Steel Estimating Solutions

Attention Steel Erectors

Learn how over 400 Steel Erectors have revolutionized the way they estimate. Take your estimating department digital with the Steel Erection Bid Wizard. Only software on the market made for Erectors by an Erector.

Steel Estimating Solutions – Built by Erectors, for Erectors

Welcome to Steel Estimating Solutions—the only estimating platform built by real ironworkers who understand the fast-paced, detail-driven world of steel erection. Our mission is simple: to bring you accurate, reliable, and efficient steel estimating software that takes the guesswork out of bidding and helps you win more jobs with confidence.

With over three decades of experience in the field, we’ve designed purpose-built tools that cater specifically to the needs of erectors, contractors, and estimators across the structural and metal building industries. Whether you’re bidding on a pre-engineered metal building or a multi-million-dollar steel project, Steel Estimating Solutions equips you with the software and support to succeed.


Power-Packed Estimating Tools for Steel Erectors

Our flagship programs, the Steel Erection Bid Wizard (SEBW software) and the Metal Building Bid Wizard (MBBW software), are revolutionizing how steel professionals approach bidding.

  • Steel Erection Bid Wizard is a powerful steel erection estimating software designed to simplify the process of labor and equipment estimation on structural steel projects.

  • Metal Building Bid Wizard is the ideal metal building estimating software for contractors working with pre-engineered systems.

Both platforms are part of the complete Steel Estimating Solutions software suite and are designed to speed up takeoffs, reduce errors, and produce professional bids that win.


Built Specifically for Steel Contractors

Unlike generic platforms, our steel construction estimating software is tailored exclusively for the steel industry. Whether you’re working on skyscrapers, schools, warehouses, or PEMBs, our tools bring you precision and ease at every stage.

From apprentice to general foreman and estimator, our founder Vince Hughes has lived every role in the industry. That’s why Steel Estimating Solutions is trusted by hundreds of erectors—it’s not just software; it’s a legacy built on iron.

We provide:

  • Ironworker estimating software that understands your workflow

  • Steel erection bid software that reduces man-hours and overages

  • Steel bid software that delivers faster and more competitive proposals

  • Metal building bid software customized for PEMB projects


Accuracy Meets Efficiency

At Steel Estimating Solutions, we know that time is money. That’s why our platform offers the best steel takeoff software on the market. Using digital takeoff software for steel, you can accurately measure, calculate, and estimate quantities—without ever touching a scale ruler.

Our tools serve as your all-in-one steel estimating and takeoff software, offering precision and speed in one intuitive package. Whether you’re in the office or on the job site, our field to office estimating solutions allow seamless workflows, giving your team the edge in fast-paced bidding environments.


Tools Built by Erectors, for Erectors

What sets us apart? Every line of code and every feature in our software was developed with hands-on experience in steel erection. We understand that estimating software for steel contractors must do more than calculate numbers—it must reflect how you work in the field.

That’s why our tools are widely recognized as the best steel estimating software in the industry. We offer:

  • Steel project bidding software with labor and equipment calculators

  • Estimating tools for steel erectors that align with real-world scenarios

  • Steel estimator software that produces consistent, profitable bids


Industry-Leading Solutions for Every Project

No matter the scale or scope, Steel Estimating Solutions has you covered. Our platform includes dedicated modules and support for:

  • Structural steel estimating software

  • Steel framing estimating software

  • Steel detailing and estimating software

  • Bidding software for structural steel

  • Metal building project estimator tools

  • Estimating solution for steel companies of all sizes

Whether you’re managing large commercial projects or working as a subcontractor, we provide estimating software for construction subcontractors designed to keep you competitive and profitable.


Dominate the PEMB Market

The pre-engineered metal building industry is growing fast—and we’re here to help you stay ahead. Our pre-engineered metal building estimating tools streamline your bid process, minimize errors, and maximize profits.

Designed specifically for PEMB specialists, our software is considered among the best estimating tools for metal buildings, giving you everything you need to tackle your next project with confidence.


Take Control of Your Bids

With Steel Estimating Solutions, you can take control of your entire bidding workflow. Our software supports:

  • Steel erection cost estimating

  • Custom estimating software for steel erection

  • Digital bidding tools for steel erectors

  • Structural steel bid estimator features

  • Ironwork estimating software that mirrors real-world labor costs

Our tools are designed to ensure that your bids are not only fast—but fair, competitive, and reflective of your capabilities.


Trusted by Contractors Across the Nation

We’ve helped over 400 contractors transform their bidding process using our Steel Estimating Solutions software. From seasoned estimators to field-based ironworkers moving into the office, we provide expert guidance, training, and ongoing support.

Every day, our clients use:

  • Estimating software for steel contractors

  • Steel estimating tools built by erectors

  • Steel contractor bidding software

  • Takeoff software for ironworkers

These tools aren’t theoretical—they’re tested, refined, and trusted by professionals who live and breathe steel.


Your Estimating Journey Starts Today

Stop struggling with outdated spreadsheets or overcomplicated platforms. Steel Estimating Solutions is the all-in-one answer you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re handling structural steel, PEMBs, or mixed-use commercial builds, we’re here to help you estimate better, faster, and with more confidence.

Get started today with the most intuitive and industry-focused steel estimating software on the market.

