Article appeared in Master Builder, May 2008

There are numerous benefits to using HBXL’s estimating software. Firstly, once the user becomes familiar with the software being used, estimating jobs via a computer becomes a lot quicker and a lot more accurate than manual methods.

Secondly, as all calculations are carried out automatically by the software, the user is free to just concentrate on making sure the dimensions are inputted correctly. Any last minute adjustments resulting from a change in specification are also easily handled as the estimating software recalculates the costs instantly. Not only does it speed up the process of producing estimates and quotes, it also allows you to provide a detailed schedule of where a customer’s money is being spent. Being able to reassure a customer where the money is going builds trust and helps secure the business.

In addition, producing professionally laid out documentation, quotes and build programs creates an impression of a business that knows what it’s doing not only for potential customers but also bank managers and suppliers.

Although no software can guarantee that users will win the new business, users of HBXL’s EstimatorXpress software have said they are only having to produce three quotes for every new contract they win. This is in comparison to seven before they used the software.

In addition they are on average spending less than an hour per quote meaning more time on site or doing the things the majority of users like doing in their leisure time.

ESTIMATORXPRESS

Since its original launch, EstimatorXpress has revolutionized the way builders produce quotes and estimates and is now the leading estimating software on the market with nearly 5000 users pricing up extensions, new build, conversion and renovation work.

Widely regarded as being the fastest, most accurate and easy to use estimating software ever to be released in the UK, it now helps more builders across the country than any other product. The beauty of EstimatorXpress is down to the way users input the details of the job they are quoting for.

By entering dimensions into easy to understand building drawings it makes estimating really straight forward. Once all the dimensions are in, EstimatorXpress does the rest! A full breakdown of the quote can then be produced in seconds, enabling you to present your quote in a professional and easy to understand manner.

The main advantage of the software is that it reduces the time spent estimating, allowing for more time on site. Figures show that before using EstimatorXpress, builders would on average spend 4.5 hours estimating a job. After using EstimatorXpress this reduced to an average of 1.6 hours with 80% taking less than an hour! Users of EstimatorXpress also have a massive edge due to the quality of their quotes and professional build program.

Joanna Mulgrew, Marketing Director at HBXL comments: ‘It’s all very well thinking you’ll survive just because you always have done. But in today’s increasingly competitive market, standing out from the crowd is imperative for future success.”

The stark reality according to Joanna is that builders who are not using packages like EstimatorXpress will find it increasingly difficult to compete with those that do. In addition, HBXL has developed a unique ‘Price Tracker’ feature which links the software live to the latest trade prices on core building material products as well as links to Jewson the builder’s merchant and Graham the plumber’s merchant. This means users can be assured of always estimating with realistic prices with no need to create their own list of materials and their prices. And by importing plans from PlansXpress into EstimatorXpress (through X-connex™ data sharing technology), will allow users to automatically price the building drawings directly from original plans in seconds.

To help builders keep a firm track on their accounts, EstimatorXpress also includes a ‘Variations’ tool to handle amendments to a quote from the original costings. Plus, to see the difference between the estimated and actual costs, an Accounts Export tool enables a simple transfer of the estimated costs into accounting software such as Quick Books and Construction Industry Accounts (CIA).

EstimatorXpress also comes with more than 50 reports, printouts and charts to help you project manage every aspect of the job through to completion. There are Gantt charts and automatic material and labour schedules, profit forecasts and cashflow graphs to tell you when labour and materials should be on site, when to order, how much to order, how much it’s going to cost and helps organise subcontractors!

Joanna concludes: “Builders who work into the night or on weekends producing quotes are not utilising their time very well. Who wants to work long hours which impacts on your social and family life when there’s an alternative, easier and quicker way to do just the same thing ”

Click here for further information about EstimatorXpress.