Singapore’s construction industry is tougher than ever, with tight margins and even tighter deadlines. Many companies are still stuck using spreadsheets, which just can’t keep up with the pace of change. Switching to construction estimating software can help overcome these risks and speed up the process.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) predicts that building demand in Singapore will be between S$47 billion and S$53 billion by 2025, indicating a growing market. As organizations confront growing competition and pressure to meet deadlines, using construction estimating software can help them stay ahead.
This guide will explore the world of construction estimating software. We’ll look at why it’s so important for business growth and what features you really need. We’ll also review the best options available in Singapore today, including top platforms like ScaleOcean, Procore, Sage, ProEst, and more.
Key Takeaways- Construction estimating software helps contractors and estimators to precisely determine project costs. It replaces manual methods such as spreadsheets or pen and paper.
- Discover the best construction estimating software in Singapore, including top platforms like ScaleOcean, Procore, Sage, ProEst, and more.
- Choosing the right software involves assessing your business size, evaluating ease of use, checking integrations, comparing cloud versus desktop solutions, and ensuring quality customer support.
- ScaleOcean’s construction ERP software, an all-in-one platform, integrates initial estimates to project budgets, procurement, and real-time cost tracking.
What is Construction Estimating Software?
Construction estimating software is an application that helps contractors and estimators to precisely determine project costs. It replaces manual methods such as spreadsheets or pen and paper, streamlining the process and increasing efficiency, which is essential for lucrative projects in competitive markets such as Singapore.
This construction estimating software Singapore combines material quantities, labor rates, and other costs into a single estimate. It offers a faster and more reliable method of calculating project costs, allowing firms to develop competitive, lucrative proposals that attract clients.
Why Accurate Estimating Software is a Game-Changer in Singapore’s Competitive Market?
In Singapore’s competitive economy, accuracy is critical. A minor error in an estimate might convert a profitable job into a loss. Construction estimating software ensures that your numbers are solid, providing you with confidence that your estimates are accurate and defensible.
Accurate estimates enable better project planning and resource allocation, resulting in higher profit margins. This contributes to the development of a long-term business, promoting growth in a hard market. Next, we’ll look at how correct estimates influence project success and business growth:
1. Win More Profitable Bids
When you use dedicated software for estimating, it really moves you past just guessing about your profit margins, which is a common issue. With more accurate bids, you ensure all costs are covered and include a healthy profit margin, helping your business work smarter, not harder, which is crucial for success.
The software lets you adjust your numbers quickly, really quickly, and run different scenarios to see what works. This means you can fine-tune your bid to be competitive, yes, but without actually sacrificing your profitability, which is a critical advantage, honestly, especially in Singapore’s tender processes.
2. Increase Speed and Efficiency
Think about it: manual estimating, especially on spreadsheets for a complex project, can just eat up days, sometimes even weeks of your team’s time. But with good construction estimating software, that same work can be cut down to mere hours, and this kind of speed really helps your team bid on more projects, which is a clear win.
All this efficiency comes from automating those repetitive tasks, things like takeoffs and all those calculations that used to take so much time. This allows estimators to focus on strategic tasks, like vendor negotiations and risk analysis, instead of just crunching numbers, where their true value lies.
3. Manage Cost Volatility
Material and labour costs here in Singapore can really fluctuate and change very, very quickly. Trying to keep a traditional spreadsheet updated with all the latest prices, honestly, it’s practically a full-time job on its own, and that introduces a huge risk for any construction business trying to manage its budget.
With good estimating software, you can keep a central cost database, which is really easy to update whenever prices shift. This way, all your new bids will always reflect the most current market pricing, which is so important for protecting your margins from those often unexpected cost increases that can really hurt.
4. Reduce Human Error
Spreadsheets, well, they’re notoriously prone to human error, aren’t they? A single broken formula or just a typo can throw off an entire bid, and these seemingly small mistakes can actually have huge financial consequences down the line, something many companies might be risking without fully realizing it.
