Performing accurate cost estimating is critical to the success of your construction business. Estimate too high and you win fewer jobs, too low and your profits disappear. That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time.
Jun 18, 2019 Get reviews, pricing, and demos on the best roofing software. Prices starting from $19/month. Compare products like AccuLynx, FCS Roofing Software, RoofSnap, and more. Reviews on iOS, Android, web-based, Mac, and Windows systems.
Estimating by hand is time-consuming, so at some point, you may consider using software to bid more jobs in less time. Although software can be a big investment, not every tool has to break the bank.
In this guide, we highlight five free and open source estimating and takeoff products to try if you’re considering this type of solution for your construction business. We chose products that offer a stand-alone free or open source version, meet our definition for construction estimating software, and rank highly in search. (Learn more about how we chose featured products here.)
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Free construction estimating and takeoff software
- Open source construction estimating and takeoff software
Free construction estimating and takeoff software
In most cases (but not all), free construction estimating and takeoff software options earn revenue by offering a basic free version to entice users to download, with premium features available for a price.
As a result, you should note that the free version of the products listed below may not have all the features you need.
Easy-Pro Builders Estimator
N/A
No reviews yet
Apa software, free download - APA Generator, Student's Guide to APA Psychology, APA APP, and many more programs. Enter to Search. Write American Psychological Association Format 6th ed. Our APA & MLA format software is compatible with Windows (PC), Mac, Word 2016, Office 365, Open Office, and more. For papers that are always in style Don't stay up all night, order now! Apa template for mac.
Overview: This is a 100% free tool that is based entirely on the Apache OpenOffice spreadsheet program Calc. It has two dozen worksheets that report back to a summary page in order to provide updated estimates.
Easy-Pro Builders Estimator was created by a construction manager who wanted to serve smaller construction firms looking for an accurate and simple program that was free.
The software also comes with a 20-page manual so you can get up to speed on how the program works and you’re not simply left in the dark to figure it out yourself.
Some features include:
- Adjustable taxation rates depending on which country you are in
- Client unbilled reporting
- Printable project reports
- Compatible with Windows, Linux
- 24 trade worksheets available
Estimator 2.0
5.0/5
1 review
Overview: Estimator 2.0 is aimed at architects, builders, engineers, and construction companies that want to create detailed estimates for residential and commercial buildings. Estimator 2.0 allows users to prepare tenders, a cost abstract, purchase orders, and other documents needed for a proper estimation.
The free program lets you create an estimation and then print it out, ideal for those who are pressed for time and want to quickly make an estimation without having to spend a lot of money on premier software.
Estimator lets construction companies create estimates for a host of construction projects, including concrete structures, earth work, masonry, plastering, and more. App academy not coding with mac.
Some features include:
- An extensive tutorial for new users
- Quickly generate an estimate and then print it out
- Prepares tenders, cost abstracts, and purchase orders
- Compatibility with Windows
STACK Takeoff & Estimating Software
4.46/5
950+ reviews
Overview: STACK offers free construction software aimed at firms looking to streamline the bid process and accurately estimate materials, equipment, and labor. The software also provides access to an “extensive library of prebuilt, industry-specific material libraries,” according to its website. It generates an estimate based on your input of how much of each material will be needed and what labor, equipment, and overhead will be involved.
Oct 18, 2019 Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install. When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Safari 12.1.2 update. Learn more about all the topics, resources, and contact options you need to download, update and manage your Safari settings.
The software is cloud-based and therefore can be accessed from anywhere there is an internet connection. It is also compatible with all types of platforms, from smartphones to desktop computers.
STACK also includes training with the software for free. A full-featured version is available for purchase.
Some features include:
- Ability to upload digital plans
- Takeoff tools that provide shortcuts for measurements, making it quicker to produce a takeoff
- Prebuilt reports to provide insights to inform your estimates
- Cloud-based
- Free training
Open source construction estimating and takeoff software
Open source construction estimating and takeoff platforms are also free, but they have an additional wrinkle: the original source code is available. There are some benefits and drawbacks to this you should be aware of.
The benefits are that in addition to being free, you will be able to customize and adapt the software to fit your individual business.
The drawback comes up if you don’t have the know-how to mess with original source code. Lack of technical ability could become a problem if the software needs improvement down the road to fit your firm.
2-plan Team Software
4.50/5
5 reviews
Overview: 2-plan Team is a project management platform geared toward construction firms, and among its three PM tools is an open-source desktop system that can be used for multiple projects and teams. It is mostly meant for managing the entirety of a construction project as opposed to just estimating and takeoff, but there are tools available for that purpose as well.
The source code for 2-plan Team has been published at SourceForge, where you can download it for free. It can be installed on any LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL-4 or higher, PHP-5.1) server, and it may work on some Windows servers.
Some features include:
- Manage virtual teams with shared online workspaces
- View the status of multiple projects at the same time with the Project Dashboard
- Tracks time on mobile devices
- Ability to share estimates and budgets with clients, partners, teams, and staff
- Ability to manage teams via mobile devices
ESTIMATE
N/A
No reviews yet
Overview: ESTIMATE is a cloud-based, open-source option that has been released under GNU Affero General Public License. It’s a community-support project, which means the source code is freely available to anyone who wants to customize it for their own construction firm—ideal for construction managers with a little coding know-how.
ESTIMATE aims to be a simple and fast tool that can be adapted to any firm’s size.
Some features include:
- Ability to archive projects and documents for reference
- Can have up to 200 users
- Can create reports in PDF, complete with tables and charts
- A centralized database for backup
Why you must also consider paid solutions
Free and open source estimating software is a great stepping stone for many small construction firms—especially those using software for the first time. But as job volume increases, paid software often becomes the better choice.
