ConEst Review for Electrical Contractors: Features, Pros, Cons & Alternatives

ConEst Software Systems has been offering electrical contractors estimating solutions since 1989, but how well do these tools meet modern construction needs?

This review examines ConEst’s IntelliBid estimating software and SureCount takeoff capabilities from an electrical contractor’s perspective.

What is ConEst?

ConEst Software Systems provides estimating, takeoff and reporting software specifically designed for the electrical construction industry. The company’s primary products include IntelliBid for electrical estimating, SureCount for digital takeoff and Conest Connect for reporting and analytics.

Based in New Hampshire, ConEst has established itself as a provider of trade-specific software solutions for electrical, low voltage, datacom and solar contractors. The company is part of the JDM Technology Group, which serves the architecture, engineering and construction industries globally.

ConEst’s software is available in both on-premises and cloud-based deployment options, allowing contractors to choose the setup that fits their existing infrastructure.

ConEst Features: Understanding the Estimating Platform

Let’s examine what the platform ConEst offers as a whole, including a look into its two main software products:

1. IntelliBid for estimating
2. SureCount for takeoff

#1: IntelliBid Estimating Software

IntelliBid serves as ConEst’s core estimating platform and is offered in three different editions: IntelliBid Standard, IntelliBid Plus and IntelliBid Pro.

All three versions come with features designed for electrical contractors:

• Material database loaded with electrical, low voltage, datacom and solar items
• Pre-built assemblies for common electrical installations
• Labor unit calculations based on industry standards
• Material price updates through NetPricer, EPIC and TRA-SER pricing services
• Customizable labor rates and item flexibility
• Bid assembly and proposal generation

Higher-tier editions (Plus and Pro) include additional features like:

• Smart substitution using NEC code tables
• Enhanced proposal templates
• Change order management
• Bid and job analysis tools
• Advanced breakouts for unit pricing
• Count sheets for symbol counting

An optional Electrical Formulas add-on provides calculation tools for voltage drops, fault current and lighting requirements.

#2: SureCount Digital Takeoff

While IntelliBid handles the estimating side, SureCount focuses exclusively on the takeoff process. This separate program works alongside IntelliBid to digitize the counting and measurement tasks that feed into estimates.

SureCount’s digital takeoff capabilities include:

• On-screen symbol counting from PDF and TIFF files
• Proprietary auto-count technology that counts all symbol types simultaneously
• Point-and-click measurement of branch and feeder runs
• Custom area designation to define specific zones for targeted counts and measurements
• Color coding for different wiring configurations
• Drawing comparison tools for tracking revisions

SureCount can export data to IntelliBid, allowing takeoff information to transfer between the two programs. The organization of drawings and phases synchronizes between both platforms.

#3: Reporting With Conest Connect

Once estimates are complete, contractors need ways to analyze bid data and present information to stakeholders. ConEst addresses this through both standard reporting and an optional advanced module.

IntelliBid includes built-in reporting capabilities as a standard feature:

• Pre-configured reports for different screens and data types
• Standard reports like Audit Trail, Item Number and Phase Breakdown
• Basic data analysis and bid documentation

However, users who need more advanced reporting and analytics can add Conest Connect, an optional reporting module that provides:

• Custom report generation with drag-and-drop functionality
• Interactive dashboards for project tracking
• Performance analysis across multiple bids
• Advanced data visualization tools
• Enhanced export capabilities for external analysis

Conest developed Connect specifically to address user feedback about wanting more streamlined ways to extract and visualize IntelliBid data with dynamic dashboards.

#4: Cloud and On-Premises Options

Contractors have different preferences for how they access and host their software. ConEst accommodates both approaches through flexible deployment options.

ConEst offers this flexibility through CE Cloud:

• Cloud-based access to IntelliBid, SureCount and Conest Connect
• On-premises installation for contractors preferring local systems
• Network capabilities in higher-tier editions

The cloud option provides accessibility while on-premises deployment maintains local control.

ConEst Reviews and Ratings

Here’s what users have said about their experiences with ConEst software:

What ConEst Offers Electrical Contractors

ConEst provides electrical estimating software with trade-specific capabilities and an established industry presence. The platform offers:

• Estimating tools designed for electrical, low voltage, datacom and solar work
  • Separate takeoff program with auto-count capabilities
  • Material databases with supplier pricing connections
  • Labor unit libraries based on industry standards
  • NEC code table integration (in Plus and Pro editions)
  • Built-in reporting with hundreds of pre-configured reports
  • Optional advanced analytics add-on (Conest Connect)
  • Both cloud and on-premises deployment options

The software works for electrical contractors needing detailed material takeoff and labor calculations for trade-specific construction work.

Key Considerations When Evaluating ConEst

ConEst’s two-program structure (IntelliBid and SureCount) requires learning separate interfaces and transferring data between systems. Users cite a notable learning curve, reporting challenges that prompted the development of a paid add-on, and interface complexity that can slow down common tasks.

The tiered pricing model with optional add-ons may increase total implementation costs. Contractors should assess whether this workflow structure and feature distribution align with their operational needs.

McCormick: Modern All-in-One Construction Estimating

McCormick provides estimating and takeoff software built exclusively for electrical contractors, as well as plumbing and mechanical contractors, who need solutions designed for specialty trade work.

