Professional Builder's review of EstimatorXpress Group training

01/12/2008 19:34:00

Article appeared in Professional Builder, December 2008

Professional Builder’s John Dyer attends, HBXL’s group training workshop to learn about EstimatorXpress.

In 60 Years computers have come a long way and have found their way into every aspect of our lives. The building industry is no exception and there is no point in fighting it. If you’re a hardcore technology dodger you will only pit yourself against them and remember they are smarter than you and will one day, rule the world. Think of them as a tool, like a hammer, and you will wonder how you ever got along without; the alternative is keep banging those nails in with your fists.

The geek shall inherit…

EstimatorXpress should ease your way from caveman to boffin/geek/nerd as it really is user-friendly and designed with you in mind. The software can teach you how to use it from the comfort of your own home but there is no real substitute for demonstration and hands on teaching from a human being; and a day with Simon Wild on the company’s Group Training Workshop will provide this.

The workshop involves actually pricing a simple extension so demonstrates, in a practical way, how the software can be applied. Most builders seem to be able to put a rough price on something from experience and the initial estimates that those on the course gave matched fairly accurately the price that EstimatorXpress gave. The difference with this is the way a detailed breakdown can be given to a customer; clearing up any concerns they might have. The level of professionalism it suggests, for very little effort, has got to be a contract winner.

The software does assume a basic level of computer literacy so if you don’t know one end of a mouse from the other you would probably want to get some basic training beforehand. Courses like this are available for free from local government and it wouldn’t take much to get to the stage where you could make good use of HBXL’s packages.

Adrian Wild, HBXL’s Managing Director, has something in common with his software developers, Sales Consultants and Support advisors, it’s probably not wage packets, but they have all worked on building sites. Arguably this puts them in a good position to know what you want from estimating software.

The company’s software comes with a support and updates programme with advisors on the phone who can troubleshoot your computer remotely using an internet connection.

Extensions, new build, renovation and conversion work are all included in the same package so there is no need to buy add-ons every time you take-on something different. Material costs are kept up to date with the packages Price Tracker which reviews a cross section of prices in builder’s merchants and so come to an average cost for anything you might need.

Clever costing

This in itself is clever enough but on top of this there is the option of fine tuning the prices on your software to more accurately match your costs. For example, you might well get a discount with the merchant you have been using for years. This alteration can be made at any point in the process: before, during or after and the software will automatically alter the quote for you.

The system uses pictures to which you add you own dimensions. Once entered these dimensions will automatically follow on through each build stage form the foundations to the last coat of paint. The specification of materials and method will be allowed for so many dimensions will be done for you, such as the overall depth of a cavity wall. With this system nothing is overlooked, including materials, plant, and even the speed, or otherwise, of your labour can be factored in. In the current economic situation inflation and wastage can also be included in the calculation.

In the case of a roof a cutting list is automatically produced as soon as your dimensions have been entered and quantities provided for all other kinds of work such as how many bricks or blocks for a given area. When all this is done the quote wizard will give a break down that can contain as much, or as little, detail as you want.

For further information on EstimatorXpress please call 0870 850 2444, check out the EstimatorXpress estimating software pages or chat to an advisor.

To book an EstimatorXpress Group Training Workshop visit www.hbxl.co.uk/RelatedInfo/trainingdiary or call 0870 850 0199

Professional Builder, December 2008

Magazine/Press reviews

EstimatorXpress Estimating Professional Builder