Software tools play an ever-increasing role in modern Construction, especially in Construction Planning. One of the most important jobs in preconstruction is the Construction Estimator, who translates building designs into detailed estimates used to evaluate and fund projects. Prospective Construction Estimators will need to learn several kinds of software, starting with general office programs. Since Construction Estimators work closely with detailed building plans, they frequently use Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CAD and CADD) programs, construction-specific systems like Building Information Models (BIM), and more general 3D modeling software. Most importantly, Construction Estimators should learn one or more cost estimation packages to organize project information, automate their calculations, and generate finished reports.

What is a Construction Estimator?

Construction Estimation, also called quantity surveying, is a specialized type of cost estimation. Construction Estimators predict, as accurately as possible, what a building project will cost, considering the project’s full scope to produce detailed cost breakdowns and summarized estimates. Construction Estimators may produce multiple estimates for the same project, starting with a general conceptual estimate and then generating progressively more detailed estimates as information becomes available.

To perform this work accurately, Construction Estimators must have a detailed understanding of Construction work, including:

  • Reading building plans;
  • Listing the materials, labor, and equipment needed for a project;
  • Knowing the prices for these needs;
  • Anticipating other possible costs like insurance and fees; and
  • Anticipating factors that could alter those costs.

Some of this knowledge comes from formal studies, some from Construction experience, and some from active research. Construction Estimators must be good communicators, able to discuss projects with anyone involved: Clients, Supervisors, Government Agencies, Tradespersons, Subcontractors, Vendors, and Financial Officers. These discussions elicit information and clarify a project’s requirements and limitations so that the Estimator can fully calculate its details. Attention to detail is another crucial skill for a Construction Estimator. The success of their work relies on their ability to spell out every possible aspect of Construction projects and correctly anticipate their costs or influence on costs.

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Construction Estimators frequently work for Building Contractors, creating their bids for proposals or helping them decide what jobs are worth bidding on. Construction Estimators also assist in budgeting for Construction projects at Building Companies, Real Estate Developers, or Government Agencies like Transportation, Urban Planning, or Civil Engineering. Some Construction Estimators are direct employees of these industries, often advising an Administrator or Supervisor or else contributing to a Construction Planning team. Other Construction Estimators are self-employed, working as freelancers whenever and wherever their services are needed. Freelance Construction Estimators often assist smaller businesses that only need occasional estimation work, but such independent Estimators may also be hired to produce estimates for comparison against Contractor bids or internal budgeting, to make sure those estimates are reasonable.

Some Construction Estimators work remotely, collecting information from local Clients and contacts and then building their estimates from these reports. Other Estimators travel as necessary, examining Construction sites, talking to local contacts, and meeting with Clients. Additionally, depending on their position, a Construction Estimator’s work might not be done after preconstruction. Some Estimators monitor jobs in progress to watch for potential savings, cost overruns, inventory and labor problems, and other concerns that could alter a project’s final cost.

What Software Do Construction Estimators Use?

General Software Tools

If they have not already learned these tools elsewhere, Construction Estimators should consider learning commonly used communication, record-keeping, accounting, and image-editing programs. These programs help when discussing building plans with Clients, presenting questions and reports to Colleagues, sketching prototypes, and gathering information.

  • Word Processing: Microsoft Word, Google Docs
  • Data Management: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets
  • Accounting: QuickBooks, Sage Construction
  • Image Editing: Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW

Construction Estimation Software

Construction Estimation systems are specialized cost estimation programs, often integrated with CAD and BIM software. These systems streamline the Estimation process by storing cost and building information, breaking designs into detailed and organized lists, and combining these resources to quickly produce estimates. These programs also include prompts that help Estimators avoid oversights plus output tools that generate clear, detailed reports. The increased speed and accuracy provided by Estimation software make it an essential tool for every Construction Estimator. Many Construction Estimation packages are available, some designed for particular types of projects and users:

  • ProEst—One of the most well-regarded professional Construction Estimation systems, with nearly every feature a Construction Estimator might need
  • STACK—Designed for ease of use and more approachable for small Contractors
  • Clear Estimates—Inexpensive but may be sufficient for many projects
  • Procore and Sage Estimation—Offer powerful integration across multiple Construction applications, making them valuable for large businesses that prefer to keep their operations unified in a single framework

Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD)

A variety of design programs can create prototype sketches, 3D models, and detailed diagrams for Construction Planning. Construction-specific drafting programs can also produce usable Blueprints. Construction Estimators should learn to use design, drafting, and modeling software both to extract information from computer-designed building plans and to exchange feedback on proposed designs with Colleagues and contacts.

  • Autodesk AutoCAD—A 2D and 3D modeling program with strong expansion and customization features, including custom workspaces and workflows, task-specific toolsets, and collaboration and productivity tools
  • Autodesk Navisworks—3D design review software for collaborative exploration, evaluation, and revision of designs and building plans; helps plan building schedules, coordinate activities, and avoid conflicts
  • SketchUp—A flexible and user-friendly 3D modeling program used more often in Architecture and Interior Design than in Construction Planning

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling software represents building projects in high detail, embedding information like materials and Construction tasks alongside 3D models. Many BIM systems can export these specifications directly to Construction Estimation systems.

  • Autodesk Revit—A BIM program that combines 2D and 3D modeling and design tools with detailed Architectural, Engineering, and Construction information to create fully described Building plans
    • Revit also interacts with additional software tools to analyze designs for features like safety and environmental impact and to break designs into Construction stages.
  • Autodesk Civil 3D—Design and documentation software similar to BIM programs but specialized for Civil Construction such as transportation, utility, and other large-scale projects

How to Learn Construction Estimation Software

While users can learn some programs by reading documentation and exploring their features, this self-taught approach is less effective with Construction Planning software. Without organized lessons and expert guidance, learners may waste valuable time, make costly mistakes, and might never discover certain features of these complex tools.

