# Page 2 | Trimble Estimation Desktop Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is Trimble Estimation Desktop the right Takeoff solution for you? Explore 110 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/267718/Trimble-Estimation-Desktop/reviews --- Trimble Estimation Desktop 4.4 (110) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/267718/Trimble-Estimation-Desktop/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of Trimble Estimation Desktop ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 110 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use DK Dustin K. Estimator Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "WORST Estimating Software & SUPPORT on the Market" August 26, 2024 2.0 A COMPLETE AND UTTER NIGHTMARE from day one. I purchased every single piece of hardward brand new, from what the rep described would be the BEST laptop for their software. My experience started with the installer accusing the new computer I just purchased, from their recommendation, was not compatible with their software. It took the man 2 days and finally a different set of eyes to realize he was in the wrong browser, and the fault was all his. And that has been the story since. Problem after problem, with NOT ONE, SINGLE, support staff WILLING or CAPABLE of fixing their problems. These people are absolutely PATHETIC. Pros The fact that I was only dupped into a one year contract with Trimble and not longer. Cons The fact that Trimble's reps will lie through their teeth in order to make a sale. After thoroughly describing my situation about ONLY using the product I was considering purchasing after hours, my rep INSISTENTLY ASSURED me Trimble would be there 24/7. WHAT A LIAR!! Not only are they not available 24/7, they're not really available at all. I've owned this product for less than 30 days, it has been completely inoperable for the previous week and a half, that's 10 days, including weekends, that our company's estimating department has been down, and Trimble could care less. They won't even make scheduled service appointments to help assist their faulty software. McCormick is where we're going next, so should you. Heck, paper takeoff's would be less hassle than this. Go with a company that actually cares, not one that has EVERY indicator of being a complete and utter scam. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!!!!!!!!! Alternatives considered [McCormick Electrical Estimating](https://www.capterra.com/p/165314/Electrical-Estimating-Software/) Reason for choosing Trimble Estimation Desktop Because I was tricked to believe Trimble could support my needs and falsely told if any of my concerns did arise, I would have 24/7 hour tech support. Trimble sells you on what you want to hear, but doesn't have the capability to deliver. Review Source JR Jim R. Used the software for: ### "" October 8, 2012 4.0 We are a commercial Plumbing Firm specializing in heavy industrial piping, hydronic and water/wastewater treatment plants. We offer in-house design CAD work and dedicated staff. Maxwell is the only estimating software in use at this facility. There are others out there, but thus far, Maxwell appears to be the best value for the dollar. I have worked for two (2) previous plumbing/heating firms, both used Maxwell, although earlier versions. We are currently using Version 9.3.0.2334, Service Pack 3. This was obtained the last time we upgraded - last year, I believe. The upgrade usually goes quickly, a couple hours at most unless issues are encountered. I would have to state that most upgrades have some type of issue that either requires a "patch" or technical support. Customer support is for the most part, excellent - response time(s) could be improved. As with all products, there are some technical support people that are much better than others. I feel that past versions of Maxwell are more concerned w/keeping up with the competition than what the actual users want. My personal opinion is that the Maxwell product is an excellent product for it's purpose - a quick, accurate way to obtain a bid. Just stick with this ideology, and you will be just fine. Trying to make Maxwell into something else is a waste of time and effort. I learned Maxwell some years ago while working for Western Mechanical Service, Inc. - in just a day or two I was up and running. I have trained a number of personnel over the years - the same can be said today. If anything, Maxwell is a little more straightforward and easier to use than back in 2001. For the most part, customer support is excellent. As with any product, there are some support staff that are more knowledgeable than others. There have been issues that have taken more time to address than others - however, if one is willing to work together the problems can be solved. One particular issue that was causing us "section corrupted" errors was solved by virtue of just watching how the program responded and was finally traced to the copying of "takeoff notes"; once this practice was eliminated, the "corruption" issue disappeared. I was instrumental in this discovery and was happy to help in this regard. Since the offering of On-Screen Takeoff, quick, accurate takeoff's can be done w/o hard-copy drawings. There are situations where this is most advantageous, as some projects require a "quick-turn" to achieve the bid in time. Although "phantom" pick points still plague OST, it is still a viable option in these situations or when printas are "unscaled" or hard copy prints are not feasable. Review Source BK Brandi K. Director of Estimation Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "To many steps to do a simple task." October 25, 2017 1.0 We purchased in August and were unable to go to the training until December, they would not even let us download the program until we did the training and they rebill us every August instead of when we were able to start using it. When I called to ask if they could change our billing date to when we were able to start using the program I was told I was basically a liar and that there was no way we were unable to use their program from the beginning time of purchase. Pros This program can do a lot...If you have a degree in computer engineering. It is faster than trying to do a take off by