--- title: "Best Residential Remodeling Estimating Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Residential Remodeling Estimating Software for your organization. Compare top Residential Remodeling Estimating Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/estimating-software-for-residential-contractors-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Residential Remodeling 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 Residential Remodeling Estimating Software of 2026 Updated October 27, 2026 On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide Filter products 58 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 58 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 - Multiple File Format Support: 5/5 - GPS: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 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) --- ### [Buildertrend](/construction/buildertrend-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 2,489 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview For contractors who've outgrown spreadsheets, disconnected apps and the daily grind of chasing information across tools that don't talk to each other — Buildertrend is the platform [Read more](/construction/buildertrend-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and helpful support team - Enhanced client communication features - Centralized project organization tools ##### To take in mind - Expensive for smaller businesses - Difficulties with data export and storage - Accounting integration and tax issues #### Features ##### Best rated features - Commercial: 5/5 - Project Accounting: 5/5 - Payroll Management: 5/5 - Multi-Channel Communication: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/buildertrend-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) --- ### [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) --- ### [Leap](/product/110460-Leap/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 456 - 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 - Calendar Management: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Customizable Fields: 5/5 - Work Order Management: 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) --- ### [MarketSharp](/construction/marketsharp-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.2/5 - Reviews: 54 - Starting price: $199.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview MarketSharp — Your All-in-One Contractor CRM MarketSharp is the proven, easy-to-use home improvement and remodeling CRM built specifically for remodelers and specialty [Read more](/construction/marketsharp-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Email Management: 5/5 - Sales Pipeline Management: 5/5 - Lead Management: 5/5 - Interaction Tracking: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Collaboration Tools: 1/5 - Real-Time Data: 1/5 - Quotes/Estimates: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/marketsharp-profile/#key-features) --- ### [JobNimbus](/construction/jobnimbus-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 482 - Starting price: $300.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview JobNimbus is a customer relationship management (CRM) and project management solution tailored to meet the needs of contractors, with a primary focus on the roofing, gutter and [Read more](/construction/jobnimbus-profile/) ##### What users love - Intuitive interface and navigation - Responsive and helpful support team - Flexible workflows and personalization ##### To take in mind - Limited and unreliable mobile experience #### Features ##### Best rated features - Work Order Management: 5/5 - Communication Management: 5/5 - Task Progress Tracking: 5/5 - Contractor Management: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/jobnimbus-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $300.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/jobnimbus-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Contractors Software Group](/construction/contractors-software-group-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.1/5 - Reviews: 17 - Starting price: $300.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Contractors Software Group (CSG): Offers Smarter Software for Smarter Builders Contractors Software Group offers a three powerful suites of integrated, modular applications [Read more](/construction/contractors-software-group-profile/) --- ### [ePROMIS ERP](/construction/epromis-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 203 - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ePROMIS FutureGen Enterprise Cloud is an all-in-one cloud platform that provides businesses with comprehensive management functionalities such as ERP, HCM, CRM, EAM, CAFM, B2B & [Read more](/construction/epromis-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Estimating: 5/5 - RFI & Submittals: 5/5 - Bid Management: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Accounting: 4/5 - Delivery Tracking: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/epromis-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Buildxact](/construction/buildxact-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 185 - Starting price: $199.00/month - Best for: Features - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Never miss the right job opportunity again. AI-powered estimating built for the busy builder who does it all. Designed for residential builders and remodelers, Buildxact helps you [Read more](/construction/buildxact-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Client Portal: 5/5 - Lead Management: 5/5 - Expense Tracking: 5/5 - Project Templates: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Warranty Tracking: 2.5/5 - Supplier Management: 2.8/5 - Staff Calendar: 3/5 - Project Planning: 3/5 [See all features](/construction/buildxact-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Foundation - Price: $199.00/month - For the residential builder, remodeler/renovator, general contractor or subcontractor starting off ##### Pro - Price: $399.00/month - For the residential builder, remodeler/renovator, general contractor or subcontractor starting off ##### Master - Price: $599.00/month - For a growing team of builders, remodelers/renovators, contractors or subcontractors interested in [See full pricing details](/construction/buildxact-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Tradify](/field-service/tradify-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 152 - Starting price: $47.00/month - Best for: Value for money - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tradify is job management software that helps organizations track and manage jobs from quote to invoice, in real time. Tradify was built for trade and service businesses such as [Read more](/field-service/tradify-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Cost Estimating: 5/5 - Job Tracking: 5/5 - Job Management: 