Why? Higher job volume and company growth means more people, processes, and training are necessary to estimate and complete projects. Paid software offers more “out-of-the-box” functionality than free software, as well as training, support, and integration with other critical applications, such as accounting and construction management software.
Fortunately, there are affordable estimating and takeoff products that also offer free trials. With a free trial, you can try before you buy and avoid purchasing a product your team won’t like.
You’ll get more functionality
When you opt for free and open source platforms, you get what you pay for a lot of the time. There are a lot of special features that can really take your business to the next level—like customized reports and detailed time tracking—that you may not get with a free option. So while you may save a few bucks on software, you’re spending a lot more in lost savings and opportunities.
Building Contractor Estimating Software
The software will be more usable
Free and open source platforms can also be a lot more challenging for an organization to use. You’ll have to do your own troubleshooting and maintenance, and you may have a hard time just learning the software with no help.
To help ensure your software search is sufficiently thorough, download this list of top-rated paid software systems and their offerings:
3 Best Construction Estimating and Takeoff Systems Backed by User Reviews
Download this guide to see top construction estimating and takeoff systems based on real user reviews.
How we chose featured products
For the purposes of this article, we classified a product as free if it offers a free, stand-alone version of the software, and it is not just a trial version of the software that requires you to purchase it after a period of time.
The products that met the above criteria were then evaluated against our construction estimating software definition: Construction estimating software helps estimators calculate material and labor costs for a job and then produce a detailed, professional bid proposal from those estimates. Specialized estimating tools are often used to handle trade-specific requirements, such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or earthworks/excavating estimating.
We determined the most popular products to feature by choosing those highest ranked in Google search results for “free construction estimating software” during the week of Aug. 5, 2019.
Designers and engineers use a complex set of applications when it comes to designing certain parts of the house. They will have to consider many factors while designing and it should be simulated to view the output. This can be done with the help of roof design software, free download or 3D roof design software free. These house roof design software free will help you in estimating the cost also. Some of the roofing drawing software are easy to use and available for free.
Related:
Exact Roofing Software
This premium software can be used by engineers to get quotes and cost estimates for the roof very quickly. Based on the drawing of the model, the software will be able to provide a quote along with 2D drawing and 3D renditions. It will be able to produce quotes for roofs like tiles, metal roofing, standing seam, etc. The quotes that are provided will include wall siding, wall panels, and bricks.
Roof Design
This premium software can be used for designing the roof quickly. It has a number of automated features that can be used to finish the roof design requirements. Automatic roofs can be added and then it can be edited to include styles like dutch gable, bull nose, gable, and barrel vault. The roofs that are designed can be spanned over multiple floors and items like false dormers, skylights, saddles, etc. can be added.
Roof Snap Max
This premium software can be used to provide high-quality options for roofers and cost estimators by providing exact roofing costs. Details like material ordering and contracts can be generated to avoid unnecessary expenses. You will be able to perform accurate aerial measurements of the roof and collaborate it with the teams.
Archi Touch 3D for Mac
This free software is compatible with the Mac platform and can be used for designing complete floor plans along with doors, stairs, and windows. The ceiling heights can be adapted and custom roofs can be created. An outline of the property can be drawn on the satellite map to make the drawing process easy. Volumes and control design flaws can be visualized.
DreamPlan for Windows
This premium Windows software can be used to create a floor plan of the house and preview features such as colors, flooring, décor and furniture. Users will be able to plan the landscaping outside the house and in the garden spaces. All the designs can be simulated and visualized in 3D.
Roof Design for Android
Free Construction Software For Estimating
This free Android app can be installed on your mobiles to visualize any new or modified roofs. You will be able to click on the photo of the existing roof and mark the area. It allows users to add different types of roof tiles to the house and calculations can be done based on the roof area. It will give the approximate material requirement.
Ashampoo Home Designer – Most Popular Software
This popular software can be used to design the house on the inside and outside. 2D, 3D, and cross-sectional views are available and it has an extensive object library which can be used while designing. Area, volume and length calculations can be done. You can also see Deck Design Software
How to Install Roof Design Software?
Roof Estimating Software
Most of the software that are available online will enable the user to view the designs in 3D so you will have to make sure that your graphic card is updated. The system requirements should be check before installing the free version or the premium one. You will also be able to request a demo on some of the software to understand the features and tools. The installation can be done by following the instructions on the screen. You can also see Architectural Design Software
Green screen software free mac os x. Jul 19, 2019 Top 5 Green Screen Software for Mac 2020 (Free & Paid) July 19, 2019 January 26, 2020 Paul Kalman If you are looking for the best green screen applications for Mac computer, then you’ll LOVE this guide. Mar 20, 2019 Previously we’ve talked about the Best green screen editors in which there’re 2 green screen software especially for Mac users: iMovie and Final Cut Pro. If you’re an iMovie '09 or later user or you bought your Mac on or after October 20, 2010, iMovie is the first solution for you, if you’re looking for a free green screen software for Mac. Green Screen Wizard 7.1 for Mac can be downloaded from our software library for free. The most popular version of the tool is 7.1. The size of the latest downloadable installer is 16.5 MB. The program lies within Design & Photo Tools, more precisely Viewers & Editors.
This software is very useful for those who want to create very innovative designs for their house. You will be able to add features like skylights, domes, etc. and simulate the entire design to make sure that it will be feasible. The cost estimations is another feature that will help users identify how much it will cost.