Estimating Software For "Mom & Pop" Contractors?

Answer 1

Anyone who has ever done any construction or remodeling project on a contract basis knows the hardest part of the job is always creating an accurate estimate. For both the giant construction firm or the independent “Mom & Pop” shop, overestimating leads to losing the job and underestimating leads to losing money.

There’s an “urban legend” among old time contractors about the retired contractor who had been the best in the business when it came to estimating a job. A newcomer to the field went to visit him one day for advice and the old man told him to break down the job into steps and then break each step into its component parts. He further told the newbie to apply a time estimate to each step and list, down to the last screw, every bit of material needed for the job. He finished by saying, “Whatever number you come up with, double it, and then if you’re lucky you won’t lose money on the job!”

Smaller contractors may know there are construction estimating software programs available to help with the bidding process, but they are frequently reluctant to give them a try, since they can be expensive. In addition, they often assume these programs are more suitable for large contractors and large jobs, which is not the case. Estimating software programs include databases of local construction and materials rates and costs, which can be updated over time with the actual jobs done by the contractor. By comparing actual job costs with estimated costs, the database can be refined and improved for better estimating on future jobs. Indeed, many experts feel estimating software is ideally suited for the small contractor shop.

Check the internet and you’ll find web sites that review the top ten estimating software programs available. They range in price from $49.95 to $5,000 with several highly rated programs priced in the $300 to $500 range. These prices are well within the reach of even the smallest contractors, especially when you consider the benefits they afford. For those contractors with limited experience using computer software, some of these programs offer online demonstrations of what their programs can do, as well as training and toll free technical support.