There’s a lot of clamour for builders estimating software in the UK and indeed many parts of the world. But do they really help contractors improve their operations or even give them an edge over their competitors?
The building and construction sector is now a cut-throat sector, with many construction companies trying to outdo each and bid for the limited number of projects. At the end of the day, many builders and contractors now look for every possible strategy, tool or service that can help them improve their margins.
Estimating software has now replaced most of the traditional estimation methods within the construction industry. While many organizations in the construction industry still lag behind the technological advancements, some firms have fully embraced the benefits of digital formats and information systems now available to the industry.
Builders are not particularly keen on becoming computer whizz kids but builders estimating software now come with user-friendly interfaces and easy navigation. Builders can still spend a majority of their time on the actual work rather than taking too much time trying to find their way through complicated software applications. Builders understand what it takes to run a profitable construction firm. They know that they need to spend most of their time onsite, managing building projects rather than at the office, poring over drawings and blueprints.
Some of the best estimating software in the UK help to price any project, from new builds, electrics, and plumbing to extensions and all those in between trades like roofing, plastering, groundworks and even decorations. They are easy to use and do most of the thinking for building estimators to ensure they do not forget anything.
Builders estimating software in the UK have mostly been designed by estimators for estimators but they are also incredibly useful for other professions in the construction industry. They include project managers, quantity surveyors, contract managers, building surveyors, and even construction site staff members. They can also be used by nearly all types of construction companies including, small contractors, sub-contractors, jobbing builders, civil engineers, builders, developers, professional quantity surveyors, local authorities and of course, major contractors.
So How Do They Work?
Many builders estimating software in the UK market allow estimators to import blueprints. This is where it all begins. The files usually come in the form of 3D BIM, CAD, or even PDF files. Estimators can now work with building plans using advanced graphics and perform takeoffs without having to use CAD software.
Once the estimators have uploaded the blueprints, they can extract all objects from within the 3D models and generate automatic quantities within minutes. This effectively eliminates manual takeoff and significantly reduce the chances of missing materials or miscalculating them. Therefore, estimators can finally put away their rulers, measuring tapes and highlighters.
The most advanced builders estimating software in the UK also have access to pricing lists and other online pricing databases. In fact, some applications even allow saving of pricing data as template price lists, which can be used for future estimates and to save estimators a great deal of time. Estimators can also get the most up-to-date prices of materials which can significantly improve the accuracy of their estimates. Building materials and other costs constantly change and small deviation or difference can impact the overall outcome of the project.
Builders can also monitor their sub-contractor costs. At the bidding phase, builders typically receive a lot of estimates from sub-contractors. This presents a further risk as the final estimate may not cover the complete scope of the project. In the event that builders cannot shift the risk to the sub-contractor, they would have to ensure that every bid is accurate and not overpriced or low-balled.
Integration
Some of the best builders estimating software in the UK feature end-to-end project management tools that can manage the construction project from initial contact right through to completion. That means that they integrate almost seamlessly with other existing business software in the organization. For instance, some estimating software may integrate with accounting software to control cash flow and monitor costs as the project progresses.
They may also integrate email applications, customer relations management systems and other office applications to enhance collaboration and improve overall efficiency. Rather than purchasing the first available software, carrying out a no-commitment quick demo is far less aggravating in the long run. You’ll want to make sure that the software will integrate with the rest of your applications.
Some estimating applications are also part of larger project management applications while others are standalone applications. That means they can handle almost every aspect of the construction project, from management and job scheduling, to customer relations. Therefore, and depending on your needs, it may be beneficial to your organization to acquire the complete suite of tools or individual applications. Software suppliers such as Buildsoft provide a range of cutting edge construction management software which can also be purchased as individual applications.
Reports
Estimating software now goes beyond providing cost of materials and figures. They can now also be used to generate various kinds of reports. Project reports may include propositions, detail reports and cost breakdown reports, all presented in expert-looking charts and graphs. Estimators can also provide a complete record of costs to their clients in case they exceed the original estimate.
Commercial or Open Source?
When it comes to builders estimating software, there are always open source applications as well as commercial applications. Many small builders and contractors are turned off by the cost of deploying commercial estimating software. Despite the obvious and documented benefits, construction management software, including estimating software, can be largely out of reach for many small construction firms. Therefore, they often turn to open source versions of estimating software. Most open source applications cost almost nothing to acquire apart from professional set-up fees.
However, one of the major drawbacks of open source estimating software is the fact that they are often the stripped down versions of commercial estimating software. They are mostly limited in their capabilities, have little to no support, and require proper set up and customization before they can be used.
Most Commercial builders estimating software in the UK feature out-of-the-box functionalities and require very minimal set-up efforts. Since they are specifically designed to address the needs of the modern day construction firm, they are often ready for use immediately.