Still chasing down bids after hours?
If you’re estimating electrical or plumbing jobs, you know how much time and energy accurate proposals really take—and how fast wrong numbers can eat your profit.
The real headache is that mistakes here mean lost jobs and lost money, and it’s frustrating to see margins shrink or deals slip away over small estimating errors.
TurboBid steps in by combining digital takeoff, live material prices, built-in overhead tools, and pro-quality proposal generation—all tailored so you actually win profitable work, not just submit another quote.
In this review, I’ll show you how TurboBid streamlines your estimating workflow from the first plan upload to the final client-ready bid.
We’ll walk through every major feature, core pricing details, and where TurboBid stands against alternatives—so in this TurboBid review, you get an honest look at how it fits your business.
By the end, you’ll know if this toolkit has the features you need to finally bid faster and more confidently.
Let’s dive into the analysis.
Quick Summary
- TurboBid is estimating software for electrical and plumbing contractors focusing on accurate, professional bid creation.
- Best for small to mid-sized contractors working on residential and light commercial projects.
- You’ll appreciate its step-by-step wizard interface that cuts estimating time while including material, labor, and overhead costs.
- TurboBid offers one-time purchase or monthly plans starting at $99, plus a free 14-day trial and personalized training.
TurboBid Overview
TurboBid focuses on streamlining the bidding process for trade contractors. I found their core mission is helping you create accurate, professional proposals to efficiently win more profitable work.
What truly sets them apart is their dedication to electrical and plumbing contractors specifically. You’ll notice they target small to mid-sized businesses who need powerful yet accessible estimating tools without the intimidating complexity and high cost of huge enterprise construction suites.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: If you’re also looking into other specialized estimating software, my article on best HVAC estimating software covers additional options.
Their ongoing commitment to constant, real-time material price updates is a critical development. You can see the direct impact on bid profitability, a key point I’ll detail through this TurboBid review.
Unlike broader platforms like Procore that manage entire projects, TurboBid intentionally avoids distracting feature bloat. I find their unique value is a deep focus on the estimating workflow, which feels refreshingly straightforward and far less overwhelming for a team to adopt.
They work very closely with independent electricians and plumbers, along with smaller contracting firms handling residential and light commercial jobs that require consistently fast, accurate bids to stay competitive and protect their margins.
From my perspective, their entire business strategy centers on user accessibility and protecting your profit. They prioritize practical, integrated tools like overhead and labor burden calculators that directly impact your bottom line on every single job you bid.
Now let’s examine their capabilities in detail.
TurboBid Features
Still struggling with inaccurate bids and lost profits?
TurboBid features simplify the estimating process, helping electrical and plumbing contractors create precise and professional proposals. Here are the five main TurboBid features that can transform your bidding process.
1. On-Screen Takeoff
Are your material estimates constantly off?
Manual takeoffs can lead to costly errors and forgotten items. This often results in bids that are either too high or too low.
On-Screen Takeoff lets you use digital plans for accurate material estimates, integrating with tools like Planswift. From my testing, this feature makes visualizing projects incredibly easy while ensuring every conduit and fixture is accounted for. It significantly reduces the chances of errors.
This means you can generate more reliable bids with less effort, making sure you don’t miss a thing.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While discussing how technology boosts efficiency, you might also find my guide on automated checkout software helpful.
2. Material Price Updates & Vendor Management
Is fluctuating material pricing eating your profits?
Outdated material costs can quickly turn a profitable bid into a loss. Keeping up with supplier changes is a constant headache.
TurboBid provides weekly or real-time material price updates, letting you manage various supply house vendors. What I love about this is how it ensures your bids always reflect current market rates, protecting your profit margins from unexpected cost hikes.
The result is your bids are always competitive and accurate, preventing nasty surprises after winning a job.
3. Overhead Cost Calculator & Labor Burden Wizards
Are hidden costs making your bids unprofitable?
Many contractors overlook overhead and labor burden, underpricing their services. This can seriously impact your business’s bottom line.
This feature pulls all your overhead and labor burden costs directly into estimates, including skill level and paid time off. Here’s what I found: it accurately accounts for expenses beyond materials, ensuring your bids are truly profitable.
