Overview

CostX is construction estimating software for contractors who need to measure drawings, build feasibility studies and prepare Bills of Quantities (BoQs). It brings drawing takeoff, estimating workbooks and project outputs together, with support for both conventional 2D plans and BIM or 3D models. For a homeowner choosing paint or a coating, this is not a colour-selection tool: its role is to help construction professionals quantify and price project work.

CostX can measure areas, lengths and counts from scanned drawings, PDFs, CAD files and other 2D plans. It can also generate quantities from BIM or 3D models, then use those quantities in estimates and costs. The result is a workflow aimed at construction tendering and estimating, rather than at choosing a finish for a particular wall, floor or other surface.

Key features

Takeoff from plans and models

For 2D work, CostX captures dimensions from several common drawing types and calculates areas, lengths and counts. Its BIM and 3D capabilities can generate quantities from models and estimate quantities and costs from BIM files. The CostX Core edition covers 2D takeoff; moving to the full platform is required for BIM or automatic revision comparison.

Workbooks linked to drawings

CostX workbooks use a spreadsheet format and stay linked to their source drawings. Data repositories support the workbook process, while estimates, tenders and BoQs can be prepared from the measured information. Users can produce customised reports and create workbooks for comparing subcontractor bids, with those comparisons available for reporting.

Revision and spreadsheet workflows

Revision mode compares drawings and marks changes as a design develops, helping estimators identify what has changed between versions. CostXL, the Microsoft Excel add-in, live-links CostX dimensions, workbook values, rates and constants to Excel spreadsheets.

Subcontractor pricing and file review

CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute. It allows stakeholders to review project files in read-only format. Subcontractors can also enter prices against tender items in Viewer and save their pricing as an EXQ quote file, which can then be imported into CostX.

Pricing

CostX is paid software, and pricing is available on request. A free plan is listed, and CostX Viewer is free to use and distribute; the available facts do not specify the scope of the free plan beyond the Viewer. The site describes standalone licenses for one user on one PC and network licenses installed on multiple PCs with a central database, but does not list license prices.

Platforms

CostX is desktop software, with Windows and API listed as platforms. The site also describes CostX Cloud security measures using Microsoft Azure and automated data backups. License holders for Takeoff 2D have support options. Visitors can download software and sample files and follow a product walkthrough.

Who it's for

CostX is intended for construction contractors and estimators who need to measure drawings, develop feasibility studies, estimate labor and material costs, manage bids and prepare tender documents or BoQs. Its digital takeoff, BIM quantities, subcontractor pricing workflow and reporting are focused on estimating work rather than residential paint selection.

CostX Takeoff 2D is presented as an option for individuals or small businesses on a strict budget that need digital takeoff. CostX Core may suit users whose work is limited to 2D takeoff, linked workbooks, subcontractor comparisons and reports; those needing BIM or automatic revision comparison would need to upgrade to the full platform.

Pros and cons

Pros: Measures 2D drawings and generates quantities from BIM or 3D models.
Pros: Links workbook data to drawings and supports estimating, tendering, BoQs and customised reports.
Pros: Provides revision comparison, Excel links and a free read-only Viewer with a subcontractor quote workflow.
Cons: Pricing is on request, so the supplied information does not let buyers compare license costs.
Cons: BIM and automatic revision comparison require an upgrade beyond CostX Core.
Cons: Its purpose is construction estimating, not helping homeowners choose paints, stains or coatings.

Alternatives

For more options in this category, see Painting and construction estimating software. Other listed options include OpenConstructionERP, Trimble Viewpoint Vista, Bidwright, Trimble Quadri, Buildxact, HCSS, QuoteSoft and eTakeoff.

Verdict

CostX is a specialist estimating environment built around drawing takeoff, linked workbooks and construction tender outputs. Its combination of 2D measurement, BIM quantities, revision comparison, Excel integration and subcontractor quote handling supports a substantial estimating workflow. The key buying questions are whether the required work is covered by CostX Core or needs the full platform, and what the relevant license will cost, since pricing is provided on request. For homeowners seeking help selecting a paint or coating for a real surface, CostX is not the right kind of tool; for contractors quantifying and pricing construction work, its features are directly aligned with that task.

	CostX	McCormick Systems
Free plan	No	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Windows	Web
Digital takeoff	Yes	—
Labor and material costs	Yes	—
Bid management	Yes	—
Platform	desktop	—

CostX vs McCormick Systems

CostX

McCormick Systems