hand. Pat, the trainer we had was wonderful ! Extremely helpful and will answer any question any time of day, much better than the customer help center. Cons The program is quite pricey, add to that more money for training that is incomplete for the amount of information that is needed to run this program. The sales person we had was nice but extremely pushy. Customer service after purchase is terrible. Review Source cS charlie S. Senior Electrical Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Industry Standard which needs improvement!" May 10, 2023 4.0 Pros Industry standard which most companies adopt. Cons Custom service as I am still waiting over 4 weeks for my ticket to be completed. No response from the team either. Review Source PS Pedro S. IT Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Pedro Silva - Bermudez, Longo, Diaz-Masso, LLC" August 9, 2017 5.0 In general we like the product and we hope that it always stays at the forefront of technology for the benefit of all. Pros BLDM is one of America’s leading specialty construction companies. We have been 55 years in the market and we are still going. We implemented the software in our Estimating Department more than 20 years ago and since its implementation we have completely trusted it. Given the fact that technology keeps growing , expanding and innovating, we still rely on Viewpoint Software because of its accuracy and feasibility when working on bids, I personally believe that part of our success with the software is based on the full support provided by the technical staff. Always there to help when you need them! Review Source JJ Jeff J. Used the software for: ### "" March 16, 2012 5.0 We are a mid-sized Plumbing/Mechanical contractor. Our focus, for many years, has been on single and multi-unit residential with some small to mid-size commercial projects. Yearly sales for our organization run in the 5-8 million dollar range. Maxwell Systems Estimation has allowed us to use the skills of our workforce to move up to higher dollar projects. These now comprise of multi story office buildings, schools, medical buildings as well as sewer and water treatment plants. Rut works so much better with the estimation system takeoff. It is a breeze to use, and the reward is that the project manager can effectively manage the project with ease. Estimation has also made the process of bidding the sizes of jobs we do faster and more consistent from job to job, which makes it easier to track costs. Want to know what your material and labor cost are per floor on a project? Estimation can do it! How about by floor - just the sanitary piping? Estimation can do it! I have seldom had any problems but in the rare instances I have, support has been quick to respond as well as very knowledgeable. Also, on the support side, they have a great group of trainers to help you really understand the ins and outs of the program. However, the single greatest thing that made me chose Maxwell Systems Estimation is that it is totally customizable by the user. The database can be configured to suit any situation and the owner of the program can do it all. This customization allows you to even add to an estimate; all those little things that you usually figure out in your head and then tack on to your proposal at the end. This enables the program to do the entire math and takes out the possibility of human error. All you have to do is remember to enter it in. Their ability to do our take off digitally saves us countless hours and reams of paper. I would highly recommend purchasing Maxwell Systems Estimation software. Review Source MA Marvin A. sales Design Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Is "ViewPoint" for you?" September 5, 2018 4.0 Pros If you already have their other software then the right option would be to go and get this one. Just like what the sales person will say to you that you can track your rewards(profit), perform correct takeoffs and submit on time. All of those things are true to a certain point. Cons The person that does the sales at times can seem pushy and want for you to go ahead and purchase right there and now. That is not the right way on dealing with something like this. Especially when there is a lot of money going into this. The takeoff bids are not at all accurate. At times you have to make the final corrections. Yes, there is a support team that will help you out. The other item about this is that the cost of training is even more money. You either have to go to them or they come to you and there is just not enough time for getting the right amount of training. They should lower the that cost to make it even better. Review Source RL Richie L. Network Administrator Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Viewpoint MEP Software" November 21, 2017 5.0 Customer service agent has been a great asset to us in upgrading our software and purchasing other systems. We would highly recommend her as an account manager. Pros Our offices have been using Viewpoint MEP estimation for Electrical for quite some time now. We rely on this system to quickly, and accurately complete bids. This software has taken us to the next level, and we have used it for multi-million dollar jobs. Without this software we would not be able to complete the amount of work we do daily at our four locations. Cons Issues arise just like with any software, but the support team is quick to respond and prompt at fixing the issue. Review Source DA Doug A. Used the software for: ### "" October 22, 2012 4.0 We are a third generation plumbing company that has struggled through this economy like everyone. Making good financial decisions is key too not only surviving but also, staying on top. Maxwell Estimation has been a big part of that strategy. We were utilizing another takeoff system that wasn’t user friendly and required more training than we felt should be necessary to utilize a system. It seemed to take longer than writing it out by hand. We switched in 2009 to Estimation with the digital takeoff feature. Digital takeoff allowed us to reduce the amount of plans we produced and enabled me to send my digital takeoff to our engineer, client, and suppliers. This one feature has reduced the time necessary to explain our intent and design. Once we