📞 Contact Us Today to request a demo or learn more about how Steel Estimating Solutions can transform your business.

About Us

Steel Estimating Solutions

Hi, I’m Vince Hughes—owner of Steel Estimating Solutions.

I have been in this industry since I was 17 years old, so needless to say it’s in my blood. I’ve gone from apprentice to journeyman to foreman to general foreman, to running up to 160 ironworkers and doing 8 to 15 million (labor & Equipment only) in annual sales.

In 1999, after 15 years in the field, I was brought into the office and started estimating. Soon I was running that portion of the company. But there was one thing that always bothered me. Why did estimating have to be so… old-school? I knew there had to be a better way, so I started digging. I found a takeoff program I liked pretty quickly called On Screen Take Off, today there are many digital takeoff programs, and I would be happy to match you up with one that would be a good fit for your company. (The ease and quickness that these digital takeoff programs provides for doing takeoffs is unmatched.)

Only Software On Market Created For Steel Erectors By A Steel Erector

Steel Erection Bid Wizard

Steel Erection Bid Wizard is a fully functional steel erection estimating software package. Estimate your bids more accurately and faster than ever before.
Learn More About The Project Management Wizard

Project Management Wizard

Track bids—and watch costs and profits—in real time.

What if you could start every day knowing where your costs are on a project?

Learn More About The Project Management Wizard

Steel Estimating Solutions

How We Works

Why Choose Steel Estimating Solutions?

Industry Expertise

With decades of hands-on experience in steel erection and estimating, we understand your needs like no one else.

Time-Saving Software

Our digital tools cut estimating time in half, increasing accuracy and efficiency.

Proven Success

Trusted by 400+ erectors who have streamlined their bidding process and won more projects.

Dedicated Support

We’re here to help you transition into the digital world with expert guidance and personalized assistance.

Steel Estimating—Made Easier and More Accurate

Today’s the day to take your estimating digital! At Steel Estimating Solutions, we proudly offer industry-leading software solutions that make estimating faster, easier, and more accurate.

Our flagship software includes:

  • Steel Erection Bid Wizard (SEBW) – for structural steel projects

  • Metal Building Bid Wizard (MBBW) – for pre-engineered metal buildings

Both solutions are built by real erectors who understand your challenges—giving you everything you need to streamline estimating & bidding.

How to estimate steel erection costs with SEBW?

What is it that poses the biggest challenge for you as an estimator? Rest assured: it will not be that tough and time-consuming anymore. With SEBW, every step of the estimation process is much more streamlined – from calculating costs to customizing production rates and meeting labor requirements.

Based on hundreds of integrated task formulas, SEBW greatly expedites the once-manual structural steel estimating process. When using it, you will only need to:

  • Do a steel erection takeoff
  • Import or enter takeoff into SEBW
  • Add crew size, equipment, crane and any general conditions needed
  • Massage the bid to your liking
  • Done, you have a Bid Proposal created as well as a duration schedule 

For takeoffs, Steel Erection Bid Wizard can be integrated with Tekla, eTakeoff, SDS2, and many other specialized tools. Streamline whatever you’re doing with a bunch of leading steel estimating products and solutions.

How to estimate metal building tasks with MBBW?

Metal Building Bid Wizard is an Excel-based solution that takes the guesswork out for your  estimators. Similar to SEBW, it’s designed to simplify estimation at all stages of your construction project. But unlike it, MBBW is used for pre-engineered metal buildings.

Both our metal and structural steel estimating solutions are easy to use. Here’s how you can nail it with MBBW:

  • specify length, width, and pitch
  • enter equipment, tooling, transportation, and other project-related costs
  • input labor costs, tax liabilities, etc.
  • prepare your construction takeoff
  • get an estimate

The next thing to do is to go over the numbers. Once everything is taken into account and works well for your company, you can be sure your bids will be nothing but accurate.

When every dollar counts

Even a minor error in your estimate can eat away at your company’s bottom line. What we offer is an automated way to prevent costly mistakes and make sure you’re not losing money.

Using our metal and steel solutions for building estimates is all about having numerical peace of mind. They minimize human error and, in doing so, increase project profitability and cost-efficiency. Say bye to wrong estimates and their detrimental effects once and for all!

How about checking out our software in action? We can’t wait to provide you with a demo and guide you on how to estimate steel erection and metal building projects the right way. Schedule it online to get started.

Testimonials

What our Client Says

See what over 250 steel erectors are saying about how our software has transformed their estimating process!

We've used Steel Erection Bid Wizard since 2013, and it effectively captures the scope of work. Vince provides excellent support, resolving any issues promptly. Highly recommended!

Kelly Hargett (President) Ironman Steel

SEBW and OST have been fantastic! The new project management interface is exciting. Vince is always prompt, helpful, and ensures great service. We appreciate the support!

Dan Moore (President) Pro Steel Erectors, Inc.

Steel Erection Bid Wizard has saved us time and money. Vince provided excellent training and quick responses. His knowledge and support made implementation seamless.

Jim Whaley (Operations Manager) Whaley Steel LLC

A simple, accurate, and user-friendly program! Steel Erection Bid Wizard has improved our bottom line and streamlined our bidding process. A great investment for our company!

Derick Jones (Managing Partner) Harris County Ironworks LLC