The fastest and most effective way to learn new software is through live instruction, attended either in-person or through online video conferencing. In addition to presenting lectures and demonstrations, skilled Instructors can rephrase lessons, give additional examples, and answer questions—ensuring that students understand each concept before moving on. They can also review students’ work and provide timely feedback on exercises and projects. The drawbacks to live instruction are its higher cost and the need to attend classes on a fixed schedule. In-person classes also add travel time and expense and limit students’ options to nearby trainers, although some students prefer a physical classroom for better engagement.

An alternate study method that takes greater advantage of online resources is on-demand training, also sometimes called self-paced or self-guided learning. On-demand courses use combinations of prerecorded videos, texts, and interactive websites to present their lessons. Students can then study at any time they find convenient, from anywhere with an internet connection. They can also work at their preferred speed and skip or review topics as needed. While studying software through on-demand lessons is convenient, students using this format must wait longer to resolve questions or get additional explanations. At best, they may get help through message boards, chat systems, or occasional phone or email contact with advisors. This limited feedback often slows progress and can delay completion, especially when coupled with the challenge of staying motivated alone. Prerecorded lessons also cannot match the currency or flexibility of live instruction.

Self-guided courses can also be appealing because of their reduced cost. Similarly, some students seek free instruction through publicly shared video and text tutorials. However, these free resources are rarer for Construction software and are generally limited to introductions, demonstrations, tips, and creative ideas. Free lessons are more common for general design and 3D modeling software, but complete courses covering every program feature are rare. Even on sites that offer comprehensive, free instruction, students will still lack an Instructor’s guidance and may take longer to learn effectively. Free lessons also offer no guarantees of quality and may be outdated compared to structured programs.

Other Skills Needed to Become a Construction Estimator

Software can assist and automate, but a Construction Estimator must know what they want these tools to accomplish. Mathematical ability allows Estimators to make on-the-spot calculations and check the validity of generated numbers. Data management and accounting skills help organize information such as vendor lists and product costs.

Even with software support, strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize are critical. Building designs and their corresponding estimates are complex informational structures, and Construction Estimators often work on multiple projects at once. These responsibilities also benefit from strong attention to detail, a vital trait for any Estimator’s success.

Additionally, while programs provide convenient collaboration tools, a Construction Estimator must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. Their work frequently involves gathering information from contacts, generating and explaining estimate reports, and exchanging suggestions to reduce project costs.

Construction Estimators must also understand Construction processes in detail, including:

  • Reading blueprints and other Planning Documents
  • Knowing local building codes
  • Detailing the materials, equipment, and labor needed for a project
  • Calculating approximate costs for said materials, equipment, and labor
  • Including incidental costs such as transportation, site cleanup, and disposal fees
  • Anticipating overhead costs including permits, licenses, insurance, and bonds
  • Accounting for contingencies like weather delays or price changes
  • Including an appropriate profit margin when preparing bids

Learn the Skills to Become a Construction Estimator at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop and the Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offer online classes that teach the skills Construction Estimators need. In addition to Construction Estimation, their curriculum includes general Construction knowledge and software such as 3D modeling, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), and Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems. For each class, students complete one or more portfolio-quality projects, receive a Certificate of Completion, and can retake the course within one year, if needed.

Students new to Construction Estimation should start with VDCI’s Construction Estimator Course, a self-paced class that includes video lessons, exercises, training projects, and supplemental materials. The course assumes no prior experience and introduces students to essential Estimator skills: reading Construction drawings, creating material takeoffs, calculating costs, and accounting for project variables.

Another set of self-paced classes focuses on reading Construction Documents, often called blueprints. Construction Estimators must be able to interpret documents in any format to extract data accurately. VDCI’s Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Course Bundle includes instruction in both residential and commercial planning and is available at a discounted rate. This bundle can also be combined with the Estimator course as the Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course Bundle.

For those without Construction experience, VDCI’s self-paced Construction Fundamentals Course Bundle introduces the core processes, systems, and materials used in modern Construction. Topics include site surveying, foundation work, steel and concrete structures, utility systems, interior finishing, and post-construction cleanup. The bundle also includes a one-hour, one-on-one mentoring session with an expert Instructor.

Construction Estimators often use BIM software like Autodesk Revit to document and visualize a project. VDCI’s Revit Fundamentals Course Bundle teaches students how to use 2D and 3D modeling tools to create comprehensive plans. Students learn to build models, generate technical drawings, and produce materials schedules, along with productivity strategies and workflow optimization for Revit projects.

VDCI’s Autodesk CAD Certification Bundle includes five self-paced courses in AutoCAD, starting from beginner to advanced construction documentation and detail drawing. This bundle prepares students for the Autodesk Certified User in AutoCAD Certification and includes a voucher for the exam and a free retake. Students also receive a one-on-one tutoring session for career or exam support.

For those seeking advanced training in both CAD and BIM software, the CAD/BIM Certificate Program combines both tracks. This bundle includes all beginner and intermediate courses, extended practice projects, elective lessons in specialized areas (like MEP and Civil), and eight one-on-one mentoring sessions. Students conclude the program with a professional capstone project, preparing them for immediate roles in Construction Estimation and Planning.

Whether you're new to the construction industry or seeking to upskill into a specialized role, Construction Estimation training can provide the technical and strategic foundation you need. Through hands-on courses, flexible learning formats, and expert instruction, you can gain the software proficiency, analytical thinking, and communication skills necessary to thrive as a Construction Estimator. Explore the available programs from Noble Desktop and VDCI to begin your path toward a rewarding career in preconstruction planning and cost management.