So you can finally ensure every bid covers all your costs, leading to more sustainable and profitable projects.
4. Bid Package and Proposal Generation
Do your proposals look unprofessional and generic?
Generic bids can fail to impress clients, making it harder to win jobs against competitors. You need to stand out.
TurboBid excels at generating detailed, professional bid packages and formal proposals customized with pictures and pricing. This is where TurboBid shines; it allows you to present a clear, transparent breakdown that seriously impresses clients.
This means you can significantly increase your chances of winning bids with polished, comprehensive presentations.
5. Flat Rate Pricing
Tired of re-estimating every small service job?
Estimating small jobs repeatedly is a huge time sink. This slows down your quoting process for quick service calls.
This feature allows you to create line-item flat rate pricing, whether task-by-task or room-by-room, and even customizable price books. From my testing, it makes quick quoting incredibly efficient without needing a full re-estimate every time you get a new service request.
What you get instead is the ability to quote accurately and quickly for service work, boosting your team’s efficiency.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Significantly reduces time spent on creating detailed and accurate estimates.
- ✅ Provides real-time and weekly updates for material prices from various suppliers.
- ✅ Generates highly professional and customizable bid packages and proposals.
- ⚠️ Users may experience an initial learning curve to master all features.
- ⚠️ Some users have reported occasional glitches or interface issues.
- ⚠️ Support can sometimes be inconsistent, causing frustration for some users.
These TurboBid features work together to create a complete estimating system that streamlines your bidding process from start to finish. This integrated approach ensures accuracy and professionalism.
TurboBid Pricing
How much will you really pay?
TurboBid pricing is flexible, offering both one-time purchase options and monthly payment plans, providing clarity and choice for your budget.
| Plan | Price & Features |
|---|---|
| One-Time Purchase | $1,395 – $2,411 (one-time fee) • On-screen takeoff • Material price updates • Overhead cost calculator • Bid package generation |
| Monthly Payment Plan | Starting at $99/month • On-screen takeoff • Material price updates • Overhead cost calculator • Bid package generation |
| Installment Plan | 4 monthly payments (first upfront) • Full software access • Ideal for budget spreading • All core features included • Flexible payment option |
1. Value Assessment
Great pricing flexibility here.
From my cost analysis, TurboBid offers a clear choice: either a one-time purchase for long-term savings or manageable monthly payments. What impressed me is how their pricing directly addresses cash flow concerns for contractors, letting you choose what best suits your business’s financial strategy.
This means your budget gets a predictable cost structure, aligning with how you prefer to manage software expenses.
2. Trial/Demo Options
Smart evaluation options available.
TurboBid provides a generous 14-day free trial, extendable if you need more time to evaluate its features. What I found invaluable is the free one-on-one training with their CEO, which helps you accurately set up crucial financial aspects like labor burden rates.
This allows you to rigorously test the software’s fit and ensure proper setup before committing to any TurboBid pricing plan.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing software that helps you cut costs, understanding utility billing software is equally important for comprehensive financial management.
3. Plan Comparison
Choosing the right plan is key.
For upfront budget certainty, the one-time purchase is solid, while monthly plans help manage immediate cash flow. What stands out is how both options give you full access to core features, ensuring you’re not locked into a less capable version based on your chosen payment model.
This flexibility helps you match TurboBid pricing to your current financial situation without compromising functionality.
My Take: TurboBid’s pricing strategy is highly adaptable, catering to varied contractor budgets with both one-time and recurring payment options, emphasizing long-term value.
The overall TurboBid pricing reflects transparent value with flexible payment choices.
TurboBid Reviews
What do real customers actually think?
To help you understand real-world experiences, I’ve analyzed numerous TurboBid reviews from actual users, providing a balanced look at what customers truly think about this estimating software.
1. Overall User Satisfaction
Users seem largely satisfied.
From my review analysis, TurboBid generally garners positive feedback, with many users expressing high satisfaction with its core functionality. What impressed me about the user feedback is how customers often highlight the time savings TurboBid provides, stating it significantly streamlines their bidding process.
This suggests you can expect a more efficient and less time-consuming estimating workflow.
