Estimating Tools Lead Push Toward Data-Driven Preconstruction

Preconstruction technology continues to gain traction across the construction industry, with estimating software emerging as the most widely adopted tool, according to BuiltWorlds’ latest Annual Preconstruction Benchmarking Report.

The findings highlight a shift toward standardized, data-driven workflows as contractors look to improve accuracy, control costs and protect margins.

Estimating Software Becomes a Core Tool for Contractors

Nearly 90% of surveyed contractors report implementing an estimating solution, with 64% using it on every project. That marks a significant increase in adoption, reflecting how critical estimating has become to day-to-day operations.

The growth points to a broader trend: contractors are moving away from inconsistent, manual processes and toward standardized estimating practices that improve reliability across jobs.

“As tech literacy and overall implementation rises throughout our industry, I’m not entirely surprised to see that estimating solutions have become a popular option,” said Audrey Lynch, Research Director at BuiltWorlds. “These technologies are becoming critical to budgets and profitability but also standardization and accuracy. Ninety percent of respondents agreed that the top use case for estimating solutions was ‘achieving consistent estimating practices across the organization.’”

Standardization and Accuracy Drive Adoption

For contractors, consistent estimating practices are key to reducing risk during bidding and improving project outcomes. Digital tools help teams align pricing, track historical data and reduce variability between estimators.

The result is more predictable budgets and better decision-making during preconstruction.

Among the platforms cited, users gave high marks to tools like Drawer AI and On-Screen Takeoff, reflecting growing confidence in software-driven estimating workflows.

Scheduling and Bid Management Also See Strong Usage

While estimating leads adoption, other preconstruction technologies are also becoming standard.

Scheduling tools show the highest regular usage rate at more than 80%, followed by bid management solutions at over 70%. In both cases, more than half of users report applying these tools on every project.

For contractors, these systems support better planning, coordination and bid evaluation—helping teams stay on schedule and make more informed award decisions.

Preconstruction Tech Supports Better Project Outcomes

Key use cases reflect practical jobsite needs. Scheduling tools are most commonly used to create visual timelines and track project progress, while bid management platforms help improve bid comparisons and leveling.

Together, these technologies are helping contractors streamline workflows, reduce errors and improve visibility across projects before construction even begins.

Shift Toward Fully Integrated Preconstruction Workflows

The broader trend is clear: contractors are standardizing preconstruction processes by integrating estimating, scheduling and bid management tools into a more cohesive workflow.

As adoption continues to grow, these technologies are becoming essential for contractors looking to stay competitive, improve efficiency and deliver more predictable project results.

To learn more, visit builtworlds.com.