Clear Estimates vs HeavyBid

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Our analysts compared Clear Estimates vs HeavyBid based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Construction Estimating Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Clear Estimates is a cloud-based software designed for contractors and remodelers to address estimation needs. It prepares professional proposals and estimates and calculates average costs while providing pricing data for 400 areas of the U.S. It also comes preloaded with 15,000 parts with detailed labor and material costs.

Over 60 templates for jobs such as garages, bathrooms, kitchens and additions are available. All parts come equipped with contract language to help users avoid writing long proposals. It offers several customization options, enabling users to create and edit templates and parts in boilerplate language.
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Developed by HCSS, HeavyBid provides estimating and bidding solutions to help automate daily tasks. Verify material and labor prices to identify estimating errors. Import takeoff data from external programs to produce precise cost estimates. Store files in a secure cloud environment. Enable managers to track project progress via the dashboard.

Managers can create, modify and analyze supplier and subcontractor quotes. Generate estimate recap reports to summarize quotes for better understanding. It integrates with Microsoft Project, Excel, Primavera P6, Word and Outlook, and accounting tools.
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$79 Monthly
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$3,195/User, Annually
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Windows
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Android
Chromebook
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Cloud
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Streamline Workflows: Integrate with QuickBooks to reduce accounting errors. Enable employees to track work hours electronically. 
  • Generate Error-Free Estimates: Access built-in material and cost databases to avoid quoting mistakes. Create quotes in just a few clicks using internet-enabled devices. 
  • Impress Clients: Produce professional proposals in minutes. Add the company logo, name, address and phone number to reports. 
  • Save Time: Integrate with Buildertrend to complete projects on schedule. Use customizable templates to produce precise estimates. 
  • Deploy on the Cloud: Store data in a secure environment. Enable employees to view and download documents from a centralized location. 
  • Stay Mobile: View information from anywhere at any time using Android or iOS devices. Monitor project progress off-site. 
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  • Reduce Estimating Errors: Access bid item, activity and material codebooks to automatically build estimates. Use custom calculation routines to avoid performing repetitive calculations. 
  • Promote Collaboration: Enable multiple estimators to work on the same quote to improve estimating accuracy. Attach photos, audio clips and videos to plans to keep everyone on the same. 
  • Make Data-driven Decisions: Produce preconfigured revenue reports to evaluate the company’s financial performance. Integrate with Tableau and Power BI to analyze key performance indicators. 
  • Generate Professional Proposals: Customize Word- and Excel-based bid proposals in just a few minutes. Add company logo to proposals to increase brand recognition. 
  • Maintain Data Integrity: Integrate with accounting systems like QuickBooks, CMiC and Foundation to generate error-free quotes. 
  • Stay Secure: Store files in ISO 27001, SSAE16/SOC compliant data centers to protect them from hackers. 
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  • Estimation: Access cost databases to create accurate estimates. Reuse data from previous estimates to save time. 
  • Customizable Templates: Remove unwanted parts, change pricing details or add additional components to jobs to speed up estimating processes. 
  • Integrations: Import sales and receipt data to QuickBooks. Export estimates to Buildertrend. Send customer data to existing CRM systems using Zapier. 
  • Localized Pricing: Access region-specific material and labor costs. Acquire pricing data of 400 areas across the U.S. 
  • Professional Proposals: Automatically generate formal proposals by adding parts from databases prewritten in contract language. 
  • Reporting: Update and track project statuses from the project information tab. View statuses of sent proposals and invoices. 
  • Change Order Management: Add alternate prices to projects to maintain financial stability. 
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  • Estimation: Copy and reuse past quotes to save time and avoid data entry mistakes. Add activities to estimates in just a few clicks. Assign resource codes to items such as equipment, labor and materials to speed up estimating processes.  
  • Bid Management: Find bid items using the keyword search function. Add desired columns to the bid pricing screen to view detailed information. Mark up estimates by cost types. Export data directly to DOT’s bidding system to eliminate re-entering bid prices. 
  • Quote Management: Create folders for subs and suppliers to help them access data quickly. Perform multiple quote comparisons, update estimates and detect advantageous pricing. View scope differences among quotes and make last-minute changes. 
  • Bi-directional Interface: Export cost and resource schedules to Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project. Import modified schedules to the system’s database to merge them with estimates. 
  • Calculations: Calculate quantities, production rates, costs and risk factors using the built-in calculator. Copy calculations to notes and reports to help review bids. 
  • Insights: Compare past and actual estimates to identify errors and reduce risks. Create custom key performance indicators to gain valuable insights. Conduct what-if analyses to make strategic business decisions. 
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Product Ranking

#12

among all
Construction Estimating Software

#34

among all
Construction Estimating Software

Find out who the leaders are

Analyst Rating Summary

57
77
24
84
69
84
45
93
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Platform Capabilities
Estimate Management
Reports and Dashboards
Document and Database Management
Platform Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Clear Estimates
HeavyBid
+ Add Product + Add Product
Bid Management Cost Management Document And Database Management Estimate Management Platform Capabilities Project Management Reports And Dashboards Takeoff Capabilities 24 69 45 78 93 75 62 0 84 84 93 97 87 66 95 41 0 25 50 75 100
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

33%
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67%
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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 221 reviews
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90%
of users recommend this product

Clear Estimates has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 90% when considering 221 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

we're gathering data
4.54 (112)
n/a
4.5 (109)
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Awards

Clear Estimates stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated HeavyBid and concluded it deserves the award for the Best Overall Construction Estimating Software available today and earns best-in-class honors for Document and Database Management and Estimate Management.

