The ConEst alternative
that automates the count.
ConEst's IntelliBid plus SureCount is a respected electrical estimating-and-takeoff pairing. The takeoff is still digital-manual, and it's electrical-focused. Pilars automates the takeoff across every trade and adds spec reading and code flagging.
What ConEst is
ConEst pairs IntelliBid for electrical estimating with SureCount for on-screen digital takeoff, linked so counts flow into the bid. It's a solid trade-specific system with good organization and pricing for electrical contractors. The takeoff is assisted digital measurement, and the scope is electrical.
Where Pilars is different
Pilars produces the takeoff automatically rather than having you count in SureCount, reads the spec book, flags NEC and other code, and covers all trades — then exports quantities to your estimate. For an electrical shop, it's a faster front end; for a multi-trade contractor, it's coverage ConEst doesn't aim at.
| Capability | Pilars | ConEst |
|---|---|---|
| Fully automated takeoff | Yes | Assisted (SureCount) |
| Runs in the browser (Mac too) | Yes | Desktop / cloud |
| Reads the spec book | Yes | No |
| Code-compliance flagging | Yes | No |
| Trade coverage | All trades | Electrical |
| Pricing | $100 per trade, per plan | Per-seat |
Based on public documentation as of 2026. ConEst is a trademark of its owner; this is an independent comparison.
Questions estimators actually ask
Does Pilars do estimating like IntelliBid?
Pilars focuses on automated takeoff and exports quantities; you can price them in IntelliBid or any estimate. It removes the manual SureCount step, not your pricing.
Is Pilars electrical-only like ConEst?
No — it's multi-trade, so it suits diversified subs and GCs as well as electrical shops.
What do I gain over SureCount?
The takeoff is produced automatically with spec reading and code flagging, instead of measured by hand, and it runs in the browser on any machine.
Pricing?
$100 per trade, per plan, no per-seat fees, unlimited projects.