics: 5/5 - Project Scheduling: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 [See all features](/product/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/#key-features) --- ### [Procore](/construction/procore-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 2,680 - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform designed to connect field and office teams throughout the project lifecycle. It is used by general contractors, specialty [Read more](/construction/procore-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized project coordination hub - Customizable and intuitive interface - Responsive and helpful support team ##### To take in mind - Expensive for smaller businesses - Cumbersome workflows and rigidity - Overwhelming and inflexible notifications #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Search/Filter: 5/5 - Overrun Reporting: 5/5 - Production Cost Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Audit Trail: 1/5 [See all features](/construction/procore-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Knowify](/construction/knowify-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 110 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Knowify helps contractors budget, manage and invoice every construction project and service job with precision and get insights. All work happens in one intuitive platform that [Read more](/construction/knowify-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cost Tracking: 5/5 - Accounting: 5/5 - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Job Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/knowify-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Core - Price: $99.00/month - Unbeatable value. Bid, execute, and invoice for fixed-price and AIA jobs while managing your ##### Advanced - Price: $329.00/month - For small teams - Includes 10 users + $29 / month / additional user ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - For larger or more complex teams [See full pricing details](/construction/knowify-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [FOUNDATION](/product/419696-FOUNDATION/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 424 - Best for: Budget Tracking - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FOUNDATION is construction accounting solution designed for contractors in the construction industry. It combines job costing, payroll, invoicing, vendor payments and financial [Read more](/product/419696-FOUNDATION/) ##### What users love - Responsive and knowledgeable support team - Comprehensive training and resources - Robust construction accounting tools ##### To take in mind - Steep learning curve and complexity - Limited and inflexible reporting options - Outdated and clunky interface design #### Features ##### Best rated features - Scheduling: 5/5 - Commercial: 5/5 - Job Scheduling: 5/5 - Timesheet Management: 5/5 [See all features](/product/419696-FOUNDATION/#key-features) --- ### [Deltek ComputerEase](/construction/computerease-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 133 - Starting price: $5,000.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Deltek ComputerEase is construction accounting software that helps contractors protect job margins and get paid faster. Built for the construction industry, it combines real-time [Read more](/construction/computerease-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Payroll Management: 5/5 - Time Tracking: 4.5/5 - Invoice Management: 4.3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Project Management: 1/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 - Job Tracking: 4/5 - Job Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/computerease-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ConstructionOnline](/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 613 - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ConstructionOnline is a cloud-based construction project management platform, built to help construction businesses protect profits, improve execution, reduce risks, and make [Read more](/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customer Management: 5/5 - Gantt/Timeline View: 5/5 - Inspection Checklists : 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### ConstructionOnline - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/uda-constructiononline-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [IFS Cloud ERP](/product/3243-IFS-Manufacturing/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 30 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Available #### Overview IFS Cloud is a composable enterprise software platform unifying Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and Field Service Management (FSM) in a [Read more](/product/3243-IFS-Manufacturing/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Preventive Maintenance: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 4.7/5 - Time & Expense Tracking: 4.7/5 - Task Scheduling: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Supply Chain Management: 1/5 - Project Management: 4/5 - Work Order Management: 4/5 [See all features](/product/3243-IFS-Manufacturing/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/product/3243-IFS-Manufacturing/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [monday AI Work Platform](/marketing/monday-com-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 6,134 - Starting price: $9.00/month - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview monday.com is the AI Work Platform where people and agents operate as one team - with shared cross-department context, enterprise-grade trust, and an easy-to-use interface built [Read more](/marketing/monday-com-profile/) ##### What users love - Centralized workspace for teams - Intuitive setup and navigation - Robust and visual task tracking ##### To take in mind - Expensive for growing teams - Complex and cluttered board management - Overwhelming and noisy alerts #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Review: 5/5 - Purchasing & Receiving: 5/5 - Order Entry: 5/5 - Overtime Calculation: 5/5 [See all features](/marketing/monday-com-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Free - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Up to 2 seats ##### Basic - Price: $9.00/month - Minimum 3 seats, billed annually. ##### Standard - Price: $12.00/month - Minimum 3 seats, billed annually. [See full pricing details](/marketing/monday-com-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Leap](/product/110460-Leap/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 459 - Starting price: $79.