Good software really minimises this risk by automating calculations and also standardising the entire estimating process, which is a smart move. Switching to a dedicated platform builds a more robust system, greatly reducing costly human errors, which is a relief for any business.
5. Present Professional Proposals
The way you present your bid really matters to clients. A messy, poorly formatted spreadsheet doesn’t inspire confidence. According to GeBiz, tenders are awarded to the bid offering the best value for money for the public sector, taking a holistic approach.
A good construction estimating software solution will really help you generate professional, well-branded, and quite detailed proposal documents effortlessly. This not only looks better but also clearly communicates your value and attention to detail, helping you stand out in a crowded field.
Key Features to Look For in Estimating Software
When looking into building estimating software, the number of features can be daunting. Concentrate on fundamental functionalities that actually meet your company’s needs. Not all features are the same, and some are more important for getting things done correctly.
Understanding these crucial aspects allows you to compare platforms and select the best tool for your workflow. This ensures that you effectively address your estimation difficulties. Now, let’s break down the must-have features that consistently provide actual value:
1. Digital Takeoff
Digital takeoff is, without a doubt, one of the biggest time-savers that you can find in modern estimating processes. It truly allows you to measure quantities directly from those digital blueprints right there on your screen, effectively cutting out a lot of the old manual work.
With just a few clicks, you can precisely measure areas, lengths, and various counts with quite a lot of accuracy, which is much better than manual methods. All this information then feeds directly into your estimate, which truly makes the whole process faster and more precise for any construction project, especially here in Singapore.
2. Customizable Cost Databases
It’s a simple truth that your estimates are only ever going to be as good, or as bad, as the cost data you’re actually using. The best construction estimating software options really do allow you to build and then maintain your own very specific database of material, labour, and equipment costs.
This particular feature ensures your bids are always based on your actual, real-world costs, rather than just some generic industry averages that might not apply to your specific situation. You can also easily create a schedule of rates to help standardise pricing across various projects, which is a huge boost for consistency across your operations.
3. Bid Management and Proposal Generation
Good estimating software, truly, does much more than just crunch numbers and calculate costs. The tool should be all-encompassing, helping you manage the entire bidding process from start to finish.
Additionally, it should enable you to quickly generate professional proposal documents directly from your estimate, saving valuable time. This feature helps you present a polished, comprehensive bid package, crucial for winning work in today’s competitive construction market.
4. Integration Capabilities
Your estimating software really shouldn’t be an isolated system operating in its own silo. That’s just not practical for efficient business. It absolutely needs to connect seamlessly with the other vital tools you use to run your construction business, such as your accounting software or project management platforms.
This kind of smart integration allows critical data to flow effortlessly from the estimate phase right through to the project execution phase, which means less friction and fewer errors. Good construction cost management software prevents double-entry and ensures the team works with the same information, reducing miscommunications.
The Best Construction Estimating Software in Singapore
The construction software industry in Singapore is extensive, with numerous alternatives tailored to different types of contractors and projects. Understanding the key players is the first step toward determining the best fit for your company.
We’ll take a quick look at the top solutions, both globally known and well-suited to the Singapore market. This list will serve as a starting point for additional investigation. Next, let’s look at the greatest solutions available:
1. ScaleOcean’s Construction Estimating Software
ScaleOcean’s construction ERP software is designed specifically for the Singapore construction sector, combining digital takeoff, cost estimation, and bid administration in a single seamless platform. It is engineered for speed and precision, resulting in effective project management and precise construction estimates.
ScaleOcean’s modern, all-in-one platform integrates initial estimates to project budgets, procurement, and real-time cost tracking. This delivers unprecedented financial visibility from bid to completion, resulting in superior decision-making and financial control throughout the project’s lifecycle.
ScaleOcean offers a free demo of its Construction ERP software, allowing you to experience its advanced construction estimating capabilities. This allows you to expedite your bidding process and generate correct proposals quickly. Furthermore, ScaleOcean is qualified for the CTC award, which increases its value.
