Construction Estimating Software: 6 Best Examples | Intellectsoft

Updated: August 31, 2023

Since the early days of spreadsheet calculations, construction estimating software has come a long way. Today, software solutions let you upload and integrate digital plans with client portals and collaborative tools that can make estimating and invoicing seamless and transparent.

In a 2021 survey by the Construction Management Association of America, nearly half of all respondents claimed their estimating and bidding had been improved by engaging estimating software either as a check against traditional practice or by replacing it altogether.

New construction estimating software products appear almost every day. They range from apps designed for small residential contractors to software for larger companies with a broader portfolio. Whatever your budget, or scope of work, there is likely a level of offer that will work for your business, and there are custom solutions too.

So what is construction estimating software, and why is it becoming such an essential part of today’s contractor toolkit?

What is Construction Estimating Software?

Construction estimating software apps are designed to help speed up the process of making accurate material take-offs and labor estimates. However, the effectiveness of using any such program is only as good as the information inputted by the user.

Up-to-date material pricing and labor rates are the domain of a user. An estimating app can then convert those variables into an accurate price list. Some software boasts that it can estimate down to the last nail what will be required, but for most projects, where material wastage and contingencies have to be allowed for, this is optional.

If you cooperate with a material supplier, you may be able to integrate their price list into your app, making for up-to-the-minute accurate estimations of costs. Delivery costs can also be factored in, and this can be made easier if the software has a scheduling feature that allows for activity planning.

Integration with existing platforms allows uploading, assessing, and communicating information across an organization. It is essential in larger companies and may need a custom software solution to bring more benefits.

Usually, standard off-the-shelf estimating software for construction has several limitations. For example, it won’t tell you the amount of work your team can handle, how site access will contribute to or hinder activities, or assess many variables, like the weather or a particular client’s needs.

As with any tool, it is only ever as good as the skill and expertise behind its use. For example, experienced construction contractors can improve the accuracy and adaptability of a construction estimating app. Such an improvement is possible thanks to their knowledge base built over years of experience and their talent for problem-solving and lifelong learning.

What construction estimating software can do is provide the information you need to assess whether a project will be profitable enough. This conclusion is based on the competition in the market and the importance of a price for your company’s offer.

In construction, finding creative solutions to the many issues that present themselves, either when work-winning or during the delivery of a project, is dependent upon solid information. When the contractor bears the risks, this software can help maintain profitability and transform potential problems into opportunities.

Key Features of Construction Estimating Software

One of the top features of the best construction estimating software has to be simplicity of use. If a project takes too long to load, then it begins to make a job much more difficult, losing the benefits of an app.

A Short Learning Curve is Critical

The more complex the system, the longer it will take to profit from the time and money spent on acquiring the app.
While some apps offer training, and others include ongoing one-to-one support, it makes sense to keep things as simple as possible.

Integration with Other Services

This is especially important for smaller contractors using apps such as Quickbooks to invoice their customers. However, it is also essential for larger contractors needing to merge large folders of drawings.
Always check that the software is compatible with the digital platform your company is using.

Transparency and Trust

Data integrity should always be high on any client list, but it should go hand-in-hand with security.
Guaranteed data encryption and secure management of client and supplier information is a must-have in any platform.
The ability to select the objects and participants of data sharing is important to ensure data security.

Strong Change Management Features

A good estimating app should also have the functionality whereby it can be adjusted as market conditions and project conditions change.
Construction is an industry where a client may decide to alter their end requirements mid-project, which means that an app should be able to cope with changing orders and help predict additional costs.

Scalability Over Time

You might be just starting out, with a weather eye on future development, so you need to keep things simple in case things don’t work out.
However, what if your plans work out and you are in the right place at the right time with the right ideas? In that case, you will need software that can grow with you.

If you are already established, there is always space to expand into. Using a scalable service could be the essential move you need to make.

Benefits of Construction Estimating Software

Custom software solutions can bring numerous benefits to your business. The best construction estimating software can directly enhance and integrate with your existing operating systems. It delivers exactly what your company needs to thrive and stand out in today’s market.

Improved Management

Change costs money. This is a key principle of construction estimating, and getting a clear steer on what that cost might be can sometimes be crucial for those making the decision, be they clients or contractors.

