Clear Estimates Reviews

Clear Estimates

4.5 (113)
Cloud-based contracting estimation tool for builders

Overall rating

4.5 /5
(113)
Value for Money
4.5/5
Features
4.2/5
Ease of Use
4.4/5
Customer Support Software
4.6/5

90%
recommended this app
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113 Reviews

Barry
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: Self Employed
  • Used Weekly for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Home Improvement Clear Estimate Review

Reviewed on 2017-02-27

This is the second time for me using Clear Estimates. After not using the program for a couple of...

This is the second time for me using Clear Estimates. After not using the program for a couple of years, I was surprised at the updates made, that made it easier and faster to develop my estimates, and the fact that the cost for the program had remained the same. The support and the new videos are fantastic. I have recommended it to several of my friends, who are also contractors. The nice thing is, the more you use it the faster and easier it gets. I do a lot of the same kind of jobs, and now all I need to do is copy an old estimate when doing a new one. I can see what I estimated on the old one that was high or low and make adjustments and if needed, add or subtract items as needed. This is really made easy with this program, and keeps my estimates more consistent. The Proposal and contract part of the program is great and can be customized with little time and effort. I highly recommend this program over the 3 others I have used. None were this complete or easy to use for the cost.

Pros

Easy to use, and cost.

Cons

I do Wish it had more small Home Improvement cost items.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Barry,

We're happy you've found our support articles and videos to be helpful. We do our best to provide as many resources as we can to make sure our customers succeed.

Thanks for the home improvement part suggestion - we will look into it.

- The Clear Estimates Team

Keith
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 8.0 /10

estimating basics

Reviewed on 2016-07-27

I bought this after trying several others. As a small business, I couldn't afford to spend a lot...

I bought this after trying several others. As a small business, I couldn't afford to spend a lot of money up front.

Pros

The estimates seem to be right on for both Materials costs and the labor hours. As my own fault, I don't put enough overhead in the projects.

Cons

I wish I could edit the markups on the alternates individually

I wish I could print out the alternates in detail on a combined report, not separately
.
I wish the tree would expand based on specifics (more like a windows tree) as opposed to scrolling down the whole thing, then having to scroll back up to close.

I wish there was some way to track the projects... i.e. bids submitted, waiting on customer. signed.. completed.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Keith, thanks for taking the time to review our software. We are happy to hear that Clear Estimates pricing is accurate for your area. Individual markups is something we would like to implement in the future. Thanks for the input. - The Clear Estimates Team

Joe
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10

A good program, just needs a couple of things added and would be my go to estimating program.

Reviewed on 2023-01-13

Always liked clear estimates just needed the sketch feature to be my go to program.

Always liked clear estimates just needed the sketch feature to be my go to program.

Pros

Ease of use, able to change line item information, updated pricing.

Cons

I would like to be able to sketch a floor plan and then drag and drop items into it. Also would be nice to sketch a kitchen layout and then show it in 3d to a customer, a lot easier to sell a customer on kitchen remodel when they get a basic idea what it is going to look like, same goes for any type of remodel.

Jon
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: Self Employed
  • Used Daily for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

works FLAWLESSLY

Reviewed on 2016-10-01

I've been using "CLEAR ESTIMATES" for about 6 months. I put very little time into learning how to...

I've been using "CLEAR ESTIMATES" for about 6 months. I put very little time into learning how to use this software, (I basically jumped right in) and the estimates get done flawlessly. If I have a question I go to the tutorial videos and they walk me right thru it, and if there's a question I can't find an answer to. (Hasn't happened yet) I can press the question mark at the bottom of the page and there's someone from "Clear Estimates" there to answer. They did quite a job building this software and putting all the videos and webinars together. I should also add, the videos and webinars are free. I started out using a different estimating software, from a well known company. It was a huge headache. There was zero support, No training videos, just a class that was available once every 6 months for $500. They can't hold a candle to "Clear Estimates" last estimating software you'll ever need.

Pros

Professional looking, easy to use. VERY EFFECTIVE

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Jon, thanks for the kind words! We are so glad to have had you on board for the last several months. Happy estimating! - The Clear Estimates Team

Corey
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great Etimating Software

Reviewed on 2018-10-04

We have easily conquered the estimating cross training, easy access from any computer, built in...