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Leap is the complete platform for home improvement contractors built by people who understand how contractors actually sell and run jobs. It combines Leap CRM for operations [Read more](/product/110460-Leap/) ##### What users love - Responsive and helpful assistance - Simple and intuitive interface - Centralized and paperless records ##### To take in mind - Frequent lag and slow response - Slow and limited photo handling #### Features ##### Best rated features - Purchase Order Management: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Calendar Management: 5/5 - Project Planning/Scheduling: 5/5 [See all features](/product/110460-Leap/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Leap CRM Essential - Price: $79.00/month - Move off paper, present a professional appearance and win more jobs. ##### Leap CRM Team - Price: $298.00/year - The tools you need to grow your business, get efficient, and increase profitability. Comes with one ##### Leap SalesPro Premium - Price: $750.00/year - Automate every step of your sales process, empower your team, and make selling simple. [See full pricing details](/product/110460-Leap/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [JOBPOWER](/construction/jobpower-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 51 - Starting price: $4,300.00 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview JOBPOWER is an integrated construction accounting management system. JOBPOWER includes accounting, detailed job costing, construction oriented billing, payroll by job, and many [Read more](/construction/jobpower-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - General Ledger: 5/5 - Job Costing: 5/5 - Accounts Receivable: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Construction Breakdowns: 3.5/5 - Payroll Management: 3.5/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/jobpower-profile/#key-features) --- ### [eCMS](/erp/computer-guidance-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 41 - Starting price: $10,000.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview eCMS offers a comprehensive suite of software applications that help commercial contractors manage all aspects of their financials and operations. eCMS is specifically built for [Read more](/erp/computer-guidance-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Permit Management: 5/5 - Contractor Management: 5/5 - Dashboard: 5/5 - Visual Analytics: 5/5 [See all features](/erp/computer-guidance-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $10,000.00/year [See full pricing details](/erp/computer-guidance-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [HeavyJob](/job-costing/heavyjob-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 96 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview HCSS HeavyJob is a job management solution that allows companies to manage employee time, budgets, job costs, and resources. Company crew leads can record time and materials [Read more](/job-costing/heavyjob-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Activity Dashboard: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - Mobile Access: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - RFI & Submittals: 3/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 [See all features](/job-costing/heavyjob-profile/#key-features) --- ### [TimeSuite](/construction/timesuite-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 6 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Designed for construction businesses, TimeSuite is a cloud-based platform that helps manage job costing, inventory transactions, resource scheduling and more. The solution offers [Read more](/construction/timesuite-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Contract/License Management: 5/5 - General Ledger: 5/5 - Budget Tracking: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Timesheet Management: 3/5 [See all features](/construction/timesuite-profile/#key-features) --- ### [CMiC](/construction/enteprise-pro-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 163 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CMiC is the leading provider of an AI-powered, fully integrated construction ERP platform purpose-built for general contractors, specialty contractors, and civil/heavy-highway [Read more](/construction/enteprise-pro-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Payroll Management: 5/5 - Offline Access: 5/5 - Budget Tracking: 5/5 - Inventory Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Collaboration Tools: 2/5 - Scheduling: 2.8/5 - Task Management: 3/5 - Financial Management: 3/5 [See all features](/construction/enteprise-pro-profile/#key-features) --- ### [eSUB](/construction/esub-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 256 - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview eSUB is a mobile application and cloud-based project management solution that helps commercial subcontractors across various trades to manage day-to-day operations. eSUB offers [Read more](/construction/esub-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Task Management: 5/5 - Budgeting/Forecasting: 5/5 - Incident Reporting: 5/5 - Calendar Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Offline Access: 1/5 - API: 3/5 - Equipment Tracking: 3/5 - Scheduling: 3.3/5 [See all features](/construction/esub-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### eSUB - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/esub-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [HeavyBid](/construction/hcss-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 508 - Best for: Features - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview HeavyBid is a construction estimating and bidding software used by estimators across multiple companies including ENR heavy civil contractors. Offered in three different levels to [Read more](/construction/hcss-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Third-Party Integrations: 5/5 - Cost Tracking: 5/5 - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Change Order Management: 2.5/5 - Accounting Integration: 2.5/5 - For AEC Industry: 3/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 