Problems pop up almost daily on large construction projects, and most of these can be managed and mitigated by an experienced and qualified site team. Bigger issues often need to be redirected from the site delivery team to the project management and client staff.

Better Decision Making

Using construction estimating software to assess the various solutions that arise from expert analyses of a situation can help a decision to be arrived at faster, especially when time is of the essence.

Projects are similar no matter the size. A timeline is usually too short for a client and never long enough for a contractor. So, if there is any way time can be saved on a program and delays avoided, then using an estimating tool has got to benefit all concerned.

Fair Contractor-Client Relationship

Integrating construction estimating software with virtual reality programs, AI scheduling software, and real-time progress apps are all coming down the line. They raise client expectations and hopefully enhance contractor and customer relations.

Transparency and trust help to build business relationships where fair pricing and timely delivery of a quality product will ensure years of ongoing repeat contract opportunities. This is one of the main aims of any successful building and construction business.

6 Best Construction Estimating Software Solutions

We have looked at some of the top software on offer today and selected a few that may be worth closer attention and a bespoke solution too, because, oftentimes, one size does not fit all.

The Tradesman’s Choice

For single contractors or small partnerships, PlanSwift by Construct Connect is an affordable entry-level software suite that comes with an optional training package to help you get the best out of your annual license. Just upload your plans and get a breakdown in minutes. It also comes with a free trial, so you can try it out before you commit. Overall, PlanSwift could be an ideal residential construction estimating software for domestic customers that gives the transparency that builds trust, the biggest asset a small contractor can invest in.

The Cost-Effective Choice

Contractor Foreman is the best value entry-level piece of software for estimating a broader range of clients. Conveniently, it comes with several price tiers: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Unlimited, which gives full access to the app’s functionality. Take a thirty-day free trial and see whether it works for you.

The Mid-Range Choice

Buildxact from Australia is said to be quicker than most commercial construction estimating software to set up. Still, the entry-level grade has restricted functionality, and you only really get the goods worth having, the Gantt charts, accounting integration, and other project management tools at the upper end of the offer.

The Larger Contractor’s Choice

For integration with other software, such as the accounting app QuickBooks, RedTeam is a great choice. There are no free downloads or trials that you can run. Instead, you will have to book a demonstration to see whether the interface would be a good, intuitive fit for your company.

The Major Contractor’s Choice

Pro-Est is a cloud-based app that is built for ease of collaboration within a team of estimators. Reassuringly expensive, the software takes some time to set up and integrate with existing software, but it is said to be versatile enough to adapt to most contractors’ requirements.

Your Construction Estimating Software Choice

Most construction companies run on ready-made commercial software, but often some solutions don’t quite do what is required. For example, they fall short or are not as seamless as they could be because every company has its own particular method of working, developed over time. Unless you and your business are starting from scratch, then it’s most likely that you have existing software and files full of company information that you need to manage as simply as possible.

The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But Intellectsoft has the expertise that can tailor make the cost estimating software for construction that your business needs.

Challenges in Developing Estimating Software in Construction

Construction is one of the most innovative and creative industries, with new ideas, standards, and materials being developed every year. Problem-solving and adaptability are the two main strengths of any construction business as site conditions change and client demands evolve.

Estimate Accuracy

With a dynamic industry like construction, one of the most difficult issues is that the software can rely on historical data to produce results. Material prices are particularly volatile, especially in a globally connected world sensitive to disruption of trade routes, extreme weather events, or war.
Most estimating software is ideal for running up the figures for your basic conventional projects. However, it may struggle to cope with a new material or more specific factors.
Ensuring that the software can be integrated with real-time cost changes is a serious challenge that needs monitoring to provide ongoing accuracy.

Software Costs

Even considering temporary discounts, the costs of annual or monthly licenses can be prohibitive to all but the largest contractors. To make matters worse, new software requires time to train your staff. So, you may have to rely on pen, paper, and spreadsheets for a little longer.
As with all things in software development, the cost does tend to go down over time as things get streamlined, and the features that aren’t required fall away.

