The EDGE vs BuildBook

STACK

PlanHub

Contractor Foreman

STACK is the best, cloud-based takeoff and estimating software for construction contractors. STACK software is easy-to-use, Mac & PC compatible, and has powerful, time-saving AI features.

PlanHub is a preconstruction software that helps construction professionals find projects, manage bids, network, and more. The platform offers a range of tools, including project finder, takeoff and estimation, prequalification, and bid management, all designed to simplify the preconstruction process and enable construction professionals to work more efficiently.

Contractor Foreman is an all-in-one construction management software designed for small to medium-sized contractors. It offers a range of features, including project management, financial tracking, team collaboration, and document management, all in an easy-to-use and affordable platform.

Technical Director, Consultant, Estimator

The support team is always there and always helpfull.  

The EDGE is a construction estimating solution designed for commercial contractors in roofing, fireproofing, drywall installation & other construction businesses, to help manage material takeoffs based on measurements across project blueprints.

Accounting

Accounting Integration

Assembly Takeoff

Bid Management

Commercial

Cost Database

Cost Estimating

Cost Tracking

Customizable Templates

Document Templates

Electronic Plans

Email Templates

Estimating

Historical Database

Industrial

Job Costing

Labor Cost Reporting

Mobile App

Project Estimating

Projections

Project Management

Project Templates

Proposal Generation

Quotes/Estimates

Real-Time Analytics

Reporting/Analytics

Status Tracking

Takeoff

Template Management

Third-Party Integrations

The EDGE

Web-based

Windows

Linux

Procore Estimating

FOUNDATION

Basic

Frequent bugs and instability

Estimator

Due to language or regional configuration it crashes when working abroad.

76% of reviewers feel negative about bugs and issues, frequently mentioning software crashes, glitches, and instability. Reviewers indicate the program can freeze, lose jobs, or shut down unexpectedly, which disrupts their workflow and can lead to lost work. Some users say these technical problems occur both in local and cloud-based versions, and note that fixes are often slow or unavailable. They express frustration with persistent bugs, incomplete functionalities, and the time-consuming nature of troubleshooting recurring errors.

Comprehensive roofing estimation tools

96% of reviewers feel positive about the roofing estimation features, emphasizing the system’s depth and adaptability for commercial roofing projects. Reviewers appreciate having access to a wide range of templates for various roofing systems and manufacturers, which helps them avoid mistakes and omissions in bids. Some users report that the tool simplifies complex roofing estimates, allows for easy adjustments, and supports detailed customization for different project needs. They find it especially valuable for handling multiple roof systems within a single project and maintaining accurate records.

Efficient and accurate estimating

93% of reviewers feel positive about the estimating capabilities, noting that it significantly streamlines their workflow and increases productivity. Reviewers indicate they can complete more estimates in less time and with greater accuracy, which helps them produce detailed proposals efficiently. Some users say the software allows for easy customization, template setup, and quick navigation, making it accessible for both new and experienced estimators. They appreciate being able to run multiple scenarios rapidly and value the consistency it brings to their estimating and production processes.

Director of Estimating and IT

If you are entering quantities instead of doing a takeoff on a blueprint, the process is not nearly as fast as it would be on an Excel spreadsheet.

Market Segment Leader

On the occasion when we take-off projects with multiple rooms or floors, using project and common conditions makes our take-off very efficient.  

Commercial Estimator

There is a deep library of options and behind-the-scenes tools to master estimates and generate proposals.

Senior Project Manager

The change to version 12 from version 10 introduced auto panning by running the cursor to the edge of the screen.

Accounting Manager

Throughout my experience with our project management and estimating team The Edge provides a good product for landing jobs.

It's easy to do a take-off on a small project in a few hours and a larger one in a few days if you use project conditions, common conditions, and duplicates.

Project Engineer

It saves a lot of time when the jobs are massive, and you are bidding more than one job.

Waterproofing Division Manager

The Edge is a very powerful program allowing a user to get all the variables of a bid put into one place to produce quality estimates.  

Administrative Assistant

It really makes putting together estimates hassle free and saves SO much time.

I've tried a few other estimating software systems over the years and in my opinion The Edge is at the top of the pack.

This is not really a well-developed integration and does not really fully capture what would be beneficial

I appreciate the degree of detail that a roof project can be customized to.