We have easily conquered the estimating cross training, easy access from any computer, built in adjustable pricing., as a result, of saving time estimating, we are seeing increased closing rates

Pros

I switched from Xactremodel about 6 months ago, and as a small growing business, I can much easier train Clear Estimate software to other coworkers, plus it is web based which makes it very convenient for any user to access from a web browser. I was a fairly smooth transition, As Clear Estimates is very easy to use.

In reference to how the estimating function works it is fantastic. I am able to set my labor rates and multiply by fractions of the hour-the ability to manipulate the clean template make its very easy for our customers to read and understand, as a result, I believe my closing rates have increased by roughy 10%.

Cons

I really can not think of anything I do not like. Sorry, but I love Clear Estimates

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Corey! It's great to hear Clear Estimates has become a useful tool for your remodeling company. It is stories like yours that keep us going. We strive to offer an easy to use, functional and valuable tool and are glad you have found it to be so. Keep up the good estimating and let us know if any questions come up! - The Clear Estimates Team

Ryan
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 3.0 /10

Co owner

Reviewed on 2021-01-24

I didnt care for it. It become to time consuming.

I didnt care for it. It become to time consuming.

Pros

I thought it was easy to use. AAnyone with a pick up truck and a slap on magnet can use it.

Cons

Needs to have trade specific software and Brand pricing.

Howard
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Clear Estimates Review

Reviewed on 2016-08-17

I am a long time user and have been using Clear Estimates since the first revision. I am very happy...

I am a long time user and have been using Clear Estimates since the first revision. I am very happy with the updates, modifications made over the years. Customer support is the best of any SW company I have ever done business with!

Pros

Ease of use, able to put estimate together in a modular form. Jack in customer support.

Cons

I would like to better control the boiler plate items.

Response from Clear Estimates

Howard, thank you so much for your support over the years. We're very happy to hear that CE is working well for you. Take care. - The Clear Estimates Team.

Terry
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Overall good estimating software but lacks estimating for larger projects.

Reviewed on 2017-12-06

Pros

Easy to learn and use then customize the quotes.
Does feature pre-built estimate groups for certain projects.
Customer support is great, and after hours questions or concerns are addressed first thing next morning.

Cons

Spend a lot of time adding custom line items.
Prices for planning and permitting are grossly underestimated, planning is about half of what it should be and permitting is a third of what it should be.
Online based so it becomes slow at times when the servers have a lot of users on at the same time.

Dave
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Time saver software

Reviewed on 2016-07-25

We went from producing our own excel sheets to the Clear Estimates program. What a difference that...

We went from producing our own excel sheets to the Clear Estimates program. What a difference that made in time savings to produce estimate, as well as producing a more accurate estimate.

Pros

There is a huge database of options with fairly accurate starting points for labor estimates. We are "Jacks of all Trades", so it's difficult to estimate labor without these guidelines.

Cons

I need to educate myself more on templates for time savings. I'm looking forward to watching the free Webinars to learn how to set these templates up.

Response from Clear Estimates

Dave, it seems that many of our clients have switched over from excel spreadsheets. We're glad you are finding our software much more helpful and easier to use. Take advantage of those templates! Thanks for your time with us. - The Clear Estimates Team

Wes
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Clear Estimates software review from Wes Ballinger.

Reviewed on 2016-07-21

The software works great. The templates are very good, but it is also very easy to customize. I am...

The software works great. The templates are very good, but it is also very easy to customize. I am very happy to have the service.

Pros

The fact that you have gone online is great. Not needing to backup my database is wonderful.

Cons

I really don't have any complaints.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Wes,

Thank you for the review. We strive to provide you with a great estimating tool. When you have success, we do to!

John
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Best So Far

Reviewed on 2016-07-21

I don't don't think any estimating program out there is exactly a perfect fit, but this this one...

I don't don't think any estimating program out there is exactly a perfect fit, but this this one comes as close as I've tried.

Pros

Flexibility, customizable, great support and now on the cloud.

Cons

There is a number of things I would like to change to fit us better but it is excellent for the most part.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi John,

Thanks for the kind words. We're glad you find the flexibility and customization of Clear Estimates useful.

Howard
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

I have used this product for greater than 8 years.

Reviewed on 2015-08-22

Pros

I have enjoyed the added features which have evolved over time. The product support team is great! hey actually listen to the voice of the customer and have continuous exchange of dialog. I don't believe I have experienced this much with software companies. Just recently i borrowed a tablet with a keyboard and brought it with me to look at a potential job. I was able to quickly generate the majority of the estimate in real time. When I returned to my office, I completed within 1/2 hour. Saved myself alot of time. Using touch screen also helps moving around.