Work-Up Time

Intuitive function and database integration are two more key challenges when it comes to getting your software working for you.
Some software is a cinch to start using. However, it may take some time to be able to integrate all the price options and material and labor parameters.
There will likely be a commitment to a lot of data entry time to develop a consistent set of results.
Construction staff and contractors have been working with IT for decades, but you and your teams will require training on any new app. One that looks and functions like something you already use will take less time to onboard.
Once it’s up and running, it’s advisable to check everything your software produces to ensure the prices proffered are accurate and in line with expectations.

Final Thoughts

The construction industry is constantly evolving, meaning that cost-estimating software for construction also has to stay on its toes or get left behind. A software developer that aims to stay a step or two ahead by implementing patches, updates, and revisions, and is open to customer feedback, will always remain preferred by clients.

At Intellectsoft, we have been building our high reputation and expertise for over 15 years. Our skilled team has created many custom-made software products designed specifically for the construction industry. We have built enterprise portals, management software, middleware apps, and other types of software widely used by leading construction companies.

So, contact our managers today and tell them what you need. With our solutions, you can improve your estimating potential and deliver winning bids and gold-standard projects for your clients.

The hospitality industry depends a lot on keeping customers happy, but it’s getting harder to attract and keep them. The pandemic hit this industry hard, and now market competition is tougher than ever, with competitive offerings swaying customers. Hospitality businesses are willing to spend big to win customers back. The main questions for many are: how can we stay ahead of the competition, keep our customers, and increase revenue? Keep reading—we’ve got some answers.

Customers today have so many options that getting their attention is a real challenge. It’s not easy to make them choose your business over others. What worked 10 years ago doesn’t work the same way now. Back then, people often chose businesses based on reputation. But with new types of businesses (boutique hotels, craft cafes) popping up or big enterprises getting a new strategy, expectations have changed. The good news is these businesses have shown what works: great customer service. They focus on personalizing the experience, making things easy for customers, offering loyalty programs, and using smart technology.

In this article, we’ll explore these tech strategies and show you how they can help your business grow, and double the revenue. Keep reading to learn more!

The Importance of Customer Satisfaction in the Hospitality Industry

Customer satisfaction, which equals exceptional customer experience, is the backbone of the hospitality industry. It plays a central role in driving revenue and loyalty, as satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend a hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality business to others. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that a 1% increase in customer satisfaction can lead to a 0.5% increase in revenue. Moreover, loyal customers are more likely to forgive mistakes and continue doing business with a company, even if they experience a negative encounter.

Let's quickly review the challenges the hospitality industry is facing right now so we can move on to the solutions and our case studies.

Challenges in Hospitality

As businesses navigate the changes in the hospitality industry, there are some key areas where a little improvement can go a long way. From improving customer service to embracing digital transformation and tackling labor shortages, we’ll take a closer look at today’s biggest challenges—and, more importantly, how technology can step in to help. Let’s get started!

Poor Customer Service

Even with strong and high-quality business offerings, poor customer service can drive potential customers and existing customers away. Common issues include:

Long wait times in customer service queues (it is worth remembering that our attention spans 8 seconds, and we live in a very busy world, so quick and efficient responses are more important than ever.)
Poorly trained customer service representatives
Lack of follow-up
Services not being done properly or quickly
Recall issues that require multiple service calls

These problems can frustrate customers. But, at Intellectsoft, we believe that the right approach, combined with technology, can address them effectively.

Digital Transformation Gaps

Approximately 50% of hotels are adopting new technologies, with 43% automating repetitive tasks and 39% upgrading existing systems.
Source: workstaff.app

Source: workstaff.app

While many businesses are adopting digital solutions, some still struggle with outdated systems and fragmented data. Legacy companies often face chaos when trying to manage their data and create new systems or add features.

Some of the recent examples include clients coming to us to create AI solutions for their services while their data simply was not ready for the advanced tasks. We advise stepping back, communicating with a company objective, and working on keeping the data clean (centralized, structured, and segmented).

When we’re asked to create advanced systems using AI, we always emphasize the importance of organized data. To train AI and build such complicated systems that truly work, you need to start from the very beginning—collecting, storing, centralizing, and organizing it. We encourage our clients to align all departments to work internally on the data so we can create a unified digital system that delivers personalized experiences.

If you’re unsure where to start with your data, we can help. Collecting feedback at various touchpoints along the customer journey is crucial for gaining insights into customer satisfaction and loyalty. Book an IT consultation with us, and our experts will guide you in mapping out a path to get more from your data and build a system that works for your business and team.

