Clear Estimates vs CostX

Clear Estimates is estimating software for residential remodelers, handymen, and general contractors. Its line-item database provides region-specific labor and material prices for more than 400 U.S. areas, with quarterly updates, and the pricing page lists more than 400 preloaded templates. Users can prepare itemized estimates and branded client proposals with scope of work and boilerplate language, then customize parts, templates, and boilerplate. Alternate prices can be added to a project as change orders. The software also creates payable invoices, with customers able to pay by credit card or ACH. QuickBooks Online and Desktop integrations are available to all customers; Pro adds estimate exports to BuilderTrend and connections to CRMs and other apps through Zapier. Standard includes one login, while Pro permits additional users for $9/month and can restrict sales users from changing prices or templates. The company offers setup walkthroughs, phone and email help, tutorials, videos, and monthly webinars. Standard starts at $59 a month when billed annually; a 30-day trial is listed.

CostX is an integrated construction environment for capturing dimensions, developing feasibility studies, and preparing Bills of Quantities. It takes off areas, lengths, and counts from scanned, PDF, CAD, and other 2D drawings. Quantities and costs can also be estimated from BIM or 3D models. Spreadsheet workbooks link live to drawings and data repositories, while revision mode compares drawings and highlights design changes. Users can prepare estimates, tenders, Bills of Quantities, subcontractor comparisons, and customised reports. The CostXL add-in links dimensions, workbook values, rates, and constants with Microsoft Excel. CostX Core includes 2D takeoff, linked workbooks, subcontractor comparison, and reports; BIM and auto-revisioning require the full platform. CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute for read-only review, with tender prices saved for import into CostX. Pricing is on request. Licenses can be standalone for one PC or network-based with a central database.