installed the system it didn’t take long to get up and running. Very user friendly, and with the benefit of the online video instruction I can enhance my understating of the system at my leisure. For us the system is fairly trouble free but, when I needed help, the support team was there. Occasionally, I receive a call from the support team asking how things are going or if I need additional training and could they set up a training date for me. I update our estimation date base weekly through a separate service that keeps our pricing up to date. Never lagging behind in the market is important. I usually see the updated price before our suppliers get a chance to inform me. In the end, I get a report that is current and more detailed than I ever was without Estimation, right down to nuts and washers. Review Source HF Hugo F. IT Director Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Greatest Estimation Software Company! I highly recommend them! " December 7, 2017 5.0 Pros The Software just works!! It sounds so simple, I know, but it's true! We had been through 2 other estimation softwares before ViewPoint and they were laggy, badly built and the support stunk! ViewPoint is the complete opposite. The support is fantastic and their trainers come in and actually care that you learn the software and you learn it well. I've never dealt with better trainers or a more knowledgeable group of technical support specialist. These guys are awesome! Cons I can't name a single downside about ViewPoint MEP Estimating. You get a lot of bang for your buck! It's not cheap but it's definitely an investment worth making for you and your company! Review Source CT Craig T. Used the software for: ### "" October 10, 2012 5.0 Taunt Electric started electronic estimating with Trade Service, Estimation bought out Trade Service and we have been there ever since. Starting out with version 5. Estimation has turned the estimating software into what it is today with our version 9.1. the building of assemblies, and able to adapt to the several field we work in, Healthcare, water and wast water treatment, industrial energy generation, plus everday commercial projects. The ease of able to change the scale, the multiplyer for several conduit run or fixtures. We use a digitiser for our take off and links to our computer for count and take off. The use of summary to edit pricing and labor units. The summary can be run with discounts, NECA labor units, quote master for a quick print out for suppliers. Once in bid summary, labor rates, tax markup, quotes, sub-contractors are ath this page plus summary is available. I personnaly enjoy the program and saved us hours of entries for material. We update every week with Trade Service. The one thing users need to be concerned about is " if there is a problem". The help desk has always been there for us, at one time for even on a weekend Review Source FB Frank B. CEO Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Long time user of the electrical estimating software" October 8, 2015 5.0 Pros Viewpoint regularly engages its users to monitor their satisfaction with the product. The support team is willing to assist with any issues that develop and show a true willingness to help. The product is highly specified for the trades and is very comprehensive. Cons At times, we would like to be able to an interface with Microsoft products such as Excel. The telecommunications takeoff section needs to be expanded. Review Source RW Ronnie W. Estimator Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Viewpoint Estimation Is Electrical Estimating On Steroids." September 16, 2015 4.5 Pros This product offers so many features that are beneficial. Product is fun and easy to use. Takes the majority of the human factor out of the bid. Less computing mistakes. Speedy and accurate takeoffs. Easy pricing updates. Viewpoint Customer Support is made up of friendly knowledgeable team members which are eager to assist. Cons Really? Hmmm, nothing. Seriously, this product is amazing! Review Source ER Eddie R. Used the software for: ### "" May 14, 2012 5.0 We at Maddux Electric Company Inc. have seen many changes in our industry over the past 32 years. One of the most exciting would be the Technology we have at hand today. When we first started using Estimations in the early 1990s we never thought this type of tool would become something we could not do without. As the industry changed, so did the technology and Maxwell Systems has kept up with that change. They have the most user-friendly products we have seen in the market place, training our estimators has been a snap. With digital takeoff and dual screens our ratio of job takeoffs have increased 2:1, a lot more accurate, more detailed and user friendly for our Project Managers and superintendents. Maxwell Systems complete staff has always been there when an issue was to come up or if we just have an inquiry about how to do something. Also our account Manager, Mary Heinz, is always staying in touch with us to see how they can help us or if there is something they need to look in to that might help the industry. I would highly recommend this system to any Electrical Contractor. Review Source JK JONATHAN K. Electrical estimator Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "MEP electrical estimating " February 24, 2017 3.0 Good product for small jobs. Don't think it is good for multi-million dollar estimates. Maybe over time, I will change my mind. Pros The digital take off is nice Cons Cannot label things easily. Review Source CH Corinn H. IT Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Do not buy this earthworks software" December 8, 2015 1.0 Pros That it allows earthworks to be completed electronically rather than using a digitiser board Cons The vendors inability to make improvements or even fix bugs or error within the program. They generally just say, we have never seen that happen before and blame something else non related for the problem. It will always be your fault if the program comes up with any errors. Review Source sG sandra G. accounting manager Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Too many steps " October 6, 2017 2.0 I really don't care for it. Pros It does a lot of accounting needs. I guess if you really need