2026 Software Comparison
Best Contractor Estimating Software: 9 Tools Compared
From plan-based takeoff software to AI photo estimates, we reviewed 9 estimating tools for contractors. Here’s how they compare on pricing, features, and best fit by trade.
TL;DR — Quick Picks
Best for Detailed Takeoffs: PlanSwift ($1,749+/yr) — the industry standard for blueprint-based measuring.
Best for Commercial Teams: STACK (~$2,999/user/yr) — cloud-based collaboration for estimating departments.
Best Budget Option: Joist ($8-32/mo) — mobile-first estimating for small operations.
Best All-in-One: Buildertrend ($299-499+/mo) — estimating + full project management.
Best for Remodelers: Clear Estimates ($79-119/mo) — 15,000+ line items and 160+ project templates.
Estimating Software at a Glance
| Software | Price | AI Estimates | Takeoffs | Estimates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlanSwift | $1,749+/yr | No | Advanced | No | Blueprint takeoffs |
| STACK | ~$2,999/user/yr | No | Advanced | Basic | Commercial teams |
| Clear Estimates | $79-119/mo | No | Basic | Yes | Remodelers |
| Joist | $8-32/mo | No | No | Yes | Solo contractors |
| Buildertrend | $299-499+/mo | No | Basic | Yes | Full project mgmt |
| JobNimbus | $225+ base/mo | No | Basic | Yes | Roofing CRM |
| BuildFolio * | $39/mo | Yes | Basic | Interactive | Residential profit tracking |
| Houzz Pro | $99-249/mo | No | Basic | Yes | Design-build |
| On-Screen Takeoff | ~$87/user/mo | No | Advanced | No | Plan-based takeoffs |
* BuildFolio is our product. See disclosure above.
Best Estimating Software by Category
Best for Blueprint Takeoffs
PlanSwift — Industry standard for measuring PDF/CAD plans. One annual license, no per-user fees. Trade-specific plugins available.
Best for Commercial Teams
STACK — Cloud-based so multiple estimators can work on the same project simultaneously. Integrates with major construction platforms.
Best for Remodelers
Clear Estimates — 15,000+ pre-built line items across 400 US markets and 160+ templates. Purpose-built for residential remodeling.
Best Budget Option
Joist — Mobile-first estimating from $8/mo. Flat pricing (not per-user). Good for handymen and small operations.
Best All-in-One
Buildertrend — Estimating + scheduling + client portal + change orders in one platform. Expensive, but eliminates tool juggling.
Best for Design-Build
Houzz Pro — Built for remodelers/designers. Combines estimating with a lead marketplace and visual mood boards.
Detailed Reviews
1. PlanSwift — Best for Detailed Blueprint Takeoffs
PlanSwift is the industry standard for on-screen takeoffs. Import PDF or CAD plans, measure linear footage, area, and counts directly on the screen, then export to Excel or accounting software. Trade-specific plugins for roofing, concrete, electrical, and more add pre-built assemblies.
The annual licensing model replaced the old one-time purchase. It includes updates and 2 hours of training. Optional support add-ons run ~$200/year extra.
Pricing: $1,749-2,000/license/year (~$146-167/mo). Trade plugins extra.
Pros
- Extremely detailed takeoff tools
- Industry-standard in many trades
- Extensive training resources
- Trade-specific plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Windows-only desktop app
- No estimate or invoicing features
- Annual commitment required
2. STACK — Best for Commercial Estimating Teams
STACK is a cloud-based takeoff platform where multiple estimators can work on the same project simultaneously. Pre-built assemblies speed up repetitive measurements, and it integrates with major construction management platforms like Procore and Autodesk.
The cloud model means you can work from any device with a browser — no desktop install required. Volume discounts kick in at 2+ users.
Pricing: ~$2,999/user/year (1 user), ~$2,599/user/year (2 users), ~$2,199/user/year (3+). Custom enterprise pricing available.
Pros
- Real-time team collaboration
- Cloud-based — works on any device
- Pre-built assemblies library
- Strong integrations (Procore, Autodesk)
Cons
- Expensive for solo estimators (~$250/mo)
- Overkill for residential work
- Annual commitment required
- 7-day trial is very short
3. Clear Estimates — Best for Remodelers
Clear Estimates includes 15,000+ pre-built line items with pricing data across 400 US markets and 160+ project templates. If you do kitchens, bathrooms, or room additions repeatedly, the templates save significant time. The cost database updates regularly so your estimates reflect current material and labor costs.
Pricing: $79/user/month (Standard), $119/user/month (Pro), $249/user/month (Franchise). 30-day free trial.
Pros
- 15,000+ pre-built line items
- Localized pricing for 400 US markets
- 160+ remodeling project templates
- 30-day free trial, cancel anytime
Cons
- Focused on remodeling — limited for new construction
- No AI features
- Basic takeoff capabilities
- Per-user pricing adds up for teams
4. Joist — Best Budget Mobile Estimating
Joist is a mobile-first estimating app with the simplest pricing on this list. Create estimates on your phone, convert them to invoices, and accept payments — all from the job site. The flat pricing (not per-user) makes it genuinely affordable, and it includes homeowner financing features on all plans.
