7 Best Construction Estimating Software in the UK (2026 Buyer Guide)
For builders, estimating is “the moment of truth” when they lay the basement of their future project. It’s the moment when inaccurate quotes and wrong calculations in the beginning may affect the entire workflow.
In the UK, just as in any other country, estimating determines your profit margin, your resource allocation, and your competitive edge.
Using construction estimating software means you bring clarity to complex calculations and the digital takeoff process. Besides, clear estimating shows the client you are a reliable contractor who cares about details.
In this review, I will break down the best construction estimating software in the UK, its advantages, and its ability to meet the needs of the UK market, so that you can make a better decision.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Construction Estimating Software in the UK
- What to Look for in the UK Construction Estimating Software
- Review of Best Construction Estimating Software in the UK
- Match Construction Estimating Software to Your Project
Benefits of Construction Estimating Software in the UK
Construction estimating in the UK brings some challenges that are difficult to cope with. There are tight government regulations, compliance requirements, and industry standards.
Thus, a builder has comply with all the laws and should maintain healthy profit margins. One major factor complicating UK estimating is the rising cost of labour. There is a skill shortage, and wages go up faster than you can imagine.
For example, you’ve priced labour based on last year’s rates, but by the time work starts, day rates for electricians or plumbers have jumped. That extra £10–£15 per hour may not sound like much, but over hundreds of hours it can eat tens of thousands from your profit.
So, this example shows the number one benefit of using construction estimating software. It helps prevent such a scenario by keeping labour costs up to date, factoring in market changes.
Construction estimating software can help bring clarity and accuracy. Let’s list some key benefits of modern UK-focused tools:
- Digital takeoff: quickly measure quantities from plans.
- Improved quote accuracy: reduces risks associated with miscalculations and outdated data.
- Detailed cost breakdowns: see material, labour, and subcontractor costs at a glance.
- Variation management: track changes and updates to estimates without losing accuracy.
- Integration with accounting platforms: ensures proper handling of UK-specific VAT, CIS, and other tax obligations.
- Real-time cost tracking: keeps estimates aligned with actual project costs for accurate cash flow projections and profitability analysis.
- Competitive advantage: helps contractors stay profitable and compliant despite rising costs and regulatory complexities.
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What to Look for in the UK Construction Estimating Software
Construction businesses vary in project scope and workflow. Thus, software needs can differ significantly. However, when choosing construction estimating software in the UK, it’s best to focus on three core priorities: accuracy, speed, and UK-specific features.
Key Points to Consider
- Handling VAT and CIS correctly (syncing with Xero, QuickBooks)
- Supporting the labour and material cost catalog
- Sending, tracking, and comparing requests for quotes
- Variation and retention management linked to budgets
- Integration with project management software
More about project management in our previous article:
Let’s review some construction estimating tools to see how they handle those tasks.
Review of Best Construction Estimating Software in the UK
#1 Buildern: All-in-One Software for UK Builders
Buildern is a cloud-based construction estimating software designed for UK builders and contractors. It helps teams create accurate estimates, send requests for quotes, manage variations, and track financial indicators within one platform.
What sets Buildern apart is that it supports contractors beyond estimating, starting from the preconstruction stage and continuing throughout the entire project.
During preconstruction, builders can perform digital takeoffs, build detailed estimates using labour and material cost catalogs, and send, track, and compare requests for quotes from suppliers and subcontractors.
Moreover, if an estimate is approved, Buildern allows contractors to generate professional construction proposals directly from the estimate.
Benefits of Using Buildern for Estimating
Our software streamlines the estimating process by combining accuracy, flexibility, and automation, helping UK builders create reliable estimates that can easily adapt to changes.
Why does Buildern stand out as an estimating software?
- Digital takeoff to measure quantities directly from plans and reduce manual errors
- AI-assisted estimating to speed up calculations and improve accuracy
- Estimate versioning to track, compare, and manage multiple versions of the same estimate
- Allowances management to account for uncertain or variable costs without compromising accuracy
- Centralised cost data for labour, materials, and subcontractors, keeping estimates consistent across projects
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Key Financial Features
Beyond estimating, the software supports the full financial management lifecycle of a construction project. It is especially important in the UK, where tax compliance and cost control go hand in hand.
Buildern supports UK-specific VAT handling, allowing contractors to apply the correct tax settings at both the estimate and project level. This ensures that figures remain accurate from the first quote through to final reporting.
One of Buildern’s key strengths is how estimates flow into project budgeting when a job is approved. Instead of re-entering data, estimated costs automatically become budget line items.
Buildern also provides robust variation management, allowing contractors to record, price, and approve changes without losing financial control. Variations remain linked to the original estimate and budget.
In addition, the software has dedicated client and subcontractor portals that help keep financial construction communication clear and structured.
Pricing Overview
Buildern offers clear and transparent pricing plans, making it easy for construction businesses to choose a solution that fits their size and workflow. The Starter plan, priced at $255/mo billed annually, is ideal for small teams and growing builders. The Professional plan covers up to four users for $360/mo billed annually, providing additional capacity for expanding teams.
Both plans include unlimited access for field workers, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and projects. For larger teams, Buildern offers custom pricing.
Verdict: A powerful UK estimating construction software for residential and commercial builders (including small businesses) that can help at all preconstruction stages with a strong financial module, project management, and communication tools.
Check this if you’re looking for software for small businesses:
#2 RIB CostX
RIB CostX (also referred to simply as CostX) is an estimating and takeoff software. It’s mainly targeted at quantity surveyors and estimators who need advanced capabilities for large and complex projects.
