DESTINI Estimator Reviews

“Quick to learn

Pros

I really appreciate that we can manage most of our workflow within one application. It's simple to use and not too complicated.

Cons

It is decent but could definitely use some enhancements.

“High-performing product

Pros

The automated pricing feature makes it super easy to gather quantities from plans and link them to estimate costs. I also like how I can break down estimates into different parts like scopes, phases, and base bids using the WBS features. The BIM 360 tool is a great feature too, especially for pulling quantities from the model to make estimates.

Cons

Deploying onsite is a problem and can be inconsistent. I'd recommend the cloud-based solution, but with that comes the risk of losing connectivity if the internet goes down. The takeoff software could really use more features like those in mainstream products.

“Modern estimating technology

Pros

The product combines strong estimating software with 2D and 3D takeoff and a historical cost index. It makes presenting information in different formats (System, Uniformat, CSI, etc.) really easy. Overall, it's super simple to use.

Cons

This system is being improved and will be much better than what's currently available.

“Unmatched flexibility

Pros

DESTINI Estimator adapts easily to our company's estimating database. Other programs are often extremely challenging to manipulate.

Cons

It's tough to update information across all estimates without knowing advanced SQL (like metadata, WBS nomenclature, "data cleanup").

“Why Choose Destini

Pros

It is flexible, meeting our team's needs and fitting perfectly into our tech stack. We've set up systems to ensure everything works well together, keeping things efficient and reducing the risk of data issues. The system is easy to use, and we were up and running within just a few months.

Cons

It is excellent, but it would be even better if it were cloud-based with a more flexible license assignment and management process. We're expanding the product rollout and want to control access for users who aren't part of our trained group of SMEs to reduce the risk of historical data corruption.

“Simplified costing with Destini

Pros

It's great having all project aspects in one platform, from takeoff to reporting. The new format is much more simple and easier to use. We're already noticing time savings as we start new projects with this version.

Cons

Versioning estimates from previous software versions is tricky for me. The "bugs" in the new version are also causing extra issues for me and other users.

“Essential Tool

Pros

I use Destini Estimator for all my conceptual and schematic level budgets. This software is essential for an estimator in the construction industry. The historical cost database, take-off ties to line items, and detailed line estimate reports it generates add immense value to our department.

Cons

Maybe finding ways to improve the workflow and speed up the process would make a big difference.

“All in one solution!

Pros

I really appreciate that the software takes you from start to finish, so there's no need for any other software to prepare an estimate.

Cons

I really wish the material takeoff could be improved.

“Best system I've experienced

Pros

I like how it combines the best parts of Excel and lets you use data for future costing. The comparison feature is also great because it shows where the estimate changed from the last round.

Cons

I think a few features would be useful. Alternates would be the most helpful for us. I'd also like the ability to click on multiple cells and get a total.

“Promising, but takeoff needs Improvement

Pros

This is one of the top estimating software packages available. We developed a detailed and powerful cost database, aligning several regions to make our estimates more consistent across the company.

Cons

The Takeoff module is inefficient and needs significant upgrades. We'll still need separate takeoff software until this improves.

“Find a better option

Pros

Creating different versions of estimates is super easy. The software makes it simple to duplicate, modify and manage multiple versions, so we can explore different scenarios and options without any problem.

Cons

Running reports has been a frustrating experience for me. It feels like the programming needs some cleanup. Almost every time we need to send out a report, it doesn't work and we have to contact customer support to fix it. We want to integrate takeoffs into our workflow but the software doesn't allow us to take off blind elevations on drawings, so we had to go back to using OST. We also spent a lot of time setting up WBS properties, so that internal cost should be considered when estimating setup costs.

“Good, but not perfect

Pros

We use it for price modeling almost weekly. It's excellent for creating a high-level budget, and I love the customizable templates that allow us to adjust our proposals in different formats depending on the client. It's fantastic!

Cons

This software is tricky to map and not easy to use, so I end up using OST and just importing the data into Destini.

“Destini Estimator is unstoppable

Pros

We appreciate the versatility Destini Estimator offers. Its ability to function between takeoff, project information, and the dashboard places this software a step above the rest.

Cons

The takeoff capabilities feel clunky and the interface definitely needs some improvement.

“Refined our process

Pros

In Destini Estimator, many of our estimation processes have been streamlined. It's much easier to handle large sets of plans, draw and edit takeoffs compared to our previous software. We really like how the estimate is linked with mapped quantities and updates in real time as we make changes to the plans. The multi-user interface also makes teamwork smoother, which is essential for most of our projects. Although we haven't used the 3D takeoff feature much yet, it's a great bonus as more projects start using BIM models.