The tradeoff is feature depth. No takeoffs, no AI, no project management. It’s a focused tool for creating clean estimates and invoices fast.
Pricing: $8/month (Basics), $15/month (Pro), $32/month (Elite). 14-day free trial.
Pros
- Extremely affordable ($8-32/mo)
- Flat pricing — not per-user
- Mobile-first design
- Built-in homeowner financing
Cons
- No takeoff features
- No AI or measurement tools
- Limited customization
- Not suited for complex projects
5. Buildertrend — Best All-in-One Platform
Buildertrend combines estimating with scheduling, a client portal, change orders, selections, and daily logs. If you’re tired of juggling PlanSwift for takeoffs, QuickBooks for invoicing, and a spreadsheet for scheduling, Buildertrend replaces all of it.
The pricing reflects that scope. Base plans start around $299-499/month with additional per-user fees (~$39/month per user beyond the first 3). Onboarding fees run $400-1,500. Exact pricing requires a custom quote.
Pricing: ~$299-499/month base (Standard/Pro), ~$900+/month (Premium). ~$39/user/month beyond 3 users. Annual discount ~10%.
Pros
- True all-in-one: estimating + PM + client portal
- Change order management built in
- Strong customer support and training
- Eliminates multi-tool juggling
Cons
- Expensive — $300-900+/month
- Can be overwhelming for small teams
- Estimating is not the core focus
- Onboarding fees ($400-1,500)
6. JobNimbus — Best for Roofing Contractors
JobNimbus is roofing-focused CRM and project management with estimating built in. It handles the full roofing workflow: lead tracking, aerial measurements (via EagleView/SkyMeasure integration), material ordering, production scheduling, and invoicing. The estimating tools are solid for roofing but limited for other trades.
Pricing is role-based: a base fee plus per-user charges that vary by role (admin, sales, field tech, subcontractor). Total cost depends heavily on your team structure.
Pricing: $225-550/month base. Per-user: ~$75/mo (admin), ~$55/mo (sales), ~$30/mo (field), ~$20/mo (sub). 14-day free trial.
Pros
- Purpose-built for roofing workflow
- Aerial measurement integrations
- Material ordering automation
- 14-day free trial, no credit card
Cons
- Roofing-focused — limited for other trades
- Per-user costs add up quickly
- Semi-custom pricing (requires quote)
- Texting features cost extra ($49-249/mo)
7. BuildFolio — AI Photo Estimates + Profit Tracking Our Product
BuildFolio is our product, so take this with a grain of salt. It combines AI photo-to-quote (snap a photo, get a starting estimate), interactive “Living Estimates” where homeowners select options with checkboxes while the price updates live, and free satellite roof measurements via Google Solar API.
Where BuildFolio differs from the other tools on this list is profit tracking — it monitors your actual job costs against estimates so you can see real margins, not just revenue. The estimating features are solid for residential trades but basic compared to dedicated takeoff tools like PlanSwift or STACK.
Pricing: $39/month (Professional). Free tier available.
Pros
- AI photo-to-quote estimating
- Interactive Living Estimates
- Free satellite roof measurements
- Profit tracking (actual vs estimated)
- $39/mo — cheapest full platform
Cons
- Basic plan-based takeoffs
- Newer platform, smaller user base
- Not suited for commercial GCs
- Limited integrations compared to established tools
8. Houzz Pro — Best for Design-Build Firms
Houzz Pro bundles estimating with the Houzz marketplace — a massive platform where homeowners browse design ideas and find contractors. The estimating tools include mood boards, 3D floor plans, and visual estimates that work well for design-build projects. The lead generation side gives you access to homeowners actively looking for remodeling help.
The catch: marketing add-ons (the lead generation part) start at $499/month on top of your base plan, and you’re locked into a 12-month contract that’s difficult to exit early.
Pricing: $99-149/month (Essential), $159-249/month (Pro). Annual billing saves ~35%. Additional users $60/mo each. 30-day free trial.
Pros
- Visual estimates with mood boards and 3D plans
- Access to Houzz homeowner marketplace
- Good for design-build presentations
- 30-day free trial
Cons
- 12-month contract, hard to cancel
- Marketing add-on starts at $499/mo extra
- Limited takeoff capabilities
- Per-user pricing ($60/mo each) adds up
9. On-Screen Takeoff (OST) — Enterprise Plan Takeoffs
On-Screen Takeoff (from ConstructConnect) is a mature desktop takeoff tool used primarily by larger commercial contractors. It handles complex plan sets with condition-based takeoffs, automatic area/perimeter calculations, and integration with ConstructConnect’s bid management network.
Pricing is per-user and scales with volume. It’s not publicly listed — you’ll need to contact sales for a quote. Expect significant discounts at 10+ users.
