What “AI estimating” actually means
- Scope capture: you talk through the job or upload photos and plans, and the tool turns that into line items.
- Pricing: the better tools fill in material and labor costs for your area, or from your own saved price list.
- Proposal: the estimate becomes a client-ready proposal with a scope of work and e-signature.
- Takeoffs: on higher tiers, the AI reads plans and pulls quantities. This is where prices jump.
What to look for
- Uses your own prices and markups, not just national averages
- Works from the truck on a phone, including voice
- Turns an estimate into a signed proposal and an invoice without retyping
- Lets you check every number before it goes to the client
- Monthly billing if your work is seasonal (watch for 12-month commitments)
Option 1: Handoff (official pricing, checked Oct 17 2026)
Source: https://www.handoff.ai/pricing
| Plan | Annual billing | Month to month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flex | $119/mo | $149/mo | 50 AI credits/mo, 1 pricing catalog, AI proposals, voice-to-estimate, 2 users. 7-day free trial. |
| Pro | $239/mo | $299/mo | 12-month commitment. Unlimited AI credits, AI site walkthroughs, client financing, time tracking, 5 users, onboarding coach. |
| Scale | $719/mo | $899/mo | 12-month commitment. AI takeoffs from residential plans up to 7,000 sqft, subcontractor portal, API access. |
- Handoff says its cost data updates daily for every US city, and estimates are localized to the project address.
- Card fees are passed to the client (3.35% on Flex, 2.85% on Pro and Scale). ACH is 1% with a $10 cap.
- Syncs with QuickBooks Online, Google Calendar, MagicPlan, and Zapier.
- Handoff says it runs an affiliate program.
- Best fit: remodelers, handymen, and trades who bid after a site visit and hate typing estimates at night.
Option 2: Buildxact (official pricing, checked Oct 17 2026)
Source: https://www.buildxact.com/us/pricing/
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Go | $0 | AI estimating, proposals, Home Depot material ordering. 5 free credits, then pay as you go. |
| Foundation | $199/mo (annual: $2,030/yr) | Unlimited users, lead management, digital takeoffs, quote letters, e-signatures, purchase orders. Estimate Generator is +$99/mo. |
| Pro | $399/mo (annual: $4,070/yr) | Adds Estimate Generator, job management, schedules, onsite mobile app. Takeoff Assistant +$99/mo, Estimate Reviewer +$149/mo. |
| Master | $599/mo (annual: $6,110/yr) | Adds Takeoff Assistant, Estimate Reviewer, user access controls, priority support. |
- Annual plans save 15% and require a 12-month commitment.
- Best fit: small builders and remodelers who estimate from plans and want schedules and purchasing in the same system.
Option 3: Joist (official pricing, checked Oct 17 2026)
Source: https://www.joist.com/pricing/
| Plan | Monthly | Billed annually | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basics | $10/mo | $8.34/mo | Up to 5 documents a month, online payments, built-in AI tools |
| Pro | $17/mo | $14.17/mo | Unlimited documents and clients, logo, photos, work orders |
| Elite | $32/mo | $26.67/mo | Change orders, business and sales reports, reviews |
| Run | $70/mo (intro, 30% off $100) | $58.33/mo | Adds jobs and scheduling |
- 14-day free trial, no credit card. No free plan anymore.
- AI creates estimates and invoices and polishes notes. It does not supply local material or labor pricing.
- Best fit: a one-person shop moving off paper or spreadsheets.
Rough math (example, not measured data)
If AI estimating saves 3 hours a week of evening paperwork and gets bids out a day sooner, one extra won job a month usually covers Handoff Flex or Buildxact Foundation. Joist pays for itself with almost any job.
Answering the phone, too
- AI receptionist for contractors: route emergencies and book estimates while you’re on the job
- How much does an AI receptionist cost?