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Cloud-based Pre-Construction Estimating Software

Estimate faster.
Win more work.

All-in-one estimating software built for specialist subcontractors in construction. Say goodbye to spreadsheet chaos - win more jobs, manage risk, and delivery quality handovers to site.

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Estimating software

Built for
specialist contractors.

Chalkstring's construction estimating software was built by people who know what it's like to run specialist contracting businesses. Every feature reflects the real challenges you face.

Whether you're in interiors,  facades or beyond - or you're a small or large business - we’ve designed an estimating system with the specialist trades in mind.

Our estimating tool will help you estimate efficiently, be more competitive in today's slower market, and win more work.

All the features you need

Chalkstring templates

Templates & centralised database

All your estimating data - in one place

Everyone works from the same reliable set of labour, material, prelim and rate information - no more searching through inboxes or old spreadsheets. Combined with reusable templates, it makes estimating simpler, faster, and cuts out costly mistakes.

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Rate build up

Price consistently, quote confidently

Build your scope using structured templates, labour, materials and prelims from your own database - so your team prices work the same way, every time. Apply project ­specific terms, create clear rate build-ups, and make job-specific edits without starting from scratch.

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Professional tender documentation

Download quality client-ready tender bills

Track cost, revenue and margin in real time as you build your estimate. Every change updates instantly, so you can see the commercial impact right away - helping you avoid underpricing, protect profit, and make smart decisions as you go.

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Integrated Takeoff & bill imports

Get your quantities in - fast and accurately

Use integrated Takeoff to capture measures from your drawings and have them flow straight into your bill of quantities. Or avoid manually rekeying data by importing measures from client bills or measured quantities directly into your estimate.

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Value engineering

Respond faster to change - without the rework

Swap materials, apply supplier quotes, and model alternative options in just a few clicks. Quickly reprice scenarios and compare outcomes - all without rebuilding your estimate. It's the easiest way to respond to VE requests and keep control of your margins.

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Project handover

From tender to delivery - in a single step

Generate labour and material bills instantly, straight from your estimate - no rekeying, no manual rebuild. Then, when you're ready, convert your tender into a live project with all pricing, scope and assumptions intact. Chalkstring keeps everyone aligned from day one.

See Chalkstring for yourself

From chaos, to clarity. 

Estamiating homepage - before Chalkstring

Before Chalkstring

✕ Pricing methods vary wildly across the team

✕ Hours lost digging through old files or past tenders

✕ Spreadsheets full of copy/paste errors and broken formulas

✕ Client tenders lack clarity, detail or consistency

✕ Handover means rework, rebuilds and lost assumptions

✕ Value Engineering requests cause chaos — or get ignored

✕ The team is stressed and not working efficiently

after

With Chalkstring

✓ Build rates using shared templates and consistent methods

✓ Estimate faster by using a centralised database

✓ Generate clear, branded, client-ready tenders in clicks

✓ Track cost, revenue and margin as you build the price

✓ Hand over cleanly — no rekeying, no gaps, no ambiguity

✓ Respond to Value Engineering changes in minutes, not hours

✓ A happy, productive team who can now sleep at night

With Chalkstring you will:

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Centralise

Use the same database for estimating across your whole business, ensuring consistency.

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Standardise

Created standardised tenders that both your pre and post contract teams can understand.

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Analyse

Analyse commercials and ensure your tender is priced to win and delivers your profit target.

Jamie Brenton video case study 2
Video Case Study
Estimating is twice as fast

Hear from Jamie Brenton, Managing Director, at Brebur Ltd. He explains how Chalkstring's estimating software has halved the time it takes to create winning tenders.

 

Want to chat? Let’s see if we’re a fit.

We don’t do hard sells. And we won’t demo unless we know we can help.

Support from people who 'get it'

When you call, we answer. No ticket queues, no bots — just real help from real people.

Our support team also includes experienced Quantity Surveyors, so you’ll  speak to someone who understands Chalkstring, your world and speaks your language.

Whether it’s a quick how-to or a detailed walkthrough, we’re here to make sure you get the most out of Chalkstring — every step of the way.

Chalkstring cost management software being used by specialist subcontractors

★★★★★

“PWB has grown significantly and Chalkstring has, without doubt, supported this."

Paul Bagley
PWB Drylining Ltd

★★★★★

"We can easily price different options and schemes, make changes and see the financial impact in seconds."

Rory Smith
Smiths Drylining Ltd

★★★★★

"Chalkstring's increased our speed and efficiency. We have only 2 estimators to price/win projects worth £18m pa."

Dan Elwell
Rapidfix Ltd

How Chalkstring helps specialist subcontractors

  • Use one platform for all projects
  • Apply defined & consistent processes
  • Standardise documentation
  • Automate repetitive tasks
  • Eradicate data duplication
  • Adopt a project management framework
  • Comply with ISO & quality procedures
  • Work from anywhere, using the cloud
  • View project data in real-time
  • Identify early warnings & take action
  • Control & analyse spend better
  • Eliminate over-ordering & over-paying
  • Accurately predict cost-to-complete
  • Make data-driven, informed decisions
  • Scale & grow your business