Reskilling Staff

The pandemic hit hard in early 2020, especially for the hospitality and travel industries. Even five years later, many businesses are still feeling the impact. Recruiting and retaining skilled staff has become a major challenge post-pandemic.

Reskilling to address technology’s impact is of utmost importance, as about 40% of hotel General Managers place it among their top three workforce challenges.

Source: Deloitte

We strongly believe that adopting the right technology can help. For example, creating an app to train your staff not only saves time but also ensures consistency in learning. AI assistants can also work alongside your team, helping with tasks like recruitment (providing industry insights, crafting emails) and staff training. Imagine having an app dedicated to making your team’s work easier and more efficient!

How Technology Tackles These Challenges and Supports a Customer-Centric Hospitality Culture

Automation, AI, and similar technologies may threaten many. However, the debate about replacing humans isn’t about that—it’s about cooperation and working hand in hand with technology to achieve the highest standards and establish brand-new “golden standards.” Technology is here to assist staff in listening to and collecting customer insights from data.

Let’s review some of our cases to see examples of how technology helps improve customer experience and supports customer service.

Examples of Intellectsoft projects

Property management systems (PMS)

We created a web platform and mobile app that makes managing daily tasks easier and offers extra services to improve residents’ experience. It gives a clear overview of daily activities and helps with managing units and users. Residents can easily book amenities, submit service requests, and report incidents. The platform also includes features for equipment management, key instructions, workflows, and custom permissions. This makes it easier for staff to stay on top of equipment and ensure residents have all the information they need. Plus, tools like announcements, quick votes, a forum, and a community calendar help build a connected and engaged community.

Guest Experience Management App

Our next app helped our client improve their guest experience by replacing printed marketing materials and the need for phone calls with a smart solution. Now, guests can easily order in-room dining, make reservations, and interact with staff— through a simple tablet in their room. The solution includes three parts: a custom in-room tablet with a variety of services, an admin panel for hotel staff and service providers, and a backend system that connects everything together. This approach makes things easier for guests and staff, improving both convenience and efficiency.

Existing Customers First: Building Loyalty with Personalized Touchpoints

Keeping existing customers is not just a strategy; it’s well-known that retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. In fact, research shows that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one. KPMG named customer retention as the number one revenue driver for the company.

Moreover, a 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% to 95% increase in profits, showing the significant impact loyal customers can have on a business’s bottom line. Retention strategies, like personalized experiences and loyalty programs, can foster long-term relationships and generate recurring revenue, ultimately making them an invaluable part of any business model.

Personalization: How Technology Can Help?

Everyone loves to feel special—it’s part of being human. In hospitality, personalization has evolved from being a luxury to an essential standard. With the right technology to manage your data effectively, you can deliver those “wow” moments that guests won’t forget.

More than half of hotel chains are already using personalization features on their websites, booking platforms, and apps, and another 39% are planning to follow suit soon. They’re tailoring experiences to fit guest preferences perfectly.

Source: Deloitte

How does technology make it happen?

CRM Systems: They help you keep track of guest preferences, booking history, and special requests so you can offer services tailored just for them.
Loyalty Programs: Personalized rewards and offers show your guests that you value them, keeping them coming back for more.
AI Personalization: AI analyzes guest data to predict what they’ll love (from room upgrades to local recommendations) before they even ask.
IoT Gadgets: Smart room features like voice-activated assistants, or temperature controls adjust to your guests’ preferences, making their stay more comfortable.

With tech-powered personalization, you’re building loyalty and maximizing the lifetime value of every customer.

Our Case Study: Smart Hotel Management & Loyalty Program

For one of our clients, we created a smart room solution, complete with a custom IoT system. Guests can use a mobile app to control services, explore amenities, and find resort information-- with a special touch to their suite type. For the client’s entertainment business, we improved their legacy software by running a full IT and code check, fixing issues, and making the system better for customers.

Along with that, we developed a mobile app for the loyalty program, allowing businesses to effortlessly reward their customers and keep them engaged with exclusive benefits.