Integrations with other platforms such as Foundation.

There's enough flexibility that you can adapt it to almost any situation.

Project Manager Estimator

Trying to locate Sheets,  when images are downloaded the come out in

SENIOR ESTIMATOR PROJECT MANAGER

It will often begin the takeoff from the last condition that you used rather than the last condition that you edited.

Executive Vice President

The move away from perpetual licensing and to subscription pricing for users of The Estimating Edge.

It makes the complexity of commercial roofing feel very simple.

It allows me to break out each line item for labor, instead of putting it as one lump some.

Commercial Account Relations

Can be a lot of fields to navigate which can be time consuming especially when you have a lot to do.

Project Manage and Estimating

I asked a question and never got the answer if Report Spray Chart and a drawing can be on the same page?

Commercial Program Manager

I don't like that there's not a whole lot for user learning outside of corporate training.

The system likes to adjust my personalized screen by itself.

When I was estimating full-time, I used it daily.  

V.P. Commercial Roofing Operations

Performance and speed seem great, but I've never used any other estimating programs to compare it with.  

HOA Administrator

I especially like how one bid can have multiple pages so changes can be made without affecting the original bid.

As far as value for the money, it tends to lean towards the pricier side of estimating programs.

Because you can customize so much, there are a few areas that really need to be double and triple checked to make sure everything is correct.

Overall, it is a great product and is the best way to bid jobs. While it takes a little time to learn everything, once you do it is worth it. After you spend some time on it, it becomes easier and easier to use.

Manager

My estimator liked the process we look forward to implementing it in the future.

Estimator and project manager

It is a less user friendly software in my opinion but once you get it down.

Director of Estimating

The EDGE makes takeoffs fast, accurate, and easy to manage.

would recommend to any one looking for a new software as a roofer.

My favorite part of The Edge is that it is user friendly.  

EDGE updates is pretty frequently, per received emails.

Estimator Project Manager

Longish learning curve to learn the nuances of the program.

It has gone through some major "version" changes over the years.  

Edge has helped me bid jobs easier, and understand roofing more in a whole.

UL is still not correct, but we can adjust as needed.

I do feel it does give us an edge, though.

Assistant Project Manager

So far the training has been outstanding!

At the same time you have an overlook of the cost breakout.

I enjoy the ability to be free of paper.  

Bidding

Drawing and Screen

Roofing Estimation

Training and Learning Curve

Project Estimation

Save

Integrations

Takeoff Accuracy

Pricing

Small Business

Mid-size Business

Large Enterprises

Foundation Software

Managing Partner

Super fast responsive times and helpful feedback.  

Project Manager

The customer service is phenomenal, they are always asking me what features they can implement to make BuildBook better suit managing the company.

BuildBook's construction management software helps custom home builders, contractors and remodelers capture more leads, win better clients and streamline project management and client communication across all types of residential construction projects - all in one easy to use platform. Try it free!

Activity Dashboard

Activity Tracking

Alerts/Notifications

Budget Tracking

Calendar Management

Calendar/Reminder System

Change Order Management

Client Management

Client Portal

Client Tracking

Collaboration Tools

Communication Management

Contact Database

Contact Management

Contract/License Management

Contractor Management

Customer Database

Customer Management

Customizable Branding

Data Import/Export

Document Management

Document Storage

Expense Tracking

Financial Management

For AEC Industry

For Residential

Gantt/Timeline View

Job Management

Job Scheduling

Lead Management

Mobile Access

Multiple Projects

Permit Management

Progress Tracking

Project Planning

Project Planning/Scheduling

Project Scheduling

Project Time Tracking

Project Tracking

Purchase Order Management

Real-Time Data

Real-Time Notifications

Real-Time Updates

Reporting & Statistics

Rescheduling

Sales Approval

Sales Pipeline Management

Scheduling

Subcontractor Management

Subcontractor Monitoring

Supplier Management

Task Management

Task Progress Tracking

Task Scheduling

Warranty Tracking

Work Order Management

By industry, BuildBook reviewers are most commonly professionals in construction (90%). The most frequent use case for BuildBook cited by reviewers is construction management (77% of reviewers).

Users and use cases

BuildBook is a construction management program offering key features such as project tracking and mobile access, among others.

The EDGE vs BuildBook Comparison (2026)

The EDGE

BuildBook

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

Alternatives