Construction Cost Estimator App Reviews

First, this is one of the most reasonably priced estimating software I have found! Second, the most recent update made it run substantially smoother than the previous version! This is a fully capable estimating software, with reports such as a bid request (for getting bids from subs), customer estimate, customer estimate breakdown, summary, etc. Every report is customizable, and makes every estimate look better to your customers! Also, probably most importantly, if you send an email for support, you will get an email that evening. At least that what has happened for me. Only downside, currently, is that your custom cost books, and projects cannot sync between mac/ipad/iphone… The costbooks can be useful, but if you do a lot of custom bids, you can just use the custom costbook. All in all, great software, with great support. I would recommend to anyone that has bought into the apple "ecosystem" and is doing construction estimations.

We are builders in the Central Texas area and have been looking for an application that would allow us to do fast and accurate on-site estimates. Our company could not be more pleased with the Construction Cost Estimator app, and the awesome service support provided. Since we all use iphones and ipads, this app has allowed us to cut down on the trips back and forth to the office, look up average costs with the synced cost books, and create our own custom pricing database. I think this app has the potential to significantly change the way the construction industry is managed, and already reduces office overhead costs associated with adminstrative tasks and many other related costs. Currently Im teaching a Cost Estimating class at Texas State University to Construction Science and Management majors, and have been using the app for in class assignments. We are very pleased with the results and the students responses, and so I contacted the developer to ask if he would have time to speak at our class. Not only did he say yes, but I had several seniors and graduate students that approached me after class to say that it was the best presentation they had seen since attending the university. Thank you for all of your work, and we look forward to future versions. Sincerely, Eli

This is one of the best estimating programs I have seen in many years, I have been estimating since 1981. Support is awesome. The only down side is you can not sync the estimates across your iPhone and my desktop and laptop. If this would work, I know I would gladly pay more.

This estimating app is wicked awwssum.. Sorry from Boston had too. The only bad thing I have is…. A year ago when I purchased this app I asked Joel if this estimating program will able to be use along with Quick Bbooks like the PC’s version does?. And he said that he will be working on getting Construction Cost Estimator to be imported into QB. within a few months. It hasn’t happened yet. I’ve been a Craftsman Book Construction Cost Book user for about 17 years now. I can’t start the new year using Macs version. Billing, Invoicing, Banking and keeping track off all moneys in and out are 10 times more easier on PC’S version

System gives flexibility with being able to use phases, areas, and categories. So far the downloadable cost books, at least the remodeling cost book, is not what I expected. The cost book does not supply readable and intuitively understandable descriptions. I am basically creating all of my own cost items from scratch or modifying a few cost book items. Several nice improvements would be to allow for varying markup percentages on different cost items, sharing information between devices (computers, ipads, etc.), and being able to place the raw data into a spreadsheet. This last option would allow the user to process the data in a different format if necessary. At this point the only option is to save the report as a pdf. Overall the program is simple yet powerful and easy to use. I recommend the software especially to contractors who want the flexibility to create their own cost items, while adjusting pay rates and time tables. For the price, this app is a great tool and very capable. I look forward to continuing improvements.

If you use an iPad or any recent Mac product (incl iPhone) this is quite good. Pros: 1/ Provides professional results based on the ‘Craftsman Books’ databases. 2/ Users can also generate their own ‘cost books’ tailored to their unique situation. 3/ All purchased and custom cost books can be accessed and integrated together in compiling estimates. 4/ Reports can be generated in several useful formats — all professional-looking — with options for breakdowns, markups, taxes, contract integration, etc. 5/ A real time-saver and professional image enhancer all in one. 6/Great product support from the developer. Cons: 1/ Craftsman database cost descriptions can be overly long resulting in truncated descriptions in reports (really that’s a Craftsman Books issue, not CCE — note: these can be edited manually if necessary); 2/ an option to ‘globally modify’ custom cost book entries so that changes apply to previous entries is currently unavailable (at least I couldn’t figure out how to do it); 3/ there is no ‘save as’ option for backing up current projects, (though the ‘duplicate’ option seems to serve the same purpose — but without an option of saving the data files to a different location — I have backup paranoia, what can I say); Note: if disaster restoration and especially bio-remediation (ie mold, bacteria, etc) is important, then you need BOTH the NRI and the NHI modules. (For some reason, known only to Craftsman, the Home Improvement module includes a much more extensive database of costs for these sorts of projects than does the Restoration/Insurance module.)

