Quoting software for builders is a specialized tool designed to streamline the process of creating accurate, professional estimates for construction projects
Quoting software for builders is a specialized tool designed to streamline the process of creating accurate, professional estimates for construction projects. It allows contractors to quickly generate quotes, manage materials and labor costs, track project expenses, and deliver clear proposals to clients, all while reducing errors and saving time.
Key Takeaways
The right quoting software streamlines estimate creation, reduces errors, and saves builders valuable time.
Features like automated calculations, templates, and mobile access make quotes faster and more accurate.
Integration with accounting and project management tools ensures seamless workflows and better financial tracking.
DepositFix stands out as an all-in-one solution, combining quoting, invoicing, and payment processing in one platform.
Adopting a robust quoting tool helps builders win more projects, improve client communication, and boost overall profitability.
What Is a Quoting Software for Builders
A quoting software for builders is a digital tool specifically designed to help construction professionals create accurate, professional estimates for their projects. Over 80 % of construction firms already use some form of software for cost estimation. Unlike generic invoicing or spreadsheet solutions, these platforms are built to handle the complexities of construction work, including material costs, labor rates, subcontractor fees, overhead, and project timelines.
They allow builders to quickly generate detailed quotes that can be shared with clients, while also providing features such as cost tracking, itemized material lists, and integration with project management or accounting software. Many quoting tools also include templates, pricing databases, and automated calculations, reducing human error and ensuring consistency across proposals.
For builders, this means less time spent on manual calculations and paperwork, faster turnaround for client proposals, and a higher chance of winning bids by presenting clear, professional, and transparent quotes. In short, quoting software streamlines the estimation process, improves accuracy, and helps construction businesses operate more efficiently and profitably.
Why Builders Need a Quoting Software
Builders need quoting software to save time, reduce errors, and deliver professional, accurate estimates that improve client trust and win more projects. It simplifies the complex process of construction cost calculation and ensures every quote reflects the true scope of work.
Benefits of quoting software for builders:
Speeds up the estimation process with automated calculations: Quoting software automates complex calculations for materials, labor, and overhead, allowing builders to generate quotes in minutes instead of hours. This efficiency helps contractors respond to client inquiries faster and take on more projects.
Reduces errors and omissions in quotes: Manual estimates are prone to mistakes, which can lead to underquoting or disputes. Quoting software ensures all costs are accounted for, minimizing errors and protecting profit margins.
Provides professional, client-ready proposals: Builders can create clean, detailed, and well-formatted quotes that impress clients. Many tools offer customizable templates, making each proposal look polished and professional.
Tracks material, labor, and subcontractor costs accurately: The software keeps all cost elements organized, from raw materials to labor hours and subcontractor fees. This precise tracking ensures that every project is budgeted correctly, avoiding unexpected expenses.
Integrates with project management and accounting tools: Many quoting solutions sync with project management or accounting software, enabling seamless workflows. This integration reduces duplicate work, keeps financial data consistent, and improves overall project tracking.
Improves bid accuracy and increases chances of winning contracts: Accurate, transparent quotes help clients trust your estimates and reduce negotiation friction. Builders who present reliable quotes are more likely to win bids and secure long-term clients.
Centralizes all quotes and estimates for easy reference and reporting: Quoting software stores all past and current estimates in one place, making it easy to access, review, and analyze. This centralized data helps builders identify trends, track performance, and make informed business decisions.
5 Best Quoting Software for Builders
Let’s take a look at the 5 best quoting software for construction builders.
DepositFix
DepositFix is an all‑in‑one contractor billing and quoting platform that goes beyond simple estimates. It helps builders generate professional, customizable quotes, convert them into invoices, process client payments online, and track project profitability, all from one dashboard. It’s designed to streamline the entire quote‑to‑cash workflow so you spend less time on paperwork and more time on actual jobs.
Key Features:
Customizable Estimates & Invoices: Build branded, professional quotes and invoices with labor, materials, and markup details.
Real‑Time Financial Reporting: See project costs, revenue, and profitability on a single dashboard.
Mobile & Cloud Access: Work on quoting, billing, and payments from any device in the field.
Best For: Contractors, large teams, and builders who want a combined quoting, invoicing, and payment solution without juggling multiple tools.
