Estimating Software

Fast and accurate estimates are crucial in the contracting world. When time and margins get thin, the ice can crack on the great pond of profitability. That's where today's featured application comes to the rescue. With the diligent use of estimating software, there's more time to get the job done with a comfortable margin. It all comes down to this: estimating software allows contractors to create accurate bids in a more efficient manner.

Estimating software is built around the take-off. (If you're thinking about that wonderful song from days gone by, sung by those marvelous '80s hosehead icons Bob and Doug McKenzie, you're uh ... off, just a bit)

Take-offs, or material lists, are commonly created by drawing parts out of an estimating database, in order to create an estimate. An estimating database consists of a list of materials, and can be quite extensive, depending on the specific application. With the material information stored electronically, estimates are developed without the need to hunt through printed catalogs and price sheets.

When it comes to expediting those estimates, it's not just about the software. Hardware's a significant factor, as well. Digitizers are often used to automate the process of blueprint measurement for cost estimating. With a digitizer, accurate measurements can be quickly taken from blueprints. GTCO and Calcomp are two of the most common digitizers used in construction estimating.

Estimating software developers include: Construction Management Software (ProEst series), Dedicated Software Solutions (Work in Progress), Digital Canal (BidBuilder), Hard-Dollar (Bid-Build), Intuit (QuickBooks: Premiere Contractor Edition and Enterprise Solutions: Contractor Edition), and a good many others.

There's a great deal of specialization in the field. Construction Management Software offers a range of estimating applications for general, residential, remodeling, landscape, electrical, and mechanical construction, as well as a specific program for concrete and masonry estimating. Hard Dollar provides solutions for infrastructure/transportation, site development/utility, environmental/remediation, and industrial/commercial applications.

Although multiple seat estimating software installs are common, there's still plenty of breathing room for the one person shop. Intuit's Premiere Contractor Edition 2005 is priced at $379.95 for a single user and $1,499.95 for a 5 User Pack, while their Enterprise Solutions Contractor Edition 5.0 is priced at $3,500 for a 10 user license.