2. Common Praise Points
Users consistently love the efficiency gains.
Customers frequently praise TurboBid for its user-friendly, step-by-step estimating process and valuable video tutorials. Review-wise, I found that real-time pricing updates from suppliers and the ability to generate detailed, professional bid packages are highly valued, enabling competitive and accurate proposals.
This means you can create professional bids quickly, increasing your chances of winning jobs.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of operational efficiency, my article on best VoIP software covers how to scale your communication.
3. Frequent Complaints
Common frustrations do exist.
While overall sentiment is positive, some users report an initial learning curve and occasional glitches in the interface. What stands out in user feedback is how difficulties with obtaining distributor files or perceived high pricing led to frustration for some, impacting their overall experience.
Consider whether these potential minor hiccups are deal-breakers for your specific operational needs.
What Customers Say
- Positive: “With TurboBid, the time spent on estimates has been significantly reduced. It now takes us just a fraction of the time.” (User Review)
- Constructive: “Initial learning curve was a bit steep, and I’ve hit a few interface glitches.” (User Review)
- Bottom Line: “The software paid for itself after just a few bids.” (User Review)
The overall TurboBid reviews reflect strong user satisfaction for efficiency gains, despite a few common pain points.
Best TurboBid Alternatives
Seeking other estimating software options?
The best TurboBid alternatives include several strong options, each better suited for different business situations and priorities, from small residential jobs to large commercial projects.
1. McCormick Systems
Need a more extensive, customizable database?
McCormick Systems excels if you require a highly detailed and customizable job screen for bid management, especially for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical fields. From my competitive analysis, McCormick offers a larger, more comprehensive database of items and assemblies, making this alternative scalable for diverse projects.
Choose McCormick when extensive pre-built databases and enterprise scalability are critical for your business.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: Speaking of managing different aspects of your business, my guide on appointment scheduling software can help streamline client bookings.
2. Trimble AccuBid
Working on large, complex commercial electrical projects?
Trimble AccuBid (now Accubid Anywhere) is often considered more robust for intricate commercial electrical projects requiring highly detailed estimates and accounting software integration. Alternative-wise, AccuBid handles complex electrical jobs with deeper integration, though it typically comes with a higher initial cost than TurboBid.
Consider AccuBid when your projects demand high detail and seamless integration with existing accounting systems.
3. QuoteSoft
Specializing in complex plumbing or HVAC ductwork?
QuoteSoft shines if your primary focus is on intricate plumbing, piping, or HVAC ductwork estimates, particularly when BIM and CAD integration are essential. What I found comparing options is that QuoteSoft offers powerful tools for specialized mechanical trades, making it a highly tailored alternative.
You’ll want to choose QuoteSoft for deep, specialized functionality in plumbing, piping, or HVAC estimating.
4. Procore
Managing entire construction projects, not just estimating?
Procore is a broader construction management platform, offering a secure, centralized hub for various aspects of construction beyond just estimating. Alternative-wise, Procore provides an all-in-one project management solution, which is typically more expensive but encompasses the full project lifecycle.
Choose Procore if you need a comprehensive, integrated solution for managing every facet of your construction projects.
Quick Decision Guide
- Choose TurboBid: User-friendly, affordable for electrical/plumbing estimates
- Choose McCormick Systems: Extensive database, highly customizable for larger firms
- Choose Trimble AccuBid: Robust for complex commercial electrical projects
- Choose QuoteSoft: Specialized for plumbing, piping, and HVAC ductwork
- Choose Procore: All-in-one platform for complete project management
The best TurboBid alternatives depend on your specific project types and business size more than a simple feature comparison.
TurboBid Setup
Concerned about complicated software setup and training?
TurboBid implementation is generally straightforward, allowing many users to get up and running quickly. This TurboBid review helps set realistic expectations for your deployment journey.
1. Setup Complexity & Timeline
Getting started is impressively fast.
TurboBid is designed with a “wizard format,” guiding you through the estimating process step-by-step, making initial setup very user-friendly. From my implementation analysis, many users are productive within an afternoon, a speed uncommon for specialized business software, minimizing disruption.
You should plan for dedicated time to input your specific burden rates and overhead costs during initial configuration.