Key Features:
- User-friendly Interface: Intuitive design that reduces the learning curve for your team, making it easier to navigate and operate the software.
- Accurate and Up-to-date Cost Databases: Access to current cost data, ensuring reliable and precise cost estimations for your projects.
- Digital Takeoff Capabilities: Ability to extract accurate measurements directly from blueprints, streamlining the estimation process.
- Customizable Templates: Flexible templates that allow you to tailor estimates to your specific project needs and preferences.
- Cloud-based Access: Seamless access from anywhere, allowing for remote collaboration and real-time updates across teams.
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Best For: ScaleOcean is suitable for Singaporean contractors who want a unified platform that removes data silos between the estimating and project management teams. ScaleOcean’s integration of these functions ensures a single source of truth, facilitating communication and decision-making for more efficient project execution.
2. Procore Construction Management Platform
Procore is quite a well-known name, really an all-in-one construction management platform. The estimating features are integrated into this larger system, which handles everything from project management right through to financials, making it a solid choice for larger companies.
It’s certainly a good system, though that broad scope can sometimes mean it’s a bit more complex and, naturally, more expensive to implement. Procore tends to be suited for those firms aiming to have just one platform to manage their entire business operations from top to bottom.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive project management tools
- Financial tracking and integration
- Real-time collaboration and document sharing
- Customizable workflows and reporting
- Mobile-friendly for field and office use
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Best For: Larger construction companies that require a comprehensive, all-in-one platform for project management from planning to execution are the ideal candidates for Procore. Teams that need strong project management, financial tracking, and collaboration capabilities will find it ideal.
3. Sage Estimating Software
Sage has been a player in business software for ages, and their estimating tool is quite robust, no doubt about it. It integrates well with Sage’s accounting software, which is a definite plus for anyone already using Sage, making it one of the trusted solutions in the industry overall.
Where it really shines is with its detailed cost databases and impressive reporting capabilities. However, you might find its interface feels a little dated when compared to some of the fresher, cloud-based options, potentially making the learning curve steeper for new users.
Key Features:
- Detailed cost databases
- Strong integration with Sage accounting tools
- Advanced reporting and analysis tools
- Customizable templates and formulas
- User-friendly interface for quick learning
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Best For: Medium-sized to big construction companies that currently use Sage software are the ideal candidates for Sage Estimating. It’s a fantastic option for businesses with a lot of projects because it’s perfect for those seeking thorough cost tracking and strong interaction with accounting software.
4. ProEst Construction Cloud-Based Platform
ProEst is a cloud-based platform, really known for its powerful digital takeoff and overall estimating features. It’s definitely designed to help commercial contractors streamline that whole preconstruction workflow, making it a focused tool in that area.
You’ll find it offers a good level of customization, plus it integrates well with a bunch of other construction software. This flexibility makes it a practical choice for companies with very specific estimating needs, allowing them to tailor the solution.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based platform for ease of access
- Advanced digital takeoff tools
- Customizable reporting and templates
- Integration with various construction software
- Real-time collaboration for team members
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Best For: Commercial contractors seeking a cloud-based solution with strong digital takeoff and estimate capabilities are the ideal candidates for ProEst. It’s great for firms with particular estimating needs that demand modification and integration with other solutions.
5. HCSS HeavyBid Construction Estimating Tools
Just as the name implies, HCSS HeavyBid is built specifically for those in heavy civil construction, which is quite specialised. It really excels when it comes to estimating for big infrastructure projects, things like roads, bridges, and all sorts of utilities, truly a focused tool for that niche.
If your company operates in this specific sector, HeavyBid is pretty much considered one of the industry standards. It’s well-regarded for its capability to manage complex bids, even those with many moving parts, cementing its place as a perfect niche solution.
