Autodesk ProEst review

Autodesk ProEst is the commercial estimating option on this list, built for contractors whose bids run through a preconstruction department. It combines cost estimating, 2D takeoff and bid-day analysis in one cloud tool, with flexible cost database options for labor and materials and takeoff units that update the estimate as soon as quantities change. Proposals can use standard templates or a custom company format, and reports benchmark results by project type, client, estimator or other criteria so you can see which kinds of work you win. Once a job is awarded, the estimate converts to a project budget in Autodesk Forma Build, and integrations push data to select ERP and accounting systems. ProEst is now sold only inside the Forma for Preconstruction bundle, alongside BuildingConnected Pro, Bid Board Pro, TradeTapp, Forma Takeoff and Forma Estimate, and Autodesk does not publish prices, so its value score is conservative.

Who it is for

Commercial general contractors and larger subcontractors who want estimating connected to Autodesk bid management and project budgets.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Cost estimating with flexible cost database options for labor and materials
• 2D digital takeoff with pre-built takeoff units that update the estimate instantly
• Bid-day analysis in the same cloud tool
• Custom proposals from standard templates or your own formats
• Estimates convert to project budgets in Autodesk Forma Build

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Connects estimating to BuildingConnected and Forma Build budgets
• Strength: Benchmark reports by project type, client or estimator
• Strength: Integrations with select ERP and accounting systems
• Weakness: Sold only in the Forma for Preconstruction bundle
• Weakness: No published prices
• Weakness: More setup than a small contractor needs

Key facts

• How it is sold: Only in the Autodesk Forma for Preconstruction bundle
• Bundle includes: ProEst, BuildingConnected Pro, Bid Board Pro, TradeTapp, Forma Takeoff, Forma Estimate
• Guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee, per Autodesk
• Support: Support team available 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday

Where it ranks

Autodesk ProEst is No. 10 in our Best Construction Estimating Software verdict.