Analysts' Pick Award
Document and Database Management Award
Estimate Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Intuitive Interface: Users praise the platform for its user-friendly design, making it easy to navigate and input project details, even for those who aren't tech-savvy.
Accurate Material Costs: Clear Estimates is recognized for providing reliable material cost data, ensuring estimates are grounded in real-world pricing.
Detailed Reports: The software generates comprehensive reports that clearly outline all aspects of the estimate, facilitating transparent communication with clients.
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Comprehensive Estimating: HeavyBid offers a wide range of features that cater to various aspects of construction estimating, including takeoff, pricing, bidding, and reporting. This comprehensive approach allows estimators to manage the entire bidding process within a single platform.
Customization and Flexibility: HeavyBid provides a high degree of customization, enabling users to tailor the software to their specific workflows and requirements. This flexibility ensures that estimators can adapt the software to their unique estimating processes and preferences.
Integration Capabilities: HeavyBid integrates with various other software applications commonly used in the construction industry, such as scheduling, accounting, and project management tools. This integration streamlines data flow and enhances collaboration between different departments within a construction company.
Industry-Specific Focus: HeavyBid is specifically designed for the heavy civil construction industry, with features and functionalities tailored to the unique needs of this sector. This industry-specific focus ensures that estimators have access to tools and resources that are relevant to their projects.
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Limited Customization: Some users have expressed frustration with the limited ability to customize templates and features to align with their specific workflow or company branding.
Learning Curve: While generally considered user-friendly, some individuals have noted a learning curve associated with mastering all of Clear Estimates' features, particularly for those transitioning from traditional spreadsheet-based estimating methods.
Mobile App Functionality: A subset of users have pointed out limitations in the mobile app's functionality compared to the desktop version, particularly regarding offline access and editing capabilities, which can be inconvenient for on-site use.
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Steep Learning Curve: HeavyBid's extensive features and functionalities can be overwhelming for new users, requiring significant time investment to master the software effectively.
Customization Challenges: Adapting HeavyBid to specific workflows or unique project requirements can be complex, often demanding advanced knowledge of the software's underlying structure.
Integration Limitations: Integrating HeavyBid with other construction management software or external databases may pose challenges, potentially hindering seamless data exchange and workflow efficiency.
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Is Clear Estimates clearly the best estimating software out there? User reviews from the past year suggest that Clear Estimates is a solid choice for construction professionals, particularly those focused on residential remodeling. Users praise its ease of use, highlighting the intuitive interface and pre-built templates that expedite the estimate creation process. The software's integration with QuickBooks is also a big plus, streamlining accounting workflows. However, some users express frustration with the limited customization options for reports and proposals. While the software offers some flexibility, it may not fully satisfy users who require highly tailored outputs. A key differentiator for Clear Estimates is its comprehensive database of locally adjusted costs for materials and labor. This feature ensures accurate estimates, saving users from the hassle of manual research and adjustments. Users also appreciate the software's regular price updates, guaranteeing they're working with the most current data. This is particularly crucial in today's volatile market, where prices can fluctuate rapidly. Overall, Clear Estimates is best suited for small to medium-sized remodeling contractors who prioritize ease of use and accurate cost data. Larger firms or those with more complex reporting needs might find the software's limited customization options restrictive.

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HeavyBid is a powerful construction estimating software that has garnered a mixed reputation among users over the past year. While its comprehensive features and ability to handle complex projects are widely appreciated, some users find the software's interface to be outdated and cumbersome. The learning curve associated with HeavyBid is often cited as a drawback, as it requires significant time and effort to master. However, users who invest the time to learn the software find it to be a valuable tool that can streamline the estimating process and improve accuracy. Compared to competitors like Bluebeam Revu and PlanSwift, HeavyBid offers more advanced functionality for detailed cost estimation and bid preparation. Its ability to integrate with other construction management software is also seen as a major advantage. However, HeavyBid's higher price point and steeper learning curve may deter smaller companies or those with simpler estimating needs. Overall, HeavyBid is best suited for large construction firms or those that handle complex projects with a high degree of detail. Its comprehensive features and ability to integrate with other software make it a valuable tool for streamlining the estimating process and improving accuracy. However, smaller companies or those with simpler needs may find the software's complexity and cost to be prohibitive.

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Screenshots

Top Alternatives in Construction Estimating Software


B2W Software

Buildertrend

Buildxact

CoConstruct

ConstructionOnline

Corecon

HeavyBid

McCormick Estimating

PlanSwift

Plexxis

ProEst

RedTeam

Sage Estimating

The Estimating Edge

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