If you own or manage a restoration business, you know that accurate and efficient estimating is crucial to getting paid fairly and on time. The right estimating software can streamline your workflow, improve accuracy, and help you focus on what matters most: completing restoration projects. Here’s a breakdown of ten top estimating software solutions that are tailored to the needs of restoration contractors.
magicplan Pro Estimate is a game-changer for restoration contractors. It integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, allowing users to scope, document, and estimate directly from the field.
Key Features:
Who It’s Best For:
magicplan Pro Estimate is ideal for contractors who are looking for powerful yet easy-to-use estimating software that allows them to build scopes in the field and quickly produce clean, branded estimates. Also, the pricing for magicplan is relatively affordable when compared to some pricier software options listed in this article.
NOTE: For those who do not have an in-house estimator or often juggle multiple projects, magicplan Pro Estimate+ takes things a step further. This service allows users to send scopes directly from the app to certified professionals who create expertly crafted, carrier-compliant estimates using Xactimate or Cotility software.
What to Watch Out For:
Since the magicplan app is designed for restoration contractors who specialize in interior damage restoration, it will not be useful to companies that focus on exterior-only projects (e.g., roofing, siding and gutters).
Xactimate software is widely used and trusted by insurance companies and contractors alike.
Key Features:
A comprehensive pricing databases that’s updated regularly
Automated calculations
Cloud-based tools for real-time collaboration
Can be used in tandem with magicplan software to streamline the estimation process (users can sketch projects in magicplan and then easily import the data into Xactimate for precise calculations)
Who It’s Best For:
Xactimate estimating software is particularly well-suited for restoration contractors who work on insurance-related projects, especially those involving water damage restoration, or smoke or fire damage restoration.
What to Watch Out For:
The Xactimate program requires a learning curve and plenty of time and practice to master its intricacies. Also, its estimates are based on average industry pricing, and may not always reflect the specific needs or costs of individual projects. Therefore, contractors sometime have to adjust Xactimate estimates to reflect their own labor costs, overhead and profit margins.
Previously known as Corelogic, this company announced a global rebrand on March 24, 2025.
Key Features:
Robust tools for insurance-related estimating
Automated tasks reduce manual entry
Comprehensive property data and insightful analytics help to streamline workflows and improve decision-making
Can be used in tandem with magicplan software to streamline the estimation process (users can sketch projects in magicplan and then easily import the data into CoreLogic for precise calculations)
Who It’s Best For:
Cotality can be suitable for contractors that work closely with insurers or handle complex claims.
What to Watch Out For:
The cost and potential complexity of Cotality software may prevent it from being the best solution for small businesses.
T&M Pro Estimator is part of the broader T&M Pro software suite. (T&M stands for Time and Materials.)
Key Features:
Enables users to capture mobile data in the field and seamlessly import documentation, eliminating the need for manual input or handwritten documents
Supports creation of extremely detailed estimation, projection or rough order of magnitude (ROM)
Who It’s Best For:
T&M Pro Estimator is designed for the construction, mitigation and property loss industries, so restoration contractors may find it useful.
What to Watch Out For:
T&M Estimator is only available to licensed T&M Pro users. So, purchase of the full T&M Pro Suite is required.
Hover is promoted as “one app to scope and sell,” so it does include an estimating function.
Key Features:
Quick, accurate measurements of property exteriors without manual effort
Fast creation of exterior 3D visualizations (based on smartphone photos) to facilitate homeowner and insurer decision-making
Automated estimation process
Who It’s Best For:
Hover is geared toward roofing, siding, gutter, and door-and-window contractors who focus on exterior residential projects. It can be especially useful for contractors in areas that experience demanding storm seasons and extreme weather events when exterior damage is more likely.
What to Watch Out For:
This solution is not suitable for interior restoration projects.
Designed specifically for restorers, Albi leverages AI-enabled analytics to optimize estimating processes. It provides a single platform where teams can collaborate in real-time.
Key Features:
Ability to change estimates in real time based on changing costs
Cloud-based storage for seamless access from anywhere
Integration capabilities with other restoration tools via open APIs
Who It’s Best For:
Albi can be used by contractors of all sizes looking for a comprehensive project management solution.
What to Watch Out For:
Some users have described Albi as slow and having a less-than-ideal user interface, which can impact training, efficiency and ease of use. Also, the absence of open APIs can limit Albi's integration with other systems, potentially hindering data sharing and automation.
Leap is a combination of task management, CRM and lead generation software.
Key Features:
Intuitive interface
Customizable product packages with real-time pricing updates
Integration with CRMs and supplier inventory systems
Mobile-ready platform for fieldwork flexibility
Who It’s Best For:
Leap can be useful for contractors seeking a streamlined sales-to-estimate workflow.
What to Watch Out For:
Leap’s pricing, including potential extra costs for integrations and long-term contracts, can be a significant burden for smaller firms or sole practitioners.
Although not specifically designed for estimating, QuickBooks remains a popular choice among small contractors due to its invoicing integration.
Key Features:
Basic estimate creation tied directly to financial reports
Customizable estimate proposal template options that can be tailored to specific project needs
Easy tracking of costs and payments within one system
Allows users to enter (control) their own pricing
Who It’s Best For:
QuickBooks might be a good supplementary tool for contractors that are already using it for accounting purposes.
What to Watch Out For:
The day-to-day bookkeeping input that’s required can be difficult, necessitating an employee who is extremely proficient in this task.
JobNimbus is a software solution primarily designed to simplify project management for roofing contractors, However, it also offers essential estimating features that can be useful for restoration projects.
Key Features:
Quick estimate creation using saved templates and real-time pricing integrations
Seamless integration with Xactimate, enabling claims data to be imported directly into the platform
Customizable templates that save time, and are particularly useful for contractors handling repetitive tasks
Mobile accessibility, allowing estimates to be created and managed from anywhere
Allows creation of Good/Better/Best estimates (i.e., multiple pricing options in a single estimate
Who It’s Best For:
JobNimbus is an appropriate app for contractors that handle both restoration and roofing projects, and want an all-in-one solution that combines estimating with project management and CRM functionalities.
What to Watch Out For:
JobNimbus relies heavily on pricing integrations to provide advanced functionality. While this allows for customization, it may require additional (costly) subscriptions to fully leverage its capabilities. Additionally, its restoration-specific features are somewhat limited compared to tools such as magicplan Pro Estimate or Xactimate.
While lacking automation and advanced features, these options offer flexibility at no additional cost beyond possibly needing to purchase software such as Excel (although Google Sheets is a free alternative).
Key Features:
Fully customizable formats
No subscription fees
Simple setup suited for low-volume projects
Who It’s Best For:
Spreadsheets or DIY templates may be an acceptable solution for very small teams or solo contractors.
What to Watch Out For:
This approach cannot be used in the field, and may be deemed too limiting and cumbersome as a small business grows. Also, manual entry increases the risk of errors and inefficiencies.
By investing in the right estimating software solution now, you’ll save time, improve accuracy, and ultimately get paid faster—helping your restoration company thrive in a competitive market. So, be sure to study your options, and then choose the one you believe will most benefit your business.
LEARN MORE about magicplan PRO Estimator!