5/5 - Task Scheduling: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Inventory Management: 2.7/5 - Purchase Order Management: 3/5 - Subcontractor Management: 3.4/5 [See all features](/field-service/tradify-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Lite - Price: $47.00/month - For contractors who want the basics. ##### Pro - Price: $51.00/month - Perfect for professional businesses. ##### Plus - Price: $61.00/month - Additional features for total control. [See full pricing details](/field-service/tradify-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [MeasureSquare](/construction/measuresquare-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 132 - Starting price: $79.00/month - Best for: Takeoff - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Measure Square offers a complete suite of measure estimating software solutions across various trades including Flooring, Tiling, and Granite/Stone for commercial and multi-family [Read more](/construction/measuresquare-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Estimating: 4.7/5 - Takeoff: 4.6/5 - Estimating: 4.4/5 - Assembly Takeoff: 4.2/5 [See all features](/construction/measuresquare-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Windows (Multi-Family) - Price: $149.00/month ##### Windows (Commercial) - Price: $179.00/month ##### iOS (Multi-Family) - Price: $79.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/measuresquare-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [CostOS](/construction/costos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 21 - Starting price: $2,800.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CostOS is a cost estimating software that combines traditional estimating methods with BIM 3D, 2D, and GIS capabilities. With its GIS module, users can create conceptual [Read more](/construction/costos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Estimating: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Cost Estimating: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Subcontractor Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/costos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ProDBX](/field-service/pro-dbx-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $0.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ProDBX is an all-in-one construction management software built specifically for pool builders and fence contractors. It connects estimating, point of sale (POS), accounting, CRM, [Read more](/field-service/pro-dbx-profile/) #### Pricing ##### CRM Only - Price: $0.00/month - Get a taste of our CRM Only plan with a free trial. See first-hand how ProDBX can keep your business ##### Express - Price: $19.00/month - Includes everything needed for a small company to get started and get organized: CRM, phase-based ##### Professional - Price: $79.00/month - Our best selling software package packed with everything a pool or fence company needs to thrive. [See full pricing details](/field-service/pro-dbx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [QuickBooks Enterprise](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 20,690 - Starting price: $2,210.00/year - Best for: Mid-size businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview QuickBooks Enterprise is an accounting solution designed for SMBs across different industry verticals such as construction, nonprofit distribution, manufacturing, and retail. With [Read more](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/) ##### What users love - Flexible setup and onboarding support - Comprehensive accounting functionality - Detailed and customizable reporting tools ##### To take in mind - Inconsistent and slow customer service - Bank syncing and reconciliation issues - Expensive subscription and add-ons #### Features ##### Best rated features - Distribution Management: 5/5 - Due Date Tracking: 5/5 - For Residential: 5/5 - Supply Chain Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - BIM Modeling: 2/5 - SKU/UPC Codes: 3.3/5 [See all features](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Gold - Price: $2,210.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Platinum - Price: $2,717.00/year - Up to 30 users. ##### Diamond - Price: $5,264.00/year - Up to 40 users. [See full pricing details](/construction/qb-desktop-enterprise-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Estimator360](/construction/estimator360-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 17 - Starting price: $269.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Bid4Build is a best-of-breed, or stand alone, estimating system that is designed for small to medium-sized residential remodeling operations. The software includes estimating [Read more](/construction/estimator360-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Professional - Price: $269.00/month - Yearly subscription ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/estimator360-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Contractor Foreman](/construction/contractor-foreman-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 839 - Starting price: $49.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Contractor Foreman is a construction management software designed for contractors. It caters to a wide range of contractors, including general, trade, residential, commercial, and [Read more](/construction/contractor-foreman-profile/) ##### What users love - Responsive and helpful support team - Affordable all-in-one solution - Intuitive platform for daily tasks ##### To take in mind - Communication tools need improvement - Clunky and limited scheduling features - Limited and confusing form options #### Features ##### Best rated features - Inspection Management: 5/5 - Issue Tracking: 5/5 - OSHA Recordkeeping: 5/5 - Customizable Fields: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Management: 1/5 - For AEC Industry: 1/5 [See all features](/construction/contractor-foreman-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic-Upto one user - Price: $49.00/month - Advanced features like Bid Manager, Change Orders, Progress Invoicing, Subcontracts, QuickBooks ##### Standard- Upto 3 users - Price: $105.00/month - Features like Bid Manager, Change Orders, Progress Invoicing, Subcontracts, and QuickBooks ##### Plus-Upto 8 users - Price: $166.00/month - Features like Crew Schedule, Leads Manager, and QuickBooks Integration are not included. [See full pricing details](/construction/contractor-foreman-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Job Dox](/construction/job-dox-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $50.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Job-Dox is a project management solution that enables businesses in the construction and home service industry to streamline processes related to team collaboration, equipment [Read more](/construction/job-dox-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - File Sharing: 5/5 - Reporting/Project Tracking: 5/5 - Estimating: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Equipment Tracking: 2/5 [See all features](/construction/job-dox-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $50.