2. Technical Requirements & Integration
Technical needs are quite manageable.
Your primary technical requirement is a Windows operating system; Mac users will need Parallels and Microsoft Windows. What I found about deployment is that TurboBid integrates smoothly within a standard Windows environment, avoiding complex server or database configurations typically seen with other systems.
Ensure your IT setup supports Windows, and consider virtual machine solutions if your team uses macOS primarily.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While optimizing your technical setup, remember that managing your team’s work hours effectively with biometric attendance software can streamline payroll and compliance.
3. Training & Change Management
User adoption is supported by extensive resources.
While there’s an initial learning curve, particularly for new estimators, TurboBid provides free one-on-one training with their CEO and comprehensive video tutorials. From my analysis, their tailored support significantly eases the learning process, helping your team master the software efficiently.
Embrace the training resources and encourage team members to utilize the direct one-on-one sessions for personalized guidance.
4. Support & Success Factors
Vendor support significantly aids successful deployment.
TurboBid’s customer support is often praised for being responsive and caring, with direct assistance from leadership. What I found about deployment is that proactive engagement with their support team during setup helps overcome any initial hurdles and streamlines your workflow.
Plan to leverage their direct support for specific configurations, like setting up unique supplier files, to ensure a seamless transition.
Implementation Checklist
- Timeline: Within an afternoon for basic setup
- Team Size: Individual user with optional founder training
- Budget: Primarily software cost, minimal setup expenses
- Technical: Windows OS, or Parallels/Windows for Mac
- Success Factor: Utilizing free one-on-one training and video tutorials
Overall, TurboBid setup is remarkably straightforward, and its robust support ensures a smooth transition into efficient estimating.
Bottom Line
Does TurboBid fit your business needs?
This TurboBid review synthesizes all insights to help you decide if it’s the right estimating software for your electrical or plumbing contracting business.
1. Who This Works Best For
Contractors prioritizing accurate, professional estimates.
TurboBid is ideal for small to mid-sized electrical and plumbing contractors focusing on residential and light commercial projects. From my user analysis, businesses needing precise cost calculation for materials, labor, and overhead will find immense value, especially if inconsistent bidding is currently a problem for your firm.
You’ll find success if your business requires a user-friendly system to generate detailed, customizable bid packages quickly and accurately.
2. Overall Strengths
Unmatched accuracy and ease in bid creation.
The software succeeds with its intuitive, wizard-driven interface, ensuring accurate cost calculations including overhead and labor burden, and generating professional bid packages. From my comprehensive analysis, its step-by-step guidance simplifies complex estimating tasks, allowing you to produce bids much faster and with greater confidence.
These strengths directly translate into significant time savings and increased profitability for your contracting business.
3. Key Limitations
Some users face a learning curve initially.
While powerful, new users may experience an adjustment period to fully utilize its features, and occasional glitches or support challenges have been reported. Based on this review, obtaining specific distributor files can sometimes be tricky for some users, which might temporarily slow down your estimating process if not addressed by support.
I find these limitations are manageable trade-offs for the overall benefits, not fundamental deal-breakers for its target audience.
- 🎯 Bonus Resource: While we’re discussing business processes and data, understanding how managed file transfer software can simplify your audits is equally important.
4. Final Recommendation
TurboBid is highly recommended for specific contractors.
You should choose this software if you’re an electrical or plumbing contractor seeking to streamline your bidding process, enhance accuracy, and present professional proposals. From my analysis, your success hinges on embracing its structured workflow to maximize efficiency and secure more profitable jobs for your business.
My confidence is high for small to mid-sized firms committed to improving their estimating efficiency and profitability.
Bottom Line
- Verdict: Recommended for electrical and plumbing contractors
- Best For: Small to mid-sized electrical and plumbing contractors
- Business Size: Small to mid-sized businesses (residential/light commercial)
- Biggest Strength: Accurate, professional bid generation with user-friendly interface
- Main Concern: Initial learning curve and occasional support challenges
- Next Step: Contact sales for a demo to see if it fits your specific workflow
This TurboBid review highlights its strong value for the right business profile, while also pointing out key considerations before you finalize your decision.