all those steps this would be a great system. But not for a smaller company. Cons Too many clicks and too many windows to open to get to one area. So many steps to just do one thing. Review Source DB Don B. Used the software for: ### "" October 8, 2012 3.5 We are a full service electrical firm with a specialty in industrial work, especially industrial control work. We have been using Estimation software since 1988. We have never used any other estimating software. We are currently using version 9.4.0. We only update once every 2-3 years due to the large amount of work involved. I attended Estimations training school in Jupitor, FL each year for abou 3-4 years to first learn how the program works, and then to update my skills. We have attended no classes since the mid 90's. The program has gotten far more complex, by doing things we don't need but we have managed to stay with it. My greatest concern is our inability to update the program without making phone calls to find someone to work with. Invariably, when someone does call back, I am out so we end up playing phone tag for days or even weeks. The data base while easy to use is old and has little in it except for construction people, who use the same things time and again. Review Source JM Jerry M. Used the software for: ### "" October 3, 2012 5.0 I used two electrical estimating systems before Maxwell. The one I learned on was DOS based, and a good system, but had outlived its usefulness. The second was designed by estimators, and was Lotus based. It worked fairly well, but required considerable knowledge of work in the field(I never worked as an Electrician), and I was constantly seeking input from others. We purchsed the Maxwell Electrical Estimating System about three years ago, and I have been very happy withit. It is intuitive, and has many assemblies that take the guess work out of it for estimators that were not trained as electricians. It is easy to use, and saves a lot of time over the other systems i used. The customer service has been great, and any requests for technical help are answered and resoved quickly. Our customer service representative, Mary Heinz, stays in contact and is always available. I would recommend the Maxwell System to anyone. Review Source CR Charles R. Estimator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Been using this take off since it was quest haven't seen any change." December 9, 2015 3.5 Pros It is user friendly and easy to understand summary reports are very helpful. Cons We just wish there was a way you could incorporate a cross section take off program into your system. We are still using a program by quest and it is out dated. Review Source PP Phil P. Used the software for: ### "" March 16, 2012 4.5 Art's Electric has been a client of Maxwell Systems Estimation since 1980, transitioning through many generations of the program. We have always been committed to upgrading to the latest product and version of the system. Our firm does both industrial and commercial installations and we have successfully been able to add the items we need in addition to utilizing the database provided with the system. We have always found the Estimation system easy to use, flexible, and easy to manipulate. Attending user conferences has allowed us to have one-on-one contact with the Estimation development team and input on future enhancements. Maxwell Systems Estimation has a strong team of employees committed to the program and in providing the latest in estimating techniques. Our next commitment is to transition to digital take-off; we have one station already in use with a second to be implemented soon. Review Source DS David S. Vice President Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Procontractor MX Estimating and Earthwork." December 8, 2015 3.0 Pros The product is fairly easy to use and is comparable in features to most software on the market. Cons Customer support is none existent. In most case it is not worth your time to call because the response is not timely. Review Source AE Andy E. Used the software for: ### "" October 3, 2012 5.0 Our company spent about 6 months deciding which estimating software to go with. We were working with an old MS-Dos program prior to upgrading to Maxwell Systems’ Estimation software. We purchased the product about two years ago. Customer Support was (is) one of the most important pieces when we were considering which product to go with. If I could, I would rate Maxwell Systems 10 out of 5 stars in this area. We have been through 2 server crashes and a server migration in the last two years (one crash and migration within the last week). Maxwell has been there every time to pick up the pieces and put them back where they go. This is a great product with great customer support. I use reviews when I purchase products like this, so, I understand the importance of seeing the good with the bad. The problem is…I don’t have any negative experiences to report. Review Source BP Bill P. Used the software for: ### "" October 2, 2012 4.5 Shamrock Plumbing is large plumbing/mechanical contractor located in North Salt Lake, Utah. We are a multi-faceted contractor with services ranging from Radiant Heat to Water Softeners to high rise commercial design build projects. Shamrock has been partnered (Yes Partnered, Maxwell Systems truly has a genuine interest in your success) with Estimation and Maxwell Systems for over 14 years. Two years ago, with the retirement of our lead estimator, we upgraded to a new system and we have had great success with the implementation of the new hardware/software. Mary Heinz (W/Maxwell Systems) has done a superb job of keeping us updated and giving Shamrock the opportunity to remain "In The Know", when it comes to new ideas and equipment. I would recommend Maxwell Systems to anyone serious about Project Estimation, Job Costing, and Project Detail....... Review Source CY Cliff Y. Vice President Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I would recommend this software." September 15, 2015 5.0 Pros This software is easy to use, you can use it right out of the box, but it is 100% customizable to fit your needs. Cons The digital take is great it just still needs more fine tuning. at least for me anyway. Review Source Similar Products Featured