just got GC license and need to get off pencil and paper... - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

marlow · 03-26-2009, 08:43 AM

hey folks.

I just got my gc license and I am trying to get my head around software. I am ok on a computer but I dont use anything other than an envelope system to keep up with jobs. shutup I know.

So I have lost a lot of shirts and I am tired of it. I have been doing small jobs, ramps, decks, cabinet and counter installs, minor remodels etc. I have been doing some work for a local human resource agency that has lots of property. They want to give me a remodel that is huge for me. probably 50,000$ or more.

I need to buy an all encompassing take-off, scope of work, accounting, management, AIA contracts, invoice software platform that integrates or IS ms compatible.

I know that people build their own templates and macros in excel as well but since I am just starting out I think this would be more complicated than just cussing some software.

Ideally I would start out with some software and kind of pull what I like from it out and just emulate that in excel in the long run...
in the short run I just need to start taking my licks and get beat over the head by the learning curve.

I have no clue where to start but I need to buy something and get started asap. I have three jobs I need to bid and I have a few weeks on all of them so I would like to go ahead and start nagging the hell out of folk and customer support and what not!!!

I will not be doing jobs over 50-75,000$ for a long time. I just need to get a hold of a intuitive software program that I can grow into and grow with me.

Heres your chance guys, if you had to do it all over again, what software
would you time travel back to your self and say "DONT USE THAT, USE THIS!" ??

I am using the search function and reading some of these other threads but I just wanted to get a dialogue going that is more current because I literally dont know SH!# about this stuff.
thanks for your time everybody.

buildpinnacle · 03-27-2009, 08:22 PM

Introduce yourself to everyone, first off. Secondly, the search function is the best way to get the most encompassing view of most of our opinions. Don't base your decision primarily on what you see read here. There are many reasons why there are many softwares and they all have their pros and cons. I am particular to Xactremodel due to the amount of insurance restoration work I do. There are several line item softwares out there and a good google search will bring them up and most have demos. You really need to see them in action to make a good judgement. I will also tell you this. Trust what you know...always. Computerized estimating is a tool, but not a hands down final say on the price of each job. I still have to look at certain situations, especially in remodeling, that I have to throw man hours and materials at instead of unit pricing because of experience. All that being said, you will do estimates in minutes that used to take an hour and hours that used to take days. It is very efficient and easier to keep track of than several pieces of paper, napkins, or whatever else we use to keep notes.

PMI · 03-29-2009, 01:26 PM

You will find that the technology section is covered pretty strongly. Most active forum guys will sense when an inquiry in genuine or possibly a set up, especially by a first time poster. It is hard to get a one-stop answer within a single thread and you will have to do some research on your own. Check out this thread I tried to start on my own but it was hard to get traction. http://www.contractortalk.com/f17/top-5-each-software-category-55407/ My instinct tells me that an answer to your question is already planned by whomever asked you to post this since it is a well crafted marketing inquiry. I have yet to see any contractor ask opinions this way. We are pretty smart and progressive here and will be on the lookout for the reply. You end with "I literally don't know SH!# about this." Yeah right. You promote such a strong business demeanor that we doubt you would move forward so far without something already on your mind. So, who do you really work for? Welcome to the forum.

marlow · 04-05-2009, 01:53 PM

PMI
whatup? I would like to say that I am not a rep for any company and this is not planned. I have searched the internet and it seems like the only two places I have found so far where people know what they are talking about is here and the JLC forum.

I live in east tennessee and it is hard to find a good employer who is willing to pay decent without getting into commercial and traveling a lot. I have a young family and cannot do that. Due to the labor rates and the transitory nature of business around here (more so in my opinion than in other places) I have been pretty much forced into business for myself.

(that and I have a big ego too!)

I never really worked for anyone that knew how to run a business well so I dont know what a well run business looks like from the inside out. So I am running blind on more than I should.

Again I dont work for anyone and I am not "setting this up" for some softball marketing reply.

I recently purchased the craftsman 2009 remodeler and its ok. I am just trying to find out what all the other small timers are using in hopes that if I pick a popular one then I can find more answers to my questions without having to post new ones.

I am just trying to figure out how to organize my business because I am finally getting some decent sized jobs and it has become imperative for me to find a way to organize them better from inception and planning to take-off, estimate, quote and then post completion management, invoices, accounts etc.

I have been in the trades for about 5 years full time although I used to do it in the summers between semesters etc. and in the summers in highschool.

I got my GC less than a year ago.

I always loved the trades and decided to go in business for myself and I probably should have waited to get more experience but pretty much every person I have ever worked for (in residential) save for two or three have been cut throat hacks and I know that a business can be run more professionally.

I worked for a few guys that would just use square foot multipliers but I dont have the credit to sit around for a couple months while I dont work waiting for a big contract to come in.

I have to take whatever comes my way and in order to insure I am making money.

"Whatever comes my way" a lot of times are 3000$-7500$ jobs and we all know how low the profits are on those to begin with...

That means I have to do a take off for every single nail and 2X4 and shingle and really plan my labor and allow myself contingencys for time and materials AND try to make enough to put back for taxes, comp, etc. as well as money in the bank and pay the bills and buy diapers.

Starting a contracting business without a trusted family friend or someone close to you that has been there and is willing to answer all the questions is pretty frustrating.

I am just looking for suggestions.

I also have used the search function and have found some useful documents and advice. You guys are very knowledgable here and I am enjoying reading all you have to say!

put it this way though, sometimes I WISH I worked for some software company!!!

PMI · 04-07-2009, 06:59 AM

Hey Marlow,
What occured is that I noticed your new post and also your reply to another new thread from another new member Doug, and both of you write so well and formatted, and you replied so quickly after Doug's post. Perhaps it was all a coincidence. (I wish you were local so I can hire you and Doug as a subcontractor since you are already very efficient in communications.) Others sit on the sidelines when a setup is perceived or sometimes they get agressive , whether you are geniune or not. I do not think you will get much more new information mostly becuase everyone who already has a deep opinion has given it numerous times in our threads. Anyway, best of luck on the software research, and more importantly good luck in the field.