The verdict in three sentences
Custom takeoff and estimating software for a general contractor in Berlin costs between 25,000 and 55,000 EUR in 2026, with a price library, a takeoff module and quote generation. The return is direct: estimating time per bid drops by around 40 %, letting the same team respond to more tenders. Expect 4 to 6 months to deploy, with building the price library being the structuring step.
What takeoff and estimating software covers
Estimating a bid is slow, repetitive work: read the drawings, measure quantities, apply unit prices, assemble the quote. Custom software industrialises that chain without freezing how the estimator works.
| Module | 2026 scope | Ballpark (build) |
|---|---|---|
| Price library | Works, items, cost bases | 6,000 - 12,000 EUR |
| Takeoff module | Quantities, formulas, drawings | 7,000 - 14,000 EUR |
| Quote generation | Structure, sub-details, options | 6,000 - 12,000 EUR |
| Margin management | Coefficients, overheads | 3,000 - 7,000 EUR |
| Tender tracking | Pipeline, win rate | 3,000 - 8,000 EUR |
| Exports and templates | PDF, spreadsheets, bill of quantities | 2,000 - 5,000 EUR |
A firm with one or two estimators targets 25,000-35,000 EUR. A general contractor bidding many tenders, with a rich library and pipeline tracking, climbs toward 45,000-55,000 EUR.
The numbers on estimating
The main gain is time. Every hour saved on an estimate is an hour redeployed to other tenders, so to potential revenue.
| Metric | Manual (Excel) | Custom software |
|---|---|---|
| Time per tender | 12 - 20 h | 7 - 12 h (-40 %) |
| Pricing errors / omissions | Frequent | Rare (library) |
| Margin consistency | Variable | Stable |
| Tenders handled / month | 6 - 10 | 10 - 16 |
| Works reuse | Low | High |
| Win-rate tracking | Absent | Automated |
Going from 8 to 13 tenders handled per month, at constant win rate, mechanically grows the order book without hiring.
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Mini case study
Mr Vandenberghe, owner of a general contracting firm in Berlin, has 2 estimators each handling about 8 tenders per month, at 16 h per estimate. He orders custom software at 38,000 EUR with a price library.
Math: time per estimate falls to 10 h, a 6 h gain per tender. Across 16 tenders/month for both estimators, that frees 16 x 6 = 96 h/month. Just by absorbing more tenders, they rise to about 13 each. At a 20 % win rate and 120,000 EUR average contract, the 10 extra tenders per month generate 10 x 0.2 = 2 contracts, i.e. 240,000 EUR of potential extra monthly revenue. The investment pays back within the first quarter.
FAQ
Does the price library have to be built from scratch? Not necessarily. We import your existing works (Excel, past quotes) and structure the library with your real cost bases. It is the most structuring step of the project, to scope from the start.
Does the software do takeoff from drawings? The takeoff module (7,000-14,000 EUR) lets you enter quantities and formulas in a structured way. Automatic takeoff from digital drawings is possible but adds to the budget; we calibrate it to your real needs.
How long to deploy? Expect 4 to 6 months. Building the library and migrating your works make up a good share of that time, more than the pure development.
Can we export to a bill of quantities format? Yes. Exports (PDF, spreadsheets, bill of quantities) are part of the standard scope (2,000-5,000 EUR), to answer public and private tenders in the expected format.
How does the software protect margins? The margin management module applies your coefficients and overheads consistently on each quote, which avoids margin omissions that erode a project's profitability.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your number of estimators, tender volume and the state of your price library and we will price a takeoff + estimating scope. 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.