Key Features:
- Tailored for heavy civil construction
- Customizable bid templates
- Bid analysis and comparison tools
- Integration with accounting software
- Powerful reporting and cost tracking
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Best For: Large companies involved in heavy civil construction, such as those in charge of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and utilities, are the ideal candidates for HCSS HeavyBid. It’s perfect for businesses that need a customized solution for intricate cost tracking and bid administration.
6. Buildertrend Construction Platform
Buildertrend is a popular platform, really designed primarily for residential home builders and remodelers, which makes sense for many smaller operations. It brings together project management, financials, and even customer management all into one place, offering a comprehensive tool for that specific market.
While its estimating features are quite solid for residential jobs, they might not be robust enough if you’re tackling larger commercial projects. Still, it’s a really good choice for builders who need an all-in-one residential solution to keep everything organised.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive project management tools
- Financial tracking and budgeting
- Client and subcontractor communication tools
- Scheduling and timeline management
- Mobile app for field access
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Best For: For smaller builders or home contractors seeking a single project management and communication platform, Buildertrend is the ideal choice. It’s perfect for handling client communications, finances, schedules, and residential projects all on one user-friendly platform.
7. Buildxact Construction Software
Buildxact is another platform that’s quite focused on small to medium-sized residential builders and remodelers. It’s really known for being easy to use and quick to set up, with a clear focus on simplicity and speed.
It provides straightforward takeoffs and estimating features, which are just perfect for those smaller projects. This makes it a really great entry-level tool for businesses that are perhaps just now transitioning away from those manual spreadsheets.
Key Features:
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Easy setup with minimal learning curve
- Detailed cost tracking and estimating tools
- Integration with accounting and project management software
- Cloud-based for access anywhere
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Best For: Small to medium-sized residential builders who require an easy-to-use and efficient estimating tool are the ideal candidates for Buildxact. It’s perfect for companies that need a simple, cloud-based solution for basic project management and cost estimation.
8. Clear Estimates Construction Tools
Clear Estimates offers a very straightforward, cloud-based tool, specifically designed with smaller contractors and remodelers in mind. It comes packed with a large database of pre-built templates and cost data, which really helps users to get started early and efficiently.
The main thing about Clear Estimates is its sheer simplicity. That’s its big selling point. While it might not be the most powerful tool out there, it’s easy to pick up and use for creating fast, simple estimates without much fuss.
Key Features:
- Pre-built templates and cost data
- Cloud-based for easy access
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Fast setup for quick implementation
- Estimation customization for specific projects
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Best For: For small contractors and remodelers who require a straightforward, effective tool for producing quick and accurate quotes, Clear Quotes is the ideal option. It’s perfect for companies that need user-friendly software with pre-made templates and fundamental cost estimation capabilities.
9. Contractor Foreman Estimates Construction Solution
Contractor Foreman positions itself as an all-in-one solution for small and medium-sized contractors, aiming to deliver real value. It brings a wide array of features to the table, covering everything from estimating and project management to financials, which is quite comprehensive for its aims to provide great value.
Contractor Foreman is created with simplicity in mind, making it an accessible alternative for small and medium-sized contractors. Its simple interface and practical features enable contractors to handle projects, timelines, and communication without requiring a steep learning curve.
Key Features:
- All-in-one platform for project management
- Integrated estimating, financials, and communication tools
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Mobile access for field use
- Reporting and analytics features
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Best For: Small to medium-sized contractors seeking an all-in-one, reasonably priced solution for communication, estimating, and project management are the ideal candidates for Contractor Foreman. Businesses that require a straightforward solution to manage their process without complicated features will find it ideal.
10. Estimator360 Construction Cloud-Based Platform
Estimator360 is a cloud-based platform that really looks to automate a lot of the estimating process. It’s designed specifically for builders, capable of generating estimates, schedules, and budgets all from just one input, making it quite focused on streamlined automation.