Buildxact
Buildxact is a cloud‑based estimating and project management system that supports builders throughout the quote‑to‑build process. It helps users take digital takeoffs, apply real‑time material pricing, convert quotes into tasks, and then manage the rest of the project within the same platform.
Key Features:
Digital Takeoffs & Estimating: Measure plans and calculate quantities digitally to speed estimating and reduce errors.
Live Material Pricing: Connect to dealer pricing for up‑to‑date material costs.
Cost Tracking vs Actuals: Compare forecasted costs against actual expenses.
Task Scheduling & Management: Convert quoted items into scheduled tasks with dependencies.
Accounting Integrations: Sync financial data with QuickBooks/Xero for bookkeeping continuity.
Best For: Residential builders, remodelers, and contractors handling mid‑to‑large projects who need integrated estimating plus project management.
Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is an all‑in‑one business software for builders and remodelers that includes advanced cost estimating alongside CRM, lead management, takeoff tools, invoicing, and project coordination. It combines design visuals and AI tools with traditional quoting workflows to help builders produce detailed, branded estimates and streamline approvals.
Key Features:
AI‑Driven Estimate Builder: Use AI and templates to quickly generate detailed cost estimates.
Takeoff & Measurements: Turn plan takeoffs directly into line‑item estimates.
Client Approvals & E‑Signatures: Send estimates to clients for online review and acceptance.
Project Management Integration: Convert approved quotes into schedules and tasks.
Marketing & CRM Tools: Manage leads, client communication, and even targeted ads from the same platform.
Best For: Medium to large building firms that want quoting deeply integrated with project management, marketing, and client collaboration.
Tradify
Tradify is a trade business software that combines quoting with scheduling, job costing, invoicing, and team coordination. It’s built for contractors who want a unified system to manage quotes along with day‑to‑day operations.
Key Features:
Fast Quote Creation: Use templates, saved price lists, and customizable line items for rapid quoting.
On‑Site Quoting & Approvals: Create and send quotes directly from mobile devices.
Quote‑to‑Invoice Conversion: Turn accepted quotes into jobs and invoices with a click.
Job Scheduling & Time Tracking: Assign crews and track work hours tied to quotes.
Automatic Follow‑Ups: Automated reminders keep potential clients engaged after quotes are sent.
Best For: Small to medium contractors who need end‑to‑end job workflows, from quoting through scheduling and billing.
Contactor Foreman
Contractor Foreman is a comprehensive construction management platform that includes estimating and quoting alongside project scheduling, job costing, document control, and financial tracking. It’s designed to give builders one platform to handle quoting and broader project management needs.
Key Features:
Estimate Generation: Create detailed cost estimates integrated with project plans.
Job Costing & Financial Tools: Track costs, change orders, and invoicing within the system.
Project Management Suite: Includes task scheduling, daily logs, and crew coordination.
Document Control: Maintain blueprints, RFIs, checklists, and reports in one place.
Mobile Access: Use the platform on tablets or phones from any job site.
Best For: Small to mid‑sized builders and commercial contractors who want a budget‑friendly suite that covers quoting plus overall project management.
What Features to Look for When Choosing a Quoting Software for Builders
The right quoting software helps builders save time, reduce errors, and create professional estimates that help win projects. Here are the key features to look for:
Ease of Use: The software should have an intuitive interface that lets you build and edit quotes without hours of training. A clean layout and logical workflow reduce mistakes and help new team members get productive faster.
Customizable Templates: Good quoting tools let you customize templates with your logo, branding, and line‑item formats. This makes every proposal look professional and consistent, which helps you make a strong impression on clients.
Accurate Cost Calculation: Look for tools that automate calculations for labor, materials, taxes, markup, and overhead. This not only speeds up the process but also prevents costly errors that can eat into your profits.
Integration Capabilities: Quoting software that connects with your project management, accounting, CRM, or takeoff tools saves time and eliminates duplicate data entry. Integrations help keep your financials, schedules, and client records in sync.
Mobile Access: Builders spend a lot of time on job sites, so the ability to create, edit, and send quotes from a phone or tablet is important. Mobile access keeps work moving without having to return to an office computer.
Quote‑to‑Invoice Conversion: Some tools let you instantly turn an approved quote into an invoice or a project job. This removes manual steps and keeps your billing process flowing smoothly.
