Free Construction
Estimating Software
Describe your scope and measurements to draft a phase-by-phase estimate. Review the quantities, assumptions and available regional pricing references.
Describe your project
Pick a project type and location to build a first-pass estimate for your review.
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft roof
Synthetic worked example. Illustrative USD rates only; not a quote, live supplier price, or validated regional estimate.
2,000 sq ft of measured roof surface, asphalt shingles, one existing layer. One roofing square = 100 sq ft. Add 10% waste to shingles only: 2,200 sq ft = 22 squares. Labor uses 20 measured squares. Use roof surface measurements, not the house footprint.
| Item | Quantity | Unit | Illustrative rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shingles | 22 | square | $120.00 | $2,640.00 |
| Underlayment allowance | 20 | square | $20.00 | $400.00 |
| Accessories / flashing allowance | 1 | lot | $300.00 | $300.00 |
| Tear-off labor | 20 | square | $50.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Installation labor | 20 | square | $150.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Disposal allowance | 1 | lot | $450.00 | $450.00 |
| Direct costs | $7,790.00 | |||
| Overhead: 15% of direct costs | $1,168.50 | |||
| Contingency: 10% of direct costs | $779.00 | |||
| Illustrative total | $9,737.50 | |||
Excludes hidden decking damage, structural work, gutters, taxes and permit costs. Verify pitch, access, ventilation, flashing, product coverage, local requirements and supplier quotes. Underlayment, accessory and disposal allowances need contractor review.
Replace these rates with your own quotes and crew costs, then recalculate overhead and contingency on the revised direct costs. Review every quantity and exclusion before sharing an estimate.
How to review CostKit estimates and their pricing referencesThe anonymous tool provides a preview. A free account includes 2 estimates per month and watermarked PDFs; paid plans add editing, branding and client delivery. Download the blank roofing template and filled example.
What is construction estimating software?
Construction estimating software helps contractors, remodelers, and tradespeople accurately calculate the costs associated with a project. Instead of spending hours in Excel or writing quotes by hand, CostKit's AI dynamically generates itemized labor and material costs based on your region and project specs. Weighing your options? See how CostKit stacks up against PlanSwift, Clear Estimates, and STACK in our guide to the best construction estimating software.
Why choose CostKit?
Starter is $39/mo for 25 estimates/month and PDFs with your logo, without the CostKit watermark. Pro and Team include unlimited estimates.
Start with the free plan