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Roof Estimating And Drawing Program

32K views 32 replies 10 participants last post by  ssroofpros 
#1 ·
I posted this in the software forum, but figured it may be more beneficial over in this section.

Ed



In This Special Issue of eNews
Boost Your Business with Technology - read the article!
• AppliCad v6.0 - a sneak peek
New Product Launch - RoofScape for Architects
AppliCad Launches Multi-Language Web Site
Demystify AppliCad - Our explanation in simple terms how it works - read the article.


AppliCad eNews #90

Online Estimating for Roofers - RoofScape

Welcome to the RoofScape Team
It is six months since the launch of roofestimating.com and RoofScape. We would like to thank you for checking us out and hope that you achieved something from the experience of visiting the site and downloading RoofScape. We know many of you have and continue to do so every day!
Since the launch of AppliCad's new online roof estimating application, hundreds of roofers all over the world have connected with the www.roofestimating.com web site and downloaded RoofScape, just like you.
"AppliCad is constantly striving for ways to help your business improve. After all, when your business is thriving, so is ours." says Ray Smith, Managing Director of AppliCad. "Our team has reviewed many apparently useful ideas over the years and tried to focus on those that make the most difference to you. The ones that help you make money from roofing and cladding."
The www.roofestimating.com web site was a major shift for AppliCad. We are giving you software free of charge. This may certainly seem a strange way for a software business to make money. Indeed, it is.
However, AppliCad wants to get these tools into the hands of more people to allow everyone the opportunity to experience the core features of AppliCad's intuitive software. As you will have found out it isn't entirely free either. You can model as many roofs as you like but to get a customer quotation and a roof drawing you must have the patience to follow the instructions to enter your cost details into the online database.
We know that a whole bunch of you have not bothered to do this (yes Big Brother IS watching you, we're keeping an eye on progress, just in case you need a hand). However, many of you have set up pricing data, and for the very modest investment each month, they are getting the most accurate quotation they have ever had plus a 3D roof drawing and good quality documents for your customer.
Once you master the intricacies of modelling roof shapes in 3D with RoofScape, you have mastered all the skills you need to take full advantage of any of the other full function AppliCad roofing and cladding modules.
The basic premise is that a roofer with a regular or an occasional need to take-off a roof, in a re-roof situation or from client's plans, does not have to invest heavily in technology. The roofer may use the roofestimating.com service as the business needs dictate.
Please drop us a line and let us know if we "hit the spot" with this new product and what else we should consider doing to make it more valuable or applicable to your situation. We really do appreciate your input.
Email us at roofscape-team@applicad.com.au
Thank you in advance for your interest in what we deliver for you and your business.
Respectfully
The AppliCad 'RoofScape Team'
Get the most from using RoofScape

INVITATION TO TRAINING

We have a whole bunch of training seminars coming up and I would like to personally invite each and every one of you to register for one of these most valuable courses. As the roof modelling 'engine' of RoofScape is exactly the same as the full function AppliCad products, we know you will get huge value from learning how to use RoofScape more effectively.
Contact one of our team today for more details.

Ray Smith
AppliCad (Australia, UK, USA)

TRAINING DOESN'T COST - IT PAYS
Upcoming Training Events -

July 9- 11th, 2008 - AppliCad Training,
Melbourne Head Office
- Sorcerer, Roof Wizard, Roof Magician, Roof Master

Please note date change for the sessions in India -
August 5-7th, 2008 -
AppliCad Training,
Venue TBA, Mumbai, India
- Sorcerer, Roof Wizard, Roof Magician, Roof Master

July 29-31st, 2008 - AppliCad Training,
Venue TBA, Christchurch, NZ
- Sorcerer, Roof Wizard, Roof Magician, Roof Master

August 25-27th, 2008 - AppliCad Training,
Atlanta, GA; venue to be advised.
- Sorcerer, Roof Wizard, Roof Magician, Roof Master

October 6-8th, 2008 - AppliCad Training,
Baltimore, MD; venue to be advised
- Sorcerer, Roof Wizard, Roof Magician, Roof Master

A Sneak Peek - 'RoofScape for Architects'
Following the hugely successful release of the our online estimating program, RoofScape© AppliCad will soon launch a new product aimed especially for Architects. RoofScape for Architects takes the full 3D roof design tools of the AppliCad roofing software and bundles it with the ability to write a DXF file of the 3D roofscape to the Architect's favourite CAD program for further detailing.