It combines 2D and 3D/BIM quantity takeoff with cost estimating and reporting in one integrated platform. CostX is good for generating reports and BOQs, but has limited functionality. It focuses on estimating and takeoff rather than the full financial workflow.
Pricing
RIB CostX offers flexible pricing based on the package and license type. Pricing is customised, so contractors need to request a quote from RIB.
Verdict: A tool for quantity surveyors that excels in 2D/5D BIM takeoff but lacks the broader site-based project management features found in all-in-one platforms.
#3 ProEst
ProEst is a construction estimating software designed primarily for estimators, quantity surveyors, and commercial contractors working on medium to large-scale projects.
It is part of Autodesk Construction Cloud and is integrated within the Autodesk ecosystem. In the UK, ProEst is commonly used by contractors who rely heavily on BIM workflows.
Thus, ProEst works well for teams with dedicated estimators and structured preconstruction processes and can feel overwhelming for small and mid-sized UK builders.
Pricing
ProEst uses a custom pricing model based on company size, number of users, and selected Autodesk products. Pricing is not publicly listed.
Verdict: ProEst is an enterprise-level estimating solution best suited for estimators and contractors working on BIM-driven, large-scale projects.
#4 Procore
This estimating tool is designed for larger construction companies and contractors. Procore offers estimating capabilities through its budgeting, cost tracking, and subcontractor management tools.
It allows builders to create project budgets, track actual costs in real time, and compare and approve subcontractor quotes directly in the platform. For large teams, the features give a single source of truth across multiple projects.
However, a small company doing simple projects and not willing to overspend for multiple features will find the interface overwhelming. It requires dedicated implementation time to set up correctly.
Pricing
Just as the learning curve for Procore can be complex, its pricing is not straightforward. Costs are typically based on the scope of projects and revenue.
Verdict: Too complicated and pricey for small and medium-sized building companies, let alone solo builders.
#5 Access ConQuest
Access ConQuest is a software for civil engineers, contractors, and construction companies. It is particularly suited for businesses handling large-scale projects such as infrastructure, civil works, and commercial construction.
It offers detailed takeoff and integration with UK-specific standards and contracts. The features include generating reports for tenders, proposals, and internal review.
While the software contains estimating features, unlike other software, it is more about tendering and BOQs. Therefore, it will hardly fit small and medium contractors.
Pricing
Access ConQuest typically requires a custom quote and is known as an expensive software for premium users only.
Verdict: Estimating solution designed for large civil and commercial contractors working with complex BOQs and formal procurement processes.
#6 EstimatorXpress
EstimatorXpress is used mostly in the UK by residential contractors. It helps contractors create detailed estimates using a built-in library of prices, pre-built templates, and trade-specific cost structures.
However, the software is primarily a desktop-based solution, not a fully cloud-native platform. While the logic is strong, this setup limits real-time collaboration, remote access, and integration with broader financial workflows.
Pricing
EstimatorXpress uses a subscription-based pricing model from £899 a year.
Verdict: It is a narrowly focused estimating tool, but its desktop-based setup and some contractors may prefer a more modern, cloud-based alternative, especially given the price tag.
#7 Price a Job
Price a Job is an estimating and project management tool for small teams. It is a specialist estimating tool designed to build quotes from scratch using UK data
Unlike other tools, Price A Job often requires you to build the job “module by module” (e.g., adding foundations, then walls, then roof separately). It also has limited capabilities to customize the layout or create advanced analytical reports.
In addition, the job requires separate purchases for additional capabilities like project management or accounting.
Pricing
The software offers separate modules for estimating, project management, and accounting, as well as an all-in-one option that combines all features. Each module can be subscribed to individually, depending on the contractor’s needs.
Verdict: Price A Job is a more modular and less integrated tool than all-in-one software. It also lacks communication features and customization.
Match Construction Estimating Software to Your Project
Selecting the right construction estimating software in the UK depends on your project complexity and the level of integration you need with financial and project management workflows.
All-in-one platforms provide the most flexibility, combining accurate estimating, digital takeoff, variation management, and UK-specific financial compliance in a single platform. These tools allow estimates to flow directly into budgets, proposals, and project reporting, saving time and reducing errors.
For quantity surveyors and larger contractors handling complex or BIM-driven projects, choose software to have more complex but accurate tools, though they can feel overwhelming for smaller teams.
Desktop-based solutions may be suitable for specialized estimating needs, but they often lack the collaboration, cloud access, and integrated financial workflows.
Key Takeaways:
- Accuracy, speed, and UK-specific features are crucial when evaluating any estimating software.
- All-in-one cloud platforms streamline preconstruction and financial management, making them ideal for growing businesses.
Finally, the best choice is the one that helps win a job and subsequently manage the actual build.
How Does Construction Estimating Software Work?
The software automates the process of predicting project costs. It allows builders to perform digital takeoffs by measuring quantities, send requests for quotes, track and compare them, add allowances and markups.
What is the Best Construction Estimating Software in the UK?
The best software depends on your business size, project complexity, and workflow. Look for tools that offer accurate estimates, digital takeoff, variation tracking, and UK-specific tax compliance, while supporting collaboration and financial integration.
Can Construction Estimating Software Integrate With Accounting?
Yes. Many UK-focused platforms integrate with accounting systems like Xero or QuickBooks, ensuring VAT, CIS, and cash flow are automatically managed, keeping estimates aligned with actual project finances.