Pricing: ~$87/user/month (~$1,850/year) for 1 user. Volume discounts at 10+ users. Contact for quote.
Pros
- Mature, battle-tested takeoff tool
- Condition-based takeoffs for complex plans
- ConstructConnect bid network integration
- Volume discounts for large teams
Cons
- Dated interface compared to newer tools
- Pricing not transparent — requires sales call
- No estimate or invoicing features
- Desktop-only
How to Choose Estimating Software
By Trade
Different trades have fundamentally different estimating needs:
- Roofers: Need aerial measurements and material calculators. Look at JobNimbus (full CRM) or BuildFolio (satellite measurements + profit tracking).
- Remodelers: Need room-by-room templates with local cost data. Clear Estimates or Houzz Pro are built for this.
- General Contractors: Need detailed takeoffs from architectural plans. PlanSwift or STACK, depending on whether you need cloud collaboration.
- Handymen/Small Ops: Need speed and simplicity over depth. Joist ($8/mo) or BuildFolio ($39/mo) get the job done without the learning curve.
- Design-Build: Need visual estimates with mood boards. Houzz Pro combines estimating with client-facing presentation tools.
By Budget
- Under $50/month: Joist ($8-32/mo) or BuildFolio ($39/mo)
- $50-150/month: Clear Estimates ($79-119/mo) or Houzz Pro ($99-249/mo)
- $150-500/month: PlanSwift (~$146/mo), STACK (~$250/mo), or Buildertrend ($299-499/mo)
- $500+/month: Buildertrend Premium ($900+/mo) or ProEst (enterprise, ~$5,000/yr+)
Takeoff Software vs. Estimating Software
These are different categories that often get lumped together:
- Takeoff tools (PlanSwift, STACK, On-Screen Takeoff) measure quantities from blueprints — square footage, linear feet, counts. They tell you how much material you need.
- Estimating tools (Clear Estimates, Joist, BuildFolio) apply pricing to quantities and generate quotes. They tell you what to charge.
- All-in-one platforms (Buildertrend, JobNimbus, Houzz Pro) do some of both, plus project management.
If you estimate from plans, you likely need a dedicated takeoff tool. If you estimate from site visits and photos, a general estimating tool will be faster.
Try Before You Commit
Every tool on this list offers a free trial or demo. Create a real estimate for a recent project in 2-3 tools before committing. The “best” software is the one your team will actually use daily — not the one with the most features on paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between estimating software and takeoff software?
Takeoff software measures quantities from blueprints (square footage, linear feet, material counts). Estimating software applies pricing to those quantities to create a quote or estimate. Tools like PlanSwift and STACK are primarily takeoff tools. Tools like Clear Estimates and Joist are primarily estimating tools. Some platforms like Buildertrend do both.
Is AI estimating accurate enough to use?
AI estimating works best for common, visual jobs where the AI can identify scope from photos — roofing, painting, fencing, concrete. It generates a starting point that you refine with your expertise. For complex commercial projects with architectural plans, you still need traditional takeoff tools. Think of AI as a first-pass tool that saves time, not a replacement for your judgment.
Should I pay monthly (SaaS) or buy one-time software?
Most estimating tools have shifted to subscription models. Monthly SaaS means continuous updates, cloud access, and lower risk (cancel if it doesn’t work). One-time purchases like the old PlanSwift model had higher upfront cost but no ongoing fees — however, PlanSwift now uses annual licensing. For most contractors, monthly SaaS is lower risk because you can try before you commit long-term.
Can estimating software integrate with QuickBooks?
Most modern estimating tools integrate with QuickBooks Online. Buildertrend, JobNimbus, and Joist all sync estimates, invoices, and customer data. Dedicated takeoff tools (PlanSwift, STACK) typically export to Excel or CSV, which you’d then import. Check the specific integrations page for any tool you’re considering.
Do I need estimating software as a solo contractor?
Professional-looking estimates win more jobs than handwritten or spreadsheet quotes. Free and low-cost tools like Joist ($8/mo) and BuildFolio (free tier) make it easy to start without significant investment. If you’re doing more than a few estimates per month, dedicated software pays for itself in time saved and jobs won.
What about just using Excel for estimating?
Excel works for simple estimates, and many experienced contractors use it effectively with custom templates. The limitations: you can’t send professional estimates, track whether customers viewed your estimate, get AI assistance, or generate reports automatically. Once you’re doing 5+ estimates per month, dedicated software usually pays for itself in time savings alone.
How much does estimating software cost on average?
Prices range widely: Joist starts at $8/month, while enterprise platforms like Buildertrend run $300-900+/month. For most residential contractors, expect to pay $29-120/month. Commercial estimating teams using STACK or ProEst should budget $2,000-5,000+/year per user. Dedicated takeoff tools like PlanSwift run ~$1,750/year per license.
Related Resources
Free Roof Measurement Report
Get a satellite-measured roof report with square footage, pitch, and pricing estimates — free, no signup required to start.