Estimating Software

BigAwse

What are some recomendations on a good, decently priced estimating software program for a small drywall business. Are there any free ones available?

KingOfDrywall

Software is only an efficient tool once you have totally mastered the trditional long form method. Trust me, been there done that. I would suggest improvising your own methods and going that route. Software is over rated...lol Good Luck

smooth

I tried that too but keeping up with price increases from suppliers and reentering data became a pain. now I stick to a few rules of thumb and a couple of crude formulas to make an estimate. Every job site has its own attributes such as difficulty ( scaffolding ) for example so you just have to be familiar with the going rates in your area to be competitive. Ultimately if the owner/builder likes what he sees or hears when he talks to you he could very well decide to use you on that bases even if your a tad higher in price, so bid fairly and good luck.

your selling yourself, but your work speaks on its own.
Every job is an advertisement.

1KingOfDrywall

Price what YOU need to get....don't get caught up competeing with others on cost. I hear that customers should expect to be paying a little more this year for labor on drywall installing and finishing. Just sell every job. In the end... it comes down to "what can you do it for".
not what everyone else charges. Even materials......every crew hangs differently. I know some crews hang straight 12's on everything.....my preference is to go room by room and use the largest sheets possible to minimize butt joints. In the end.......do it long form my friend.
Good Luck