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/job-dox-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Build Hero](/construction/build-hero-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 3 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Build Hero is a web-based home remodeling software which assists contractors and suppliers with cost estimation and customer acquisition. Its key features include project bidding, [Read more](/construction/build-hero-profile/) --- ### [123worx](/construction/123worx-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $575.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview 123worx is an all-in-one construction management software built to manage the entire project lifecycle, from first client contact to final warranty. Designed for builders, [Read more](/construction/123worx-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - CRM: 5/5 - Estimating: 5/5 - Contract/License Management: 5/5 - Subcontractor Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - For AEC Industry: 4/5 - Scheduling: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/123worx-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Buildee](/product/56474-buildee/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $99.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Welcome to Buildee, your one-stop solution for construction takeoff and estimating that's been simplifying lives since 2018. With over 1,000 satisfied customers, we aim to serve [Read more](/product/56474-buildee/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Assembly Takeoff: 5/5 - Electronic Plans: 5/5 [See all features](/product/56474-buildee/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Premium - Price: $99.00/month - ‍You like simplicity so we have one single plan. Only choose to pay Monthly or Annually. You save [See full pricing details](/product/56474-buildee/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SmarteBuild](/product/476021-Breinz-Costing-and-Construction-Project-Management/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: A$189.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview SmarteBuild is an estimating and construction management system tailored for Australian residential and small commercial builders. It manages the entire lifecycle of construction [Read more](/product/476021-Breinz-Costing-and-Construction-Project-Management/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Subcontractor Management: 5/5 - Proposal Generation: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 - Accounting Integration: 5/5 [See all features](/product/476021-Breinz-Costing-and-Construction-Project-Management/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Estimator - Price: A$189.00/month - For estimators, trades and quantity surveyors who price work, and for builders who want the pricing ##### Builder - Price: A$379.00/month - Everything in Estimator, plus running the job through to the final claim. Purchase orders come off [See full pricing details](/product/476021-Breinz-Costing-and-Construction-Project-Management/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Hyphen HomeFront](/scm/hyphen-homefront-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.8/5 - Reviews: 4 - Starting price: $2,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Hyphen HomeFront is a fully integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution for mid to large-size Home Builders. This easy-to-use solution connects the entire build process [Read more](/scm/hyphen-homefront-profile/) --- ### [BrickControl](/project-management/brickcontrol-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 41 - Starting price: $51.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview BrickControl is a web software in the cloud that helps you manage your construction projects in a very powerful and simple way. BrickControl allows you to create estimates with [Read more](/project-management/brickcontrol-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Job Costing: 5/5 - Lead Management: 5/5 - Job Scheduling: 5/5 - Reporting/Analytics: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Billing & Invoicing: 2/5 - Change Order Management: 2/5 - Subcontractor Management: 3/5 - Alerts/Notifications: 3/5 [See all features](/project-management/brickcontrol-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Clear Estimates](/construction/clear-estimates-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.5/5 - Reviews: 117 - Starting price: $79.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Clear Estimates is remodeling estimating software for contractors who want accurate, professional estimates without building a cost book from scratch. Remodelers, general [Read more](/construction/clear-estimates-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Customizable Fields: 5/5 - Customizable Branding: 5/5 - Historical Database: 5/5 - Customizable Templates: 4.7/5 ##### Worst rated features - Billing & Invoicing: 4/5 - Cost Database: 4/5 - Data Import/Export: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/clear-estimates-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Standard - Price: $79.00/month - The plan comes with a 30-day trial period. ##### Pro - Price: $119.00/month - Add additional user at $9 per month. This plan comes with a 30-day trial period. ##### Franchise - Price: $250.00/month - This plan comes with a 30-day trial period and requires no contract. [See full pricing details](/construction/clear-estimates-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/estimating-software-for-residential-contractors-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/estimating-software-for-residential-contractors-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3) ## Popular Comparisons [ Contractor Foreman vs Buildertrend ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/buildertrend-profile/vs/contractor-foreman/)[ Houzz Pro vs ConstructionOnline ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/houzz-pro-profile/vs/uda-constructiononline/)[ RIB Candy vs PlanHub ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/job-costing/construction-computer-software-candy-profile/vs/planhub/)[ QuickBooks Enterprise vs ePROMIS ERP ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/epromis-profile/vs/qb-desktop-enterprise/)[ Leap vs Buildxact ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/70581-buildxact/vs/110460-Leap/) ## 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. Traditionally, residential remodelers have relied on pen and paper to draw up estimates for their customers. While many