Our solutions not only helped the client with special experiences for guests; it also improved operations, cutting costs by eliminating inefficiencies. Here's what our experts shared:

"We transitioned away from ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) systems, which previously cost millions, and replaced them with more efficient, self-managed solutions. Similarly, we’ve implemented Device Farms that improved operations and saved resources."

Leveraging Software to Increase Upsell Opportunities

Here are some examples of tech tactics that will help your team sell more and introduce new offerings to existing customers, improve overall efficiency leaving your team grateful:

Dynamic Pricing Algorithms

For finance and marketing teams, manually calculating pricing by segment to introduce your clients can be incredibly challenging. AI-powered tools can strongly optimize these strategies by analyzing your database in detail.

Upselling via Apps

Boosting revenue in the hospitality business often comes down to personalized experiences. Imagine this: a guest books a room, and then your app suggests a spa package or a room upgrade at just the right moment. Later, it nudges them to book a dinner reservation or a guided tour designed to their preferences. With apps offering these personalized recommendations during and after bookings, you’re not just increasing your revenue per guest but also skyrocketing their experience. And you do it in a sustainable way, not by speculating, but by offering what your customers desire based on their previous experiences. It’s a win-win: seamless, helpful, and far from pushy.

Inventory and Resource Management Software

Making every resource count in your hospitality business is key. Inventory and resource management software allows you to effortlessly track everything from linens to room availability, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Having real-time insights to reduce overstock, avoid shortages, and optimize operations assists sustainably keep everything under control and know what you need to focus more. It helps maximize room occupancy by aligning bookings with available resources, ensuring every room and item is used effectively. This approach leads to smarter management, better guest experiences, and a noticeable boost to your bottom line.

Adopting these strategies not only optimizes your operations but also drives business growth. Ready to discover how technology can elevate your goals? We’re here to create a tailored solution for you.

Steps For Implementing a Customer Service Technology Solution

Improving customer service in hospitality doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right technology, you can smooth the path of your operations, speed up response times, and elevate the overall guest experience. Here’s where you can make it happen:

1. Understand Your Needs

Start by identifying the challenges your business is facing. Are you struggling to manage high volumes of inquiries, track customer feedback, or personalize the guest experience? Pinpointing your needs will guide you to the best solutions.

2. Pick the Right Tools

Choose technology that aligns with your goals. Look for solutions that are scalable, easy to use, and integrate effortlessly with your current systems. Options like CRM software, live chat tools, or a guest experience app can make a difference.

3. Equip Your Team

Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Train your staff to make the most of the new tools, so they can deliver exceptional service and resolve issues quickly. Confident, well-equipped staff creates happy, loyal customers.

4. Keep Improving

Once implemented, monitor how well the solution works. Are response times improving? Are customers more satisfied? Regular evaluations will help you fine-tune your approach and keep things running harmoniously.

Some Tech Ideas for Hospitality Businesses

CRM Software: Manage customer interactions and preferences.
Guest Experience Apps: Delight guests with personalized experiences right at their fingertips.
Amenity Management Systems: Simplify operations for everything from room service to facility bookings.
Helpdesk Software: Resolve customer issues optimally.
Live Chat Tools: Offer instant support and answers.
Social Media Management Tools: Keep customer interactions engaging and organized.

Integrating these strategies will not only improve your customer service but also deliver unforgettable customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, ultimately, your bottom line. Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with our experts.

Conclusion

To wrap up everything we've discussed, customer satisfaction and experience are at the heart of hospitality. Retaining customers is more than just keeping them around—building strong, long-lasting relationships and consistently meeting their evolving needs. By understanding their pain points and offering personalized solutions, you can inspire loyalty and drive progress. With the right technology and continuous improvement, your business can stay ahead, let go of what no longer serves you, and keep growing.

At Intellectsoft, with over 17 years of experience in software development, our expert team is ready to help. We create everything from mobile apps to full-fledged portals and systems, leveraging the latest technologies like AI, Cloud, and Machine Learning. With deep experience in the hospitality industry, we’re here to craft personalized solutions that bring your business unforgettable customer experience and retain your valuable clients.

Ready to double your revenue and level up your customer retention strategy with personalized technology? Contact our experts, and we look forward to working hand in hand with you to build or revitalize the perfect app or system for you.

Tetiana Borysova

Content Writer

Developing Construction Estimating Software

What is Construction Estimating Software?