Construction estimating software both alleviates and expedites the estimating process -- and more accurate bids means more work and more revenue. By explaining the benefits and features typically available in construction cost estimating software packages, this buyer's guide aims to help you choose the right software for your company.

Part 1 provides an introduction to construction estimating software. Many contractors use Microsoft Excel, or even pen and paper, when calculating costs -- but you may not realize how much time and money you could be saving.

Part 2 identifies some of the signs that you need construction estimating software. Hint #1: You spend a lot of time training new employees on the intricacies of you personalized construction estimating spreadsheets.

Part 3 highlights the benefits of using estimating software for construction. These include throwing away your ruler and hefty cost books.

Part 4 looks at what it costs to buy construction estimating software. It's not just the software, either -- you may need new hardware, or even a new database, to keep up with all the number crunching your new software can do.

Part 5 examines three key features of construction estimating software -- takeoff software and digitizer tablets, construction cost databases and construction estimating worksheets. There are other features you might want to ask about, too.

Part 6 offers plenty of questions to ask to find the best construction estimating software. Don't just watch the vendor demos -- take a lot of notes, ask a lot of questions and make sure you get your answers in writing.

Finally, Part 7 tells you how to implement your construction cost estimating software. Included here is a software implementation timeline and some general advice on the software implementation approach that you should take.