Cons

For the online version, I would like to be able to save a local copy of the data base and use it off line. If i can

Sharon
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

What I Was Looking For

Reviewed on 2019-07-03

After setting up our company info and playing with it a bit, I had a few issues to work out. I was...

After setting up our company info and playing with it a bit, I had a few issues to work out. I was able to call and have someone walk me through what I had missed in instructions. I like the formatting of the invoices and this is what I was looking for.

Pros

Ease of use once the company basic info has been set up.

Cons

Monthly fee is a little pricey for smaller companies like ours.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Sharon! Thank you for taking the time to review Clear Estimates. It's great to hear you found the program you were looking for. We focus on ease of use and ability to produce accurate, professional bids. I'm glad our support team was able to help you get started. Please let us know if you have any questions! - The Clear Estimates Team

Cirilo
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 11–50 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Clear estimates software

Reviewed on 2017-04-16

I recommend this software to everyone who is any kind of business very easy to use does not need...

I recommend this software to everyone who is any kind of business very easy to use does not need any training

Pros

I have to type anything I just select what I need and all price out labor and materials in the best software

Cons

I do my estimates in five minutes and I am very happy with it and the customer services is very high quality when I ask a question I get the answer right away.

Ceolus
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 4.0 /10

My experience using the clear estimates software okay or not...?

Reviewed on 2017-11-12

Pros

I think it has a lot of potential. The ability to take information and plug it into a pdf or word document is great. The basic functions are easy to move around and the overall system is straightforward.

Cons

The issue I have with it is the materials/supply markups. I think it could a whole lot easier to get updated product cost for an area and use it in the estimate. Every time I used it the price was always off even from the smallest supplies. It scared me so I could trust the software...

Aristede
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: Self Employed
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Nothing more nothing less

Reviewed on 2020-12-01

As we say in New Orleans “Easy Breezy”

As we say in New Orleans “Easy Breezy”

Pros

It meets my need 100%. I can store customer info and pull up in field.

Cons

There’s nothing to dislike about it. I knew what I was looking for in an estimating software program and Clear Estimates was the perfect collaboration.

Cody
Overall rating
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software

Nice Software, but horrible after purchase customer service

Reviewed on 2015-01-01

This software is now provided to contractors via a subscription service only now. However, a few...

This software is now provided to contractors via a subscription service only now. However, a few years back you could purchase a license for the software outright and the only thing you would need to pay for were the cost updates. I specifically asked the company before I purchased the software if I could buy the updates occasionally as I'm a small contractor and mostly need the software to help me verify my labor that I calculate for my jobs. The software was over $800. Shortly after I completed my payments for the software, Clear Estimates went to a monthly subscription service only. When I called I was informed my stand alone software was no longer supported. To make matters worse, the software "times out" every month, so when I do need to use it, I will have to call in to the company, explain the situation and hope that someone will give me a code to "reactivate" the software I already paid in full for. Save your money, there are more ethical companies out there.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Cody,

I'd like to thank you for your honest feedback. We have made changes to our support system and team. I think you will find we are much more up to par. Feel free to come back with a month on us to see if things have changed for the better.

Ricardo
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Daily for 1-5 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Happy

Reviewed on 2021-03-20

I can estimate a price with out worry to check on material price at stores

I can estimate a price with out worry to check on material price at stores

Pros

Pricing updated , costumer support. Able to convert to a written estimate

Cons

Able to track a job proses , send invoice ,

Dane
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

Great program, very well supported with attentive customer service...

Reviewed on 2018-02-26

Knowledge and process of pricing in areas we don't work in enough.

Knowledge and process of pricing in areas we don't work in enough.

Pros

The customer service with this software is awesome! There's a lot of feedback from a "Real" person.

Cons

Well, at the beginning, it needs just a little modification on pricing compared to my company's pricing, but overall I believe that tweaking will yield great benefits and quicker turn around time on estimates. We are keeping one of our accounts because we know it will bring about higher quality estimates and a better overall competitive edge in our industry.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Dane! Thanks for taking the time to write this. We're very pleased to hear our support team has been up to par. Pricing is one of the most important aspects of winning and staying profitable on bids. While we provide pricing, it is always possible to customize to fit the needs of your company. Glad to have you on board, Dane! Let us know if you have any questions. - The Clear Estimates Team

Bob
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: Self Employed
  • Used Weekly for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 10.0 /10

"Must have estimating software for your business."