This product came about through an understanding that many Architects have some difficulty designing compex hip and valley roofs. This is evident when you're reviewing roof plans for estimating purposes - many of them simply don't work!
AppliCad's aim is to provide the most powerful roof design tool that will ensure that an Arichitect designs a roof shape that can be built, the first time. Architects are a key role in the building process and should be able to have the tools to properly model, specify, and seamlessly pass it on to all other key members of the building process. This is becoming more important as fabrication methods such as roof trusses can only be made on roof geometry that works in 3D. If the roof planes don't come together correctly, the roof truss cannot be designed and prefabricated - adding delays, frustration and costs to a design project.
RoofScape for Architects will be launched in India next month and will be generally available late August. India was chosen as the launching place because traditionally, most roofing in India is flat and we figured that the Architects there need a lot more help than elsewhere. At least that is our view.
Watch this space for more news about RoofScape for Architects.
AppliCad Launches Multi-Language Web Site
For 12 years or so, AppliCad has been developing it's international business strategy. We are the only software developer in the roofing and cladding field with such a vision and successfully implementing it. Such a plan takes time and a huge effort. Much of the research is in learning and understanding the particular requirements of the different regions. Often our focus has been on certain countries, but the selected country reflects the needs and practices of a region and the lessons we learn become 'grist for the mill'.
As we refine our development projects to accommodate specific needs, the tool kit we develop becomes more robust and flexible. Special needs for one roofer are daily needs for another. What you can be assured of is this - if it's in the software, someone somewhere asked for it to be there. That's why we say that our software is a program developed by experts with expert advice. With 100's of roofing guys all around the world providing us with the benefit of their skills and experience, we can only maintain our leadership in the field.
As for the plan? Well, we're trying to keep up with the plan and to this end we have added a 'gadget' on our web site home page that allows you to select your native language and the rest of the visit to our web site will be displayed in your language. What is really helpful for you is the amount of detail that we already have there about what our software does and how you could be using our software now that it is available to be translated for you.
We know that some of it will come across a bit twisted. This is because specialist topics like roofing are not handled well in coloquial translation. It's a bit like talking to your dentist about his roof - some things are lost in the translation. Some of the languages automatically translated on the web site include - German, Finnish, Swedish, Dutch. Check it out, you might like what you see -http://www.applicad.com.au/
The translation 'gadget' has also been applied to our other sites - http://www.roofestimating.com/ and http://www.stairsoftware.com/.
In any case, all the crucial stuff is there and we hope you enjoy your visit. Please let us know how you go. I welcome your comments - email me now - ray@applicad.com.au
AppliCad - software developed by software experts in collaboration with industry experts.
Your email address has been acquired through the normal course of AppliCad’s business operations ie. trade show participation, response to magazine advertising, email enquiry, web search enquiry, from an associate or by subscribing through our web site. The contents of this newsletter are intended to educate and inform you about the latest trends in technology and systems for your industry. We hope that you can use this information to benefit your business. You have the right to decline receiving further email newsletters from us. Simply reply to this email requesting that your email address be removed from the broadcast email list and the address will be removed immediately - or email the editor directly: ray@applicad.com.au
 
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#2 ·
Hi Ed.
You seem to be a bit of an expert with this computor estimating.I have been asked to source a stand alone, easy to use, estimating program for a small pitched roofing company out in the west that operates in the boonies. He is not very computer savvy and he does not want satellite or internet linkage. Thanks
 
#3 ·
Craftsman National Estimator using the version for remodeling might be simple and powerfull enough for him, but nothing replaces personal experiences and recorded data of common tasks during varying weather and other unregulated conditions thrown into the mix.

