Construction cost estimating may look like an easy thing,
but when you give it a try you will realize that it is a complex process that
requires skills and expertise. It is actually one of the more critical things
that contribute to the success of construction projects. If it is done
properly, it can lead to a profitable business and satisfied clients. However,
if construction cost estimating is done wrongly, your business can rapidly veer
towards loss of money and leave you with a lot of frustrations especially if
you are just getting started in the construction industry.
The best way to get the most accurate cost estimates is
using building estimating software. Whether your construction company is small
or has since grown and expanded into a huge company, you can benefit greatly
from this software. Suitable building estimating software does not have to be
expensive as some small business owners tend to assume. You can get affordable
construction software provided that it has the basic features that will help
you get accurate cost estimates. However, if you have a large construction
company where most of the processes have been brought into the digital age, a
simple estimating software that is only able to crunch numbers will not do.
The three basic features that every building estimating
software should have include a takeoff tool, integrated cost databases, and
calculations for estimates. The takeoff tool is very helpful in the process of
taking measurements from paper or digital plans. The integrated databases
utilize commercially available data like RS Means as well as your own data for
finding accurate estimates. Calculations for estimates are found in worksheets
that are generated by the estimating software for laying out requirements as
well as estimates to various levels of detail.
Apart from the aforementioned features, a building
estimating software may also offer interfaces with other applications
and online collaboration. Examples of how the software can offer interfaces
with other applications include taking data directly from the computer aided
design files of an engineer or architect for the purpose of making estimates
and sending those estimates directly to a program for procurement or for
integrating with the accounting system of your computer. As for online
collaboration, the software can be used for making comments, approvals and
adjustments digitally. This will help avoid paper chases when you want to find
out which physical project file is still sitting idle in whose in-tray.
If the building estimating software is properly integrated
in your company, it can speed up the cost estimating activity as well as your
business as a whole. This software may be necessary in order to be more
responsive to the requirements of your customers. However, you need to
understand that the quality of the information that you would get from this
software will be determined by the quality of information that you will feed into
it. It is imperative that you use real data in the estimating process as
opposed to dated information if you want to get accurate results.
For more information
on building estimating software, visit our website at http://.bizprac.com/
