Ten days away from your deadline, you find out measurements were wrong and it's putting you way over budget. You won't make the deadline you put in your bid.
Your supplies cost much more than you thought they would, and you're pretty sure an employee cut red-tape at some point. It would have been avoidable with construction estimation software.
What Is Construction Estimation Software?
Construction estimation software is not a simulation, as it may sound like, but is a software that is able to estimate various aspects of construction costs. Usually, this is for bidding on different jobs, giving you a more accurate bid.
It does this by providing several different features that help the software be more effective.
Software Features
Many versions of construction cost estimating come with features that provide extra details in different construction tasks. Other tasks give lists for items and activities, how much resources cost, markups, and calculations, but there are three main features that are vital to consider before buying the software: Takeoff Structure, Built-in Cost Database, and Estimating Worksheets.
Takeoff Structure is to measure plans both on paper and digitally. Built-in Cost Database is so you can reference cost data that either come from your business or from a provider. Estimating Worksheets are spreadsheets where the work gets real and is supported by various other features.
Once again, the best construction estimating software has these three essential tools. But it also has other added features that improve upon the basics of the software system. There are lots of software systems on the market that are not made by industry professionals. Thus, it is important to know the origin of the system you're considering.
Advantages of Construction Estimating Service
Technology has given us much to make life easier, and in business, it is no different. Cost estimating software creates more accuracy, consistency, professionalism, and convenience. Let's discuss those.
Accuracy is important to keep track of the actual cost of labor for jobs, expenses for subcontractors and equipment, as well as material cost. It makes an accurate bid, rather than bidding with the number that is going to get the job.
Consistent estimates on projects use similar procedures or information from previous jobs. By being able to do this, it prevents potential hostility if, and when, you bid higher or lower on a project of similar size and scope.
Professionalism goes a long way in the construction market since there has been more competition arising over time. The use of more modern technology creates an edge over this competition by being able to provide more confidence for the client.
When the client sees reports, cost breakdowns, and other things related to the project in a professional and timely manner, it shows that you know your industry.
Convenience is the icing on the cake. Rather than having a pile of paperwork on your desk that refers to projects past and current, all information is at your fingertips. It comes to you in an organized fashion that makes it convenient for your purposes. It also points to the professional aspect.
What to Consider
As mentioned before, software is created from Silicon Valley to all points around the globe. Make sure you're getting it from an industry professional. Simple software is better to use with deadlines and bids, and it should keep the legality of construction in mind.
Make sure it is easy to learn or has a built-in training feature for both you and your employees. This keeps you free to do your job and your employees are able to learn on their own. Just be sure to check that price, because it needs to match be lower than the cost of features so you're getting a deal.
Be sure to be mindful of all aspects of reviews you see, as some people just want to leave bad reviews, and continue building on, doing good, hard work.
