Many small contractors only use free takeoff and estimating software because it saves them money but free estimating software will end up costing you more in the long run. Whether it be spending extra time trying to learn the software or find out after you’ve already spent your time and effort into it, that the software won’t work for your business.
Don’t take the risk, in this article, PlanSwift gives you the Top 3 takeoff software that’s best for small contractors. Let PlanSwift help you make the right choice for your business.
Stack
Stack takeoff and estimating software was developed by contractors for contractors. This software works with any kind of trade, from interior finishes, to concrete. Stack is a web based construction takeoff and estimating software that can work on any form of computer, Mac and PC both.
When purchased, the software comes with free training and technical support. Stack provides all the tools you would need to produce a highly detailed estimate. Add items and assemblies from one of the pre-built catalogs to further customize your experience.
Stack is a relatively cheap software for $99.00 but is also offered in a free version. A free trial is also provided so you can test out the software before you make any decisions.
Pros: Free trial, live online training, cloud capabilities, online support, works on both Mac and PC.
Cons: Doesn’t work with Seams, runs slower with bigger projects, expensive estimating catalogs.
Clear Estimates
Clear Estimates is the trusted software for general contractors, residential contractors, and smaller contractors. This easy to use program allows you to quickly determine a project’s cost in a number of different ways. By managing and customizing a part library, maintaining a customer and project database, producing several types of reports, processing change orders, and integrating with Quickbooks.
Clear Estimates offers a variety of different payment plans from $59/mo for a monthly plan, $53/mo for a 6 month plan, and $47/mo for an annual plan. The software comes with unlimited estimates and customers, more than 60 preloaded templates, and a 10,000 line item database.
Pros: Cloud based solution, continuously adding new features, free trial, online training and webinars, building product database,
Cons: Doesn’t include scheduling tools, data and templates need to be added to, can’t save local copy of online jobs to use offline, no commercial bidding prices.
Smart Contractor
Smart Contractor is a fully integrated business management system that includes applications for estimating, project management, accounting, and scheduling. This software is made for small to medium sized companies looking for a solution to their daily tasks. Smart Contractor offers on-premise, web-based, and mobile access to users for a full range of coverage no matter where you are in the field.
Smart contractor has a Basic, Pro, and Complete version of the software to choose from as well as payment options for one time users and additional users added.
Pros: Cloud capabilities, live online training, building product database, flexible/customizable.
Cons: Steeper learning curve, no established pricing catalogs,