Solution
An Excel Alternative for Construction Estimating
Plenty of good contractors estimate in Excel, and for a while it works. The trouble comes later: a formula gets overwritten, a price is a year old, two copies of the file disagree, and the estimate only makes sense to the person who built it.
Where spreadsheets break down
Measurements live on the drawings or in another file and get retyped into the sheet. Prices are typed in by hand and go stale. Assemblies are copied from the last job and carry the last job's mistakes. Nothing connects the estimate to the job once you win it. Our post on when a construction spreadsheet stops working goes through the signs.
What changes in PoPs Estimating
Takeoff (Count, Linear Feet, Square Feet) happens on the drawing and feeds the estimate directly. You pick from real, SKU-level catalogs across 15 CSI divisions and do not type each price. The Bid Summary shows your markup in one place. When you win, the estimate hands off to PoPs Project Tracker as the starting budget.
What it costs
PoPs Estimating is on the Starter plan at $49 a month, $539 a year, or $899 once. Try it free for 14 days with no credit card, using your own numbers beside your spreadsheet. See start a free trial.
FAQ
Do I have to give up my spreadsheet?
No. You can run a free trial next to it and compare the numbers on a real bid.
What does it cost compared with Excel?
The Starter plan is $49 a month, $539 a year, or $899 once. Excel is cheaper to own, but it does not carry catalogs, takeoff or the handoff to the job.