Construction Jobsite
Estimating Construction Costs Requires Skill and Accuracy
The major part of an estimator’s job obviously is estimating job costs. In the past, doing this manually left marginal room for error. Today, with technology evolving everyday, software has been developed to reduce the chances of input error. The software offers an assortment of different templates that allow you to enter your costs, inventory and even profits. This allows you to give a more accurate estimate without leaving the jobsite. With this software, what used to take hours and even days to complete can now be completed in a fraction of the time. The software programs can be learned in a short amount of time, and are made so even those who are computer illiterate can learn them.
Estimating software allows your business to operate on a higher level by making it look more professional. You are able to estimate jobs faster and more efficiently. Your business will have the appearance of stability and competence. Changes on a jobsite occur often, and in the past, when the changes occurred, it would cause the estimator large amounts of stress adding or subtracting from the estimate. With estimating software, the estimator can adjust the estimate with a few clicks of the mouse within minutes. This saves a lot of time. You can make the changes right on the jobsite and print them out for the customer to sign. It is just that easy.
There are several software programs on the market today to assist you in estimating your project. However there are few features that the software must have in order to give an accurate estimate. The program must be able to allow you to break down each of the costs including inventory labor and profit. This is important to allow you to create an accurate estimate. Having a program that contains a separate vendor list is also a key feature. A good estimating software program should assist you in understanding all aspects of your business and will allow you to save time and money. When you are able to check your
profit and loss statement within seconds, you may be able to offer a potential client rebates and discounts. This could mean the difference between getting the client and losing them.
By using the estimating software, you may be able to surpass your competition in the customer service aspect of construction. You will look more professional and up to date with the times. It makes the process of estimating look like a walk in the park, and can save you a lot of time and money and may also assist you I generating more business.
About the Author
Nick Hurd is the developer of LiteningFast Estimating. LiteningFast is an estimating program that helps you estimate faster, easier and more accurately. It’s integrated with QuickBooks to provide job cost. Construction Cost Estimating – must be accurate to make money It was introduced to the market in 1994 and currently has over 3,500 users in the US, Canada, and around the world.
Is having a home inspection done a smart idea, even for a new construction home?
I have learned not to trust my builder since signing the initial contract back in February ‘07. We are going to closing in 2 weeks (June 25) and have been talking to a lot of friends who say we should get an inspection done before our final walk thru. There have been a number of mistakes that I have discovered along the way that I have had the builders correct since I have been fortunate enough to be able to visit the jobsite at least every 2-3 days since the start. I have probably already answered my own question, but just wanted to see what others thoughts were.
Also, who would you recommend in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that you would consider to be a reputable and trustworthy home inspection company?
Yep, you have answered your own question. I recommend inspections to all of my customers because you can never have too much information about your biggest investment. To find a reputable inspector in your area, go to the American Society of Home Inspectors website (ASHI) to see who they suggest.
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