Thinking about switching estimating tools? Here’s what contractors need to know before making the move.
If you’ve been using the same estimating software for years, chances are you’re starting to feel the cracks. Maybe support is ending. Maybe you’ve been told to move to a new version that costs more—or doesn’t quite work the way you need it to. Or maybe you’re just fed up with the clunky interface, slow load times, or lack of updates.
Whatever the reason, replacing your estimating software is a big decision—and you don’t want to jump into the wrong tool just because it’s what your current provider is pushing. We’ve talked with contractors across the country who are asking the same question: “What should I be looking for in my next estimating platform?”
Here’s what they’re saying—and how you can avoid the same frustrations.
Why Contractors Are Replacing Their Estimating Software
You’re not alone. Many construction professionals are re-evaluating their estimating tools in 2025 due to a few common issues.
Several ProContractor users we spoke with said they started looking for alternatives when they were told the version they were using would be ending, and they’d need to migrate to the cloud. That change, combined with rising costs and less responsive support, pushed them to reconsider what they actually needed from their software.
- Forced upgrades to cloud-only systems they didn’t ask for
- Increased subscription fees that don’t match the value
- Loss of local control or data access after switching platforms
- Support that feels slow, generic, or unhelpful
- Laggy performance or software that just feels outdated
For estimators under pressure to bid fast and accurately, software should make the job easier—not harder.
What to Look for in a Replacement Estimating Platform
What Contractors Want in a ProContractor Alternative - Your next solution should be:
✅ Purpose-built for contractors
Look for software that’s designed to handle the kind of work you actually do—like earthwork, paving, and utility—not something retrofitted from accounting software. Heavy civil contractors need software to handle unit price calculations, production, and more.
Most software out there is built by tech people trying to serve the whole construction industry—everyone from home builders to project managers. The result? You get tools that feel bloated, confusing, or just not built to think and calculate like contractors. What’s rare is finding software designed by someone who’s been in your boots—someone who’s estimated jobs, lost bids, chased profit, and understands what it takes to run heavy civil work. That’s the difference. When software is built by a contractor, it works the way you expect it to—straightforward, practical, and focused on getting the job done.
✅ Easy to use
Estimators don’t have time to fight through bad UI. You want a platform that’s intuitive from day one, not something that takes weeks of training.
Some software requires multi-day courses or even flying your team out for in-person onboarding. That’s time and money lost. A good estimating system should be simple to learn and use, with a layout that makes sense and tools that help you get to work—not slow you down.
✅ Complete out of the box
Some programs sound cheap up front, but once you’re in, you find out you have to pay more for the features you actually need—like bidding, reporting, or tracking production. That’s not a deal, it’s a trap.
You want everything included from the start, with no hidden fees or surprise upgrades. What you see should be what you get.Transparency matters, especially when your margins are tight.
✅ Cloud-ready—but contractor-friendly
Cloud is the future—but not every cloud platform is created equal. Look for a solution that doesn’t force you to “go cloud based,” but actually performs well online, supports field/off-site access, and respects how you work.
The best estimating platforms understand that every contractor’s workflow is different. Having both desktop and cloud deployment options means customers can choose what fits best—whether that’s staying local or working remotely.. It’s about meeting real-world needs, not pushing one-size-fits-all tech.
✅ Fast to implement
You shouldn’t have to wait weeks to get started. Your software provider should be able to get you up and running within a day or two—not a month.
Some systems drag out implementation with endless meetings, setup calls, or expensive consultants. But when you’re ready to estimate, you don’t want delays—you want to get in, get trained, and start bidding. Time is money, and your software should respect both.
Meet Estimating Link: Built by Contractors, for Contractors
If you're looking to replace your estimating software with something that just works—Estimating Link might be exactly what you're after.
Built specifically for heavy civil construction, used by contractors across North America for over 39 years.
Here’s why contractors are switching to Estimating Link:
- 🟡 No learning curve – Easy for any experience level
- 🟡 All-in-one solution – No add-ons, no surprise pricing
- 🟡 Fast implementation – You can start estimating right away
- 🟡 Reliable support – Real humans who know the industry
“Estimating Link is simple to use and yet provides the same end results as larger, much more expensive programs. CLI support is always there when you need them.”
— David B.
“The Construction Link, Inc.'s software has improved our operations. It has not only saved us time and resources but has also enhanced our overall productivity and collaboration.”
— Javier O.
“Dealing with the CLI team over the years has been a pleasure. There are few businesses left where, when you call technical support, you are just as likely to speak to the company owner and software developer as you are a technician.”
— Rodney W.
Thinking of Making the Switch?
If your current software is starting to feel more like a burden than a tool, it might be time to move on. We’ve talked with ProContractor users who felt they were being pushed into a system that no longer fits their workflow—and were frustrated with having fewer choices, more costs, and less control.
Estimating Link makes the transition simple, so you can spend less time dealing with software—and more time winning bids. If you’re searching for an estimating software alternative, you’re not alone—many contractors have already made the switch.
You deserve software that works the way you do—fast, reliable, and built for the job. Don’t wait until you’re forced to switch—take control of the change on your terms.
Learn how TCLI can transform your bidding into a smoother, more efficient operation from day one. Book a demo Today.
