General Questions about Cubit Estimating

Can I request a free trial?
Yes, you certainly can. Buildsoft offers a no-obligation, 14 days, FREE trial of Cubit Estimating. 

Can I have a demonstration of your solutions?
Yes. We have Product Consultants at the ready to ensure we take you through a solution that suits you.

What is the difference between subscribing to Cubit Estimating and buying Cubit Estimating?
A Cubit Estimating subscription offers you access to the extensive range of features of Cubit Estimating, software updates, major upgrades, and access to technical support.

It also offers a lower upfront cost to use Cubit Estimating, is simple and easy to manage, and can spread costs over the life of your subscription to help with cash flow.

Buying Cubit Estimating gives you access to the software, and your first purchase will include 12 months complimentary Software Assurance cover.

What is the minimum contract term for a Cubit Estimating subscription?
A Cubit Estimating subscription has a minimum 12-month term. Longer terms are available through discussion with Buildsoft.

What is Software Assurance and what's included?
Software Assurance is designed to complement your licences with access to our professional support team, as well as any minor or major software updates. Software Assurance is included with your first purchase, for a period of up to 12 months*.

At the end of this period, you can choose to renew your Software Assurance to continue receiving support and product updates. At this point, a Customer Success Manager will get in touch with you to let you know the price.

*12 month period excludes upgrades & any additional licences purchased at a later date.

How easy is the installation process? Can Buildsoft assist me?
The installation process is relatively easy, and we've even outlined the process in our Installation Guides (Cubit Estimating | Global). If you don't have the time, our Support team offers installation services for standalone ($69+GST per licence) and network (from $295+GST) solutions.

What is the difference between Lite, Standard, Professional, and Professional + BIM?
Cubit Estimating Lite is modern estimating software without the complexity. It’s perfectly suited to subcontractors who want better visibility, and want to keep track of estimates within a job manager screen.

Cubit Estimating Standard combines easy functionality with user-friendly estimating and takeoff features to deliver a solution suited to residential builders, contractors and subcontractors.

Cubit Estimating Professional combines all Cubit Estimating features with more advanced functionality to deliver a higher-end solution suited to residential project home / multi-family builders, commercial builders and quantity surveying firms.

Cubit Estimating Professional + BIM gives you access to all the features of Cubit Estimating Professional, as well as the BIM Takeoff Module. 

Does Cubit Estimating come pre-loaded with rates?
No, you will need to develop your own price lists and rates within Cubit Estimating.

Do I need an internet connection to use Cubit Estimating?
You will require an internet connection to activate the software for first-time use. It is not required for ongoing use of the software.

Can I use Cubit Estimating to estimate without importing plans?
Yes, you can. If you regularly estimate without a plan, Cubit Estimating Lite is the perfect solution at a fraction of the price of a full Cubit Estimating solution. If you are estimating without a plan as a one-off, Cubit Estimating or Cubit Estimating Pro would be a better solution.

Is Cubit Estimating a cloud (web-based) solution?
No, Cubit Estimating is not a cloud solution.

Does Cubit Estimating run on a Mac?
Yes, you can run Cubit Estimating on a Mac. Cubit Estimating is Windows-based software, so you’ll need to run Windows on a Mac by either booting to Windows using Apple’s Boot Camp or running in a virtual machine using Parallels.

Is there any subscription or annual fees?
For perpetual licences, your licence cost is a one-off fee; and your Software Assurance cover is renewable annually. 
For subscription customers, there is a monthly or annual subscription fee to use Cubit Estimating. 

What are the system requirements to run Cubit Estimating?
Our solutions will run on Windows Server 2012 R2 or greater for server installations, or Windows 8.1 or greater for standalone desktop installations.

You’ll also require these minimum system requirements:

• Intel Dual-Core 1.86GHz (or AMD equivalent)
• 4GB Ram Memory
• 256MB Ram Graphics Card, supporting Open GL 2.0 or higher
• 5 GB free HDD space

How does Cubit Estimating licencing work?
Your licence can be installed on as many computers as desired, but can only be activated on a single machine at a time.

How does licencing work for multiple users?
Each Cubit Estimating licence is registered for one user. If you have multiple users that require access to Cubit Estimating simultaneously, you'll need one licence for each user.
For example, if you have 20 estimators that will be using Cubit Estimating at the same time, you'll need 20 licences.

What training is included with the purchase of a solution?
For Cubit Estimating users, we offer a weekly webinar to get you up and running ASAP. This is free of charge, as is access to short ‘how-to’ videos. Additional training is at cost. In order to enjoy the benefits and maximise the potential of your chosen Buildsoft solution, you (and your staff) should consider one of our training options.

Who uses Cubit Estimating?
Cubit Estimating is used by a wide range of users in the construction industry including estimators, quantity surveyors, builders, contractors and subcontractors.

What level of integration is between Cubit Estimating and Xero?
You can import account codes from Xero and map them accordingly with your codes in Cubit Estimating. Push finalised estimates out to Xero for accounting purposes.

How do BuilderTREND and Cubit Estimating work together?
You can export finished estimates out of Cubit Estimating and import them into BuilderTREND in order to utilise their project management functionality.

What is the money-back guarantee?
Buildsoft's money-back guarantee offers you the peace of mind of knowing we're so confident in the products we develop and sell that we're certain you'll love using them. However, we do understand that sometimes Cubit Estimating may not be the best fit, and if for some reason that is the case, we will give you your money back. 

Note: This guarantee is available for your first purchase only, within 30 days of the date of purchase, for new licences bought from Buildsoft. The guarantee excludes any subscriptions or services. Terms and conditions apply. Please see your licence agreement for further details.