What Is the Best Estimating Software for Low Voltage Contractors?
If you’re in the low voltage trade—doing structured cabling, access control, fire alarms, security systems, surveillance, smart building installations—getting your estimates right is crucial. Choosing the right software can save you time, reduce errors, improve your margins, and help you win more bids. Below is a guide to what to look for, why it matters, and some of the best tools available today. Many low voltage installation professionals today rely on digital tools to streamline project planning and cost estimation.
What Does Good Estimating Software Need to Do?
For a low voltage contractor, estimating software must handle more than just basic material lists. You need features tailored for your work. Here are essentials:
- Digital takeoff (ability to upload plans/blueprints, measure cable paths, device zones)
- Built-in assemblies / material and labor databases specific to low voltage (structured cabling, device boxes, mounting hardware, etc.)
- Flexibility for changes: change orders, revisions, scope adjustments
- Estimating + quoting + optionally connection to scheduling / field techs / invoicing
- Mobile-friendly or cloud access so you can work in the field
- Localized or regional material & labor cost libraries or easy ways to adjust those costs
- Good reporting: see where past estimates missed, what margins look like, what parts cost the most
Key Benefits of Using Estimating Software
Here’s what you stand to gain by switching from spreadsheets or basic tools to a purpose-built estimating solution:
- Faster quotes – helps you respond more quickly to RFQs and beat out competition. BuildOps+1
- More accurate bids – fewer cost overruns because you’ve accounted for labor, cable runs, device counts, etc. McCormick Systems+1
- Better profit control – knowing your margins ahead, not realizing you forgot something after you commit. BuildOps
- Consistency across jobs & team members – if multiple people are making estimates, the software helps standardize templates etc. BuildOps
- Smooth handoff from estimating to execution – when quotes are accepted, field crews, parts procurement, scheduling, billing all flow more cleanly. BuildOps+1
What You Should Compare Before Choosing
Here are comparison criteria to help you pick the best tool for your business:
| Criteria | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cost (subscription vs one-time, per user) | You want return on investment; a tool that’s too expensive or with hidden fees can eat profits. |
| Ease of use / learning curve | Estimators should be able to use it without months of training. |
| Libraries of materials & assemblies | Saves time; pre-built parts mean fewer errors. |
| Integration with other tools (CRM, invoicing, scheduling, field management) | Reduces duplicate work and miscommunication between office and field. |
| Support & updates | Material prices change, new devices appear; the software must keep up. |
| Offline or Mobile / Cloud support | Estimators in the field need access; good if you can work from job sites or tablets. |
| Customization | Maybe you have particular cable types or hardware; you need to be able to adjust the library. |
| Reporting, historical bid tracking | Helps improve your estimating accuracy over time; helps see what you bid, won, lost. |
Top Estimating Software for Low Voltage Contractors
Here are some of the current popular software tools that are well-suited for low voltage contractors. Depending on your business size and needs one of these might be just right.
| Software | What It’s Good For | Pros & Potential Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| McCormick Systems (Low Voltage / Automated Building Systems module) | Great for contractors doing structured cabling, security, access control, etc. | Pros: detailed assemblies & material database, takeoff functions, reliable for complex jobs. Potential draw-backs: cost can be high for small shops; steeper learning curve. McCormick Systems |
| ConEst (IntelliBid etc.) | Good for detailed, large-scale estimating: many assemblies, labor units, complexity | Pros: rich in features, good material + labor libraries, visual takeoff. But might be overkill if your jobs are small or simple. ServiceTitan+2Mothers Always Right+2 |
| Esticom (Cloud-based) | Works well if you need mobility, cloud access, and want flexibility | Pros: on-screen takeoff, templates, cloud collaboration, national/local cost databases. Drawbacks: subscription cost, may have less offline capacity. Cabling Install+1 |
| BuildOps | Good for mid-size to large low voltage / electrical/AV firms wanting estimating + dispatch + job management in one system | Pros: integrates estimating with operations; useful for handling job phases, change orders. Cons: maybe more than needed for very small firms; higher cost. BuildOps+1 |
| FieldPulse, Service Fusion, Housecall Pro | For smaller or more service-based low voltage contractors (security installs, small alarm system installs etc.) | Pros: easier quoting, invoicing, scheduling, mobile friendly. Less deep in assemblies or complex takeoff compared to full estimating tools. Method+1 |
My Recommendation Based on Different Scenarios
Here’s what I’d pick depending on your situation:
- If you manage large commercial low voltage jobs (multiple floors, many device drops, varied hardware), go with McCormick or ConEst. You’ll pay more up front but save on errors and increase bidding accuracy.
- If you need mobility, remote estimating, and want cloud tools (job site estimates, team collaboration), Esticom is strong.
- If you’re a smaller shop mostly doing service calls, alarm/security/structured cabling for smaller jobs, then something lighter but mobile-friendly (Housecall Pro, Service Fusion) may be perfect.
What’s the Best Estimating Software Right Now?
If I had to pick one “best overall” choice for many low voltage contractors, it would be Esticom. It hits a sweet spot: powerful enough for serious estimating, cloud-friendly, mobile accessible, and with enough flexibility for both small and larger jobs.
If “best” for you depends more on complexity and scale, then McCormick or ConEst may outperform in specialized use cases. Understanding various systems — from building automation to vehicle low voltage — can help contractors estimate projects more accurately.
Final Thoughts
Switching from spreadsheets or ad hoc tools to purpose-built estimating software is one of the smartest moves a low voltage contractor can make. It reduces errors, improves speed, and can meaningfully boost profits.
Before you commit: try demos, test with a real project, see how well customer support and updates work, and make sure the software’s feature set aligns with your workflow.