Here is a link to their softwares available.

http://craftsman-book.com/products/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=45

Ed
 
#5 ·
#6 · (Edited)
Thanks for your help. He is asking me for a software program that allows him to enter dimensions from a roof drawing onto his laptop and then the software will provide him with roofing material quantities such as squares of material, footage of valley, ridge, rakes etc.
I guess I didn't word my question correctly.
He does not want to have to send in data or use a satellite. I see there are ones like RoofScape & RoofCad. That type of program, but without the satellite imagery or sending data in to a company for them to return the estimate......... Tks Chris
( Estimating up here means to actually figure out the quantities - sorry for the confusion)
Oh! AND A VERY HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
 
#7 ·
He is asking me for a software program that allows him to enter dimensions from a roof drawing onto his laptop and then the software will provide him with roofing material quantities such as squares of material, footage of valley, ridge, rakes etc.
I use the free version of Sketchup for "take-off" or as you call it, "estimating".

After getting through the learning curve, I can draw a roof plan in 3d as fast or faster than I can hand draw a 2d plan. I then let the program do the calculations, so there's minimal chance of a math error.

Here's an example:

 
#8 ·
It seriously takes me about 10 minutes once i have a simple rough (very rough) sketch of a roof with some measurments to make an accurate material list in a template I use with excel.

Maybe less.

IMO it's not worth taking the time to learn the software or the money to buy it/update it for material list/estimates.
 
#9 ·
For whatever reason a couple of years ago, I was not able to get this free version downloaded or my registration did not go through, but it still sounds like a viable free option from applicad.

http://roofestimating.com/

Ed
 
#10 ·
If all he is wanting is something he can plug roof dimensional information in that would spit out a material list automatically, that could be done rather easily with an Excel Spread Sheet. The math is simple, therefore the formulas are simple. This assumes he has the roof data for area, hip & ridge, valley, eave and perimeter. We used to utilize a multi sheet Excel workbook that would take the contact information, insurance claim information and roof data and would output material order, roof crew instructions, insurance and Customer invoices, Warranty Certificate, cost out, etc.. I scrapped that about a year ago in favor of a highly customized data base I put together utilizing ACT! as the engine.
 
#11 ·
Last time I looked into Contracker it was close to 3K for the program. David Duschaine has a very simple program that calculates SF off of rafter lenths or you can simply put the SF in yourself. You create your line item descriptions and your pricing points to fit your company (the guy obviously knows what he charges per unit) as creatively as you would like and the software creates a very nice proposal with pictures and captions (if you so choose) in a few minutes. Once a client is set up, you can invoice, email, etc. to them. For the money $99.00 there is absolutely nothing that compares to it on the market. It's not fancy, web-based, or complicated. Just a access based program where some guy has done the legwork for you and all you have to do is sell the job.

www.roofestimatepro.com

David is pretty 'salesy' and the website is almost like a monster truck ralley adverisement, but once you get passed all that, the program is pretty nifty for a hun.
 
#14 ·
MJW said:
It's mainly just presentation for salesmen. Our customers are more interested in what we can do for their house rather than any sales tactics, but we are more rural than most on this site.
Yes I guess so. The people I deal with seem more interested in how the roof process will go rather then all the extra show.

I have what I feel like is a pretty good system. People are also interested in learning more about the products being used.
 
#15 ·
Xactware.com
I use and have used Xactimate Contractor addition for a while. I like that an overwhelming percentage of the insurance industry use it as well. It makes supplements a breeze..and they get approved! Now Xactimate is a bit expensive and you never own it, but u certainly get what u pay for.
You don't have to be connected to the Internet to do an estimate, sketch, and upload photos with notes.,you just have to connect one time a month, at the first of the month to download the new pricelist. They send you a "fair market value for replacement costs" price list that's determined by a ton of research and priced according to your area for every home construction trade you can think of!!! If property insurance covers it, it's there! From the Pool to the satellite dish!!!
They just made an industry changing update to their sketch portion of the software; you now can measure the roof from space!! They took in Eagleview a while back and now you can do the Eagleview on your own without paying any extra money!!!! It's badass and you'll look good handing your Estimate (or should I say detailed report) to the customer, insurance company, contractor, etc...
I just scratched the surface of Xactimate..go to xactware.com and download the free trial version. Prepare to be blown away sir!!
Good luck to all...and I hope this helps someone progress..?
 
#16 ·
Why would you hand a detailed report to the insurance company? It is THEIR job to come up with that report, not you.

I understand the roofers always work with HO and their insurance companies (I do it too) but I only give generic descriptions of what will be done. Truthfully, there is no reason for a contractor to get involved as it really is between the HO and ins. Company.
 
#17 ·
The new version of Xactimate, 27.3, does indeed have an aeriel sketching module. I've played with it a little and frankly am not very impressed. It appears to be something that will work for relatively simple roofs but lacks enough user control to work for more complex, multi level cut up roofs.

I can see plenty of reasons to be proactive with the insurance and offer them my detailed estimate. Unless I provide the details of what we plan to do, it's difficult to argue with their bid. Xactimate allows us to speak in the same language. Not a perfect program by any means but it does work reasonably well with the insurance side of the business.
 
#18 ·
On roofs that are really cut up and steep, I use Geo-estimator. I really like to see the difference in the amount of squares that calculates compared to the insurance adjuster. I have a meeting next Tuesday for a really cut up roof (again). Around 25 different planes, 3 different elevations and 4 different pitches. It should be interesting.

All I am going to do is point to the adjuster where I see damage and ask him if he agrees. Then I am going to ask him if he feels like 20k for a new roof is cheap compared to the 500k+ this house costs.

If you are doing work for Xactimate prices, you ARE selling yourself short.
 
#19 ·
BamBamm, if we just took all the Adjuster's first cuts at their estimates, you are right, we would be selling ourselves short. However, we don't. We are proactive by bringing the estimate to the Adjuster meeting and reviewing it with the Adjuster. We almost always have additional line items beyond what would be on their standard scope.

Bottom line, we probably average around $275 per square for 3 tab and $325 per square on 30 Year. That doesn't make us instant millionaires for sure but it pays the bills and we average near 90% approval rates because of our good relationship with the Adjusters. We do other exterior work and interiors so we get O&P a reasonable amount of the time as well. I can live with it.
 
#20 ·
bender_dundat said:
BamBamm, if we just took all the Adjuster's first cuts at their estimates, you are right, we would be selling ourselves short. However, we don't. We are proactive by bringing the estimate to the Adjuster meeting and reviewing it with the Adjuster. We almost always have additional line items beyond what would be on their standard scope.

Bottom line, we probably average around $275 per square for 3 tab and $325 per square on 30 Year. That doesn't make us instant millionaires for sure but it pays the bills and we average near 90% approval rates because of our good relationship with the Adjusters. We do other exterior work and interiors so we get O&P a reasonable amount of the time as well. I can live with it.
Correct! The adjusters, most of the time do not include necessary items in their estimate. So your left to deal with the adjuster sitting at a desk somewhere...Xactimate allows you to provide all the items you feel are necessary to complete the job and the desk jockey can comprehend. The pricing is far from "selling yourself short"..? If you know how to operate Xactimate, and what items are necessary, im talking every single relative item you can find, every BSC you can apply, and utilize the different trades to to obtain O&P.
At times I have to manipulate certain items to lower the total on jobs not Claim related..just so I'm within $20 a square of my competitor...!?
I do allot of Ladder assists for a few adjusters and Xactimate is a big plus in their eyes.! I've got one adjuster I do them for and he never goes to the houses..He'll send me to do the inspection, and to prepare my estimate (Xactimate). He'll take my estimate, change the letterhead, and add the policy info documents to it..! He tells the insured that I'm his preferred contractor and that they should seriously consider using me to complete their claim (do the job). Plus I get $paid$ for each inspection whether it's denied, approved, or if I do or don't get the work...
I'm not tryin to brag, I'm just tryin to stress how crucial Xactimate is to the industry...and that the claim isn't just between the HO and their insurance co, but between the 3 parties...We get the HO what they deserve and what's needed to complete the work correctly.
 
#22 ·
MJW said:
Toot toot, haha.

Fact is, these programs turn anyone with a laptop into a "Contractor". Not sure that is a good idea for our industry. Kinda gets old cleaning up after chasers and their crumby work.
Toot, toot..? WTF?!

Who said anything about chasing storms? If you think a laptop and a program makes someone a contractor..Your nuts MJW!!
you better get the hang of these computer programs real fast because it won't be long before they're standard to the industry, and at that point your wright..prob not the best idea for your type in the industry..
 
#24 ·
I've used a number of proposal programs including Xactimate. They are very easy to use.

There are plenty of pop up companies when a storm hits. Many are just a partial suit with a laptop sporting some fancy program that spits out a scope and price in the back seat on the portable printer. Then, they usually just sub it all out to cheap craigslist workers. Ya, we all know how it works. ;)
 
#23 ·
I used to use computer programs and all these other junk. Just all show. Then I got down to basics of thinking what people really want. They do not care about these things. They want to know how the roof is installed, the steps that it takes and so on and so fourth.

My proposal has a list of about 15 different things on it. Starting from the very first thing, laying down tarps and plywood to protect the property to the very last thing, final inspection and clean up. I go through each bullet point and check it off with the homeowner.

This seems to work much better then the fancy computer stuff I used to do.
 
#25 ·
MJW said:
I've used a number of proposal programs including Xactimate. They are very easy to use.

There are plenty of pop up companies when a storm hits. Many are just a partial suit with a laptop sporting some fancy program that spits out a scope and price in the back seat on the portable printer. Then, they usually just sub it all out to cheap craigslist workers. Ya, we all know how it works. ;)
Ohh.. Yeah your rite about that..there's a bunch of fly-by-nighters in this business, and yes they do everything they can to redirect the HO's attention by lookin as fancy as possible. Xactimate is very helpful for the fancy look, and helps the chasers provide estimates according to different markets pricing..accurately, by a simple download.
My apologies..I took your previous post personal..
 
#26 ·
There are BOTH types in this business. Some of us came from the sales side and some from the roofing side. Some on the sales side know more about spec work than any roofer could physically learn in a lifetime and some on the roofing side could say the same. The bottom line is it doesn't matter. Good business in general is trying to set yourself apart from every other clone in your industry. Show people why they should hire you and then ultimately deliver on what you promised. It doesn't make you less of a competant roofer if you don't swing a hammer or have pookie on your shoes. Most of my clients actually scoff at the check mark proposal because it makes each project look the same. That's just my opinion. We print out a scope for every single project we do that is project specific. Whether it's commercial or residential. We use Xactimate to negotiate insurance claims to set the price but our contracts are computer generated with a fully detailed scope, terms and conditions, all the necessary attachments, payment schedules, etc. Not every company is going to do it the same, but being different doesn't make you better or worse. Hell, 40 years ago guys just told people what they thought they could do it for and shook hands. We don't live in that world anymore. Professionalism sells whether you like it or not. There is a difference between a roofer and a contractor.
 
#28 ·
Yeah that is true. Mine however is unlike anyone else. I don't give out fully detailed scopes of work until after the contract is signed or they pay for the estimate. An installer turned salesmen will always know and understand more about the roof. They are two types of salesmen, ethical and unethical. The homeowner of the roof i sold yesterday was telling me that the previous guy told him he needs all new gutters in order to install ice and water shield. Since I understand how it is applied, and the specs of it, it made it quite an easy sale. I also got a compliment on my presentation packet as it in his words "much more professional than anyone else." Like I said, I used to do a printed out, detailed scope of work right from my truck. It took too long and people got impatient. Then, if they decided not to use me, they would have all that information to give to the next guy.

Love it! Couldn't agree more...but I see where the hammerers like MJ come from..Fact is we the contractors are who puts them to work..!? We utilize software to make our money which keeps us running!? We find the work, pay the bills, and continue to maintain the appropriate insurance/license necessary to operate..
Well spoken...

I highly doubt MJW is a "hammerer". There are roofers and there are nailers. Problem with this software is that it takes no knowledge of the industry whatsoever in order to operate it. I am sure I could have my fiance up and running out xactimate estimates tomorrow. The software I use it all behind the scenes. My costs are all stored in my head (and the computer). The most successful companies in my area do not run any of this software because they UNDERSTAND the business. By the way, doing work for Xactimates prices is nothing to be happy about.
 
#27 ·
buildpinnacle said:
There are BOTH types in this business. Some of us came from the sales side and some from the roofing side. Some on the sales side know more about spec work than any roofer could physically learn in a lifetime and some on the roofing side could say the same. The bottom line is it doesn't matter. Good business in general is trying to set yourself apart from every other clone in your industry. Show people why they should hire you and then ultimately deliver on what you promised. It doesn't make you less of a competant roofer if you don't swing a hammer or have pookie on your shoes. Most of my clients actually scoff at the check mark proposal because it makes each project look the same. That's just my opinion. We print out a scope for every single project we do that is project specific. Whether it's commercial or residential. We use Xactimate to negotiate insurance claims to set the price but our contracts are computer generated with a fully detailed scope, terms and conditions, all the necessary attachments, payment schedules, etc. Not every company is going to do it the same, but being different doesn't make you better or worse. Hell, 40 years ago guys just told people what they thought they could do it for and shook hands. We don't live in that world anymore. Professionalism sells whether you like it or not. There is a difference between a roofer and a contractor.
Love it! Couldn't agree more...but I see where the hammerers like MJ come from..Fact is we the contractors are who puts them to work..!? We utilize software to make our money which keeps us running!? We find the work, pay the bills, and continue to maintain the appropriate insurance/license necessary to operate..
Well spoken...
 
#29 ·
We put our own company to work. We don't work for other Contractors. They ask, but why work under someone for less. Never understood the cheap subs. Is it that hard to get the job AND do the job? I'm sure your location dictates a lot of how you run your business.
It's easier to sell when you can show someone in your own hands how to do something rather than just saying "the guys will get er done right quick". I've installed J channel around windows, flashed skylights, trimmed interiors, etc... in front of the pickiest of homeowners. This is after telling them I can do the job. The next step is showing them. That makes you a Contractor, IMO.
 
#30 ·
MJW said:
We put our own company to work. We don't work for other Contractors. They ask, but why work under someone for less. Never understood the cheap subs. Is it that hard to get the job AND do the job? I'm sure your location dictates a lot of how you run your business.
It's easier to sell when you can show someone in your own hands how to do something rather than just saying "the guys will get er done right quick". I've installed J channel around windows, flashed skylights, trimmed interiors, etc... in front of the pickiest of homeowners. This is after telling them I can do the job. The next step is showing them. That makes you a Contractor, IMO.
I've done and do roofing..I've spent a few years of my life as a laborer to earn my officer position in my families business. I'm now VP at 23 and damn proud! I respect the trade work, as I've sweat just as you have..I'm sure you have more time in the business, but we gotta start somewhere rite..? My approach to this thread was to emphasize on contractor business productivity..software, or "own-ware" is very helpful when running a business in a competitive market.
Basically what I'm sayin is that not all contractors run around clueless as to what their trade is..most have the knowledge (if not WAY more) of the installers..BUT they almost always have overwhelming business skills compared to the installer..
Way to go though MJW..I'm happy to see the hard work is coming from MJW on both sides of the coin..! Just don't call out us contractors as a whole..odds are we've kept your food on the table at some point and time (no disrespect).? And if that's not true, I know we've done so for many MANY others (again no disrespect)..
Take care sir..best of luck with your new year!
 
#31 ·
Just don't call out us contractors as a whole..odds are we've kept your food on the table at some point and time (no disrespect).? And if that's not true, I know we've done so for many MANY others (again no disrespect)..
I remember when I was a VP at 23 also. Not sure why your ego is so big though. You are young and already done working for a living? :no: That makes a person proud?
 
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