3.3/5 [See all features](/construction/hcss-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Active Takeoff](/construction/active-takeoff-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 95 - Starting price: $898.00one time - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Active Takeoff is an on-premise construction take-off solution that caters to businesses of all sizes in the construction industry and helps them to manage the cost estimating [Read more](/construction/active-takeoff-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cost Database: 5/5 - Job Costing: 5/5 - Takeoff: 4.7/5 - Proposal Generation: 4.5/5 [See all features](/construction/active-takeoff-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Active Takeoff - Price: $898.00one time - Includes 1 license Active Takeoff Yearly Fee: $149.00 [See full pricing details](/construction/active-takeoff-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Maestro*ERP](/product/1199-maestro/) - Overall rating: 3.3/5 - Reviews: 8 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Empowering Canadian Construction for Over 30 Years For more than three decades, Maestro Technologies has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering advanced information [Read more](/product/1199-maestro/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Purchase Order Management: 4/5 - Timesheet Management: 4/5 - Accounting Integration: 4/5 - Mobile Access: 4/5 [See all features](/product/1199-maestro/#key-features) --- ### [Xledger](/accounting/xledger-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 30 - Starting price: $750.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Xledger, True Cloud Finance Software Built For Modern, Multi-entity Organisations Xledger is a true-cloud finance management platform built for organisations needing more than [Read more](/accounting/xledger-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Receipt Management: 5/5 - Multi-Location: 5/5 - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 5/5 [See all features](/accounting/xledger-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Access Coins](/construction/coins-ti-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 43 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview COINS is all-in-one ERP+ system that connects teams, devices, and all business processes on a single platform. COINS Construction Cloud solutions cover every aspect of [Read more](/construction/coins-ti-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Compliance Tracking: 5/5 - RFI & Submittals: 5/5 - Incident Reporting: 5/5 - Financial Management: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/coins-ti-profile/#key-features) --- ### [RIB Candy](/job-costing/construction-computer-software-candy-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 254 - Starting price: $200.00/month - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Candy helps businesses in the construction industry manage project pricing and planning, quantity take-off, and controlling at the site level. Key features include bid management, [Read more](/job-costing/construction-computer-software-candy-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Bills of Material: 5/5 - What-if Analysis: 5/5 - Rescheduling: 5/5 - Project Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Forecasting: 3/5 - Overrun Reporting: 3/5 - Takeoff: 3.4/5 - Portfolio Management: 3.4/5 [See all features](/job-costing/construction-computer-software-candy-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $200.00/month [See full pricing details](/job-costing/construction-computer-software-candy-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [WEX Field Service Management](/crm/payzer-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 64 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview WEX Field Service Management is a cloud-based field service management solution which assists contracting firms with technician scheduling and dispatch. Its key features include [Read more](/crm/payzer-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Equipment Tracking: 5/5 - Payment Processing: 5/5 - Maintenance Scheduling: 5/5 - Contract/License Management: 5/5 [See all features](/crm/payzer-profile/#key-features) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/concrete-masonry-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/concrete-masonry-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/concrete-masonry-software-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4) ## Popular Comparisons [ Jobber vs FreshBooks ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/accounting/freshbooks-profile/vs/jobber/)[ Houzz Pro vs Procore ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/houzz-pro-profile/vs/procore/)[ monday AI Work Platform vs Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud) ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/vs/monday-com/)[ PlanHub vs STACK ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/planhub-profile/vs/stack/)[ FOUNDATION vs Sage Construction Suite ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/185440-Sage-Construction-Suite/vs/419696-FOUNDATION/)[ Leap vs ConstructionOnline ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/5857-uda-constructiononline/vs/110460-Leap/)[ RSMeans Data Online vs HeavyBid ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/hcss-profile/vs/rsmeans-online/)[ Viewpoint Vista vs Viewpoint Spectrum ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/viewpoint-spectrum-profile/vs/viewpoint-vista/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. When it comes to construction projects that require large amounts of concrete, manual “ballpark” methods just won’t cut it. One slight miscalculation can cost you hundreds, thousands, maybe even millions of dollars. That’s why formal concrete cost estimating software is extremely valuable for your construction business. We have over 60 concrete cost estimating systems listed on our site for you to browse. The estimating software options range anywhere from Excel add-ons up to complex enterprise estimating software. The systems can cost anywhere from $99 all the way up to a $100,000+ investments. All these variables in complexity and price for your system leaves you with a lot of decisions to make. That’s why we’ve created this guide to hopefully ease the process and help