Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

CostWorks VS DevStack.co.nz

Compare CostWorks VS DevStack.co.nz and see what are their differences

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CostWorks logo CostWorks

RSMeans Online is a web-based service that provides accurate and up-to-date cost information to help you build competitive estimates in less time.

DevStack.co.nz logo DevStack.co.nz

A free curated directory of 42 New Zealand property development tools, arranged in the order you use them on a real deal, plus three free calculators for infrastructure levies, development finance and feasibility.
  • CostWorks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-12-29
  • DevStack.co.nz Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-08-16

DevStack is a free hub for New Zealand property developers, bringing useful property development tools, calculators, data and resources together in one place.

Finding the information you need for a development often means jumping between council websites, property platforms, government databases and spreadsheets. DevStack makes this easier by organising useful tools around the way a property development actually happens, from site finding and due diligence through to feasibility, planning, finance and construction.

DevStack currently includes 42 curated property development tools and 3 free calculators, with a strong focus on Auckland and New Zealand property development.

Key features include:

  • 42 curated NZ property development tools
  • 3 free property development calculators
  • Development feasibility and residual land value analysis
  • Development finance comparison
  • Auckland zoning and planning resources
  • Property due diligence and market data
  • Development contributions and infrastructure costs
  • Construction and NZ Building Code resources
  • Environmental and natural hazard information
  • AI tools and workflows for property development
  • Free to browse with no account required

DevStack's free tools include a Development Feasibility Calculator, Development Finance Calculator and Watercare Infrastructure Growth Charge Calculator, helping developers quickly assess potential projects and understand development costs.

The platform also brings together useful resources from Auckland Council, Watercare, LINZ, Stats NZ, RBNZ and other organisations, alongside commercial property and construction tools.

Each resource includes practical information on what it does, when to use it, what it costs and where it fits into the development process.

The goal is simple: spend less time searching for information and more time working out whether a development actually stacks up.

CostWorks features and specs

  • Comprehensive Database
    CostWorks offers an extensive and detailed database of construction costs, materials, and labor rates, which is regularly updated to reflect current market conditions.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The platform features an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical proficiency.
  • Customization
    Users can customize cost data and reports to meet specific project requirements, providing flexibility in planning and budgeting.
  • Cloud Access
    Being an online tool, CostWorks can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, facilitating remote work and collaboration.
  • Integrated Estimating Tools
    It includes built-in estimating tools that streamline the process of creating accurate and detailed cost estimates for construction projects.

Possible disadvantages of CostWorks

  • Cost
    The software can be expensive, which might be prohibitive for smaller companies or individual contractors.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite having a user-friendly interface, there is still a learning curve involved, especially for those unfamiliar with cost estimating software.
  • Limited Offline Access
    As an online platform, users need an internet connection to access the tool, which can be a limitation in areas with poor connectivity.
  • Subscription Model
    CostWorks operates on a subscription model, requiring ongoing payments, which may be less appealing compared to one-time purchase software.
  • Potential Over-Reliance
    There is a risk of users becoming overly reliant on the software, potentially leading to less robust personal expertise in cost estimation.

DevStack.co.nz features and specs

No features have been listed yet.

Analysis of CostWorks

Overall verdict

  • Overall, CostWorks is a reliable and valuable tool for construction professionals seeking accurate cost estimates and updated pricing information, making it a good choice for industry veterans and newcomers alike.

Why this product is good

  • CostWorks by RSMeansOnline is considered good because it provides detailed and up-to-date construction cost data and estimating tools that are essential for accurate project budgeting and planning. It covers a wide range of construction costs including materials, labor, and equipment, thus offering comprehensive data needed by professionals in the industry.

Recommended for

  • Construction managers
  • Project estimators
  • Contractors
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Procurement professionals

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to CostWorks and DevStack.co.nz)
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0
Real Estate
0 0%
100% 100
Tool
100 100%
0% 0
Construction
0 0%
100% 100

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing CostWorks and DevStack.co.nz.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is primarily designed for people working in property development, including property developers, development managers and other property professionals in Auckland and across New Zealand.

However, you don't need to be a professional developer to find it useful. Property owners, investors and anyone researching their next property purchase can use DevStack to learn about the tools, data and resources available to help them make better-informed property decisions.

What makes your product unique?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel. It has vetted and identified which tools and resources are actually useful for property professionals working in Auckland and New Zealand.

Rather than being a long list of links, the tools are organised around the property development process, making it easier to find the right resource when you need it. The focus is on tools that are genuinely useful for property development, from site research and due diligence through to feasibility, planning, finance and construction.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is free to use, so rather than traditional customers, its users include property developers, builder-developers, property professionals, investors and property owners looking for better information and resources.

It's particularly useful for people involved in Auckland property development who want to understand what tools are available and how they can use them in real projects.

I also share practical examples of how I use AI in property development and construction. For developers and builder-developers who want to go further, I offer a separate guide covering 13 areas where I currently use AI to save time, improve workflows and get more from the information available to us in New Zealand.

Which are the primary technologies used for building your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

None of the third-party tools listed on DevStack are my own. DevStack itself started as a side project while I was learning to build websites and improve SEO for my own businesses.

What started as a simple place to organise the property development tools I use every day gradually became a passion project. I found it so useful in my own work that I decided to make it available to other property developers and property professionals in New Zealand.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

DevStack is an easy choice because it's free, requires no sign-up, and lets you customise your own toolkit by pinning the resources you use most often in whatever order works for you.

You can also save tools you don't use regularly but don't want to forget. Instead of keeping links scattered across bookmarks, emails, spreadsheets and notes, DevStack gives you one place for the property development tools and resources you actually use.

What's the story behind your product?

DevStack.co.nz's answer:

My background started with a university property degree, a BProp, followed by property valuations, development management, managing a subcontracting business, and eventually returning to property development.

Throughout that time, I used many of these tools constantly and realised I had links saved all over my computer. They were in email drafts, spreadsheets, notes, bookmarks and sticky notes. I wanted one consistent place I could trust to keep the tools I use, as well as the ones I only need occasionally but don't want to forget.

We're fortunate in Auckland to have a huge amount of property and development information readily available. The problem is that it can take some effort to find and extract it. DevStack grew from my own need to make that process easier.

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing CostWorks and DevStack.co.nz, you can also consider the following products

iTWO costX - iTWO costX is an all in one construction estimation software that sanctions you to improve accuracy, efficiency, and takeoff speed.

Buildxact - Buildxact is an easy online estimating and job management software for custom builders and trades.

Houzz Pro - Houzz Pro software is trusted by 2.5 million+ contractors & design pros

Procore - Procore is the world's most widely used construction project management software. Easy to use, mobile platform with unlimited user licenses.

Esticom - Esticom is an intelligent estimating and takeoff software that is cloud-based and designed for contractors.

DevAssets - DevAssets is a place for any developer to find you the best free and paid resources available, submit your own ones and also get them featured on the top of every page!