This cost estimator has streamlined my estimating process by leaps without bounds, and it has a lot of great features that I haven’t found in any similar software that typically costs five times what this app does. I use this app on my Mac, my iPad and my iPhone, which makes it easier and faster to land the jobs. Once I set up my own custom cost items, eveything became a breeze. The National Cost Database items help to prevent under-bidding. The only thing this app needs desperately, in my opinion, is a way to turn the estimate into a basic (customizable) contract (exporting estimates to plain text would be a great start) and a way to import estimates from one device to another (xml, numbers, or excel). This app is the #1 all-in-one solution for any serious contractor / comany using Macs, iPhones and iPads. Currently, the only major deficit in this app that I can see is its inability to import estimates created on my mac, to my iPad and iPhone. Something like Acrobat and Pages do would top off its features. Such a feature would make this app rock! Otherwise, great job on this app Wasatch Digital Media.

This is a good program. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars simply because it doesn’t have a way to remotely sync it with my laptop and other devices. So anytime I want to work on a quote I have to copy and paste the files and then open then and then retransfer them in order to work on it on my desktop again. It’s very frustrating. Other than that, It’s a good program. I’m not sure purchasing the built-in estimation charts is worth it, I bought them and rarely use them. It’s easier to use your own especially if you’ve done this a while. It’s functional and pretty easy to use. It just needs some updating and new features (one being syncing).

Great app needs integration to QuickBooks to be awesome app

I am a general contractor, I have been using this app for more than a year, and I love it. I create great professional estimates in minutes. Customer Service/Support is OUTSTANDING! If you have a question about the app, or need support, you get nothing but the best support. Unlike other apps, with this App the creator of the app itself takes all the time you need to help you with any questions you have. When you combine great app with outstanding Customer Support you get an awesome result.

I have used many construction estimating programs and find this particular program comprehensive and user friendly. It provides exactly what a contractor or repair business needs to give a fair and accurate estimate or invoice. It breaks down the material and labor cost for each operation with the user specifying the quantity. The tech support is superior and they work tirelessly in helping you with any problems you encounter. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in a all in one tool to help in estimating, billing to clients and improve their business.

I do the estimating for our family construction business. We do everything from custom homes, to finished basements, and detached garages. This app allows me to easily figure all my costs, set up templates for ease of use, and their was prompt customer service anytime I had questions, when I was getting started. Only thing I’d like is to be able to have the program on my iphone as well, to sync jobs.

I use this program on my mac and iphone regularly. I downloaded the cost estimating books as well that allow you to put in all types of construction items into your final estimate, proposal, or change order ready to go or be adjusted. This app is great for on the go! I usually send the proposal out with this app also sending it to my office where they take the information and put it into QB. I do wish it could work with QB because it is an awesome app! Thanks for the great app!

I researched dozens of estimating programs before choosing Construction Cost Estimator. The speed that at which estimates can be created is remarkable. If you want to get up and running quicly, this is the app for you. User selectable reports allow different views for specific projects needs. Several clients have commented about the clean presentation and easy to understand format. Satisfied clients = more projects awarded!

It’s always nice to find an app that works exactly how it says it does and even better when you can get prompt support on any questions you might have with it. Keep up the great work and the great customer support. Thanks!

This software has turned my profitablity on its head. I kept coming in at cost in some areas or making so little profit I was getting discouraged about doing projects. The APP has changed my bidding practices and created great profitability for my renovation side business!!

Our company has been using the Construction Cost Estimator for about a 18 months. We have found it an invaluable tool for estimating, invoicing, order confirmations, requests for quotes. It is simple and easy to use. I have been in construction for over 40 years and it is the best all around estimating tool at the tip of your finger, in the office or in the field. It can be customized to fit your particular trade whether a General Contractor or sub-contractor.

I own a roofing company in Pittsburgh, PA. My entire office is set up using APPLE products. It was hard to find a good piece of estimating software for APPLE products. This has blown my mind at how simple this is to use. Before, estimates took about 20 minutes to create using XACTIMATE, and with this, your literally done in about 5 minutes flat. I LOVE IT.

Great app. I’ve been using it for my construction business. Only negative is you can’t switch between devices. If you start on one device, you have to recreate it on another. Other than that, it’s a great app.

Great estimator that meets the needs of small remodelers all the way to design build firms and larger, finally someone has created an incredibly powerful app for real world performance. Only need is syncing ability with iOS apps and devices. Great Job