Home Repair Cost Estimator (and Takeoff) Software Recommendation

[Robert Walden]

I've read a number of inquiries on this forum from investors asking for recommendations on "Cost Estimator" software for flips. Unfortunately, most of the replies I've seen on here tell people to read books, learn all they can, and develop their own spreadsheet. That may be good information. But, that's not really helpful in some situations. I've done several flips, and developed my own spreadsheets. But, they're not really efficient. The more complex my builds, the more time I find myself spending at the computer researching prices and crunching numbers! In fact, I lost a deal last year because it took me too long to modify hundreds of lines of pricing every time there was a Change Order, whether from my hard money investor or my contractor. Its become overwhelming! There's got to be an easier way!

While I understand that most of the off-the-shelf programs use a spreadsheet under the hood, I wonder if there's any added value or benefit to some of the more popular estimating or takeoff programs? I'm looking for something that easy to use and offers these features:
    a.) has a regional pricing database that can be updated with local prices,
    b.) is technically sophisticated, customizable, and flexible,
    c.) is affordable for a 2-person operation (around the $100./mo. price range or less),
    d.) is scalable, for when my business grows, and
    e.) OPTIONAL - has a suite of related features (such as soft money lenders, list of foreclosures and vacant properties, a CRM, automated marketing, etc.).

I've looked at Bigger Pockets' "Rehab Estimator" tool. And, while it certainly seems useful, especially for the investor that's just starting out, my impression is that its not as robust as some of the commercial products on the market!?! Is that a correct assumption? I've done considerable research the past few weeks. And, here's a list of the products I've reviewed that seem to hit the sweet spot between a small investor's needs and a corporate-sized platform:

Cost Estimator (and Takeoff) Software

    1. Rehab Estimator Calculator (Bigger Pockets tool) - FREE

    2. Houzz Pro Estimating Software - $99,/mo.

    3. Buildertrend - $99./mo.

    4. Xactimate Remodel (Verisk) - $50./mo. for Studio version (first year only)

    5. FlipSter System - $97./mo.

    6. REI/kit - $ 64./mo. for Marketing Starter; $104./mo. for Markting Success (includes more/better leads)

    7. Simsol Estimating Software - $100./mo.

    8. Clear Estimates - $59./mo.

    9. Autodesk Takeoff - $104./mo. to $155./mo.

For Apple users only....

    10. Property Fixer (Apple devices only) - $20./mo.

    11. Property Evaluator (Apple devices only) - $20./mo.

At the very least, I've provided a curated list of what appears to be some of the leading software in this market. All of these have their own , and weaknesses. A few were recommended by Bigger Pocket members; two by an insurance adjuster who's also an investor. But, several appear to be geared more toward wholesaling rather than renovations or multi-strategy. And, some appear to be more for contractor Takeoffs. (I'm not sure if there's a difference between the usefulness of Takeoff software for rehab estimating or not!?! Please explain.) Has anyone used any of these programs, or have any opinions about them? And suggestions about these or other solutions to my problem would be greatly appreciated, so I can spend more time finding and flipping houses, and less time being an accountant!

Thanks in advance for any input or advice you might offer!    :-)