Estimating Software And Current Pricing?

ebm10

I am looking to purchase estimating software and a way to keep it updated with current pricing. Any suggestions, things to keep in mind, and/or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

ProWallGuy

One thing to keep in mind is with any software, you have to manually punch in data to keep it updated. I wouldn't trust any that come 'preloaded' with pricing/production info.

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Wallpaper Hanger St. Louis
Digital Murals Installation

Grumpy

I just got some junk mail for a free demo of some estimating software I have not tried it and know nothing about it but the demo is free so I am going to sign up. No doubt a slew of junk mail will follow. www.cmsystems.net

nhplumb

We use a piece of software called e-Office. We really like it- easy to use and web-based so we can access our info from any computer with an internet connection and the software on it - home, office, jobsite. They have a huge database that we have access to....and they update our estimating system quite frequently---I think we're on 12 or 13 updates so far this year. The company is Harrison Publishing House, i think.

mattp

Grumpy,
Ever heard of contracker EZ heard it was one of the best for estimating windows, siding, roofs.

DaveH

Estimating software is a difficult subject due to all the differnet scopes involved in construction. Some are better suited to specialty contractors, while some are better for general contractors. Even within these frames the best is subject to lots of personal opinions. Your familiarity with computers will also weigh heavily on your choice. Some systems are much better suited for novices, while others require lots of set up, and manual input before even producing the first bid. Most systems will work sufficiantly for average users. Also you must take into consideration the side items that come with a system such as reports, material listing (pick sheets) and such. I have worked with many systems thru the years and have found all compatible once you get running. Some just make your job a little easier.

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A buck a foot is not an estimate! It's a crap shoot!

hatchet

I'm using EasyEst right now. The things I like about it are..
the core system costs 49 or something and it allows you to estimate right out of the box. It doesn't have a lot of functionality but it can get it done. Add on what you think you'll need - I added crews, materials, quickbooks, and spreadsheets. You setup your production rates and material rates.. for instance exterior osb.. say you have 2000 sf of exterior osb - with the setup mentioned above you can have the system output how many sheets required and how many hours required by having the material module divide by 32 and round up to the nearest sheet (or if you want to add waste - divide by 33.6 and round up) and then set the square foot per manhour required to install with what crew and it'll output how many hours and what the cost is.
That's a pretty crappy explanation.. but it's a very flexible system once you get it setup with the materials and production rates. It then allows you to update the material cost as you create the estimate or on a regularly scheduled cycle. I think there is a trial that you can download.. i've been very impressed with it so far.
The one downside for me is the codes it uses are preformatted so it can make it difficult to get exactly the same as your quickbooks codes.

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Rich
WIT Construction Co.
Superior MT Contractor

CoolRascal

Looking for a seat of SharpeSoft