10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing 3D Estimating Software

A 3D demo shows what a building looks like. A useful evaluation shows whether your team can calculate an estimate, check the materials, and make changes without starting over. Use this checklist with any vendor, including GitEstimate.

See GitEstimate on our homepage

The evaluation checklist

Can it model your common buildings? Try your roof pitches, lean-tos, openings, and other options.
Can you use your own pricing? Ask how material and labor prices are entered and updated.
Can you verify the parts list? Compare quantities and lengths with a building you've already estimated.
What happens when a customer changes the design? Change a dimension or door and review the updated output.
Is the workflow easy to learn? Have someone new to the software prepare a routine estimate.
Does it work on your devices? Test the tasks your team performs on a laptop, tablet, or phone.
What documents are included? Ask to see actual estimates, parts lists, floor plans, and elevations.
How do website inquiries work? Check what information customers submit and whether the plan includes pricing.
What setup and support do you receive? Find out who configures your rules and helps resolve estimating questions.
What is the total cost? Include setup, subscriptions, user limits, optional modules, and integrations.

Use a real project as your test

Pick a building your company quoted recently, ideally with a lean-to or several openings. Keep your own estimate and parts list nearby. Ask each vendor to configure it, make one change, and show the updated results.

How GitEstimate approaches these questions

GitEstimate focuses on 3D post-frame design, company-specific estimating, and detailed material lists. We help configure your materials and pricing during setup. Builder Pro adds 2D construction documents. The 3D-only plan is for website designs and inquiries; it does not include estimates or parts lists.

The free demo uses sample pricing, so it is useful for exploring the workflow. A live demonstration is the better place to discuss your company's specific construction rules.

For more context, see our post-frame software comparison and estimating software overview.

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