Cloud-based contracting estimation tool for builders
4.6/5 (71 reviews)Clear Estimates is a cloud-based construction estimating solution that provides cost and pricing data of more than 400 areas across the US. Pricing information related to parts is updated automatically on a quarterly basis through the software's integration with RemodelMax. The tool enables contractors to determine project cost, manage part library, maintain project database and produce proposals.
Clear Estimates offers customizable in-built templates for cost estimation of various job types including garages, bathrooms, and kitchens. The tool provides a complete estimate to contractors when they select a template and add square footage of the job. They can also add or remove parts or change the pricing details to generate job-specific estimates.
Clear Estimates helps in proposal creation by enabling remodelers or contractors to simply add parts to pre-defined templates. Each part has pre-written contract language which allows users to generate proposals automatically. These proposals can be custom-branded with the company’s logo, phone number, and address.
Clear Estimates can be accessed through any web browser on mobile devices also. As the text size on smartphone or tablet appears very small, it should only be used to check bid prices or other updates. Entire estimate creation takes longer on small screen, but users can still try it through their tablets by using pre-defined templates only.
Clear Estimates provides a full-feature, 30-day free trial.
Pros
Produces estimates fast, great to keep track of jobs, easy to change estimates for customers, cuts down on the time spent on the estimate
Cons
The search function is not great at all. It take a long time and rarely find what you need. The organization of parts seems to not be consistent. Sometimes the removal of things are within the right categories and sometimes they are in a general category. It is very time consuming to have to look in both categories. It does not integrate with quickbooks, which would make sending estimates a lot easier. Right now we have to save to word and then go to email and select the document to send to a customer, very time consuming.
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much for taking the time for writing the review, we really appreciate it and glad you are generally happy with the product.
I'll get in touch with you to hear more about the error you were talking about with your new employee. We're always looking for ways to improve the software so hearing about a problem like that will help us avoid it in the future.
We also do integrate with Quickbooks, so I'll help you work through that.
Jack
Clear Estimates Support
I've been using Clear estimates software for about 4 years and the Program is very compatible with other programs out there. What makes Clear estimate different is that it is user-friendly and the layout of the program is very professional. When I hand my estimate over to my customer it's very well laid out and detailed . What I like most about Clear estimate Besides it's layout it pretty much covers all the trades. But the best thing is that it's very affordable for contractors like me that runs a small business.
Pros
What I like most about this software is being able to set up Parts & Templates which makes putting together an estimate a lot faster which means you have more time to oversee your business.
Cons
The thing I least like about this software is not being able to use it for insurance work. What I mean by that is some jobs I get may be from insurance companies and the estimate might call for dehumidifiers and fans board ups stuff like that. But I can get by with it.
I do not like the estimating side of my business cause I am bad at it and I tend to be optimistic which causes me to short myself in the long run. I started using this product to help me with the process to get estimates out faster and to know I am giving a good estimate that doesn't short me. It has helped me in that aspect for sure. The customer service is superb. There is this little icon u click and send them a msg with your questions and they get back to you in a timely fashion. The nice thing is the msg comes back in the program and they also send me an email. So if I am in the field working I know they have responded with an answer when I get the email. I love how you can email the estimate right from clear estimates and the estimate looks very professional. You can customize the formal estimate to how ever you like. Also if you don't like the prices they give you, you can easily adjust them for that estimate per item. Or you can customize that item to show up every time with your adjustment in price on every estimate. The customization to the items and pricing is endless. I have had to add very few new items they have so much to chose from already. The program is easy to use. I could teach my 11 year old to use it if I needed to. I have had nothing but great success using there program. They also give u a free trial to use it first. Take the free trial and try it you won't be dispointed. I am surprised this program does not cost more. I have made up for its cost monthly in the more money I am making due to its estimates. Thank you clearestimates.
Pros
Easy of use, price, use on any device, customer support, the quarterly updates for pricing, and formal look of the estimates, and being able to email the directly from clearestimates to my customers.
Cons
Does not import directly in to quickbooks online. If it did that it would be perfect for me. I prefer using quickbooks online so I can use the program from any where like clearestimates.
Hi Kevin,
Thank you for the review. It is our number one priority to help you win bids, and I am thrilled our software has helped you to do so.
In the future, we do plan to integrate with QuickBooks online. We'll be sure to let you know when that happens.
As always, let us know if any questions come up!
- The Clear Estimates Team
I used this software when it first came out. Now it has come a long way on appearance and functionality. As far as learning a new software, the curve was easy for me. If you are a small contractor this is a must for speed of quoting and accuracy. Also with the reports function you look as professional as the big guys. If you want to step up your company, get Clear Estimates!!!
Pros
Easy to learn. Professional looking reports. The ease of updates prices for material and labor. Customer support is spot on. And the software was created by remodelers that understand the struggle. They are always striving to make the software better.
Cons
Some minor software updates could be done. A mobile version could also help a lot more small business.
Hi Chuck,
Thank you for the review! We're happy to have you on board again. We are thrilled to hear you like the improvements we've made since you have been gone. We appreciate the kind words. Happy estimating!
Never heard about web based upgrade. was using old version till saw Wyatt's presentation using the upgraded system. Would have been nice to hear from CE that this was available. Much better application for my business.
Pros
Keeps me organized and on track, I dont miss anything on quote.
Cons
Very glitchy, many time need to get out of program and sign back in when it freezes or fails to respond
Marty, thanks for writing us a review. I'm sorry that you were not notified when our software became cloud based. This is something we should have alerted you to. With that said, we are happy that our software keeps you on track and organized. Thank you for being such a loyal customer of Clear Estimates. - The Clear Estimates Team.
Monthly Plan: $59/month
6-month Plan: $53/month
Annual Plan: $47/month
The vendor offers first month FREE without any obligations.
● Clear Estimates enables contractors to customize the boilerplate language which gives a professional look to the proposals and makes them look like legal contracts.
● The tool helps to avoid the repetition of similar work for each estimate by providing the option duplicate a project or component, which creates an editable copy of the existing lookalike project.
● Clear Estimates provides an import/export feature which allows contractors or remodelers to share pre-existing customizable templates with other team members.
● The solution allows users to modify the overall cost of a job by changing the prices of individual items; material, labor, and subcontractor; considered for cost calculation.
● Clear Estimates integrates with QuickBooks and allows users to export project and customer information in *.IIF file format which can be imported to QuickBooks.
Below are some frequently asked questions for Clear Estimates.
Clear Estimates offers the following pricing plans:
Starting from: $59/month
Pricing model: Subscription
Free Trial: Available
Monthly Plan: $59/month
6-month Plan: $53/month
Annual Plan: $47/month
The vendor offers first month FREE without any obligations.
Clear Estimates offers the following features:
Clear Estimates has the following typical customers:
Large Enterprises, Mid Size Business, Small Business
Clear Estimates supports the following languages:
English
Clear Estimates has the following pricing plans:
Subscription
We do not have any information about what devices Clear Estimates supports
Clear Estimates integrates with the following applications:
QuickBooks
Clear Estimates offers the following support options:
FAQs, Forum, Knowledge Base, Online Support, Phone Support, Video Tutorials
We have been overall happy with the program. It is really hard to teach someone new how to use it though. We have a new employee and there have been several huge mistakes that have costs our company money in the long run due to over seeing some things.