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Roof estimating software

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52K views 70 replies 36 participants last post by  DFW Roofing  
M
#1 ·
Do you know of any good roof estimating software?

I'm looking for something that will automatically total up a list of materials based on entering the dimensions of each roof section.

Do you use on or offline?

What is the cost?
 
M
#4 ·
I’ve been using contracker ez for about 4 years now. I like it but I recently bought a new computer with window 7 and can’t get it to work.

I have not been paying for support so they don’t want to help me unless I pay for 4 years of support at $150 per year = $600. When I bought it the support was only $100 per year and I thought I would not need it.
Since they want to charge me so much I might as well shop for something better.

The version I have won’t allow me to edit the layout of the forms, for example they have it set up so that the header takes up about 3” at the top of the page so my material order always take 2 pages instead of 1.
The program is OK but I think they could have made more user friendly.

The guy that owns the company is not very user friendly, I think he is over charging me foe a little help. I guess he doesn’t want referrals.

The program runs in Microsoft access. I can get the program installed but I can’t get the updates to install. The original version was 3.0 and the update is version 3.4.

After I installed the updates it still says version 3.0 when I open the program and it can’t read my data file. It is reading the stock data that came with the software.

I’ve been using the software with windows xp and the new computer has windows 7.
 
D
#5 ·
Sounds like Sketch and Xactware is a little out of your price range.

There's got to be others out there.

For bid that are not insurance I either use Word or Socrates Media. Word came on my PC and S/M was only $30. With that program I can do estimates, work orders, work change orders, invoices, etc. There must be 15 different formats in it. For proposals though it takes two pages and I hate two page proposals. I like to cram everything on one page.

Have heard of some estimating software costing $5-600 but not sure if that's a one time fee or yearly.

Over the years have seen a few large contractors estimate and most of the them are very genaric with a list of items typed out and a line after them for how many they propose to use. They look more like insuarnce estimates than home owner estimates.
 
M
#6 ·
dougger222 said:
Sounds like Sketch and Xactware is a little out of your price range.

There's got to be others out there.

For bid that are not insurance I either use Word or Socrates Media. Word came on my PC and S/M was only $30. With that program I can do estimates, work orders, work change orders, invoices, etc. There must be 15 different formats in it. For proposals though it takes two pages and I hate two page proposals. I like to cram everything on one page.

Have heard of some estimating software costing $5-600 but not sure if that's a one time fee or yearly.

Over the years have seen a few large contractors estimate and most of the them are very genaric with a list of items typed out and a line after them for how many they propose to use. They look more like insuarnce estimates than home owner estimates.
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What I am looking for is something that will help me to save time calculating the quantities of labor and material and to produce a list of material that I can send to the supplier.

I am going to take the new computer to a geek to see if they can get the software installed. I think it has something to do with windows 7.

I think I paid about $1400 for Contracker EZ about 4 years ago. I think they want a $2600 now.
 
R
#8 ·
Software Suggestion

I have been using estimation pro software for about 2 months now and has really streamlined what i do with every roofing job. They are not web-based which is another reason why i use them. They have a web based CRM coming out soon that is going to be included in their cost. Month to month only too. I have used Surado for years which has been nice, but has required a lot of man hours to customize it. This CRM is already customized to the roofing industry. Has GeoEstimator import as well. Its been easy to use so far. Works with windows as well. I use it on my MAC currently. Give them a call.
 
P
#51 ·
rooferPRO31 said:
I have been using estimation pro software for about 2 months now and has really streamlined what i do with every roofing job. They are not web-based which is another reason why i use them. They have a web based CRM coming out soon that is going to be included in their cost. Month to month only too. I have used Surado for years which has been nice, but has required a lot of man hours to customize it. This CRM is already customized to the roofing industry. Has GeoEstimator import as well. Its been easy to use so far. Works with windows as well. I use it on my MAC currently. Give them a call.
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Kind of funny....that you talk so highly of EstimationPro. I'm assuming that you work there and you're just trying to get some good reviews and/or good comments about the company. Spend more time supporting your software and development and making fake reviews about your product. I would recommend going with a software company that has been around for awhile and has the SUPPORT to stand behind their product. Remember guys....downtime is MONEY!
 
J
#11 ·
Spreadsheets is a simple solution for roofs.



You really don't need a fancy schmatzy estimating program. All you need is Excel.

I wrote a spreadsheet program that will calculate my material list. It also will generate material Purchase Orders and Labor Work Orders.

Its not that hard to do if you have basic spreadsheet experience. The reason that it's not hard is because there really aren't a lot of steps in a roof job.

My program requires me to enter five numbers (same as Xactimate): 1) roof area to be removed 2) Roof Area to be installed (I always add 15% when I'm selling) 3) Total Ridge lengths 4)Total Hip Lengths 5)Total Valley Lengths.

After entering those numbers, it spits out all the numbers I need. I also have to manually enter the accessories (pipe jacks, vents, etc).

Of course, after you get the spreadsheet spitting out all of that, you'll realize that it's really easy to have it spit out the rest of the business needs such as: waivers of lien, gutter PO's, Fax to the suppliers, Invoice to the owners or insurance company, etc, etc, etc.

No, I will not share LOL. It's nothing personal but it is valuable company property.
 
G
#12 ·
jimAKAblue said:
You really don't need a fancy schmatzy estimating program. All you need is Excel.

I wrote a spreadsheet program that will calculate my material list. It also will generate material Purchase Orders and Labor Work Orders.

Its not that hard to do if you have basic spreadsheet experience. The reason that it's not hard is because there really aren't a lot of steps in a roof job.

My program requires me to enter five numbers (same as Xactimate): 1) roof area to be removed 2) Roof Area to be installed (I always add 15% when I'm selling) 3) Total Ridge lengths 4)Total Hip Lengths 5)Total Valley Lengths.

After entering those numbers, it spits out all the numbers I need. I also have to manually enter the accessories (pipe jacks, vents, etc).

Of course, after you get the spreadsheet spitting out all of that, you'll realize that it's really easy to have it spit out the rest of the business needs such as: waivers of lien, gutter PO's, Fax to the suppliers, Invoice to the owners or insurance company, etc, etc, etc.

No, I will not share LOL. It's nothing personal but it is valuable company property.
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I've done the same and have and will openly share with anyone... except you.
 
A
#13 ·
I still don't trust any program to tell me what to charge for each job. Depends on what you are doing but every single job is slightly different than the last, some are two or three stories, too many variables that can be overlooked by a program with set pricing.

It might take me longer but I like doing proposals from scratch for each job. my expenses for each job change and I like to be in control of that.
if i started entering in fixed prices, i'd end up getting complacent about it and end up forgetting something in the long run.

Roofing jobs only have so many expenses associated it with that. and as one of my best friends if my roofer, I know how he prices. he still does each job from scratch and he does keep the same per Sq. cost, and ups that if it's steep, high, hard to get to, not boomable, etc.
 
B
#14 ·
Mel,

You don't need to pay that much for the Xactimate program. I have been doing insurance resto work for over a decade and we have been use the Xactremodel version for over 4 yrs now. It is exactly the same program database except it has limited fire and water resto line items for the 'Servepro' types out there. The difference is simply it does not have the insurance adjuster bells and whistles such as depreciation, uploading files to carriers, etc. Things we don't use anyway. I pay $560 per year plus tax on a one time pay yearly. Roughly $50 bucks per month. Doug, I would check it out, it can save you about 1/2 the subscription cost.
 
G
#15 · (Edited)
The reason I use a spreadsheet is so I can't forget. It's all right there, just fill in the blanks. I might forget the baby tins, maybe I forget a roll of coil, maybe I forget nails, etc... Sure small ticket items, but I don't want to eat them none the less. If all I have to do is fill in the blanks, there is no way I can forget to charge for anything.

As we discussed in the past about the difficulty factor, my spreadsheet incorporates that too. Since I was the one who created the spreadsheet custom for my business, I know it's accurate to our real world values. I too wouldn't trust a program that used someone elses pricing.
 
M
#19 ·
CementCreek said:
I think the Excel spreadsheets work great up to point, then they can become cumbersome. PlanSwift will integrate with spreadsheets you plus gives the extras. It's a couple bucks more right off the bat but once you have it its yours for life, no more fees.

It's always been good to me,
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I downloaded Planswift. It looks way too complicated for me.

I specialize in shingle roof replacement. I go out to the job and get the measurements. This software looks like it is set up to use with blueprints.

I make a hand drawn sketch of the job; I don’t have blueprints to work with.

Planswift looks like it would take a hundred hours just to get it set up.

I don’t see how I could it for a roof estimate.
 
B
#18 ·
The only time I use an est program for roofs is on an insurance claim. Granted, the majority of them are for me. I always run a material list and figure my direct costs when it comes time to contract regardless. The majority of our work is negotiated, so I guess I forget that sometimes on theses discussions. We rarely just hard bid a job but when we do, I have a base price with every imaginable line item and issue with the house that our salesmen have to charge. If they sell above that number, they get a very good cut out of the overage, if they sell below, they sell for free. The numbers are based on our experience and are out the door numbers for each line item. I don't give anything away on a roof so there is no 'square' bidding allowed. It's a simple one page calc sheet that has the drawing, HO info, claim info, and all the roof calc line items extended through to a cost. I can see on each salesman's sheet where he calc'd the base roof price at $12,200 but the contract was written for $13,900. Every single job is pre-capped so we can catch any mistakes prior to showing up and being short. All contracts are subject to management approval.
 
M
#23 ·
stevelawrance said:
I am using "Roof Estimator" for last 3 year and found it the best. I would also like to suggest you to go for it. I am sure it will do the best for you.
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About how long would it take you to enter the data and complete an estimate with Roof Estimator, assuming the roof has parts that are 8/12 nas 12/12 about 40 square with valleys and hips?

With Contracker EZ it takes me about an half hour and when I'm done I'll have an exact list of materials.
 
L
#24 ·
Since you asked...

Being that Xactimate and similar programs are way over priced, not necessary and favored by the insurance industry (they underprice), I developed my own which I include free of charge with my insurance damage contracting certification progam.

On insurance repair work, primarily exterior (can be easily manipulated for interior as well), my program pays for everything and also correctly add's 100% O&P to the total price regardless of # of trades. Never been rejected by any insurance company and always made me top dollar.
 
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B
#26 ·
Mel,

Go to roofingtalk.com and search for Roof Estimate Pro. I bought the program and love it. It's $99 out the door for multiuser download license. David Duschaine is a roofer just like us who had a software engineer put his wants, needs, and desires in a program. It makes a very nice proposal and the price cannot be beat. David has always responded very quickly to any questions I have had as well. He also offers some other sales and marketing packages (10 roof closes comes with the software) that I think you may really benefit from after reading some of your posts. The website is www.startaroofingbusiness.com . It's worth the look.
 
B
#31 ·
I haven't watched his videos. Does he really outline a business plan like that or are you being fecitious? The software has a nice CRM that intrigued me. Based on your comments, I am assuming you still wear a nail bag? No crime in that. A lot of roofers started that way. However, the use of subcontractors does not diminish any business in the construction trade. How many GC's do you work for where your the sub? Should they have their own in-house roofers, electricians, plumbers? Dave is very quick to post on roofingtalk and couples most of his comments with an advertisement. On the other hand, the man found a way to create a new business based on his knowledge and experience in the business. I respect the entrepreneurial spirit. I haven't seen his start up kit, but if it does have some useful information that can limit or eliminate people that get in this business with no clue and no idea how to start or run a roofing company, then that can only help this industry.
 
A
#32 ·
Maybe it might be different in other parts of the country but the only way a roofing contractor can "sub" any part of a roofing job is to another licensed contractor with his own WC and GL... the guys down here set up a bunch of guys with there own Inc. papers for a handyman service to get them there WC exempt card (even though it's not legal) and call them "subs" them these subs fire there own guys and pay them cash or a check till they get caught... they get left holding the bag cause they don't have a clue and just signed the papers the contractor told them too...

It's as bad as hiring illegals... actually worse, they have a choice and still decide to cheat the system....
 
M
#33 ·
Legally, I'm not sure it's ok to advertise something that you 100% sub out. If you are a Contractor contracting many trades, fine.... but advertising as a roofer and subbing every job out isn't right IMO. There are only a handful here that I would personally trust them to work on my house, and that's because they actually do the work. Anyone can hire salesmen and push as many jobs as possible, then move to the next storm.

As for "start your own roofing business guy". Yes, that is exactly what he says in his videos on youtube. Just saying what I saw and heard.

It's kinda wierd how this is the roofing section and most of the talk here is numbers and how to sell to an unsuspecting homeowner.
 
S
#34 ·
I agree. I'm new to the idea of "selling roofs" as I always worked with family and now for myself and the sort of unethical practices I hear about never occurred to me in my wildest dreams. My hometown has about 150 people and 2500 people in the entire county, we were never out of work though. Now I live in a town of 60,000 (don't know exactly) and for the first time I'm seeing outfits that contract work then sub it out having not the slightest clue how the work is done, how to properly bid the job or any of the like. They get people to sign a contract that says if you want to cancel it you have to pay 25% of the total job, and that they are not responsible for any damage to your home while you are waiting to get the work done. I totally understand not wanting to get sued for water infiltration while you are backed up with work, but one particular company has literally left people in a hailed out town for eight months with their roofs not done.

I knew they were that backed up and I figured I'd call to see if I could get one, I hate shingling, but work is work I guess. When they told me what they will pay per square I understand now. They want the subs to provide the materials and after that one would be lucky to eat a meal the next day, let alone make a living. I'm sure there is a way for the homeowners to get out of these contracts, I don't know, we always did business with a handshake and it worked well, never got screwed.

I'm new to the contracting game in bigger towns and cities. I'm just trying to watch my back as a sub to make sure I don't get screwed. I'm starting to hear stories about an outfit stringing you out for a few jobs, giving you the "we'll pay you when we get paid", and then skipping out. I don't know how you could start a business and then just disappear, but I guess if you are willing to move on a regular basis and don't feel invested in any particular community it is possible.
 
B
#35 ·
Ape:

There are several states that don't have the strict requirements as Florida. In Oklahoma, we finally got a 'registration' passed that is a start to licensure. It will at least allow potential clients an opportunity to simply go to the website to check out the contractor's credentials, where they are from, if they just set up shop in OK, and since our insurance certs have to have the CID named as an additionally insured they will also know if any contractor lets their GLI or WC lapse. Texas, however, is a breeding ground for lawlessness. It's like the old west out here. There are no regulations and no requirements. Workman's comp and GLI is the choice of the contractor. This is also the breeding ground of most illegal crews since we are usually the point of entry. Our latest census had the hispanic population growth over the last ten years at almost 3 million. Our state grew 20% and 70% of that growth was due to hispanics.
 
A
#38 ·
I have spent fifteen years constantly mofifying my excel software and I have it integrated into everything from labor, materials, material order forms, lien release, warranty, certificate of completion, Final ljob cost, crew pay sheet and so on.

I also have it integrated with ACT for my contact management.

Are you spreadsheet savy?
 
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