{"id":7195,"date":"2020-10-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bxglobal.wpengine.com\/us\/estimating-software-our-guide-to-estimating-software-for-builders-remodelers\/"},"modified":"2024-09-24T11:18:39","modified_gmt":"2024-09-24T15:18:39","slug":"estimating-software-for-builders-remodelers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.buildxact.com\/us\/blog\/estimating-software-for-builders-remodelers\/","title":{"rendered":"Our guide to estimating software for builders & remodelers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If <\/span><\/span>you’re<\/span><\/span> in the construction business \u2014 from residential to commercial and new builds to remodeling \u2014 managing large or small projects, you <\/span><\/span>need to <\/span><\/span>provide your customers with a project estimate before starting work. <\/span><\/span>It’s<\/span><\/span> a critical component to forecast expenses and manage profitability. An accurate estimate also plays a crucial role in winning business.\u202f<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is estimating in construction?<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Estimating is the process of determining the total expense per the construction project, and it can be as straightforward or as complex as the project requires.\u00a0To be successful\u00a0as a builder or remodeler, estimates need to be\u00a0both\u00a0highly accurate\u00a0and delivered\u00a0to the customer\u00a0in\u00a0a short time frame.\u00a0Speed, accuracy, and\u00a0efficiency\u00a0is oftentimes a reflection on your business and can weigh on the customer\u2019s decision process.\u00a0There are\u202f<\/span>different types of construction estimates<\/span><\/a>, and it all depends on the scope of a particular project.\u00a0<\/span>For example a remodel<\/a> can be vastly different from a new build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\u202f<\/span>rough definition of estimating<\/span><\/a>\u202fis judging something for its worth. In construction terms, estimating judges<\/span> the<\/span> cost<\/span>s<\/span> (and there are many to consider) for a particular project with many decisions between the start and end of construction.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there are different types of estimating systems, a builder or remodeler will generally rely on the\u202f<\/span>following process to complete an estimate<\/span><\/a>:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Scopes of work<\/span>
Defining the construction project. It may come from various sources like architects or engineers<\/span>,<\/span><\/span> walking or touring the job site<\/span><\/span>, or talking to the customer<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Takeoffs
<\/span>Sometimes called quantifying the project or converting the scope to quantities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Estimating Process <\/span>
Unit prices and mark up for materials labor applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of cost estimating in construction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cost estimates protect the builder or remodeler<\/a> and help manage their business. It also ensures the customer is not overpaying for a project and knows what to expect from a cost standpoint. There are a variety of direct and indirect costs associated with a construction project of any size.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n