The ability to create a full project plan right from the initial estimate is a pretty unique feature, which can be a real game-changer. This makes it a good option for companies wanting to tightly link their preconstruction work with the actual project execution phases.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based for real-time access
- Automated estimate generation and scheduling
- Integration with project management tools
- Budget tracking and cost analysis
- Customizable project templates
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Best For: Builders seeking an automated estimating platform that connects preconstruction estimates with project execution are the ideal candidates for Estimator360. Businesses that need to consolidate scheduling and estimates into a single system will find it suitable.
11. STACK Construction Estimating Cloud Software
STACK is a leading cloud-based software, really focused just on takeoffs and estimates, which is a good specialization. It’s particularly known for its fast and accurate digital takeoff capabilities, and honestly, this is where its core strength truly lies.
It proves to be a great tool for preconstruction teams who need a good, dedicated takeoff solution. While it integrates quite well with other software to create a complete workflow, it’s important to remember it’s not an all-in-one platform itself.
Key Features:
- Focus on digital takeoffs and estimating
- Accurate and fast material estimation
- Integration with other software for project management
- Real-time collaboration features
- Cloud-based platform for remote access
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Best For: Construction teams who require a specific tool for digital takeoffs and precise calculations are the greatest candidates for STACK. Businesses specializing in preconstruction chores that need dependable and quick estimation software will find it suitable.
12. PlanSwift Construction Estimating System
PlanSwift is a really popular and good desktop software, specifically for digital takeoffs, and has been the industry standard for quite a long time. It’s particularly known for its speed and overall flexibility, which are valuable traits in any construction estimating software.
Users can easily drag and drop items right onto a digital plan to calculate materials and associated costs, which is pretty efficient. However, while it’s powerful, it’s mostly a takeoff tool, so you might need to integrate it with other software for full estimating functionality.
Key Features:
- Desktop software for digital takeoffs
- Drag-and-drop material calculation
- Accurate measurement and cost estimation
- Integration with other software for full project management
- Fast setup and ease of use
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Best For: Businesses that require a specialized digital takeoff tool are the ideal candidates for PlanSwift. Construction teams that value speed and adaptability in determining material quantities and costs will find it ideal.
13. Bluebeam Revu Estimating Software Solution
Bluebeam Revu is something you see used very widely across the AEC industry for PDF creation, markup, and also collaboration, which is a big part of project communication. It includes some good takeoff and measurement tools, proving it’s definitely more than just a PDF reader.
It can be a convenient starting point for sure. Just keep in mind it doesn’t have the extensive database or proposal generation features you’d find in a dedicated estimating software solution.
Key Features:
- PDF creation and markup tools
- Measurement and takeoff capabilities
- Real-time collaboration features
- Easy integration with other software
- Cloud access for sharing documents
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Best For: Construction teams in the AEC sector that require robust PDF markup, takeoff, and collaboration capabilities are the ideal candidates for Bluebeam Revu. It’s perfect for businesses that value document management and require an adaptable communication platform.
14. PlanHub Estimating Cloud-Based Platform
PlanHub is a bit of a different system, really, functioning as a cloud-based platform that primarily connects general contractors with subcontractors. It offers tools for sharing plans and managing bids, making it quite a network-focused platform in the construction space.
While it does come with some estimating features, its core strength truly lies in bid management and effective subcontractor outreach. This makes it particularly useful for general contractors who need to handle a large volume of bids from different trade partners, keeping everything organised.
Key Features:
- Bid management and collaboration tools
- Cloud-based platform for easy access
- Bid document management
- Real-time communication with subcontractors
- Network for finding and managing subcontractors
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Best For: General contractors that want a platform to coordinate with subcontractors and handle bids are the ideal candidates for PlanHub. It is best suited for businesses that prioritize communication with subcontractors and bid management over full-scope project management.
Also Read: What is a Cost Breakdown Structure, Importance, and Example
How to Choose the Right Construction Estimating Software
Choosing the correct construction estimating software is an important decision that will have a long-term impact on your organization. With so many possibilities available, it is critical to approach the decision logically and with a focus on your company’s specific requirements.