Client Approval & E‑Signatures: Digital approvals and e‑signature features speed up client acceptance. Instead of waiting for printed documents, clients can accept quotes online, and you get notified instantly.
Reporting & Analytics: Robust reporting gives you visibility into quote success rates, average bid sizes, job profitability, and cost trends. These insights help you make smarter pricing decisions and improve your business performance.
Material & Pricing Database: Access to up‑to‑date material prices, labor rates, and commonly used items helps ensure your estimates reflect real market costs. Some tools let you build reusable price lists that save time and increase consistency.
Automation & Workflow Tools: Features like automated reminders, follow‑up messages, status tracking, and alerts reduce manual work and help you stay organized. Automation drives efficiency, especially when you are managing multiple quotes at once.
Why DepositFix Is Considered the Best Quoting Software for Builders
DepositFix is a complete quote‑to‑cash platform built for builders and contractors who want to move faster, eliminate guesswork, and get paid without friction. Unlike stand‑alone estimating apps, DepositFix lets you build professional, branded quotes, convert them into invoices automatically, collect payments online, and view real‑time financial insights, all from a single system that integrates with your CRM and accounting tools. This unified workflow eliminates repetitive tasks, reduces errors, and improves cash flow, making DepositFix especially powerful for construction teams that juggle multiple projects, clients, and payment milestones.
Benefits for Contractors:
Faster Quote‑to‑Payment Cycle: DepositFix turns approved quotes into invoices with one click and offers integrated payment processing (credit card, ACH, mobile wallets), so you get paid quicker and reduce the time spent chasing payments.
Automated Billing & Reduced Admin Work: Manual tasks like creating invoices, sending reminders, and tracking payments are automated, letting contractors focus on billable work instead of paperwork.
Professional, Branded Proposals: Customizable templates help you produce polished, client‑ready quotes that look professional and reinforce trust from the very first document.
Real‑Time Financial Visibility: Built‑in dashboards give clear views of job costs, outstanding payments, deposits collected, and overall profitability so you can make smarter business decisions.
Improved Accuracy & Consistency: Automatic calculations for labor, materials, taxes, and markups reduce human error and ensure every estimate and invoice reflects the correct numbers.
Scalability & Integration: As your business grows, DepositFix scales with you, syncing data with tools like QuickBooks, CRM platforms, and project management systems for a seamless workflow across teams and systems.
Better Cash Flow Management: With features like milestone billing, automated reminders, and flexible payment options, you improve collection rates and maintain a healthier cash flow throughout project lifecycles.
DepositFix stands out because it doesn’t just help you create quotes; it helps you close deals, manage finances, and run your contracting business with more accuracy, efficiency, and profitability than traditional quoting software. Book a free demo and see it in action.
Conclusion
The right quoting software simplifies estimates, cuts down on errors, and helps builders create professional proposals that win more projects. From fast, automated calculations to mobile access, integrations, and client‑friendly approvals, the right tool can transform how construction businesses manage their quotes and project costs.
Among the top options, DepositFix stands out as the most comprehensive solution, combining professional quoting, seamless invoice generation, online payment processing, and real‑time financial insights in one platform. Whether you are a solo contractor or a growing construction team, adopting a robust quoting software like DepositFix can save time, improve accuracy, enhance cash flow, and ultimately boost your competitiveness in the construction industry.
FAQs
What types of construction projects benefit most from quoting software?
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Quoting software is ideal for residential, commercial, and remodeling projects. Any job that involves multiple materials, labor tasks, subcontractors, and variable costs can benefit from automated estimates to save time and ensure accuracy.
Can quoting software handle complex pricing like bulk discounts or tiered rates?
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Yes, many quoting tools allow builders to apply bulk discounts, tiered pricing, or conditional cost rules, ensuring quotes reflect real-world pricing scenarios without manual calculations.
How secure is client data in quoting software?
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Reputable quoting software uses encryption, secure servers, and user permission controls to protect client and project data. Always verify the software provider’s security standards before storing sensitive information.
Can quoting software track changes to a quote after it’s sent?
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Yes, many tools maintain a revision history, allowing builders to track edits, update pricing, and record client approvals to avoid confusion or disputes.
Is training required to use quoting software effectively?
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Most modern quoting platforms are user-friendly, but initial training or tutorials are recommended to maximize efficiency, understand integrations, and take full advantage of advanced features.
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