Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Proposal or Estimating software
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MeffaDawg
09-12-03, 06:21 PM
I'm looking for some software that will help me out with customer proposals and estimates and so forth. What do you guys use? Any recommendations is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Doug Aleshire
09-12-03, 10:31 PM
MeffaDawg,
Not sure what you are wanting. Are we talking about an estimating software that is geared to remodeling or new construction or decks as this question was posted within?
Are you looking for a business oriented software or personal?
Cost is another issue so I would be able to provide more direct answers if I knew what you were after.
Just need more info
Not sure what you are wanting. Are we talking about an estimating software that is geared to remodeling or new construction or decks as this question was posted within?
Are you looking for a business oriented software or personal?
Cost is another issue so I would be able to provide more direct answers if I knew what you were after.
Just need more info
MeffaDawg
09-13-03, 09:54 AM
I hoped you'd be the one to reply Doug! I'm interested in a business oriented software program that may contain templates for writing up a work proposal geared towards exactly what you mention - Decks, siding, remodeling of kitches & baths etc....
The more versatile the better. I'm not concerned about cost at this point and would like to have a couple of choices to choose from and make a decision based on the program that has the best features. Are there packages that allow you to plug in numbers like square footage and lumber sizes to arrive at an estimate? That sort of thing.....
What do you use Doug?
The more versatile the better. I'm not concerned about cost at this point and would like to have a couple of choices to choose from and make a decision based on the program that has the best features. Are there packages that allow you to plug in numbers like square footage and lumber sizes to arrive at an estimate? That sort of thing.....
What do you use Doug?
Doug Aleshire
09-13-03, 11:43 AM
MeffaDawg,
Just to let you know before I start this, I do use estimating software...sometimes but I am into design and drafting than actual construction as Jack is. There are times when an estimating software is just a guide but as we all know, each project is different and existing conditions will alter what you want to do.
My first thought about estimating software is to determine who provides a ready-made database that is more geared towards residential, new construction and remodeling. This database should be set up to accommodate most projects, be easy to understand and be editable, as you mentioned.
Most estimating programs can do all this but the costs vary and not all are equal in what they provide, naturally. This is where the price differences come into play. In addition, some are or have the ability to work hand in hand with your current accounting software. Those that have their own accounting software module are on the expensive side but you will have to determine the need for doing this. I personally find that from a residential market base point of view, there is no need for all the bells and whistles.
I used to sell CDCI but this expensive and you have to provide all the input for the estimating database, this is very time consuming and not worth the effort for a smaller firm.
Timberline is a well known brand but there are seperate modules as well as that of CDCI so the cost again climbs but if you don't need that, why buy it?
You can take a look at these links and see what might be of interest to you.
http://www.cscsoftware.com/
http://www.craftsman-book.com/downloads/ (reasonable)
http://acufast.com/default2.htm ((works with Quickbooks - costs more)
http://www.hometechonline.com/ra/
I personally would go with a firm that has and provides quarterly updates with pricing that comes from collected data from builders across the nation. They usually provide a regional multiplier that would reflect your local pricing.
RS Means provides a good book and CD that would help with numerous "assemblies" to speed up estimating, breaking it down to labor/material/markup. This is used by alot of contractors due to its accuracy.
For more a complete and reasonable product, Craftsman is good, reasonable.
HomeTech has been around for many years and they just came out with HomeTech Advantage 4.0 which if you buy all 4 databases, you can get allot for your money, quarterly updates, ability to edit and save what you want. Works great! I have met Walt Stoeppelwerth and have discussed issues with him through the years. Comes with manual and disks. This would cover Kit & Bath, Housebuilding, Remodeling and Renovation and Handyman services. They have assemblies and individual costing units.
As with most things, be prepared to add items and costs to fit your needs and make your own assumptions to the costs displayed. At first glance you may go into sticker shock, but you'll soon find that the costs are very close to what would be required.
If need be do a search of the internet for software programs but beware of what is being sold so you don't assume anything wrong and get totally surprised should you buy something that just doesn't fit your needs. Check for demo's offered before buying.
Hope this helps!
Just to let you know before I start this, I do use estimating software...sometimes but I am into design and drafting than actual construction as Jack is. There are times when an estimating software is just a guide but as we all know, each project is different and existing conditions will alter what you want to do.
My first thought about estimating software is to determine who provides a ready-made database that is more geared towards residential, new construction and remodeling. This database should be set up to accommodate most projects, be easy to understand and be editable, as you mentioned.
Most estimating programs can do all this but the costs vary and not all are equal in what they provide, naturally. This is where the price differences come into play. In addition, some are or have the ability to work hand in hand with your current accounting software. Those that have their own accounting software module are on the expensive side but you will have to determine the need for doing this. I personally find that from a residential market base point of view, there is no need for all the bells and whistles.
I used to sell CDCI but this expensive and you have to provide all the input for the estimating database, this is very time consuming and not worth the effort for a smaller firm.
Timberline is a well known brand but there are seperate modules as well as that of CDCI so the cost again climbs but if you don't need that, why buy it?
You can take a look at these links and see what might be of interest to you.
http://www.cscsoftware.com/
http://www.craftsman-book.com/downloads/ (reasonable)
http://acufast.com/default2.htm ((works with Quickbooks - costs more)
http://www.hometechonline.com/ra/
I personally would go with a firm that has and provides quarterly updates with pricing that comes from collected data from builders across the nation. They usually provide a regional multiplier that would reflect your local pricing.
RS Means provides a good book and CD that would help with numerous "assemblies" to speed up estimating, breaking it down to labor/material/markup. This is used by alot of contractors due to its accuracy.
For more a complete and reasonable product, Craftsman is good, reasonable.
HomeTech has been around for many years and they just came out with HomeTech Advantage 4.0 which if you buy all 4 databases, you can get allot for your money, quarterly updates, ability to edit and save what you want. Works great! I have met Walt Stoeppelwerth and have discussed issues with him through the years. Comes with manual and disks. This would cover Kit & Bath, Housebuilding, Remodeling and Renovation and Handyman services. They have assemblies and individual costing units.
As with most things, be prepared to add items and costs to fit your needs and make your own assumptions to the costs displayed. At first glance you may go into sticker shock, but you'll soon find that the costs are very close to what would be required.
If need be do a search of the internet for software programs but beware of what is being sold so you don't assume anything wrong and get totally surprised should you buy something that just doesn't fit your needs. Check for demo's offered before buying.
Hope this helps!
lefty
09-13-03, 10:52 PM
Doug, MeffaDawg --
Why don't you 2 just swap e-mail addresses (IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY) and go from there??
I'm not complainin' -- don't get me wrong!! You have both been around here for a long time, (You're both a couple of "gray hair's", I'm a "silver hair", and Old Guy has "NO HAIR"!!) and I'm certainly not sayin' this to pXXX anybody off!
I've been wrong before (at best I'm doing a 60/40 thing here!), but my gut reaction is that your discussion IS pretty much personal.
But the software (and maybe the hardware needed to operate it??) -- that can be a VERY major investment. $1K, $3K, $10K, maybe $30K or $40K -- sure, if you're gonna do several hundred or a thousand decks -- go for it!!! But, this IS DIY -- our "customers" are looking at doing 1 deck... well, MAYBE 2!!!
Why don't you 2 just swap e-mail addresses (IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY) and go from there??
I'm not complainin' -- don't get me wrong!! You have both been around here for a long time, (You're both a couple of "gray hair's", I'm a "silver hair", and Old Guy has "NO HAIR"!!) and I'm certainly not sayin' this to pXXX anybody off!
I've been wrong before (at best I'm doing a 60/40 thing here!), but my gut reaction is that your discussion IS pretty much personal.
But the software (and maybe the hardware needed to operate it??) -- that can be a VERY major investment. $1K, $3K, $10K, maybe $30K or $40K -- sure, if you're gonna do several hundred or a thousand decks -- go for it!!! But, this IS DIY -- our "customers" are looking at doing 1 deck... well, MAYBE 2!!!
MeffaDawg
09-14-03, 03:13 AM
Thanks Doug, Lefty
We'll end this thread here. I posted this question here because I truly believe the posters here are the best. Imagine me, a DIY'er going into business for himself! In todays economy it pays to have various skill to fall back on.
Thanks for the information Doug.
We'll end this thread here. I posted this question here because I truly believe the posters here are the best. Imagine me, a DIY'er going into business for himself! In todays economy it pays to have various skill to fall back on.
Thanks for the information Doug.
Doug Aleshire
09-14-03, 06:31 AM
MeffaDawg,
I guess what you asked for is more in depth than what lefty would like to see here but a question asked should be answered not avoided. Your reasoning is a sound and true. If you want additional info or to discuss this further, please e-mail me.
Good Luck!
I guess what you asked for is more in depth than what lefty would like to see here but a question asked should be answered not avoided. Your reasoning is a sound and true. If you want additional info or to discuss this further, please e-mail me.
Good Luck!
lefty
09-14-03, 07:11 PM
MeffaDawg,
Indeed, e-mail Doug. He's certainly going to be one of the best resources you will find when it comes to selecting the type of software you are looking for, and he will bend over backwards to help you.
Good luck with the business. It's a big, scary step, and a lot of us in here have taken it, some more than once. Don't be afraid to ask any of us for help or advise if you need it. E-mail any us directly, use the CP and send us a private msg. (although they usually don't get checked very often), or use a post to start the discussion if you can't find an e-mail address for some of us.
Mike
Indeed, e-mail Doug. He's certainly going to be one of the best resources you will find when it comes to selecting the type of software you are looking for, and he will bend over backwards to help you.
Good luck with the business. It's a big, scary step, and a lot of us in here have taken it, some more than once. Don't be afraid to ask any of us for help or advise if you need it. E-mail any us directly, use the CP and send us a private msg. (although they usually don't get checked very often), or use a post to start the discussion if you can't find an e-mail address for some of us.
Mike