Top 6 AI electrical estimating software and tools for contractors

No two electrical contractors operate exactly the same way. Some juggle large-scale commercial builds, others focus on residential service calls, and plenty fall somewhere in between. Choosing AI electrical estimating software that matches your day-to-day work is key. Here’s a breakdown of six options that stand out—each with strengths for a specific type of contractor.

1. Best for commercial: BuildOps

BuildOps was created for commercial contractors dealing with high-volume estimating and complex installs. Its AI-driven tools help estimators generate fast, accurate quotes using real-time material pricing, historic job data, and labor benchmarks. But it doesn’t stop at the estimate. BuildOps uses AI to support the entire post-bid workflow—automating invoice summaries, scanning receipts for job-related costs, and even filling in purchase order fields based on the estimate scope. That means less paperwork, fewer errors, and tighter back-office coordination.

How pricing works: BuildOps uses custom pricing based on company size and number of users. Estimates are tailored per team, so you only pay for what your operation actually needs.

Features beyond estimating: In addition to AI-enhanced quoting, BuildOps includes dispatch management, technician mobile apps, CRM tools, automated service agreement tracking, and full reporting dashboards. Every tool feeds into estimating, creating a closed-loop system that improves with every job.

What sets it apart for commercial contractors: Commercial estimators can track labor units, materials, and change orders in real time while AI continuously adjusts cost projections. When the job kicks off, the same system auto-generates POs, summarizes invoices by project, and ties scanned receipts to job codes. Everything’s connected—saving your team hours each week and reducing missed revenue.

Looking to level up your quoting process? Take a closer look at BuildOps estimating software for electrical contractors.

2. Best for residential: Housecall Pro

Housecall Pro is built around simplicity. Its clean interface makes it a solid pick for small residential electrical shops that prioritize fast quoting and tight scheduling. It automates basic estimating tasks and helps owners manage field techs, appointments, and invoices with minimal training. However, it may not offer the AI depth or commercial-grade customization some contractors need.

How pricing works: Tiered monthly pricing, starting around $59/month, depending on the number of users and access to features.

Features beyond estimating: Includes online booking, automatic follow-ups, payment processing, and customer communication tools. You also get a mobile app that keeps your field team in sync with office dispatch and scheduling.

What sets it apart for residential contractors: For shops handling dozens of home service calls a week, Housecall Pro keeps operations streamlined. Estimators can quickly generate quotes and convert them into jobs with just a few clicks.

3. Best for general contractors: Jobber

Jobber focuses on helping general contractors manage clients, quotes, jobs, and payments in one place. Its estimate builder is easy to use and comes with templates that save time. For electrical contractors doing mixed trade work or partnering on GC-led projects, it’s a flexible choice. That said, its AI capabilities and deep estimating features may feel limited for larger or specialized electrical teams.

How pricing works: Starts at $25/month for one user, with pricing tiers based on feature access and user count.

Features beyond estimating: Offers client communication tools, mobile job tracking, appointment scheduling, and basic reporting. The integrations are solid, but geared more toward general field service than advanced electrical workflows.

What sets it apart for general contractors: Jobber gives GCs visibility across all job stages without needing complex setups. For teams wearing multiple hats—estimating, managing, dispatching—it offers a centralized place to stay organized.

4. Best for small to mid-sized businesses: Workiz

Workiz is built for smaller teams that need fast turnaround on estimates, scheduling, and invoicing without dealing with complex setup. It features voice-to-text quoting, smart scheduling, and AI-powered follow-ups—ideal for growing electrical shops that juggle multiple jobs at once. That said, its customization and depth may feel limited for commercial contractors or teams handling more advanced installations.

How pricing works: Workiz offers tiered pricing starting at around $65/month, depending on user count and features included.

Features beyond estimating: Workiz includes built-in VoIP calling, team messaging, calendar syncing, and technician GPS tracking. These features help owners keep tight control of job progress without bouncing between apps.

What sets it apart for small to mid-sized teams: Workiz makes it easy for lean electrical teams to manage estimates and jobs in one place. The AI tools help keep estimates moving without chasing down client approvals or rescheduling manually.

5. Best for independent contractors: McCormick Systems

McCormick Systems is a longtime name in the electrical estimating world, especially for detailed material pricing and takeoff workflows. The platform offers AI-assisted takeoff tools, integration with vendor catalogs, and bid tracking dashboards. However, the user interface can feel dated, and it may require more training time compared to newer platforms.

How pricing works: Pricing is customized based on licenses and modules. Estimates start in the mid-hundreds for entry-level systems, with add-ons for advanced takeoff or service work.

Features beyond estimating: McCormick includes built-in labor units, spec book syncing, and preloaded assemblies—especially helpful for contractors doing specialized electrical work or prefabrication.

What sets it apart for independent contractors: Solo contractors and small teams benefit from McCormick’s deep catalog and takeoff automation. The AI tools make solo estimating faster, though the platform may feel bulky for quick turnaround work.

6. Best for installation & maintenance contractors: PlanSwift

PlanSwift specializes in digital takeoff and plan review, giving estimators the tools to measure, mark up, and generate material lists directly from blueprints. AI helps flag inconsistencies, auto-suggest labor needs, and refine takeoffs as new plans come in. While powerful for install-focused work, it lacks broader job management features like CRM or scheduling.

How pricing works: One-time license cost starting at roughly $2,000, with optional yearly maintenance and add-on modules.

Features beyond estimating: Includes drag-and-drop assemblies, measurement tools, Excel integration, and plugins for supplier pricing. It also offers customizable formulas for job costing.

What sets it apart for installation and maintenance teams: PlanSwift shines when jobs are blueprint-heavy and demand precise takeoff work. For contractors focused on installs, AI-enhanced takeoff paired with accurate labor mapping helps produce sharp estimates—even on tight timelines.

Matt Ward

6 Best AI-Powered Electrical Estimating Software & Tools