Choosing the right estimating software is essential for construction professionals who need precise project cost calculations, material estimates, and efficient job management. In this article, we compare HBXL’s EstimatorXpress and Buildxact Estimating to help you determine the best solution for your needs.
Overview of Each Software
EstimatorXpress – The UK’s Best Rated Estimating Software
HBXL’s EstimatorXpress is a feature-rich desktop estimating software developed in the UK, specifically for small to medium-sized construction businesses. Whether you’re working on renovations, extensions, conversions, or new builds, it provides highly detailed cost estimates to help ensure profitability and effective project management.
Built with automation at its core, EstimatorXpress significantly reduces the time required to create precise, professional estimates. The software seamlessly integrates with other HBXL tools, including PlansXpress, BuildProjex, Health & Safety Xpert, and ContractsXpert, offering a smooth workflow from initial quotation to project completion.
By leveraging advanced 3D visual estimating (when used alongside PlansXpress), EstimatorXpress enables users to not only visualise their projects but also accurately calculate material, labour, and plant costs simultaneously.
Key Features:
- Intelligent Dashboard – shows all your projects and automatically does a load of analysis to give you a visual overview of profit, cash flow, expenditure, work-in-progress and more.
- Pre-loaded templates for quick estimates – Speeds up project costing with custom templates, estimating calculators and more…
- Live material price updates – Ensures quotes remain accurate with real-time supplier pricing.
- Integration with PlansXpress, BuildProjex, Health & Safety Xpert and ContractsXpert – All the software is connected via our X-Connex technology. Create your designs, estimate those designs, assign your team to the tasks generated, and have all your Health & Safety documents, plus your Contracts, sync’d with your job.
- Detailed cost breakdowns with reports and quotes – Automatically generates clear, professional reports, including a Material Schedule so you can order your materials at the best price possible.
- Automated build programme – Creates a Gantt chart to help you see, manage and view all your activities. You can see where all your people, plant and materials need to be and when they need to be there.
- Easy-to-use interface – Designed for builders, by builders – with a support team on hand. Also opportunity to learn the software further with training via HBXL Skills Academy.
- Estimating Service – and if you’re pushed for time, or on holiday, our own professional HBXL Estimating Service will produce your estimates for you, that you can then revise in your own software.
- Take-offs and Smart 3D visual estimating – Automatically generates costs based on drawn plans (when combined with PlansXpress)
Buildxact Estimating
Buildxact was launched in Australia in 2011. It’s cloud-based estimating and project management software designed to help small to mid-sized builders and remodelers streamline their estimating and job management processes.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based access from any device
- Takeoff tools for accurate material calculations
- Automatic pricing updates from suppliers
- Integrated project management tools
- Job scheduling and cost tracking
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature/Tool | EstimatorXpress | BuildXact Estimating |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows) | Cloud-based (Web) |
| Pricing Model | One-time license or subscription | Monthly subscription options (usually billed annually) |
| Live Material Prices | Yes, real-time supplier integration | Yes |
| 3D Visual Estimating | Yes, generates costs based on plans | No |
| Pre-loaded Estimating Templates | Yes, customisable for different project types | Yes |
| Automated Takeoff | Yes, integrated with PlansXpress (CAD For Builders) | Yes, built-in takeoff tools |
| Integration with CAD | Yes, through PlansXpress | No |
| Integration with Accounting Software | Data exportable for integration with Xero Accounting Software | Yes, integrates with accounting tools |
| Subcontractor Management | No, but Yes, integrates with BuildProjex (Job & Task Management platform) | Yes, built-in tools for managing subcontractor costs |
| Automated Scheduling | Yes including GANTT and Build Schedule | Yes, project timeline and tracking |
| Compliance & Safety Integration | Yes, through Health & Safety Xpert | No |
| Reporting & Quotations | Advanced, with detailed cost breakdowns and professional documentation | Advanced, customisable reports and invoices |
| User-Friendliness | High (Feature-Rich & Easy to Use) | High (Simple & Intuitive) |
| Project Management Tools | Build Schedules, Material Schedules and Gantt charts – also integrates with BuildProjex | Strong project tracking and financial integration |
Who is Each Estimating Software Best For?
- EstimatorXpress: Perfect for builders and contractors who need a comprehensive estimating solution with advanced reporting, compliance integration, and tailored cost estimates. It is especially suited for small to medium-sized businesses looking for an intuitive, time-saving tool that enhances the accuracy of their estimates and maximises profitability.
- BuildXact: Best for small to mid-sized construction businesses that want a cloud-based estimating and project management platform. It is particularly beneficial for companies that require easy job scheduling, supplier pricing integration, and simplified cost tracking.
Pricing & Support
EstimatorXpress Pricing
- Available as a one-time purchase or subscription model from £899 per year (available to split payment over 3 months with Paypal or Klarna)
- Various packages depending on business needs
- Dedicated UK-based support and training available with every subscription, or with support & updates packages
- Free trials and live demos available
Buildxact Estimating Pricing
- ‘Entry Tier’ available from £1060 (billed annually)
- Monthly subscription model on offer (however, largely billed annually, with increased costs for monthly payment plans)
- Different pricing tiers based on features required
- Online support and training available
Conclusion
Both EstimatorXpress and Buildxact offer robust estimating solutions, but EstimatorXpress stands out as the more feature-rich and future-proof option for growing construction businesses. With 3D visual estimating, live pricing updates, and seamless integration with other HBXL tools, it provides a complete solution that enhances efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
While Buildxact is a solid choice for those preferring a cloud-based system with job management features, it lacks some of the deeper estimating and compliance functionalities that EstimatorXpress offers. For businesses focused purely on estimation accuracy, EstimatorXpress delivers unparalleled detail and control, making it the superior choice for long-term success.
Try Them Out
For more details on each software tool, visit: