You must make time for digital estimating: here’s why
Your time is your most valuable asset but getting to grips with construction estimating software is one of the best ways of spending it, if you want to improve your building firm. The benefits of using estimating software are far-reaching, bringing you greater precision, productivity and profitability.
Here’s another way to look at it; in all likelihood, you’re losing clients to fellow building firms who are…
able to return quotes more quickly
providing quotes with all the details clients are looking for
quoting higher figures but still winning the work
projecting a highly professional appearance
giving the client a build programme and additional information at the outset
It’s likely that your competition are using software to generate their estimates – and if they opted for a solution designed for the UK market, they’re probably using EstimatorXpress, Take-off & Estimate Kit or BuildingWorks. You can compare the features of these packages on our comparison page.
1. QUICK TURNAROUND ON QUOTE REQUESTS
It’s true that it’ll take a little time to get up to speed with the estimating software you choose. But, if you choose a product like EstimatorXpress, it’ll take less time than you think. HBXL, developers of this market-leading software claim that, once up to speed, renovation works can be estimated in half an hour while small extensions can be completed in an around an hour. When it takes days and not hours to return a quote, you risk a) another building firm beating you to it and b) giving the client the impression that you aren’t able to prioritise their project.
2. QUOTES WITH DETAIL WHICH ASSURE THE CLIENT
The devil’s in the detail, or so the saying goes. Detail is crucial for the client. They will go through the quote with a fine-tooth comb, reviewing the figures. A simple sheet of A4 gives them little to go on. A total figure means nothing without an explanation. The details win the work; they reassure the client that the job costs have been accurately calculated. BuildingWorks, as with the other products we’ve mentioned, allows you to fine-tune the quote to show exactly the information you want to share.
3. CONFIDENCE TO CHARGE THE TRUE COST OF THE JOB
Sought-after clients are those who are happy to pay what the job is worth, if the costs are fully explained (see point number two). A detailed quote leaves little to quibble over. If you quote low, hoping to win the work on cost alone, the client may worry that the work won’t be completed to a high standard or that costs will creep up throughout the job. As the FMB warned in their article, “If the price is too nice, you’ll pay twice”. An important side note here: If potential clients keep declining your quotes on the basis that they’re ‘too expensive’, take their feedback with a pinch of salt. Research has found that homeowners often use cost as an “easy out” rather than giving their real reasons for deciding against a particular firm.
Software such as Take-off & Estimate Kit will calculate the full cost of the job, from materials and labour to overheads, wear and tear and wastage. Estimating software like this will give you the confidence to charge the true cost of the job so you don’t end up subsidising the project (which sadly many builders do!).
4. A PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE
For homeowners, professionalism is as important as cost. Clients who will give you profitable work will be looking for a high standard of work – and therefore will be looking for a professional-looking construction firm. The quotation generated by the best estimating software products will give you a professional covering letter to go with the breakdown of costs, usually organised by build phase. They’ll also give you the option to include any quote assumptions, omissions and provisional sums.
Providing a build programme alongside the quote could win you the job
5. EXTRAS WHICH REASSURE THE CLIENT
Often two or more building firms will quote a similar price and this is when you need an extra “something” to tip the balance in your favour. If you can give the client an indication of time scales for the various stages of the build, it may be the winning factor. EstimatorXpress, for example, will generate a range of reports, including a Build Programme, which shows the client that you’re organised and you mean business.
NEXT STEPS
There are many more reasons why you need estimating software in your toolkit. But which one is best for your firm? Do your research and find the right solution for your business – our comparison table is a great place to start. Next, trial the software you think is the best match for your firm.