Cost estimation is critical when taking on a construction industry project. The reason is simple: if you set the cost too high, the client may quit you and go to a competitor. However, if you set the cost too low, you may not make a profit. The cost estimate is often done manually, which is tedious, time-consuming, and prone to mistakes. Using simple construction estimating software may save time and effort, making the whole process simple and precise. Most SMBs believe investing in the best construction estimating software would be pricey. That, however, is not the case. Some of the best online construction estimating software is free or at a low membership cost.
What’s Construction Software?
Construction estimating software includes tools for cost calculation, project management, accounting, and scheduling. It helps keep track of expenditures and productivity by calculating tasks given. The many duties managed and carried out by employees, such as design and construction engineers, architects, and production managers, may all be grouped. The integration will guarantee that departments work together seamlessly. The best aspect is that the software is dedicated to certain construction industries, such as residential construction estimating software, commercial construction estimating software and landscape construction estimating software.
Construction Software Advantages
Is it vital for all construction SMBs to invest in construction estimating software, or is it a waste of money? If so, which is the best construction estimating software on the market? To understand this, write down your requirements and compare them to the features of a simple construction estimating software. You should also be aware of the benefits of construction estimating software available on the market. The following are a few advantages of incorporating a construction estimating software solution.
Makes Organizing Simple
Competent construction estimating software helps organize the whole project in a logical manner. Project managers may use numerous tools to calculate costs and systematically examine progress.
Helps In Efficient Document Management
It is well understood that construction firms need a large-scale coordinating system with a multitude of paperwork. The security of the paperwork is also important. As a result, the program helps create submittals, transmittals, instructions, and the maintenance of plans, blueprints, and so on. It allows clients, contractors, consultants, architects, and project managers to assign and debate project details and ideate tasks properly. Previously, keeping records on paper was a chore in and of itself. Aside from being unsafe, it was also time-consuming to categorize, search for, and retrieve papers when required. Construction project scheduling software gives a centralized location to manage all paperwork and data while keeping it secure.
Service Delivery
A number of project managers use construction estimating software as a guide to properly execute and finish their projects while remaining under budget. This is because the program provides a one-stop solution for all stages of project development. Complete construction estimating software helps to unite the team, improve productivity, and increase revenues.
Best 5 Free Construction Estimating Software
So, which construction estimating software is the best on the market? Here is a selection of the best free construction estimating software options to help you streamline your project efficiently.
1. Orangescrum
Orangescrum is among the best project estimating solutions on the market, and it helps employees calculate, manage, and collaborate on assignments across projects. It offers a variety of features, such as time monitoring and collaboration, that may be tailored to specific requirements. It also has options for generating conversations and notifications, file sharing, user-specific dashboards, Gantt Charts, a bill calculator, and other features. This tool is one of the best options for SMBs since it provides a free and open source version and a free one-month trial for three users and three projects. It also offers plans ranging from $10 per month for Startup, $26 per month for Basic, $44 per month for Standard, $80 per month for Professional, and $99 for Unlimited Users.
2. Estimate
Estimate is a free & open source construction estimating software with several extra features such as storage options, data recovery, and maintenance. It is MySQL database server compatible and is intended for midsize SMBs since it requires a dedicated IT staff for maintenance, installation, and customization. In addition, it has features like document management, report production, restricted user access, and tools for making estimates and managing projects, among other things. The creators have made Estimate free to use; however, they contribute to the software’s development.
3. Fieldwire
It is a well-designed construction estimating app accessible on all major platforms, including Google Play and Apple App Stores. The app is simple and user-friendly and can be connected with other apps such as Primavera. In addition, it has several fantastic features, like file tracking, picture sharing, and checklists. Its Basic Plan offers a free trial with 250 sheets for up to 5 users and three projects, Pro for $29 per user per month, Business for $49 per user per month, and Primer at $89 per user per month.
4. iScope
iScope is a construction estimating software that gives users access to various essential tools for material estimation and labor cost calculation. It is created using succinct coding, which makes it very efficient and saves time. It was originally intended to serve as insurance adjustment software, calculating the estimated loss. However, because of comparable capabilities, such as predicting remodeling expenses, this has become a useful tool for commercial and residential contractors. It offers a 30-day free trial, after which users may acquire a product key for iScope’s 12-month yearly leasing membership for $777.
5. Zoho Projects
Zoho Projects is a free project management app that enables you to manage up to 10 MB of storage for one project. It offers a set of exact project estimating tools that allow users to interact, ideate, and cooperate for systematic project execution. You may upgrade to get more project help. Zoho projects may also be integrated with Zoho CRM, Slack, Zapier, and Github. It offers a 10-day free trial and four other plans: Standard, Express, Premium, and Enterprise, which cost $150, $480, $1,020, and $1,500, respectively.
The Bottom Line:
Obtaining free or open source software for your construction firm is relatively easy. Various brands provide some of the most fundamental but critical construction estimating tools to manage, plan, and execute specific projects. First, however, comparing manufacturers and choosing a construction estimating software that meets your requirements is important.
