How to get Free Construction Estimating Software

Alas, the vast majority of software developers want users to pay them for their products. If, however, you are a building contractor who needs to estimate the cost of a project, but can't afford a couple hundred dollars for dedicated software, there are a few options to get that software for free.
Bid4Build, a highly rated construction estimating program that retails for $395, has a free demo. GeneralCost Estimator, a set of Microsoft Excel macros retailing for $65, is also available as shareware. But so far the one and only free program in this category is Methvin. Here is how to get it.

Instructions

Obtaining Free Construction Estimating Software

1. 

   Surf over to Methvin.org.

2. 

   There is no getting around it--if you want the program you have to register. Fortunately, registration is free. Click on "Register" in the upper right of your browser window.

3. 

   Enter the information requested on this form.

4. 

   Go back to the home page. Select "Download Page" from the menu bar at left.

5. 

   Scroll down a little way until you see this display box. Click on "Download" in the lower right corner.

6. 

   Click on "Save File." If you're running Windows XP, the file will be saved in your "My Documents" folder unless you specify somewhere else.

Tips & Warnings

• There are a couple things you need to know. One, Methvin is not a stand-alone program. To run it you need Microsoft Office Access 2007. Two, Methvin was designed primarily for large projects. So if your project is small it's up to you to adapt the software to your needs. Three, the feature set is extensive but not quite as complete as that in Bid4Build; it has job costing and tracking, a custom report generator, built-in calculator and conversion program, and summary by division & sub-division, but no scheduling system or purchase order system. But again, it's free.

Resources

• Methvin