Seeking Recommendations for Construction Estimating Software

[victorjessie]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently in the market for construction estimating software and would love to hear your recommendations.

My main needs are accurate cost estimation, user-friendly interfaces, and integration capabilities with project management tools.

I've heard of a few options like ProEst and PlanSwift but I'm unsure which one would be the best fit for our team.

If you've had experience with any particular software, could you share your thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses?

Additionally, if there are any new or lesser-known tools that you think deserve attention, please let me know.

 

[victorjessie]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently in the market for construction estimating software and would love to hear your recommendations.

My main needs are accurate cost estimation, user-friendly interfaces, and integration capabilities with project management tools.

I've heard of a few options like ProEst and PlanSwift but I'm unsure which one would be the best fit for our team.

If you've had experience with any particular New York Construction estimating company, could you share your thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses?

Additionally, if there are any new or lesser-known tools that you think deserve attention, please let me know.

thanks in advance for any help

 

[daveb]

not sure i have seen any around that i can remember, i would think way too many factos involved like new construction , remodel , or new old mix of rebuild and remodel. tons of varioiuous factors that they could run into and not have foreseen. like i had new windows put in here 22 winwos and it is afarmhouse from early 1800's the company i bought windows gave me a price i jumped on it inastantly after i added cluases to therecontract and they excepted, because i know they were thinking in head newish construction but this was old crib tie solid bemcribbing from foundation to bottom of windows so you are talking 5 feet from grade to window sill solid timbers 12 x 18 inch and anywhere from8 to 22 feet long , then split plank with shipboard planking three layers each ranging 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick they would have to spank and trim out to do windows. i take this from my house as a worse case examople , they could have foreseen the nitemare, theyquoated 17,400 usd to do the windows and i chuckled to myself from construction experience i figured hald again that not counting extra material andtold the guy the got ythe job they better go back and hold out for more and he laughted. 17400 initial cost with hidden issues cost bolloned to 34800. some things i would think off top of head to look for in estimator and make sure they have to break out in program

Preparation - Excavation, tear-downs, on-site rentals, disposal,
Material costs - Hardware, lumber, concrete, sheetrock, trim, flooring,
Labor costs - Labor burden, downtime, overtime,
Subcontractor costs - HVAC, plumbers, designers, landscapers,
Equipment - Heavy equipment fees, rentals, gas, power,
Permits and fees - Inspections, approvals, local permits,
Client supplied or chosen - Appliances, countertops, fixtures,
Indirect expenses - Administration costs, travel, delivery fees,
Capital costs - Loan interest, payment processing fee, taxes,
Profit Margin - Labor markup, material markup, general profit,
Contingencies - Seasonal challenges, client delays, cost escalations, wastage,
Waste Disposal - material disposal, after construction cleanup, fees for any hazardous waste from construct