Clear Estimates vs The EDGE

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.

The EDGE combines blueprint takeoff and cost estimating for commercial specialty trade contractors and construction estimators. Takeoff measurements feed into estimates that populate material lists and labor budgets. Its listed trades include acoustical, concrete, drywall, EIFS, fireproofing, flooring, painting, roofing, waterproofing, and wall panels. Smart Labor adjusts production rates, labor time, and labor costs using job conditions set by the user. Proposal Writer uses Microsoft Word templates and more than 100 preloaded data points to prepare bids. Estimators can copy scenarios, compare variations, and create change orders from existing estimate data; customizable reports cover project management, accounting, and customer communication. The EDGE Estimator is installed locally, with cloud access for remote work and real-time collaboration. It lists integrations with FOUNDATION, Procore, and FollowUp CRM, plus takeoff connections to EagleView and Workpack. The vendor says its cloud stores bids and manufacturer databases in IBM Cloud, with geographic replication. Windows 11 Pro 64-bit is required for Estimator v12. Pricing is on request.