The verdict in three sentences
A custom estimating and takeoff platform in London runs between 25,000 and 70,000 EUR in 2026, depending on the size of the price library and takeoff depth. The core value is the price library (work items, sub-details) coupled with assisted takeoff to produce fast, accurate bids. Return on investment comes from response time halved and margins better held.
What an estimating platform covers in 2026
An effective tool links a work-item library with price sub-details (labour, materials, equipment), assisted takeoff (quantities from drawings), client-ready bid generation, and margin tracking per item. The real challenge is coherence between the estimate and site reality.
| Module | Core tier | Full tier | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price library + work items | Yes | Yes | 6,000 - 15,000 EUR |
| Assisted takeoff (quantities) | Partial | Yes | 5,000 - 14,000 EUR |
| Client bid generation | Yes | Yes | 4,000 - 9,000 EUR |
| Margin tracking per item | No | Yes | 4,000 - 11,000 EUR |
| Bills of quantities / BoQ | Partial | Yes | 3,000 - 9,000 EUR |
| Delivery time | 3 - 4 months | 4 - 6 months | - |
What drives the budget
Three factors weigh in: the size and structure of the price library, the level of takeoff automation (manual entry vs drawing import), and the required output formats (BoQ, public tender forms).
| Item | Simple project | Full project | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design + UX | 3,000 EUR | 8,000 EUR | Estimator journey |
| Price library | 6,000 EUR | 15,000 EUR | Structure = the key |
| Takeoff + automation | 5,000 EUR | 16,000 EUR | Major time saver |
| Bid generation + formats | 4,000 EUR | 12,000 EUR | BoQ, public tenders |
| Margin tracking + reporting | 3,000 EUR | 11,000 EUR | Hold the margin |
| Indicative total | 21,000 EUR | 62,000 EUR | Excluding maintenance |
Mini case study
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Claire runs a fit-out SME in London: she answers about 40 tenders a month. Each bid currently takes 4 hours of estimating, i.e. 160 hours/month at a loaded cost of 42 EUR/h, or 6,720 EUR/month. With a price library and assisted takeoff, estimating time drops to 2 hours per bid: 80 hours saved per month, or 3,360 EUR/month, about 40,000 EUR/year. More importantly, responding faster lets her handle 10 more tenders a month: at a 20% conversion rate and a 28,000 EUR average ticket, that adds significant opportunities. On a 55,000 EUR investment, the tool pays back in under 18 months on estimating time alone.
FAQ
Can we import our existing price library? Yes, from an Excel file or a legacy tool. Structuring it (work items, sub-details) is the key item: budget 6,000 to 15,000 EUR.
Can the takeoff read drawings? Depending on the chosen automation level. Assisted takeoff with guided entry is faster to ship; drawing import pushes the budget toward the top of the range.
Do we handle public tender formats (BoQ)? Yes, with the formats module. Plan 3,000 to 9,000 EUR depending on the forms and required compliance.
How long to go live? Between 3 and 6 months. A library + bid core ships in 3-4 months; automated takeoff and margin tracking extend it.
Custom or off-the-shelf? If your sub-details and formats are standard, an off-the-shelf tool is enough. Custom is justified when your work items, margins and forms are specific.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the size of your price library, your output formats and your target date: we will scope the perimeter and an indicative budget. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
