About
McCormick Systems is the industry-leading construction estimating software designed specifically for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical specialty contractors. With over four decades of trusted use across the US and Canada, McCormick helps estimators build highly accurate bids faster and win more projects. For electrical contractors, the platform offers patented Auto Home Run and auto-count features, a comprehensive electrical database covering residential, commercial, industrial, low voltage, and high voltage work, and integrated NECA labor unit levels. Plumbing contractors benefit from a pre-loaded database of items and assemblies, cloud accessibility, and custom and industry-standard symbols for design-build workflows. Mechanical contractors can leverage a fully-loaded database for HVAC, boiler systems, fire suppression, sprinklers, and closed-circuit systems, with support for MCAA and PHCC labor units. McCormick is cloud-based, meaning it's accessible from any device with an internet connection — no expensive hardware required. Its true multi-user system enables seamless team collaboration and project sharing. As part of the Foundation Software portfolio, it integrates with a broader ecosystem of construction business solutions. The platform is backed by an in-house expert support team with average response times under 10 minutes. Rich educational resources — including webinars, video training, and live events — help estimators continuously sharpen their skills and grow their business.
Key Features
- Trade-Specific Estimating Databases: Pre-loaded databases tailored for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades — including residential, commercial, industrial, and high-voltage work — with labor unit integrations (NECA, MCAA, PHCC).
- Digital Takeoff with Auto-Count: Perform fast, accurate on-screen takeoffs using patented Auto Home Run and auto-count features that dramatically reduce manual counting time and reprographic costs.
- Cloud-Based Multi-User Access: Access your estimates from anywhere with an internet connection and collaborate with your entire team in real time — no expensive hardware or VPN required.
- Integrated Cost Control: Build bids with strong cost visibility and consistent labor units so you always know your profit margins before submitting a bid.
- Expert In-House Support: McCormick's client services team is entirely in-house, with average support response times under 10 minutes and deep product expertise.
Use Cases
- An electrical contractor uses McCormick's auto-count and Auto Home Run features to complete digital takeoffs in a fraction of the time compared to manual methods, reducing bid preparation time significantly.
- A plumbing contractor accesses McCormick's cloud-based platform from job sites and the office to keep estimates updated in real time without being tied to a single workstation.
- A mechanical contractor leverages the pre-loaded database of HVAC, boiler, and fire suppression assemblies to quickly build accurate bids for complex commercial projects.
- A specialty contracting firm with multiple estimators uses McCormick's multi-user system to collaborate on large bids simultaneously, ensuring consistency across team members.
- A small electrical contracting business uses McCormick's NECA labor units and competitive bid tools to submit tighter, more accurate bids and improve its bid-to-win ratio.
Pros
- 45+ Years of Industry Trust: One of the most established estimating platforms in the specialty trades, with a proven track record of helping contractors win more bids.
- Comprehensive Trade Coverage: Covers electrical, plumbing, mechanical, transmission & distribution, and automated building systems in a single platform.
- Fast, Reliable Support: In-house support team with sub-10-minute average response times ensures contractors are never stuck waiting during critical bid periods.
- Cloud Accessibility: One of the few cloud-based estimating solutions in the trades space, enabling field-to-office flexibility without hardware lock-in.
Cons
- Specialized for Trades Only: Designed exclusively for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors — not suitable for general construction or other industries.
- Paid Software with Demo Required: Pricing is not publicly listed and requires a sales demo, which may be a barrier for smaller contractors comparing multiple tools.
- Learning Curve for New Estimators: The breadth of databases and features may require training investment before new users can take full advantage of the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trades does McCormick Systems support?
McCormick supports electrical, plumbing, mechanical, transmission & distribution, and automated building systems contractors with dedicated databases and tools for each trade.
Is McCormick Systems cloud-based?
Yes, McCormick's products are cloud-based and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection — no expensive on-site hardware is required.
How long has McCormick Systems been in business?
McCormick Systems has been the go-to estimating platform for specialty contractors across the US and Canada for over 45 years.
Can multiple users work on the same project simultaneously?
Yes, McCormick features a true multi-user system that allows your entire team to share and collaborate on project information from anywhere in the world.
What labor unit standards does McCormick support?
McCormick supports NECA labor levels 1, 2, and 3 for electrical contractors, as well as MCAA and PHCC units for mechanical and plumbing contractors.
