LAYOUT AND MATERIALS KEY TO EFFICIENCY

Published: Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Draft for release June/July 2010

The country’s leading building software company is encouraging builders to take more time considering a property’s layout and the materials used in order to improve its efficiency.

The call comes from HBXL and falls in line with the Government’s ambition to make all new houses zero-carbon by 2016.

With many viewing this target as being perhaps a little too ambitious, the team at HBXL believes that the target can be attained if builders make use of software tools that will not only help them win more business but help improve the efficiency of the properties they build.

This includes HBXL’s EstimatorXpress estimating software and PlansXpress, its CAD based plans and drawings software. Both have helped transform the way builders operate and is why the team is advising they utilise each package’s unique attributes.

Anthony Botibol, marketing manager at HBXL said: “Our view is that too many builders just get on with the job without giving enough thought to a property’s layout and the materials used in terms of efficiency.

“Where a wall is placed, the direction it faces or the positioning of a window can impact on the energy efficiency of a property. Using PlansXpress enables the builder to easily look at alternatives when it comes to a property’s design and what the most efficient layout will be without employing the services of an architect.

“Likewise EstimatorXpress provides instant access to material prices so the user can see what the cost difference will be by using for example different types of brick or insulation.

“What we’re providing is a cost-effective means to ensure that a property’s SAP rating is as good as it can possibly be while at the same time helping the builder complete a project profitably.”

Anthony believes that changing the way builders think is key to making sure all new homes are zero-carbon supplemented by a means to calculate the cost of using sustainable building methods.

Anthony added: “There is no doubt that all builders will have to change the way they approach a project and I’m convinced the starting point is utilising software packages like EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress for better planning and costing.”

For further information on any of HBXL’s products please call 0845 1234 065 or to purchase visit the HBXL Online Shop