Comparing the Top Construction Estimating Software for UK Builders in 2025
In 2025, UK builders have more digital tools at their disposal than ever before to help streamline project costing, improve accuracy, and increase profitability. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which construction estimating software best suits your business. In this guide, we compare the most widely used estimating solutions available in the UK: EstimatorXpress, Buildertrend, Eque2, Buildxact, Estimate (estimate.co.uk), and Price a Job.
This comparison is tailored specifically to UK small to medium-sized residential construction businesses—whether you’re quoting for a kitchen extension, a loft conversion, or a new build.
1. EstimatorXpress (by HBXL) – Built for UK Residential Builders
Overview: HBXL’s EstimatorXpress is a desktop-based estimating solution designed exclusively for UK builders. It integrates directly with HBXL’s other software products including PlansXpress, BuildProjex, ContractsXpert, and Health & Safety Xpert to provide a complete project management ecosystem.
Key Strengths:
Instant quote generation with live materials pricing
Seamless integration with 2D/3D CAD via PlansXpress
Generates detailed cost reports, schedules, Gantt charts, and material lists
Pre-loaded estimating calculators and templates for UK building tasks
Designed for extensions, new builds, renovations and conversions
Ideal For: Builders and contractors looking for an all-in-one, UK-specific estimating and job management tool.
Pricing: One-off licence or subscription from £999+VAT per year
2. Buildertrend – Popular Cloud-Based Job Management
Overview: Buildertrend is a widely used cloud-based construction management platform originally developed in the US. While it includes basic estimating capabilities, its primary strength lies in project scheduling, customer management and communication tools.
Key Strengths:
Cloud-based and mobile-friendly
CRM tools, client portal and daily logs
Subcontractor scheduling and communication
Ideal For: Companies looking for a client-facing job management system with basic quoting functions.
Limitations for UK Users:
Lacks UK-specific build templates, compliance integration, or pre-priced estimating libraries
Pricing: Subscription only – from approx. £200/month
3. Eque2 Estimating – Enterprise-Level Estimating Software
Overview: Eque2 is a construction estimating and job costing system aimed at larger construction businesses. It integrates with commercial finance and accounting systems and supports large-scale commercial and housing projects.
Key Strengths:
Cloud and desktop deployment options
Powerful data integration with ERP/accounting tools
Supports multi-project, multi-subcontractor workflows
Ideal For: Enterprise or commercial contractors managing high-volume or multi-site projects
Limitations for Residential Builders:
Overly complex for small firms or residential-only builders
Pricing: Bespoke subscription pricing
4. Buildxact – Cloud Estimating with Job Management
Overview: Buildxact is a cloud-based estimating tool combined with scheduling, supplier integration and job tracking. Built for small builders and remodelers, it focuses on accessibility and speed.
Key Strengths:
Easy to use cloud interface
Takeoffs from imported plans
Supplier pricing integrations
Ideal For: Small builders and trades who prefer an all-in-one estimating and scheduling tool in the cloud
Limitations:
No integration with UK-specific compliance tools or desktop CAD systems
No 3D visual estimating or build program generation
Pricing: Monthly subscription (approx. £75–£200/month depending on features)
5. Estimate (estimate.co.uk) – Quick Quoting for Small Trades
Overview: Esti-mate is a simple, cloud-based quoting tool suited to UK tradespeople and small contractors. It allows quick quote generation with some customisation and trade templates.
Key Strengths:
Easy to use for sole traders and small teams
Trade-specific quoting tools
Integrates with invoicing and simple CRM tools
Ideal For: Plumbers, electricians, and sole builders who want to price jobs quickly without needing a full project management tool.
Limitations:
Lacks deep estimating, no visual estimating or scheduling tools
Manual material pricing updates
Pricing: Monthly subscription from approx. £30–£60/month
6. Price a Job – Budget Estimating for Micro Builders
Overview: Price a Job is an online quote generator aimed at sole traders and start-up builders. It offers pre-set libraries for UK-based building jobs and allows users to generate quotes in minutes.
Key Strengths:
Very affordable for new businesses
UK-based material rates (manually maintained)
Generates quote PDFs fast
Ideal For: Micro builders or DIY tradespeople just starting out with basic job quoting needs
Limitations:
No CAD integration or takeoff functionality
Limited reporting or scheduling
Not suited for growing businesses
Pricing: Free trial available, with full version from £25/month
