Learning Blocks #7 & #14

Estimating Technology & Software

Master the essential technology stack for professional roofing estimators. From measurement tools to AI-powered estimating software, learn what to use and how to use it.

The Professional Estimator's Technology Stack

Modern estimating requires the right combination of hardware, software, and cloud services. Here's the complete technology ecosystem we teach.

💻 Hardware

  • • High-performance Windows PC or Mac
  • • Dual monitor setup
  • • Fast internet connection
  • • Cloud backup system
  • • Mobile device for field work

📊 Core Software

  • • Bluebeam Revu (takeoff)
  • • Excel/Google Sheets
  • • Estimating software
  • • AutoCAD (submittals)
  • • PDF management tools

☁️ Cloud Services

  • • Roof measurement platforms
  • • Project bidding sites
  • • Cloud storage (Dropbox, Google Drive)
  • • Email and communication
  • • Project management tools

Essential Software Tools

📐 Digital Takeoff & Measurement

Bluebeam Revu

Essential

Industry-standard PDF markup and takeoff software

$240/year

  • Digital plan markup
  • Measurement tools
  • Count and area calculation
  • Collaboration features

PlanSwift

Optional

Alternative takeoff software popular with contractors

$1,895 one-time

  • Quick area/length takeoff
  • Built-in assemblies
  • Export to Excel
  • Estimating integration

On-Screen Takeoff (OST)

Optional

Professional takeoff solution by STACK

Custom pricing

  • Advanced digitizing
  • Large project support
  • Multi-user collaboration
  • Database integration
📏

🛰️ Roof Measurement Services

EagleView

Highly Recommended

Aerial measurement reports for roofing

$35-75/report

  • Premium/QuickSquares reports
  • Waste calculation
  • Slope diagrams
  • Fast turnaround

Pictometry (Nearmap)

Recommended

Aerial imagery and measurement platform

Subscription-based

  • High-res oblique imagery
  • Measurement tools
  • Historical imagery
  • Coverage maps

HoverConnect

Optional

Smartphone-based measurement app

Pay per report

  • Phone-based capture
  • Quick measurements
  • Integration with contractors
  • Mobile-friendly
🧮

💻 Estimating Software

The Edge (Estimating Edge)

Recommended

Construction estimating database software

$1,200-2,500/year

  • RSMeans database
  • Assembly-based estimating
  • Bid management
  • Reporting tools

AccuLynx

Optional

All-in-one roofing contractor software

$375+/month

  • CRM + estimating
  • Job management
  • Material ordering
  • Mobile app

Kreo AI

Emerging

AI-powered estimating and takeoff

Custom pricing

  • AI quantity takeoff
  • BIM integration
  • Cost estimation
  • Automated reporting

Microsoft Excel

Starter

Spreadsheet-based estimating (budget option)

$70/year (Microsoft 365)

  • Complete control
  • Custom templates
  • Formulas and calculations
  • Universal compatibility
🎨

📐 CAD & Design Software

AutoCAD

Recommended

Professional CAD for shop drawings and submittals

$1,865/year

  • 2D drafting
  • Shop drawing creation
  • DWG format standard
  • Precision drawing tools

AutoCAD LT

Budget Option

Affordable 2D-only version

$480/year

  • 2D drafting only
  • DWG compatibility
  • Basic annotation
  • Lower cost

SketchUp Pro

Optional

3D modeling for visualization

$299/year

  • 3D roof modeling
  • Quick visualization
  • Easy to learn
  • Presentation tools
📋

☁️ Project & Lead Management

BuildingConnected

Essential

Free bid invitation and plan distribution

Free for subs

  • Bid invitations
  • Plan downloads
  • Bid management
  • GC network

PlanHub

Recommended

Project leads and bidding platform

$125-400/month

  • Project leads
  • Plan access
  • Bid calendar
  • Subcontractor network

Dodge Construction Network

For Growth

Commercial project intelligence

$3,000+/year

  • Pre-construction leads
  • Project tracking
  • Market intelligence
  • Contact database

Free Technology Resources

Get started with these free guides

💻

Technology Setup Guide (Free Sample)

PDF Sample

Free excerpt from our complete tech setup guide covering computer specs and essential software.

Access Free Resource →
📊

Software Comparison Spreadsheet

Excel Spreadsheet

Compare features, pricing, and capabilities of all major estimating and takeoff software platforms.

Access Free Resource →
🎥

Bluebeam Basics Video Tutorial

Video

Free 20-minute video showing the essential Bluebeam tools for digital takeoff.

Access Free Resource →

Master the Technology

Bluebeam Mastery

$197

Complete training on Bluebeam Revu for professional digital takeoffs and markups.

Learn More

Estimating Software Course

$297

Learn The Edge, Kreo AI, Excel estimating, and choosing the right platform.

Learn More

Technology Setup Guide

$29

Complete guide to setting up your estimating technology stack on any budget.

Learn More

Get Access to All Technology Training

MC2 Pro membership includes complete training on Bluebeam, AutoCAD, SketchUp, estimating software, and all the tools professional estimators use.