This software like all estimation software is used to simplify the estimation of construction problems for landscapers. The estimation software used by landscapers can be used for both commercial and private use. The software also is used by several sectors be it the private as well as the public/government sectors; mostly civil engineers. The bulk of the landscaping Contractors work on several projects where the condition of the site varies from one location to another for each project. With such a large variation, it is pertinent that you possess a powerful and flexible estimating software which will help to create a fast and accurate quotes that suit each project in other to remain competitive and profitable in the market.
Irrespective of the kind of service adopted, either you’re providing services like installing an elaborate deck or pruning; clients will always want to know beforehand the cost of the project. Whether it is a private company or a public/government owned. As a result of this it is important to possess accurate estimating software right from the beginning of the project. It should be noted that the process of estimation for landscapers is a science and making a wrong calculation is very easy and highly destructive if gone worse because it could cost a lot in terms of resources spent/used and the time wasted. There are various estimating software packages such as Mudshark developed mainly for Earthworks projects.
You can visit the below link to get more information about the various estimating software for landscapers:
The main bone of contention here is to estimate what the cost of production will be and then add a profit to the estimation. The cost of implementing your landscaping project basically will include all materials such as (topsoil, machines, sand, gravel, iron-rods, steels, etc., which has been added up from the retail or wholesale price) to the type of labour adopted (both the subcontractors and your own employees), equipment (the ones you rent and your own equipment), and lastly the general overhead of the business (this includes all that has been planned or those that serve as the cost of doing the business which includes gasoline for the machine, office or home expenses, etc.)
The whole estimate of the project of landscaping should outline the exact analysis of the services offered, the materials provided and every other thing as regards the job. For most landscaping contracts, you will know the estimation is usually provided free of charge, so you want to be as accurate as possible.
SETTING OF PRICE BY LANDSCAPERS FOR ESTIMATION OF PROJECT
It is no news that before the estimation of any project can be given, a price baseline must have been slated. Various landscaping professionals, possibly yourself? Prefer to get paid hourly, both for the labour adopted and their own investment. Reasons, why most landscapers come up with the hourly pay, is because, at the end of the project, clients don’t value the job delivered as they see it as “small job, big pay.”
There are diverse ways in which the rate can be determined.
- Comparison of price with other competitors using the same estimating software as you. Seek the help of friends and family in helping you contact the companies in your preferred market, i.e., the target market areas that provide similar services as what you plan to offer. By doing this, you will know how to set your price and the estimating software to adopt for the estimation of the project.
- Another excellent method for determining the way your rate can be calculated is to find out how much it will cost to install sod (labour plus materials) and then find the ratio of the amount by the number of hours it will take for the completion of the project. After that has been gotten, a considerable profit margin is added and the exact number to be used is gotten.
- Finally, the rate can be calculated based on the amount you wish to make in a year. By adopting this method, the amount you want to make becomes a target that must be met irrespective of the circumstances. For example, if you aim at making a sum of $50,000 during the first year in your business, you will need to earn an approximate amount of $4,167 per month ($50,000 divided by 12). And suppose you have the intention of working an approximate of 35 hours per week, in a month, that would be up to 140 hours. Divide $4,167 by 140 to arrive at a rate of $29.76 per hour. The total cost per hour ($29.76) can be rounded up or the cost can be as well marked up then the profit margin is added. Although the cost of running a business is the cost of the materials, tools used, administration cost and miscellaneous will all be summed up and added to the hourly rate.
At the latter end, the process you adopted before arriving at your rate doesn’t matter again, inasmuch as you are making a profit and your monthly obligations are met. Hence, once the rate has been generated via the estimating software, endeavour you add all the basic expenses such as the business bills and other personal obligations such as health insurance, mortgage and household bills. When all the aforementioned bills become successively footed by yourself, you can then be assured that you have priced your services optimally and accurately.
USES OF ESTIMATING SOFTWARE FOR LANDSCAPING
- They can be used to increase the rate at which you bid your client. They make it more efficient and effective.
- An accurate estimate is generated using software such as Cubit and CubitPro and Mudshark.
- These estimating software helps landscapers to increase their business empire.
As you well know estimation for landscaping projects can be a tricky affair. For private projects it is important to take into account the clients’ artist ideas should they have any, among many other areas to consider. Buildsoft aims to take some of this pressure out of your project.