Top 10 must-have features in construction estimating software

The estimating software features that are top of the list for successful residential building firms in the UK are very specific. Take a look here at the ones that have made it into the top 10. There are plenty of others, but these are the ones that must be included for the software programme to make the grade.

1. User-friendly tools and functions. Busy firms don’t have time to master complex software programmes. They need to be logical, straightforward, with useful prompts and tips throughout the process. To be able to enter your dimensions into easy to understand pictures of what you’re building has got to be the way to go!

2. Multiple estimating options. Builders of course have preferences when it comes to the estimating process - so the more choice the better. Some like to estimate from scratch using the estimating calculators provided. Others like to use pre-loaded quote templates. Others prefer to draw or trace in a compatible software programme and simply import the data for an instant estimate. Estimating software with all those options is rare. EstimatorXpress is the only one we know of.

3. Time-saving features. A good package will include a lot of automation. It will save you lots of time. The right software will be intuitive. It’s already completed most of the job before you even start putting in the dimensions and so on. That’s the benefit of pre-loaded quote templates. Each one already has the materials, labour and plant embedded in the template, all it needs is your requirements specific to that job. The software does the final calculation for you. A huge time-saver.

4. Money-saving and money-making features. When you cost manually it’s very easy to forget things. Builders who want to maximise their profit want a software solution that has included every single penny. So accurate material prices of course and every last nail and tube of Mastic accounted for, but beyond that, a percentage for overheads; wastage; theft from site; wear and tear; replacement tools and inflation are equally important.

5. A comprehensive range of estimating calculators. Professional builders expect a product to be able to calculate the cost of renovations, extensions and new builds - depending on their area of expertise. Groundworks, footings, foundations, electrics, plumbing, roofing and so on. Software that covers the cost of every aspect of a residential construction is a must.

6. A large library of accurately priced materials. Better still ones that are available in the UK and meet the UK Building Regulations from a spec perspective. From soakaway drains and floor screed, to wall rendering and lean-to roofs.

7. A professional-looking customer quotation. A software programme that automatically produces an impressive quote in Microsoft Word without you have to type a thing - is a winner for any builder! Better still you want to be able to show as much or as little detail as you want, with the option to include images - yes images! The finishing touch is the facility to add your own logo.

8. Detailed Reports. It’s not enough to have an estimate and a quotation. A profitable, efficiently run projects requires detailed data on all areas of the job. We’re talking Profit reports, cash flow reports, material order schedules, plant task list, sales price by material price, and plenty of other valuable reports.

9. Effective profit management tools.

10. A future-proof solution. Software that will grow with the business is vital. A builder might only be undertaking extension projects but they may progress to new builds. They need an estimating software package that can be added to.

And we can’t finish without mentioning technical support. OK so this isn’t a feature of the software itself, but it’s what professional builders expect from a professional software company. They want to know that for a small annual fee they’ll get over-the-phone support, their emails will be picked up and instant website chat is available to them. They also expect remote intervention with the technical support advisor sharing their screen to trouble-shoot as quickly as possible.

These may seem like big asks! You may be thinking that the likelihood of finding a UK produced estimating software solution that has all these futures will be like finding a needle in a haystack. But you’d be surprised. We know that EstimatorXpress from HBXL Building Software offers all this and more. So take a good look and put yourself on the same level as all these other successful (and demanding!) building firms.