Cons

The implementation process has been really tough for us. Our team works with large and complex assemblies and estimates, and getting these into Destini has been a long and ongoing struggle. The program seems more suited for individual line items and simple takeoffs, which isn't how we work. Another common issue is the inefficiency of having to open and close multiple windows to add, modify, and copy assemblies. While this is being addressed in the new version, we felt that a lot of the features we need for our workflow were missing. Dealing with these problems has cost our department countless hours. On top of that, we had a lot of crashes when we first started using the estimator, which made many estimators hesitant to use the software.

“All in one spot

Pros

Takeoff and estimation are all in one place, so we don't have to switch between two software programs.

Cons

Takeoff feature is terrible, not easy to use and falls short compared to actual takeoff software. The estimate version isn't user-friendly, and having to change production in two places is a hassle. The same line items don't roll up, even with the toggle roll-up. Importing rates with modified crews causes issues and I'm constantly running into glitches with Destini.

“Pretty high-tech for a newbie

Pros

I like how detailed the software can get. We can easily break down an entire model and see our costs segmented in various ways, helping us dissect an estimate.

Cons

There are a lot of details to learn, and it's a lot to take in as a new user like me.

“My experience with DESTINI

Pros

I've just started using the page update feature and I love it.

Cons

When I'm using it, if the cursor gets near the edge of the screen, the plan jumps way past what I'm taking off and I have to scroll out and back in to fix it.

“Average software!

Pros

I appreciate that you can take Revit models and download them for quick takeoff, though it depends on the quality of the model imported by the architect.

Cons

It's difficult to track and locate takeoff items, review with others, and share this information with field operations.

“Well suited for big companies

Pros

The potential of this software is really exciting. With a database, up-to-date labor rates, and the ability to do a takeoff and instantly transfer the data into an estimate, it's perfect for a large company.

Cons

Implementation of the promised features is slow, and the takeoff tool is terrible.

“Easy to use

Pros

It's super easy to use, so new employees can quickly learn and start using it right away. The Interactive design makes it simple for even those with minimal training to use and use the software efficiently from the start.

Cons

I can't total individual line items or multiple line items.

“Easy & efficient Integrations

Pros

The integration with BIM 360 and the ability to use design files (like Revit) really boosts our estimating process, cutting down the time it takes to create an estimate. The support we've received during and after implementation has been exceptional, even for a smaller firm like ours. Being able to reach out to the software designers who truly understand our questions is a huge advantage.

Cons

The missing feature causing the most frustration for us is that once you do a takeoff, it's not easy to track where the item was taken off from in the 2D application. We need this ability for self-perform work so the field guys can use our takeoff quantities and confirm where the material was figured for the estimate.

“Good product!

Pros

I think the features are awesome, with great reporting tools and different ways to show costs for easier analysis. The 3D takeoff features are cool but if I'm in the early design stages, I can't just rely on BIM models. My estimate depends on the quality of the BIM model.

Cons

Implementation needs to be more standardized. The support and implementation teams have done everything they can, but the program's development is lagging. The 2D takeoff must be greatly improved. There has to be a simpler way to build assemblies. No online tutorials are available. We need realistic set dates for required updates.

“High-performance estimating

Pros

It has a tremendous support team to assist with issues, bugs, and general how-to's. The software's flexibility allows the user to adapt it to their needs. We particularly enjoy having all our estimates in a single database for quick historical cost referencing and enterprise-level collaboration.

Cons

I'm not sure if it's a downside but it's something to consider before purchasing: because Beck-Tech is a leading-edge software developer, changes happen frequently (2-3 times a year). Your team should be ready to adapt and push the software's limits.

“Adaptable beyond measure

Pros

It's really flexible for sorting and viewing data. I can easily create custom breakdown reports using the dashboard.

Cons

Right now, more than one estimator can't use the software at the same time, but that feature is coming soon.

“Bit tricky at first

Pros

I like that it incorporates estimating capabilities into the program. It took me a while to figure out how to connect costs, but once I did, it was helpful.

Cons

There are a few features missing that would make things easier. It would be helpful to have a drop-down list for organizing drawings, the ability to jump directly to pages, and a way to see which pages have takeoff. Shared file storage for network access would also be good. Plus, being able to turn layers on and off to reduce clutter and toggle bid tabs would make the process smoother.