GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel vs. SharpeSoft Estimator

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is well suited include:

• Small to medium sized contractor who typically works on small to medium sized projects with limited complexity
• Contractors who value low prices over full functionality (this software application is very affordably priced)
• A new contractor or new contracting accounting / finance professional who would appreciate the specific limitations imposed by the software

Specific scenarios where GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is not well suited include:

• Larger contractors who think about and price projects in line with typical commercial design and construction
• Residential projects (the software is much better suited for commercial lease buildouts, for instance)
• A contractor whose finance department already uses full-suite accounting software

Incentivized

SharpeSoft [is] designed to be a day-to-day hard-bid estimating program. It is easy to learn and use, yet very powerful. I would not recommend this product to hourly service providers.

• Convenient estimating
• Streamlines the price quotation process
• Standard cost application
• Overhead calculation and pplication

Incentivized

• Handles complex bid formats and bid submittal structures such as using bid alternates and non-tax bid schedules.
• This software is one of the easiest programs to learn and effectively use.
• This software is reasonably priced, but very powerful.
• Project support is timely, intimate, local and professional.

• Only CSI construction cost database data
• Only works with Microsoft Office (Excel)
• The online help system has limited functionality

Incentivized

• They need to put a search bar in the item master list so you can easily find work items.
• They could make the alternate package easier to use.
• The should find a way to allow the user to define at least one cost type in the program.

GeneralCOST Estimator for Excel is cheaper, easier to use, more streamlined and is easily installed and up and running. The flip side to the ease of use is the limited functionality, somewhat outdated cost bucketing profile and general lack of sophistication. The add-in also does not talk with full suite accounting software which requires additional reconciliations if used within a large organization.

Incentivized

I think SharpeSoft is the best estimating product on the market for our type of work. It is reasonably priced and is very reliable. We have had very few problems with the software and the upgrades and support staff and reliable.

• Allows us to quickly bid on small projects
• Allows us to pay less for accounting / finance professionals
• Allows us to standardize our cost structure

Incentivized

• Using SharpeSoft has grown our business by allowing us to accurately bid more projects.
• The ease of use allows estimators of all ages to quickly become skilled at consistently bidding work