you make the best decision for your business. Here’s what we'll cover: [What Is Concrete Cost Estimating Software?](#WhatIsConcreteCostEstimatingSoftware) [Common Features of Concrete Cost Estimating Software](#CommonFeaturesofConcreteCostEstimatingSoftware) [Benefits and Potential Issues of Concrete Cost Estimating Software](#BenefitsandPotentialIssuesofConcreteCostEstimatingSoftware) [Evaluating Concrete Cost Estimating Software](#EvaluatingConcreteCostEstimatingSoftware) ## What Is Concrete Cost Estimating Software? Concrete estimating software helps contractors calculate material and labor costs for concrete and masonry projects. At their most basic, concrete cost estimating software features capabilities around: - **Cost calculator:** Automate costs for concrete, labor and others materials - **Proposal generator:** Turn project estimates into formal, professional bids to send off to general contractors. - **Data management:** Collect and store valuable data like labor and material costs for easy reference when needed. - **Reporting:** Generates easily understandable breakdowns of costs, labor and other valuable data being collected. Top rated concrete costs systems will feature pre-built assemblies for concrete walls, footings and slabs and will help measure quantities of specific materials like re-bar, J-Bolts and gravel. ## Common Features of Concrete Cost Estimating Software Concrete and masonry work is a visual niche that requires detailed plans for an accurate estimate. Due to this visual nature of the industry, cost estimating software for concrete or masonry contractors will need a graphical element to digitally articulate the project at hand. These visualizations make for easier conceptualization of the tasks at hand. In doing so, they make the estimating process as easy as possible. Consider the following visualization and other common cost estimating features as essential components of concrete costs systems: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Point-and-click concrete calculator | A point-and-click calculator should indicate square footage, linear lengths and angles and pitch of a project site. In doing so, the calculator is able to account for overlays and unknown pitches or elevations and automatically produce modified estimates for concrete requirements based on all variables. | | Concrete material and labor costs | A solution dedicated to this subspecialty will use that data to provide an accurate estimate raw material and labor costs, ensuring an accurate estimate. This will also likely integrate directly into ordering and project scheduling systems in a complete system that includes accounting and project management capabilities. | | Document scanning and recognition | In moving to a paperless estimating system, you will likely want/need to scan paper plans and import them into the software. A top solution will recognize standard features and make it easy to convert a paper blueprint into an electronic one (keep in mind that you’ll want to ensure you have a scanner that can complete multiple, accurate scans throughout the day). | --- ## Benefits and Potential Issues of Concrete Cost Estimating Software The primary benefits of adopting, implementing and leveraging a concrete cost estimating software system are extraordinary. Concrete estimating systems enable your business to more accurately determine costs, assign values to projects and properly send resources and labor to projects. This accuracy can help you find leaks in revenue and plug them up. When taking into consideration a benefits analysis from estimating software users in general, we see that accuracy is indeed near the top of the list. In fact, 100 percent of respondents (again, industry-wide) either “somewhat agree,” “agree” or “strongly agree” that the accuracy provided by cost estimating systems is a primary benefit. Turns out 100 percent of respondents also feel the same about the speed that estimating software completes tasks. Interestingly, the benefit that the most respondents “highly agree” with is the process standardization these estimating systems offer users. Almost 70 percent of respondents “highly agree” on the merit of process standardization as a benefit. It’s interesting because businesses don’t necessarily need software to standardize their process. Managers can implement standard processes across the organization. However, by adopting and implementing software, you are effectively leaving your business with no other option but to adopt and utilize these beneficial, system-enabled process standards. While the benefits are great, there are real issues you need to figure out before adopting an estimating system. First among them is determining just how dense you need your new system to be. There are equal amounts of systems solely dedicated to concrete and general cost estimating capabilities, and then there are systems that include estimating capabilities as part of a much larger suite of features for the entire business. If you already have an underlying system in place to manage your business and are just looking to add or replace existing estimating capabilities, you probably just want estimating software exclusively. But if you’re opening up a new shop or in need of a total system overall, you’ll want to consider a system offering estimating as part of a larger composite of features and capabilities for your entire operation. ## Evaluating Concrete Cost Estimating Software A good concrete estimate starts with a complete understanding of the scope of work, followed by a good take-off process that includes an understanding of resource costs, and well identified overhead and profit rates. Many concrete estimating programs can stand alone as construction estimating software, but some companies may wish to combine it with [construction accounting and job costing software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/accounting-job-costing-software-comparison/), project management, document management or customer relationship management software. When selecting a concrete cost estimating program, ask the following questions: - Do you need additional accounting, project management or other capabilities, or is a simple cost-estimating solution sufficient? - How well does the software integrate with any existing accounting, CRM, ordering or other systems? - Do you have a lot of paper blueprints you’ll want to make paperless?