Are you still using Excel spreadsheets for all your estimating and takeoff needs? Of course, by now you must have heard all the clamour about estimating software. The best general contractor estimating software can make a world of difference to your efficiency, accuracy levels, and even bottom lines.
So what can you expect from the best general contractor estimating software? Here are a couple of benefits, in no particular order:
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Blueprint Editing and Viewing
Say goodbye to your large rooms and tables you previously needed to lay out the building plans. Oh, and that trip across town to collect the blueprints from your client. The best general contractor estimating software in the market feature on-screen takeoff and estimating capabilities. Certain types such as Cubit Pro even allow you to perform both your takeoff and estimating from the same screen.
However, the most significant benefit of this capability is the ability to work with BIM files. The BIM (Building Information Modelling) process has revolutionised building estimating. It is not uncommon for clients and architects to alter blueprints before or even during the construction process. This would typically require estimators to repeat the entire process, which was time-consuming and of course prone to errors.
But most of the best general contractor estimating software such as Cubit Pro now come with complete 3D graphics capabilities. With a few clicks, estimators can automatically extract quantities from 3D blueprints already uploaded to the system. Since all the objects within the model can be viewed and isolated using advanced graphics tools, estimators can factor in changes to the building plans and quickly recalculate their estimates without the risks of potential errors. They wouldn’t even have to leave the office to do this.
Working with blueprints has never been easier. The best general contractor estimating software allow users to upload blueprints in the form of BIM files, CAD files, or even PDF files. Estimators can then perform instant takeoffs right from the screens, including having the flexibility to work with any the changes to the design.
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Compare Costs
Material costs are constantly changing and for any number of reasons. Inflation, cost of raw materials, legislation, and many other factors can influence the price of materials, which is the biggest budget line. The best general contractor estimating software in the market can pull the latest and most up-to-date pricing information for all the materials and equipment from the internet. They have access to many supplier databases and online price lists to check the ever-changing cost of construction materials.
Some versions, even allow contractors to add materials from other suppliers so as to create a side-by-side comparison of the prices for better decision making. The same is also possible for labour costs as they can also vary from region to region.
Therefore, to make the most accurate estimates, general contractors have to be quite updated with the prevailing costs as they could come back to bite them once they win the bids. Even a 10% increase in the price of materials and other costs can spell doom for many contractors, including unfavourable profit margins and losses.
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Increased Accuracy Levels
Material takeoffs seem simple and straightforward from the surface. However, they require complex calculations with intricate formulas. Excel spreadsheets have helped ease the process over the years. However, Excel spreadsheets can’t offer the same, powerful capabilities of estimating software. For instance, one still has to transfer the formulas across different spreadsheets, which exposes the entire process to potential errors.
The best general contractor software will take this headache off of its users by having inbuilt formulas that enhance the integrity of the data. And the fact that estimators work with 3D BIM models of the blueprints means that they no longer need to use some of the old tools like rulers and measuring tapes, all of which are prone to human errors.
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Integrations and Mobile Access
Most of the available estimating software feature integration capabilities with already existing business software. This is incredibly useful because it improves efficiency and easy collaboration with other team members. The best general contractor estimating software allow both importing and exporting of common business software documents.
Mobile or cloud access is also useful as it allows access from remote locations as well as collaboration from team members. They can particularly be helpful during the construction phase of the project. Contractors can easily access estimate information from their tablets or smartphones and make quick building decisions while on site.
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Easy to Learn
Construction estimating is no easy job. You need a repertoire of skills and significant knowledge of the industry, which can take years to master. While many of the available software can be complicated to learn and operate, the best general contractor estimating software now come with user-friendly interfaces. With just a little training, users can get up to speed with the application’s capabilities and produce takeoffs and estimates in no time.
Software such as the Buildsoft suite of construction estimating software are incredibly easy to navigate. Despite their powerful graphics capabilities, they have clean, easy to learn, and easy to teach interfaces that users can quickly learn and teach others. This also includes a fanatical, 24/7 support to address any potential issues or to simply elucidate on the features.
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Keeping Track of Costs
One of the most incredibly innovative features of the best contractor estimating software is their ability to keep track of all the costs. Even after a successful bid, you can still continue to monitor your costs as the construction project progresses. You can track actual costs and compare them against the original estimates and even get alerts when you begin to go overboard. The best general contractor estimating software also allow you to track deviations from your sub-contractors and other external costs such as equipment rentals.
Working with software is a hands-down better proposition as compared to the traditional methods. General contractors who have made the switch and deployed the best estimating software in the market now have a clear edge over their rivals who are still stuck with old methodologies. The best general contractor estimating software in the market pays for itself and guarantees massive ROIs.