Don’t simply choose the software with the greatest functionality or the most recognizable brand name. The best tool is one that suits your tasks, complements your team’s process, and fits your budget. Now, let’s look at the essential factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Assess Your Business Size and Project Scope
Small residential remodelers require different construction estimate software than large commercial general contractors. Be realistic about the types of projects your company handles, whether residential, commercial, or civil, and select software that is specialized to your particular specialization.
Ensure that the software you choose can handle the entire complexity of your everyday projects. There is no point in investing in a tool meant for large civil projects if your primary focus is on residential or commercial development. Choose what is most appropriate for your needs.
2. Evaluate Ease of Use vs. Power
You’ll find some construction estimating software that’s incredibly powerful, but honestly, it often comes with a pretty steep learning curve. On the flip side, other tools are super simple to use, yet they might just miss out on those advanced features you need, so finding that sweet spot for your team is crucial.
Really think about who on your team will be using this software day-to-day and what their current technical skills are. A tool that’s too complicated will likely just sit there, leading to poor adoption and a wasted investment, plain and simple.
3. Check for Critical Integration Capabilities
Consider all of the additional software you use for your organization, such as accounting or project management applications. It is critical to determine whether the construction estimating software connects effectively with various platforms, ensuring that data flows smoothly throughout your operations.
Seamless connection with tools such as accounting or project management software can save time and decrease errors caused by manual entry. To boost productivity and accuracy across your processes, choose software that facilitates the creation of a connected workflow rather than an isolated tool.
4. Compare Cloud-Based vs. Desktop Solutions
When you’re looking at construction estimating software, you’ll generally find two main types: cloud-based and desktop solutions. Cloud-based options offer remote access from anywhere, ideal for flexible teams, while desktop versions are locally installed and may feel faster or more secure for some users.
It’s pretty common now for most modern solutions to be cloud-based, mainly because of how flexible they are and how easily teams can collaborate. Thinking about how your specific construction team actually works day-to-day will help you figure out which option truly offers the most practical solution for your operations.
5. Inquire About Customer Support and Training
Honestly, even the most amazing construction estimating software won’t do you much good if your team doesn’t actually know how to use it correctly. Solid customer support and really good training resources are essential for a successful rollout, so this isn’t a factor you should ever gloss over.
Definitely ask any potential vendors about their onboarding process, what kind of training they offer, and what their ongoing support looks like. A vendor who genuinely invests in your team’s success acts more like a true partner, and that kind of dedicated support can be a massive advantage in the long run.
Conclusion
Singaporean construction enterprises must move away from obsolete spreadsheets. The correct estimating software improves accuracy, professionalism, and confidence, speeding up the bidding process and building a solid foundation for successful projects.
To select the best platform, consider your individual requirements, such as project size and team expertise. ScaleOcean provides comprehensive construction ERP software aimed at increasing efficiency. ScaleOcean, as a vendor, offers a free demo to help you explore its capabilities that are tailored to your needs.
FAQ:
1. What is the difference between takeoff and estimating software?
Takeoff software automates the process of extracting material quantities from construction plans, while estimating software uses these quantities to calculate the overall costs and generate accurate project bids based on the required resources.
2. Can this software be used for renovation and interior design projects in Singapore?
Indeed, this software is suitable for renovation and interior design projects in Singapore. It helps accurately estimate costs, manage project timelines, and efficiently allocate materials and labor, ensuring seamless project execution for various types of constructions.
3. How does this software handle material and labor costs from different countries?
The software accounts for international material and labor costs by incorporating local cost data. This allows for precise cost calculations by considering local rates, taxes, and currency conversion, which ensures cost efficiency across different geographical locations.
4. Can AI do construction estimating?
AI can certainly assist in construction estimating by processing past data, analyzing patterns, and evaluating project specifics to provide cost predictions. This speeds up the process, increases accuracy, and helps in making data-driven decisions for resource allocation.
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