Sage Estimating - Avis

Totally flexible - can be used by virtually any trade as well as GC. From basic estimating needs to a complex reporting system, this software can do it.

Takes time to set-up properly. The software is ready to go out of the box, but to fine tune to make it "hum" takes more than just starting it up.

There are many construction estimating software packages on the market, but none is better at breaking down an estimate in all the ways that are needed. Sage Estimating can handle multi-building estimates, multiple work breakdown structures, and any other bid breakdowns that are needed. For us, most bids require some sort of cost breakdown, but rarely is it completely the same from estimate to estimate. Sage Estimating handles all these variables with ease.

Also, the ability to handle variable cost add-ons at the estimate "totals page" is a huge plus. Cost add-ons such as overtime hours or material cost escalations can be added via the database or on a estimate-by-estimate basis. When it comes to providing breakdowns to our GC clients, any cost add-ons can be spread throughout all or a few of the estimate items. This is a great feature.

Sage has been a very good vendor. The support they've provided over many years has been great and they've done a great job with software upgrades. The upgrades, adding new features and feature enhancements have kept Sage Estimating at the head of the construction estimating pack.

I've used Sage (and previously Timberline) for nearly 20 years, and the only consistent gripe I have is that installation of the program is tedious and has always required the help of an IT expert.

I like that it has more options for reports, forms, and queries than QuickBooks. Also, the program links between different areas of accounting and production, like work orders to invoicing and purchase orders. It performs well with Job Costing as well. I also like the functionality and organization that Sage Contractor provides.

The customer support is too expensive for the limited support we are granted. We pay for an outside consultant as well, who assists us more with the program than the customer support we sometimes get. It is also very expensive to add users, especially as a smaller business that does a lot of volume.

The power of Sages' Smart Assemblies is the best feature along with the results being displayed in a full spreadsheet format that can be changed in real time. The ability to slice and dice your estimate data is extremely powerful along with their use of WBS codes.

The tech support has been a bit of a struggle but thank goodness for qualified consultants and Business Partners that can act as your first line of support.

While this product provides you with sample databases, it is best used by creating your own database with phase codes and pricing as you do your construction. You are able to separate each phase into categories, i.e., Labor, Material, etc. There are some standard ones, but you can also add your own categories which adds to the flexibility of this software.

It's not really a dislike, but it is quite complex. You need one main person who controls all changes to the database, keeps pricing updated, controls anyone changing/adding phase codes, etc. You would need that with any sophisticated database.

Sage (Timberline) has been used for building industry primarily. You can use the advantage of their database or set up your own one based on the industry and market you are involved in. I recommend the software for Mid to Large Size building projects including residential or ICI.

The software is not user-friendly for heavy-civil or infrastructure projects as the functionality of crew cost method is not as easy as other heavy civil software.

I like the ease of use of all the programs. It is easy to learn. Easy to use.

The built in reports didn't really fit our company. We had to customized all of the reports.

This estimating program can do anything you want it to. It has the ability to be molded into however you want it to work for you.

Because it is so flexible it is also a little clunky. Quick takeoffs and estimates can be difficult. This feels like it is set up for the commercial realm of construction, in fact, I don't know many in residential construction that use this program.

We used this product for our estimators in my last Commercial Construction company. Works well with Sage 300 CRE. Allows you to set certain standard prices like labor rates. Calculate burden, buys, etc.

A little on the pricey side but that's about it. Many good features like importing into your Sage Project Management software.

Our client use it otherwise I would not be using it.

Difficult to use, easy to mess up (when substitute, it keeps asking to change similar item, no way to stop it and cannot undo), undo is very limited

I have been using it since version 2.0 in dos with monochrome monitors. It is easy to use and modify even for the novice computer user. But can be as complex as you care to make it. The ability to copy estimates so i can make modifications during the design phase of a design build without loosing the original estimate.

yes, setting up simple and complex takeoff packages with variables can be a little bothersome.

User friendly
Data autosave
Customizable reports

I love sage products best they represent the best of breed. New features are always being developed and the ease of use is excellent especially in construction is important. Service is amazing as well

I am not a fan of the license manager. They need to develop another way of licensing machines.

A stable, robust, customizable, construction estimating software

The initial setup can be complicated. The databases available at the time of purchase were not of much help for my specific use

it is very detail oriented which gives you good tracking and reporting

not user friendly you have to use the list very often to accommodate data
. almost impossible to create reports unless you are an expert in all the codes.

That most estimators are familiar with the program and it is easy to use. It really helps that it is so widely used that even if your company is new to it one of your employees is most likely experienced in it.

It's just like any other program. They all have their limitations and you have to review multiple products to make sure it meets your needs.

Sage is a very practical estimating software in the construction industry. It ensures everything is a accounted for and is much easier better than Excel

Sage is a little clunky sometimes - not the easiest program i've ever used

Lots of customization. User friendly, and very detailed estimates.

The database building and assembly building is complex. There is support available for this however.

Familiarity

Lack of flexibility

Nothing really to put there because my company didn't purchase the software because of sage's lack of communication and valuing it's new customers.

Customer service of sage is horrible. I spent the time to take the test drive. Communicated with a rep from sage. When I asked about pricing she couldn't tell me nothing. Just wanted to ask more questions and then told me I would have to contact an authorized reseller. Could've saved me and my company a lot of time just by mentioning that on their website and being up front. I will only deal with companies that value their customers as we value our customers.

It offers the flexibility to price anything you could dream up in detail and break it out any way you want.

The base databases are unreliable unless you develop them.

I like the ease and functionality

It isn't cloud based.