Reviewed on 2017-03-02

I Love the products features and flexibility. I used to leave "money on the table". Now my bids...

I Love the products features and flexibility. I used to leave "money on the table". Now my bids are market accurate. My profitability has never been better. Hope to continue winning business with Clear Estimates.

Pros

Accurate market pricing of labor and materials on a regional and national basis.

Cons

Report layout customization could be a bit more flexible .

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Bob,

Thank you for the kind words. We're happy to hear our pricing is accurate for your area and that you're finding our tool flexible and useful. Happy estimating!

- The Clear Estimates Team

Troy
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 1+ year
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software

Clear Estimates Review

Reviewed on 2016-08-29

Software is user friendly and has a real common sense approach. Been using over a year have found...

Software is user friendly and has a real common sense approach. Been using over a year have found nothing better for the price. Very Satisfied.

Pros

Drop downs for category of repairs follow normal order of work to be done.
Helps to no forget anything. Good function for the cost.

Cons

A tie in with Home Depot or Lowes for materials would be excellent ;)

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Troy, thanks for the kind words! We're glad to hear that you are happy with the software and find it user friendly.

Joel
Overall rating
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software

Have used for about a year

Reviewed on 2017-02-27

This software is the best I've found for my home remodeling business. The price is fair for what it...

This software is the best I've found for my home remodeling business. The price is fair for what it does. I don't use the pre-populated labor prices. I think every business applies a price they think is right. There are some things you don't have the ability to edit however. For example, the font of text isn't adjustable. Also, the title of the proposal isn't adjustable. I'm sticking with this program because it is the best I have found and hope they improve it in the future.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Joel,

Thank you for the review. We are always trying to better our tool with client feedback, and very much appreciate yours. As far as the font goes, you can edit that by heading up to "Options" > "Report Settings" > "General".

To update the report title, head up to "Options" > "Report Settings" > Choose the report in question > At the bottom you will see "Report Title".

If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected]

Hope this helps!

Timothy
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: 2–10 Employees
  • Used Weekly for 6-12 months
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 7.0 /10

Good mid level estimator platform

Reviewed on 2020-05-08

Ability to write more accurate estimates instead of "guessing" and ballparking. Estimates look...

Ability to write more accurate estimates instead of "guessing" and ballparking. Estimates look professional instead of the two to three line estimates many contractors provide. Ability to write contracts and get signatures

Pros

Good price point, updates to pricing list based on area you're working, template usage

Cons

No internal calculations to figure out square figure of walls and flooring based on user inputting room dimensions. No ability to attach photos or sketches. Electronic signature ability would be helpful.

Sam
Overall rating
  • Industry: Construction
  • Company size: Self Employed
  • Used Monthly for 2+ years
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software
  • Likelihood to recommend 9.0 /10

Clear Estimates Game Changer

Reviewed on 2017-03-12

I run a small construction company with the estimating program it makes my business look very...

I run a small construction company with the estimating program it makes my business look very professional. The proposal print out at the end of the bidding process is very detailed oriented which the customers love. I like everything about it. Quick, easy to work with and very professional.

Pros

It's easy to use.

Cons

Have to add parts on my own for certain jobs this program does not incorporate

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Sam,

Thanks for the review. We're happy our proposals increase your professional appearance. Our goal is to help you win bids, when you're doing so, we are happy!

Thanks again,

The Clear Estimates Team

Stephen
Overall rating
  • Review Source

Overall rating

  • Value for Money
  • Ease of Use
  • Customer Support Software

Home Remodel & Repair Estimating

Reviewed on 2017-02-09

My company is an estimating service whose clients are contractors, home inspectors and homeowners....

My company is an estimating service whose clients are contractors, home inspectors and homeowners. We do home remodeling and repair estimates that they use to price and figure out costs on their projects. Clear Estimates covers a vast majority of the home remodeling estimating industry with acurate and reliable published costs. The software also makes it easy for you to add your own figures in any format or in any catagory.

One of my favorite components of Clear Estimates which is crucial for my business is that you can adjust your material and labor costs to any part of the country quickly and easily. I would highly recommend Clear Estimates for anyone in the home remodeling industry.

Response from Clear Estimates

Hi Stephen,

We are very happy to hear you have found our pricing to be accurate and reliable. Thanks for the feedback!