I am a real estate investor and oft time rehabber and relying on contractors for repair estimates is always a dicey and time-consuming task. Checking out Bid4Build, I realized I had found one of the best options for a small outfit that doesn't have their own, in-house estimators.

Bid4Build retails for around $295 but has many of the same features found in more expensive programs and several features pricier programs don't offer. You can break down your estimate into phases and divide your estimate into specific areas or rooms. There are lots of calculation and conversion tools to let you compare different aspects of the project. Better yet, unlike most estimating programs of this price range it includes a scheduling system that generates a useful timeline for subcontractors, and a calendar management feature that is available for daily task scheduling. You can also store digital photos to project phases, useful for keeping lenders and partners informed, and my favorite, a useful map generator that allows you to create a detailed map and directions to a work site.

Bid4Build is easier to learn than most; you will be able to jump in and get going faster. It loads easily, and while not perfect, it has a generally intuitive design and the comprehensive Interactive Training Tutorial can get you going quickly. For a small-project rehab investor, like myself, you can't beat the low-cost, easy-to-use, powerful feature package that is Bid4Build.

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