Unified Estimating and Digital Takeoff

McCormick integrates estimating and takeoff capabilities in a single cloud-based platform:

• Built-in digital takeoff with point-and-click functionality within the estimating platform
• Automated calculations for labor hours, counts and material prices as you perform takeoff
• Design-build capability to create working drawings and material lists directly from estimates
• Seamless workflow between takeoff and estimating functions

Trade-Specific Databases and Features

McCormick offers comprehensive databases designed specifically for electrical contractors:

• Fully loaded electrical database for commercial, industrial, low voltage and high voltage projects
• Prebuilt, time-tested labor units plus three levels of NECA labor units
• Labor and material calculations that update automatically during takeoff
• Over 30,000 prebuilt electrical assemblies with material pricing and labor costs
• Auto-count technology for symbol counting
• Patented Auto Home Run feature for automated circuit calculations

Modern Cloud-Based Technology

McCormick delivers accessibility and collaboration through cloud technology:

• Accessible Anywhere: Work from any location with internet connectivity
• True Multi-User System: Multiple team members can collaborate simultaneously on estimates
• Automatic Backups: System backups protect your data with high-level security
• Real-Time Pricing Updates: Instant updates directly from major pricing services or individual supply houses

Advanced Features and Support

McCormick provides additional capabilities for growing businesses:

• Built-in change order and change order tracking
• Customizable job screens for bid management
• Advanced executive dashboards
• User-defined reports for job breakouts
• Bid summary sections to combine and split costs

McCormick also provides the following support options:

• Over 40 years of construction industry experience
• Dedicated support team with specialty trade knowledge
• McCormick College training sessions for hands-on learning
• User conferences for networking and education
• Average response time under 10 minutes

How Contractors Can Choose the Best Estimating Solution

The right estimating solution should match your trade specialty, provide modern accessibility, and integrate smoothly with your business workflows.

Choosing software built specifically for your trade ensures accurate labor units, appropriate material databases and features designed for the unique challenges you face daily.

Before choosing an estimating platform, ask yourself:

• Is the software built specifically for electrical work?
• Does it offer built-in digital takeoff, or will you need separate tools?
• Is the platform cloud-based for remote access and collaboration?
• Can multiple team members work simultaneously on estimates?
• What is the total cost, including training, implementation and ongoing fees?
• How quickly can new estimators become productive with the system?
• Does it integrate with your accounting and project management software?
• What level of ongoing support and training is provided?

If you’d like to explore how modern, trade-specific estimating software could benefit your electrical contracting company, McCormick experts are ready to help you find the perfect fit for your unique requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Pros and Cons of Using ConEst?

Pros: ConEst offers trade-specific databases for electrical work, NEC code table integration and pre-built assemblies that simplify estimating. The software provides an established industry presence with over 30 years of experience serving electrical contractors. Multiple deployment options include both cloud and on-premises installations.

Cons: The platform requires using two separate programs (IntelliBid for estimating and SureCount for takeoff) rather than a unified workflow. Users report learning curve challenges, cumbersome reporting processes that prompted the development of a paid add-on and user interface complexity requiring many clicks for common tasks. The tiered pricing structure with multiple add-ons can increase total costs.

How Does ConEst Compare to All-in-One Estimating Platforms?

ConEst uses a two-program approach where IntelliBid handles estimating and SureCount manages takeoff as separate applications. Data transfers between programs, and users learn two distinct interfaces.

McCormick provides a unified workflow where takeoff and estimating occur in a single platform through built-in takeoff. This all-in-one approach eliminates data transfer steps and reduces the learning curve by having estimators work in one system throughout their workflow.

The choice depends on whether your team prefers specialized programs for each task or values a streamlined workflow in a single interface.

What Training is Required for ConEst Software?

ConEst software requires training investment due to system complexity and the need to learn two separate programs.

IntelliBid users frequently mention the learning curve and setup time needed to become proficient. SureCount operates separately, adding another program to master. Companies should expect weeks or months before estimators reach full productivity.

ConEst provides online training classes and live training sessions to help users learn the software. Support resources include documentation, videos and customer service assistance.

McCormick Systems takes a different approach with basic implementation that gets estimators working quickly.

For teams that want deeper training, McCormick College offers optional personalized sessions tailored to your specific trade and workflows. These sessions are recorded for future reference, but many estimators can begin producing accurate estimates after the initial implementation without additional training requirements.

Does ConEst Work for Small Electrical Contractors?

ConEst offers different edition tiers designed to serve contractors of various sizes. The Standard edition provides core estimating functionality at a lower price point than Plus or Pro editions.

Small electrical contractors should consider whether the two-program workflow fits their operational style and whether they need the advanced features found in higher-tier editions. The learning curve and setup requirements may impact smaller teams differently than larger organizations with dedicated estimating staff.

Companies should evaluate total costs, including software licenses, optional add-ons like Conest Connect for reporting and ongoing maintenance fees when determining budget fit.

Which Is Better For Electrical Estimating, ConEst Or McCormick?

Both platforms serve electrical contractors, but their approaches differ significantly.

ConEst provides established software with separate programs for estimating (IntelliBid) and takeoff (SureCount), multiple edition tiers and both cloud and on-premises deployment options.

McCormick is an all-in-one cloud-based platform with built-in digital takeoff. This allows contractors to work from anywhere with automatic calculations as they perform takeoff. The platform emphasizes speed, accessibility and collaborative features with over 40 years of specialty trade focus and support response times under 10 minutes.

The choice depends on whether your business prioritizes separate specialized programs or an integrated cloud-based workflow that combines takeoff and estimating in one platform.