#1 Construction Estimating Software
Contractor Foreman—The best Commercial Construction Estimating Software starting at just $49/month!
There’s nothing a construction client despises more than inaccurate forecasts. Studies have shown that contractors with inaccurate estimations spend up to 80% over allocated budgets for commercial construction projects.
As contractors, your business prospers based on the reputation that you build for yourself. Clients who are satisfied with the quality of your work and the reasonable cost to develop the project are more likely to refer new business to you. If there’s a large gap between your cost estimates and the final cost of the project, you won’t have happy clients—and it’s very unlikely that you’ll earn any referrals from them.
What is Commercial Construction Estimating Software?
Commercial construction estimating software allows contractors to provide realistic estimates for a commercial project. The primary purpose of estimating software for commercial construction is to present a realistic forecast for a proposed project, which allows both contractors and clients to transparently enter into a construction contract.
Is It Different from Commercial Construction Management Software?
Commercial construction cost estimating software is somewhat distinguished from commercial construction project management software. Specifically, estimation software assists with the preliminary bidding on a construction project and forecasting the total cost, timeline, and resources required to complete the project.
In contrast, commercial construction project management software oversees the entire duration of the project from start to finish. To that end, the best commercial construction estimation software functions as a standalone piece of technology, though it can also serve as a feature of commercial construction project management software.
Does It Require Integrations With Other Forms of Software?
The best estimation software for commercial construction also has close relationships with other forms of technology—chiefly, commercial construction bidding software and commercial takeoff software.
In the case of the former, an effective commercial cost estimation software includes a built-in bidding feature, which supersedes the need for bidding software. You can use your estimation software to build a realistic project forecast and then submit a formal bid using your forecasts to secure the job.
Similarly, an effective commercial construction estimating software helps accelerate and facilitate the take-off of a construction project. Since you’ve already built a realistic project forecast, it’s much faster and easier to begin development on the project. You’ve estimated how and when you’ll secure materials and resources, making it easier to stick to your proposed project timeline.
Key Features of Commercial Construction Estimating Software
| Feature | Definition | Benefit |
1. Cost Database Integration | A seamless connection of all cost-related data sources for a proposed project, creating one unified platform for budgeting and scheduling. | It eliminates guesswork by providing realistic estimates of the commercial construction cost, labor, materials, and equipment that will be used to complete the project. This ensures bids are accurate, budgets are maintained, and deliverables are on time. |
2. Proposal Generation | A templated commercial construction proposal that you can re-use to make faster bids and secure more work. | Submitting proposals through your commercial construction estimating software expedites submissions and increases the chances of earning more construction contracts. |
3. Easy and Swift Takeoffs | Takeoffs describe the process of converting your project proposal into a construction plan that kicks off development. | An integrated commercial takeoff software add-on reduces the risk for errors as you transition from a proposal into an implementation plan. |
4. Commercial Project Cost Estimation | This is the core functionality of commercial construction software as it directly ties into the project budget—the most important detail for clients. | It provides a detailed breakdown of costs, labor, equipment, materials, and construction fees. All this information impacts the budget and overall profitability of the project. |
5. Customizable Templates | Pre-built templates housed within commercial contractor software designated for specific commercial projects (i.e. retail spaces, office buildings, etc.) | These templates simplify your estimated proposals, ensuring nothing is missed as you build your forecasts. They also help save time while estimating commercial construction costs. |
6. Integration with Project Management Tools | Integrated tools that help you manage every detail of the construction project upon winning the contract. | Their purpose is to assist with the takeoff and help you manage the budget, schedule, and timeline throughout the project. |
7. Change Order Management | Designed to assist with any scope changes or unexpected challenges discovered during the construction phase. | They help you track and manage change orders to prevent budget overruns. You can also document estimated changes in the work schedule and house all client approvals, so there are no surprises. |
8. Reporting and Analytics | Data-driven resources that evaluate worker performance and the profitability of the project. | You can create detailed reports on labor efficiency, estimated vs. actual costs, estimated vs. actual timelines, and so forth. They help you make strategic decisions using real data. |
9. Subcontractor and Supplier Management | Integral resources to manage all quotes, costs, workflows, and other concerns raised by subcontractors or suppliers. | These tools reduce communication gaps between contractors and subcontractors. They help ensure competitive pricing and hold all parties to account. |
10. Cloud-based Access and Mobile Compatibility | Real-time monitoring and communication resources that connect all project contributors on tasks, deadlines, costs, and change order requests. | Cloud-based access to project schedules, timelines, budgets, and order requests so that all workers are fully in the loop. They can download apps and connect to the project specs anywhere. |
How Much Does Commercial Construction Estimating Software Cost?
The best commercial construction estimating software, such as Contractor Foreman, will cost anywhere between $49 and $249 per month—depending on the scope of the plan you select. What makes solutions like Contractor Foreman such cost-effective resources is that they offer flexible pricing plans.
You can incorporate these costs into your project proposals and discuss specific client needs with complete cost transparency. If a client insists on a complex commercial project, you’ll need a larger team to manage multitudes of resources—which you can explain and justify the higher price for a top-tiered Commercial Foreman plan.
Is There Any Free Commercial Construction Estimating Software?
Another added benefit of Contractor Foreman is that it offers you a commercial construction estimating software free download, plus a 30-day free trial. You can learn all the bells and whistles available within the software before committing to the fully costed version of your plan.
How Do You Estimate Commercial Construction?
Traditionally, you had to calculate your construction proposal by hand or by using a calculator. While calculator tools assist with how to manually estimate commercial construction costs, you’re still running a high risk for human error.
Instead, you can use solutions like Contractor Foreman to automate the construction estimation process. This approach reduces the potential for human error and helps you submit fully costed proposals to clients that will help you win more contracts and grow your contractor business.
