Most if not all construction companies have adopted the use of construction estimating software. Construction estimating software is designed to speed up the estimating and bidding process while providing more accurate results. This helps to minimise overspend and assists in project length and material estimates.
Construction estimating software, when it is the right fit, can greatly improve time management and spending. This in turn provides your business with credibility in a notoriously difficult industry.
But if you choose the wrong construction estimating software it can greatly hamper your progress.
Difficult to understand and implement software will not only cost you the price of the software, but it will also cost you:
- Company time spent learning and implementing unhelpful programmes.
- Bidding opportunities by providing unreliable estimates.
- Your company’s credibility.
Choosing the best construction estimating software does not have to have these pain points.
This guide will show you what to look out for in your construction estimating software, so you can make an informed decision.
Ask for Referrals and Reviews
Who better understands the tech in your industry than colleagues and business partners?
When choosing the best construction estimating software, see where the consensus lies.
What construction estimating software are your peers using?
Ask them the following questions:
- How was the ease of implementation?
- Was there a steep learning curve?
- What areas of estimating does it perform? Materials, takeoffs, labour, supplier pricing, etc?
- How is the user experience?
- What do you not like about the software?
You will have trade-specific questions which you should ask about also.
If there is a consensus on certain software, then you can delve deeper into the features and functions of this software.
Learn the company’s history:
Once you have narrowed your scope of potential estimating software tools, you should then research the software producer. Get a more in-depth understanding of their history and how it relates to your business.
- Browse their site, read testimonials, and have the team which will be using the software examine the tools and features.
- You don’t want a company that provides software and then disappears. What kind of support and training do they offer?
- Do they have multiple tools you could use?
- What kind of trades do they work with, quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors?
- Are there incentives you can try out before you commit to a purchase?
For example, Buildsoft allows a 14-day free trial on their range of powerful tools.
This is a great opportunity for your team to get hands-on experience. They can learn the ins and outs of this construction estimating software without any risk to your business.
Great support and customer service go a long way in overcoming any issues and learning curves that you may come across.
Ensure Your Chosen Construction estimate Software Contains These Elements:
Depending on your business size and needs, you may need a variety of features to assist you in your construction estimating. Many estimating software suppliers will have packages aimed at specific business sizes.
This allows for better options for your business, and you can purchase the package that is more aligned with your business size, budget and requirements.
That being said, there are a few core components that should be part of your chosen construction estimating software.
– Integration capabilities:
The software you choose should easily integrate with many standard tools already in use by your company. For example, Excel and Xero are all widely used tools which Buildsoft construction estimating software easily integrates with.
This ensures traditional reporting tools can work with the new software, eliminating the need for additional training and support software.
Both traditionalists and up-and-coming team members will be able to use these tools to speed up reporting and estimating.
A great time saver for busy construction offices.
– Simple File Importer:
While you may be a quick adopter, your partners, clients and customers may use a variety of file types and documentation for their notetaking, estimating and record keeping.
You need construction estimating software that will allow you to import this variety of data.
Buildsoft Cubit estimating software allows you to input PDF, CAD and image files.
Rather than wasting time sifting through mountains of data, you can quickly input the files.
Arrange as needed and produce estimates faster than ever before.
Get back to your clients with quality estimates no matter the file types they use.
Such file integration makes record-keeping and tracking much easier.
It also saves your team time and provides your clients with rapid estimates so they can make the right decision.
– Price Lists:
You cannot give an accurate estimate if you do not know the price of materials in your area.
Price lists from business partners and suppliers enables you to provide cost estimates in a fraction of the time.
Input cost data into your system and use the advanced estimating software to produce on the spot cost analysis.
Producing more accurate estimates in a shorter amount of time is sure to win you more bids.
Intuitive and responsive construction estimating software should have, at a minimum, these core components.
Why you need Construction estimating software:
Choosing the best construction estimating software can seem tiresome, with the huge range of options available.
The benefits, however, far outweigh any time spent searching for the best construction estimating software.
You can provide faster more accurate estimates which will stand to you in the bidding process and when dealing with stakeholders.
It’s always important for investors to get the best returns for their input. Rapid and concise estimates do just that.
Find a tool such as Cubit estimating Pro and see the results it can provide your business.
A Final Word:
If you follow the steps above, you will certainly find the right fit for your business.
Better yet, check out the construction estimating software here at Buildsoft. Our construction estimating software goes far beyond the minimum standards.
Get in touch today or visit our product page.