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Please Help! I have recently started a new job in a small architectural office and the boss has asked me to research and find out about estimating and scheduling software. We do a lot of large commercial work, which is all contracted out, but we also do 20 to 30 large residential houses a year. Many of the owners have asked our office to act as construction managers to oversee construction. I am familar with this role, as my last job was with a large design/build firm.
Does anybody have any suggestions on moderately priced software suitable for residential construction? I have used Timberline Precision Esimating in the past, with Suretrac as the scheduling software. I think Timberline is more than we need. I have looked at WinEst, but I have no idea how well it works. Similarly, ProLog and Expedition may be more than we need. Is there a good program that can accomplish what we need for simple estimating, with a tie-in to scheduling software, and is reasonably priced?
Please help me look good with the new boss, and give me some feedback on what is being used, and how well it works!
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Try National Construction Estimator from Craftsman books @ http://www.craftsman-book.com. It is just the estimator but may help.
*Try http://www.turtlesoft.comI have not use this, but they have been out there for years, and will send you a demo disk
*I've used the National Construction Estimator software to prepare grant proposals. It was very helpful. ( We got the grants.) They have various flavors. I used the Construction and Electrical version. The price is affordable so you won't bust a budget if you don't like it.The JLC has done several articles on WinEst and other estimating and management software for builders. Might try their page. Another thought if you are managing construction - Palm Pilot punch list software. See JLC.J. Wells
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Please Help! I have recently started a new job in a small architectural office and the boss has asked me to research and find out about estimating and scheduling software. We do a lot of large commercial work, which is all contracted out, but we also do 20 to 30 large residential houses a year. Many of the owners have asked our office to act as construction managers to oversee construction. I am familar with this role, as my last job was with a large design/build firm.
Does anybody have any suggestions on moderately priced software suitable for residential construction? I have used Timberline Precision Esimating in the past, with Suretrac as the scheduling software. I think Timberline is more than we need. I have looked at WinEst, but I have no idea how well it works. Similarly, ProLog and Expedition may be more than we need. Is there a good program that can accomplish what we need for simple estimating, with a tie-in to scheduling software, and is reasonably priced?
Please help me look good with the new boss, and give me some feedback on what is being used, and how well it works!
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You may want to contact the American Association of Cost Engineers, Society of Professional Estimators, or R.S. Means. Sorry, I do not have addressess or phone numbers.