remodelers swear by this method, it can be time consuming and can lead to inaccurate estimates. So if you’re looking to streamline your estimating process and put together tighter, more accurate bids, you will want to look into purchasing residential remodeling estimating software. We put this guide together to help you better understand this type of software. Here’s what we’ll cover: [What Is Residential Remodeling Estimating Software?](#WhatIsResidentialRemodelingEstimatingSoftware) [Common Features of Residential Remodeling Estimating Software](#CommonFeaturesofResidentialRemodelingEstimatingSoftware) [Residential Remodeling Estimating Software Pricing](#ResidentialRemodelingEstimatingSoftwarePricing) [Residential Remodeling Estimating Software Deployment](#ResidentialRemodelingEstimatingSoftwareDeployment) [Other Considerations](#OtherConsiderations) ## What Is Residential Remodeling Estimating Software? Cost estimating software helps residential remodeling contractors calculate material and labor costs and produce detailed remodeling proposals. As competition for projects continues to increase and more contractors are pressured to deliver fixed-bid work, buyers are adopting modern systems, including Web-based systems, to deliver accurate and professional proposals. At the same time, owners are using these systems to create their own home remodeling estimates and double check the accuracy of project bids they receive. _Screenshot of Visual Planning user dashboard_ ## Common Features of Residential Remodeling Estimating Software When we speak to residential contractors, the two primary criteria they have for estimating systems are: 1) that it be easy to use; and, 2) that it is affordable. There are a number of systems that meet these criteria, but they vary in their feature breadth and sophistication. Below is a table of the top core modules you should look for as you evaluate home estimating systems. | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Manage customers | Your system should serve as a basic customer management system. For example, it should track your prospect and client contact information, as well as the notes you create when you interact with them. More advanced programs will help you organize and automate your new project sales pipeline. | | Manage projects | While an estimating system does not function as a construction project management system, it should organize estimates by project and maintain information on each project. You should be able to pull up a client contact, select one of that client’s projects and see the estimates you have developed for that project. | | Track material costs | The core of an estimating system is the ability to maintain an extensive database of materials. This database should be updated regularly with up-to-date prices for materials in your region through a subscription pricing service like RemodelMAX. You should also be able to modify this database yourself. | | Manage assemblies | Rather than specify every 2x4 and nail you need for a job, you’ll want to create assemblies that combine all of the items needed to build a specific unit of work (e.g., a residential interior wall). Vendors should offer pre-built assemblies, as well as the ability to create custom assemblies. | | Build and reuse templates | Templates are like assemblies at the project level. They allow the remodeling cost estimator to start with a completed estimate for a similar job (e.g., kitchen remodel) and then make modifications to make the estimate specific to the job that is being estimated. The system should come with a library of templates, and allow you to create custom templates. | | Reflect change orders | Of course, things change during the pre-construction process and during the project. So, the system should enable you to process change orders in the system. The system should generate a change order report that illustrates the cost impact of the change. Finally, this feature should have a status for accepted, declined, pending etc. | | Generate reports and proposals | The output of your estimating activities should be well-formatted reports, contracts, and proposals that impress your clients with their professional level of detail and polish. The system should make it easy to customize these reports with your company logo and contact information, as well as contract terms specific to how you do business. | --- ## Residential Remodeling Estimating Software Pricing Residential remodeling estimating software is typically priced in two different ways: subscription pricing and perpetual license pricing. **Subscription pricing:** With subscription pricing, users typically pay a monthly fee for as long as they want to use the software. This fee might be determined by the breadth of features you want included, or it can also be determined by the number of remodeling jobs your business does on average. **Perpetual license pricing:** With a perpetual license, you pay one large fee upfront and own the software indefinitely. However, with a perpetual license, you may have to pay annual fees for support, maintenance and upgrades. It is worth noting that some vendors offer “per job” pricing, meaning you’ll only be charged for every individual remodeling job, and typically it’s a small percentage of the remodeling job’s overall price. Some vendors also offer free versions of their software that have limited features, allowing you to try it and out and see if you want to pay for the full version. ## Residential Remodeling Estimating Software Deployment Residential remodeling software is deployed one of two ways: cloud-based and on-premise. **On-premise.** With on-premise software, you install the software directly on your own computers or servers. On premise software is typically associated with perpetual license pricing. **Cloud-based.** Cloud-based software is accessed through a web browser or a native mobile application and is hosted on the software vendor’s servers. Many residential remodelers prefer to use cloud-based estimating software as it allows them to draw up estimates from their mobile device when they’re on the go. ## Other Considerations It is important to keep in mind that not all estimating software platforms can accommodate residential remodelers. Some platforms are better suited for specific types of estimating work, while others can work as multi-purpose systems that can cover most of your bases. Also consider vendor viability. We frequently see in the market for construction software smaller vendors getting acquired—and sometimes sunsetted—by bigger vendors. While smaller vendors often have cheaper pricing, you might have less confidence that the vendor will be around for a long time. This is particularly important if the vendor offers a perpetual license and then goes defunct—that can be a bad investment if you end up stuck with “abandoned” software that is no longer being updated.