BuildingWorks
BuildingWorks is an integrated construction software solution developed by Integro Construction Software. It is designed for UK general builders, property developers, house builders, quantity surveyors and designers. It is made up of two modules, one for estimating and the other for CAD design. You can opt for a subscription for just the Estimate module, Design module or the two combined. The estimating tool accesses a library of over 15,000 data-rich BIM products and approximately 5000 rates to generate live costs for materials, rates and energy performance. In addition to a full cost breakdown, BuildingWorks provides Bill of Quantities (NRM), a customer quote, management reports and schedules. There is currently no other software platform of its kind for this market.
As you input dimensions or draw building plans on screen, this powerful estimating software gives a running total of the cost
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Easy to use
Put the software through its paces during a 30-day fully featured, no-obligation trial. That should be more than long enough to test its user-friendliness. Project costs can be built up in a matter of minutes. Input your dimensions into simple graphics or draft plans on screen, and watch the project cost immediately calculate. The software is particularly suited to new builds and extensions but also conversions and refurbishments.
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Good value
Estimate, Estimate Professional and Estimate Professional QS make up the three versions of the estimating module. They’re available on subscription for 12 months and 24 months either pre-paid with a discount or on a monthly payment plan. The most widely used version is Estimate Professional at £29+VAT per user. This includes all features apart from Bill of Quantity reports. Want to draw plans? This starts at £24+VAT per month!
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Support for customers
Subscription includes dedicated support from 9-5 via phone, instant chat, email and remote log-in. There’s also an online Help desk with video tutorials and so on. You receive a coaching session at the start. The fee also covers the ongoing maintenance to the platform and updates. Response time to customer requests for help is considered fast by all those surveyed, and the process is monitored closely.
Simple use of intelligent data
Time-saving and money-making software
BuildingWorks is aimed at a number of user types - the general builder, property developer and house builder. The tools are sufficiently sophisticated to handle complex projects, yet the process is easy. If you are tendering to win a project you will be able to present quotes or NRM (SMM7 style Bill of Quantities) tender documents - all automatically produced. If you require a cost estimate and quotation for the homeowner the software provides that too. And for all users it will give you multiple reports for assessing the feasibility of the project, as well as the subsequent management of it.
Prices live
on-screen
You select what you’re building, you input your dimensions onto graphics or draw your building plans, and watch the cost immediately calculating on the screen as you go. It’s a very accurate and dynamic software tool that should give you total confidence in your cost breakdowns.
Calculations all carried out by the software
The software itemises the materials, plus labour and plant required to construct the project. The costed rates data is built into BuildingWorks and is prepopulated out of the box (and of course you can edit these to suit). The good news is there are no databases or complex formulae for you to enter into data sheets.
Intelligent BIM products
BuildingWorks comes with approximately 15000 priced BIM products readily available in the UK. Many of the software’s competitor solutions include products available outside of the UK. The software also offers the flexibility to edit the materials, labour and plant library and create new custom rates in addition to the 5000 rates.
Real-time decision-making
Each object contains rich manufacturer product data including size, appearance, waste and thermal properties. The user can swap products in and out of the estimate to compare how they impact budget, or the U-or thermal value. Users have the opportunity to review decisions and then make changes, in real time - this is a first in this sector.
BuildingWorks produces everything from full cost breakdowns and client quotations to NRM Bill of Quantities
Instant client quotes plus reports
You don’t only get a cost breakdown, you also receive a number of useful reports including cost reports, material schedules, profit and cashflow forecasts. With spreadsheet style grid and pivot table reports for data mining the user can quickly see where the money is going and how to optimise profits.
Automatic
Bill of Quantity Reports
The reports arrive instantly from the estimate. They include Elemental Bill of Quantities (BOQ) (NRM - the replacement for SMM7), Work Section BOQ, priced or unpriced, with manufacturer brands named or unbranded. Please note - this feature is available only with the BuildingWorks Estimate Professional QS module.
Professional Quote
Bill of Quantities - Elemental
Bill of Quantities - Works
Costs by Build Phase
Then there’s also…
Live calculations while you draw
When the Estimate Module and Design Module come together, the plan is estimated instantly from the drawing data. As you draw your walls and floors and so on, a 3D model is automatically created (textured, solid or wireframe). 2D elevations are created straight from the plan. You can trace plans as well.
Seamless integration
Mistakes are often made by estimators, but using BuildingWorks, combining design with the estimating, data integrity remains and the chance of errors is halved if not eliminated because the information is only added once. Note the BuildingWorks Estimate module requires a subscription to the BuildingWorks Design Module if you want to draw new plans or trace existing drawings.
Software that’s award-winning
Integro Construction Software is the company that developed BuildingWorks. They were highly commended in the ‘SaaS Small to Medium Sized Business Solution of the Year’ at the European IT & Software Excellence 2021 Awards. Among other awards, BuildingWorks was named Best Business Product in the Housebuilder Product Awards in 2018. These particular awards are produced in conjunction with the NHBC and Homebuilding Federation.