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 Esti-mate to help you determine the best solution for your needs.
Overview of Each Software
EstimatorXpress – The UK’s Best Rated Estimating Software
EstimatorXpress by HBXL is powerful desktop-based estimating software. Designed specifically for small to medium-sized residential construction businesses (whether you’re doing renovations, home extensions, conversions or new builds), it provides detailed and accurate cost calculations, ensuring projects remain profitable and well-managed.
EstimatorXpress is built with automation and efficiency in mind, reducing the time needed to generate professional estimates. Its integration with other HBXL software tools, PlansXpress, BuildProjex, Health & Safety Xpert and ContractsXpert, creates an easy flow from quote to completion.
By using smart 3D visual estimating (syncing EstimatorXpress with PlansXpress), users can visualise their projects while simultaneously calculating material, labour and plant costs.
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.
Esti-mate
Esti-mate is a desktop-based estimating tool designed to provide simple and effective job pricing solutions for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Contract Managers, Building Surveyors, Buyers and Site Staff. It focuses on ease of use and simple estimate generation while offering essential cost calculation and quotation tools.
Key Features:
- Desktop-based platform for Windows desktops or laptops
- Quick estimating and quotation generation
- Customisable templates for different trades
- Basic material cost management
- Ability to import from Bill Production systems (CITE Files) or from Excel workbooks and CSV text files
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature/Tool | EstimatorXpress | Esti-mate Estimating |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Desktop (Windows) | Cloud-based (Web) |
| Pricing Model | One-time license or subscription | Monthly subscription |
| Live Material Prices | Yes, real-time supplier integration | No, manual entry required |
| 3D Visual Estimating | Yes, generates costs based on plans | No |
| Pre-loaded Estimating Templates | Yes, customisable for different project types | Yes, but limited to trade-specific formats |
| Automated Takeoff | Yes, integrated with PlansXpress (CAD For Builders) | No, manual takeoff only |
| Integration with CAD | Yes, through PlansXpress | No |
| Integration with Accounting Software | Data exportable for integration with Xero Accounting Software | Yes, integrates with invoicing tools |
| Subcontractor Management | No, but Yes, integrates with BuildProjex (Job & Task Management platform) | No |
| Automated Scheduling | Yes including GANTT and Build Schedule | No |
| Bill of Quantities | No | Yes, though additional module |
| Compliance & Safety Integration | Yes, through Health & Safety Xpert | No |
| Reporting & Quotations | Advanced, with detailed cost breakdowns and professional documentation | Basic quotation and invoicing features |
| User-Friendliness | High (Feature-Rich & Easy to Use) | High (Simple & Quick) |
| Project Management Tools | Build Schedules, Material Schedules and Gantt charts – also integrates with BuildProjex | No, focused on estimating |
Who is Each Estimating Software Best For?
- EstimatorXpress: Ideal for builders, developers and contractors who require a comprehensive estimating solution with advanced reporting, compliance integration, and tailored cost estimates. Particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized businesses that need a feature-rich, efficient, and highly accurate estimating tool.
- Esti-mate: Best suited for Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, Contract Managers, Building Surveyors, Buyers and Site Staff who need a straightforward, estimating solution that covers Bill of Quantity generation and exporting of data into CITE and CSV files
Pricing & Support
EstimatorXpress Pricing
- Available as a one-time purchase or subscription model. Starting from £899 per year.
- 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
Esti-mate Estimating Pricing
- Annual subscription model. Starting from £1335 per year.
- Different pricing tiers based on features/modules required
- Online support and training available
- 20 day trials available
Conclusion
Both EstimatorXpress and Esti-mate provide effective estimating solutions but cater to different types of users. EstimatorXpress stands out as the more powerful option, offering detailed cost breakdowns, automation, compliance integration, and advanced reporting, making it the best choice for professionals who require in-depth project control and long-term profitability.
Esti-mate, on the other hand, is a simple and intuitive option for those who need estimates without complex project management tools. If you prioritise speed and accessibility, Esti-mate is a solid choice.
Try Them Out
For more details on each software tool, visit: