New self build software makes dream home a reality
Published: Tuesday, July 06, 2010
For anyone considering a self build project – be it a new build or renovation – making sure they have a sensible and realistic estimate on how much it will cost is vital, because if they don’t, it could prove very expensive in the long run!
Fortunately any self builder wanting to get an accurate idea on how much their project will cost should take a look at the latest version of HBXL’s EstimatorXpress self-build software.
Having become a market leader for professional builders, HBXL has now updated the self build versions of the software and are the perfect accompaniment for anyone wanting to keep a close eye on the cost of their dream home, extension, loft conversion or major refurbishment.
It’s become the favourite with professional builders because it is so easy to use. All users have to do is input the dimensions of their project into easy to understand building diagrams. The software then calculates the cost of the project right down to the very last nail.
And if the user wants to see how small changes to the project affect the overall cost, such as increasing or decreasing the pitch of a roof, then they can make the changes and see the impact straight away, without having to get a new estimate from the builder.
Anthony Botibol, marketing manager for HBXL believes that self builders can now have complete control over the design and costs of their self build project with the software: “When you think about the cost of building your dream home or extending your property, and you take into account the £thousands that projects go over budget, it makes sense to have a clear view of the costs and exactly where you can make savings on less important aspects of the build and ensure you get the finish that you want."
One reason for the software’s unrivaled accuracy is because it links directly to builders’ merchants price lists meaning the estimates it produces are right up to date and precise.
It’s also helps because it guides the user through each build phase step-by-step, eliminating the problem of forgetting to factor for certain materials, labour or plant which can prove costly later on!
Perfect for costing houses, extensions and renovation work, EstimatorXpress gives complete control over the budgets and peace of mind that their project won’t go horribly over budget.
It also produces an easy to understand build schedule that highlights what phase of the build programme comes next and when materials have to be ordered so that they are on site at the right time.
But that’s not all HBXL has to offer the self build market.
Perfect Plans
Those who want to go one step further and actually design their dream home producing architect quality drawings should consider using HBXL’s PlansXpress Self Build edition. It allows self builders to quickly and easily draw professional building plans and elevations without the need for any training or employing the services of an architect saving thousands in fees and giving them complete control on the design of their home.
All self-builders have to do is lay out the plans on-screen using intuitive drag and drop tools, selecting as they go using the software’s comprehensive library of construction and architectural symbols.
At a click of a mouse, they can accurately place walls and roofs, staircases, doors, windows, electrics and plumbing, drainage, kitchens and bathrooms, landscaping and more.
Another key feature of each software package is the ability to import drawings from PlansXpress directly into EstimatorXpress, which will then automatically cost the project direct from the drawings.
It means the entire plan and design can be automatically priced and scheduled at the click of a button.
Anthony added: “There are many CAD packages and 3D visualization programmes on the market but none actually link the drawings and estimating together. This means the user still has to go through the arduous process of getting estimates from builders, which can often vary a great deal, and self builders often have no accurate way of knowing the costs themselves."
“The link between PlansXpress and EstimatorXpress is one of the most exciting features of the new software as it merges the design and costing processes into one, whilst also putting the power in the hands of the self builder."
“If you’re determined to make sure your self build project finishes on time and within budget then you need HBXL’s software. Using the combination of EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress you can produce your own architect quality plans to submit for planning applications and building regs, get a full cost breakdown to the last nail and all the tools to project manage the build yourself.”
• EstimatorXpress Self Build edition costs £349 ex P&P.
• PlansXpress Self Build edition costs £349 ex P&P.
Get the bundle of EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress Self Build editions for just £599 ex P&P
For further information on either EstimatorXpress self-build or PlansXpress self-build please call
0845 1234 065 or visit the
Self Build Zone.