TLDR
Plan Swift and Buildr lead for general construction estimating, while Xactimate dominates insurance restoration. Bridgit Bench excels at workforce planning with cost estimation.
General contractors should consider Buildr for integrated workflows or Plan Swift for pure takeoff speed. Restoration companies need Xactimate. Specialty trades benefit from Bridgit Bench's resource management.
Construction estimating software helps contractors generate accurate bids, track material costs, and manage project budgets from blueprints and site data.
Choosing the right tool depends on your trade specialization, team size, and whether you need integrated project management or standalone estimating.
We reviewed eight leading platforms used by general contractors, specialty trades, and restoration companies to identify the strongest options across different needs.
This guide covers pricing, key features, and real trade-offs to help you pick the best fit for your workflow.
best construction estimating software Tools compared
Filter by what you care about. Every tool stays on the page.
| Tool | Price | Takeoff from Blueprints | Integrated Project Management | Industry Specialization | Team Collaboration | Pricing Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildr | See site | Yes | Yes | General contractors | Yes | Custom |
| Touchplan | From $40 | Limited | Yes | General | Yes | SaaS |
| Xactimate | See site | Yes | Limited | Insurance restoration | Limited | Subscription |
| BlueVault | See site | Limited | Yes | General | Yes | SaaS |
| Bridgit Bench | See site | No | Yes | Workforce planning | Yes | SaaS |
| Plan Swift | See site | Yes | No | General | Limited | SaaS |
| PlanGrid | See site | Limited | Yes | General | Yes | SaaS |
| UDA Technologies | See site | Yes | Yes | Specialty trades | Limited | Custom |
Highlighted rows are featured placements. Competitor details are set by each platform, so confirm on their site before buying.
The 8 best best construction estimating software tools
Buildr
See siteBuildr is an AI-powered preconstruction platform designed for general contractors. It combines estimating, CRM, and workforce planning in a single workspace, replacing disconnected tools with integrated features for managing estimates, project costs, and team capacity.
Pros
- AI-assisted estimate generation from takeoffs
- Integrated CRM and workforce planning in one platform
- Designed specifically for general contractors' workflow
Cons
- Newer platform with smaller user base than established competitors
- Pricing and feature depth not publicly detailed
Best for: General contractors wanting an all-in-one preconstruction platform
Touchplan
From $40Touchplan is a construction project management and planning tool with estimating capabilities. According to its site metadata, it helps teams manage projects and costs, though the platform's primary focus is visual project planning and collaboration.
Pros
- Visual planning interface for construction teams
- Project and cost tracking integrated
- Supports collaborative workflows
Cons
- Estimating is secondary to project management focus
- Limited takeoff functionality compared to dedicated estimating tools
Best for: Contractors who prioritize visual project planning with basic cost tracking
Xactimate
See siteXactimate is industry-leading estimating software built specifically for insurance restoration and construction damage assessment. It is the primary tool used by restoration contractors, adjusters, and insurers for creating claims and repair estimates.
Pros
- Industry standard for insurance restoration
- Specialized for damage assessment and claims
- Comprehensive materials and labor database for restoration work
Cons
- Narrow focus limits usefulness for general construction
- Steep learning curve for users new to restoration workflows
- Not suitable for standard new construction projects
Best for: Insurance restoration contractors and property damage adjusters
BlueVault
See siteBlueVault is construction project management and estimating software focused on collaboration and cost tracking. It helps construction teams coordinate across projects while maintaining visibility into labor and material costs.
Pros
- Integrated project management and estimating
- Built for team collaboration and cost visibility
- Supports multiple project tracking
Cons
- Takeoff capabilities less detailed than dedicated tools
- Lacks industry specialization for specific trades
Best for: Mid-sized construction firms needing cost tracking with collaboration
Bridgit Bench
See siteBridgit Bench is workforce planning software for construction that optimizes resource management and project delivery. It includes capacity and cost estimation features to help contractors allocate labor efficiently and manage project profitability.
Pros
- Specialized for construction workforce planning and capacity management
- Cost estimation tied to labor allocation
- Strong resource optimization for multi-project firms
Cons
- Primarily focused on workforce, not material takeoffs
- Not designed for independent estimating workflows
Best for: Contractors managing multiple projects and optimizing labor allocation
Plan Swift
See sitePlan Swift is dedicated takeoff and estimating software that calculates material quantities and labor costs directly from blueprints. It is built for speed and accuracy in creating detailed construction estimates.
Pros
- Fast and accurate takeoff from digital blueprints
- Calculates both materials and labor costs automatically
- Purpose-built for estimating workflows without extra features
Cons
- Limited project management features beyond estimating
- No integrated CRM or workforce planning
- Standalone tool requires separate platforms for other functions
Best for: Contractors who need fast, accurate takeoffs without complex project management
PlanGrid
See sitePlanGrid is a construction collaboration platform now integrated into Autodesk Forma. It provides document management and field productivity features, with estimating as a secondary function within a broader collaboration ecosystem.
Pros
- Strong document management and version control
- Field app for real-time project updates
- Integrated into larger Autodesk ecosystem
Cons
- Estimating is not the primary focus
- Pricing and feature details require accessing Autodesk Forma
- Heavier platform may be overkill for estimating-only needs
Best for: Contractors already using Autodesk tools or needing deep document collaboration
UDA Technologies
See siteUDA Technologies provides construction software for estimating and project management, with focus on specialty trades. Their solutions help trade-specific contractors manage estimates and project workflows tailored to their discipline.
Pros
- Built for specialty trades with industry-specific workflows
- Integrated estimating and project management
- Customized for trade-specific cost structures
Cons
- Limited information available on exact features and capabilities
- Smaller market presence compared to multi-trade platforms
Best for: Specialty trade contractors needing trade-specific estimating and management
How we chose
We reviewed eight construction software platforms based on publicly available site information, focusing on estimating capabilities, integration features, and industry specialization.
We prioritized tools with proven use in construction workflows and excluded platforms that could not be verified as active construction estimating solutions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between takeoff software and estimating software?
Takeoff software extracts quantities from blueprints, while estimating software uses those quantities to calculate costs. Some platforms like Plan Swift combine both functions. Other tools focus solely on cost estimation after quantities are determined.
Which software is best for general contractors?
Buildr and Plan Swift are top choices. Buildr offers an all-in-one platform with CRM and workforce planning, while Plan Swift provides fast, accurate takeoff-focused estimating. Your choice depends on whether you need integrated project management or pure estimating speed.
What tool should restoration contractors use?
Xactimate is the industry standard for insurance restoration and damage assessment. It includes specialized materials databases and workflows built specifically for restoration claims and repair estimates.
Can these tools work with my existing software?
Most modern construction software platforms integrate with common tools, but integration depth varies. Plan Swift, Buildr, and Bridgit Bench offer broader integration support. Check with vendors about APIs and third-party connections before purchasing.
Do I need integrated project management or just estimating?
Integrated platforms like Buildr save time by consolidating workflows but add complexity. Standalone tools like Plan Swift are faster for pure estimating. Choose based on your team's size and whether you currently use separate systems for CRM, scheduling, and cost tracking.
How much does construction estimating software cost?
Pricing varies widely based on features, user count, and specialization. Most platforms use subscription models ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars monthly. Request demos and pricing from vendors, as costs depend heavily on your specific needs and team size.
The bottom line
No single tool works for every construction business. Prioritize whether you need takeoff-focused estimating, integrated project management, or workforce capacity planning, then match that to your trade type and team size.