ConEst IntelliBid
What it is
ConEst IntelliBid is electrical estimating software for electrical, low-voltage, datacom, and solar contractors. Its estimating database contains over 140,000 material items and more than 500,000 pre-built assemblies. Built-in labor units and Auto Labor Factoring let estimators adjust labor for installation height, floors, run length, and quantities. The software integrates with NetPricer, EPIC, and TRA-SER supplier pricing services, which are licensed separately, and can compare prices across up to 10 local suppliers. Standard provides core estimating; Plus adds Smart Substitution and Count Sheets; Pro adds change orders, enhanced proposals, and bid analysis. SureCount links plan takeoff with estimates, while Conest Connect is an add-on for custom reports and dashboards. IntelliBid can be installed locally or accessed through CE Cloud. Local workstation support covers Windows 10 and Windows 11; Mac use requires supported Windows software in virtualization, and ARM-based systems are unsupported. Pricing depends on edition and user count and is available on request. Conest lists US-based technical support, classroom training, webinars, and a video library.
For and against
For
- Database has over 140,000 material items.
- Includes more than 500,000 pre-built assemblies.
- Compares pricing across up to 10 local suppliers.
- SureCount connects plan takeoff with estimates.
- Available locally or through CE Cloud.
Against
- Supplier pricing services are licensed separately.
- Pricing depends on edition and user count.
- Mac requires supported Windows virtualization locally.
- ARM-based systems are unsupported.
Who it suits
It suits electrical, low-voltage, datacom, and solar contractors who need estimating, supplier pricing comparisons, or plan takeoff. The different editions offer options for core estimating, substitutions, change orders, and bid analysis.
Getting started
- Visit the IntelliBid product page at https://conest.com/products/intellibid-electrical-estimating-software/.
- Request pricing based on your edition and number of users.
- Choose a local PC or office network installation, or access it through CE Cloud.
- Select Standard, Plus, or Pro based on the estimating tools needed.
- Add SureCount for plan takeoff or Conest Connect for custom reports and dashboards, if needed.
Limits to know
Pricing depends on edition and number of users. NetPricer, EPIC, and TRA-SER pricing services are licensed separately; Conest Connect is an add-on. Local workstation support is limited to Windows 10 and 11, with Mac requiring supported Windows virtualization and ARM-based systems unsupported.
The verdict
IntelliBid offers a substantial estimating database, labor adjustments, and edition-specific estimating and bid tools. Confirm the edition, supplier-service costs, and workstation requirements before choosing a deployment.
Questions
How much does ConEst IntelliBid cost?
Pricing is available on request and depends on the edition and number of users. Supplier pricing services are licensed separately.
What are the differences between Standard, Plus, and Pro?
Standard includes core estimating. Plus adds Smart Substitution and Count Sheets; Pro adds change orders, enhanced proposals, and bid analysis.
Can IntelliBid run in the cloud?
Yes. It can be accessed through Conest’s CE Cloud hosted platform, or installed on a local PC or office network.
What platforms can access CE Cloud?
CE Cloud supports Windows and Mac computers, Chromebooks, and Chrome or Firefox browsers.
Does IntelliBid support Mac computers for local installation?
Local Mac use requires supported Windows software in virtualization. ARM-based systems are unsupported.
What are SureCount and Conest Connect?
SureCount integrates plan takeoff with IntelliBid estimates. Conest Connect is an add-on for custom reports and dashboards using IntelliBid data.
Facts on the record
- Cloud access
- CE Cloud supports access from Windows and Mac computers, Chromebooks, and Chrome or Firefox browsers; Conest says its Windows applications are designed for laptop and desktop use.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Cloud security
- CE Cloud states that it uses multi-factor authentication, RFID access, multi-layer firewalls, anti-DDoS protection, physically restricted data access, and daily encrypted off-site backups.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company history
- Conest says it was founded in 1989 and describes its software as designed with contractors, estimators, and project managers in mind.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- IntelliBid can be installed on a local PC or office network, or accessed through Conest’s CE Cloud hosted platform.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Edition differences
- Standard includes core estimating; Plus adds tools such as Smart Substitution and Count Sheets; Pro adds change orders, enhanced proposals, and bid analysis.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Estimating database
- Its industry database contains over 140,000 material items and more than 500,000 pre-built assemblies.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1989conest.com · read 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- Londonderry, New Hampshire, United Statesconest.com · read 28 Sept 2026
- Labor and takeoff
- Built-in labor units and Auto Labor Factoring support adjustments for factors such as installation height, floors, run length, and quantities.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Operating system limit
- For local workstation installations, Conest lists Windows 10 and Windows 11 client/server support and says Mac requires supported Windows software in virtualization; ARM-based systems are unsupported.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Plan takeoff
- SureCount integrates plan takeoff with IntelliBid, synchronizing drawings and phases and sending assigned materials and labor into the estimate.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- IntelliBid is electrical estimating software for electrical, low-voltage, datacom, and solar contractors.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Reporting add-on
- Conest Connect is an add-on that uses IntelliBid data to produce custom reports and dashboards.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supplier pricing
- It integrates with NetPricer, EPIC, and TRA-SER, whose pricing services are licensed separately, and can compare prices across up to 10 local suppliers.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support and training
- Conest lists US-based technical support, classroom training, webinars, a video library, and IntelliBid tips.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support contract
- Conest says customers with an active service contract can access product upgrades, support documents, and its online product knowledge base.conest.com · read 4 Oct 2026