Replies

1. 
   suntoad | Mar 16, 2005 11:33pm | #1

   Anyone?

   Bueller?....Bueller?...

1. 
   MikeSmith | Mar 17, 2005 01:18am | #2

   this is the newer version of the one i use  ( GC Works )

   ....

   http://www.synapsesoftware.com/Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   zendo | Mar 17, 2005 02:19am | #3

   Sun,

   Bob will know the better ones.

   -zen

2. 
   BobKovacs | Mar 17, 2005 01:37pm | #4

   "Anyone got any leads/critiques on good estimating software?"

   Define "good".   Does it mean loaded with features?  Does it mean inexpensive?  Does it mean easy to use?

   First off, what type of work do you do?  Do you have in-house labor or do you sub everything?  How much time and/or money are you willing to invest in a system?  Will you be the only one using it, or will others be estimating as well?  Do you have historical data to use in the program?

   This is only the tip of iceberg if you want to really get into selecting software.  For example, you mentioned Quest and a "quickbooks add-in"- those are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum feature-wise and cost-wise.

   Need more info, my man.

   Bob

1. 
   suntoad | Mar 17, 2005 04:14pm | #5

   Thanks all for responding.Bob, by 'good', I mean ease of use (I found Quickbooks, for example, to be a royal pain in the arse to get to work for me...computers are supposed to SAVE time, right?). I also mean USEFUL in my definition of good. As in, effective. Does the program accurately predict time and materials costs in estimating a project? Does it work?I have a small remodeling company. Small crew. Occasionally use subs. Company historical data is all I've used in the past to estimate. My estimates are usually right on, but they consume a lot of my time. I want a program that can estimate as well as I can, but absorb all the headache. Afterall, that's what I'm paying my computer to do.As for cost, I'm not really shopping price. I'd naturally want a program that's not going to cost more than my truck---But I'll pay for a good product, whatever the cost (within reason). If you have any software in mind, shoot me a ballpark in cost, if you could. I appreciate it.Mike: I take it you like GCWorks. How long have you used it, what was the learning curve, and what was its cost, if I may ask?

1. 
   BobKovacs | Mar 17, 2005 04:40pm | #6

   Well, given that info:

   - Quickbooks is NOT meant to be an estimating program- never has been, never will.  Any add-ins that "attempt" to make it such are going to be compromises at best.

   - Look into WinEst.  It's available in a couple different versions with various capabilities and price points.

   - Check out what Jerry Hayes is doing with his software.  It's constantly being improved, and may work well for you.  I believe it can  be accessed through his main webpage at http://www.paradigm360.com

   Hope that helps,

   Bob

1. 
   suntoad | Mar 17, 2005 04:49pm | #8

   Thanks, Bob. I'll be checking into these. And I was aware of Jerry's stuff, only had no first hand knowledge of it..I'm going to look at his site today.Mike: thanks. "beware.. especially in remodeling... using someone else's data base to project production rates is usually wrong.. you need to develop your own production rates" Indeed, I'm well aware of this, which is why I've shied away from this sort of software in the past. But technology has a way of creeping up on you. I think it's time I made one of these work for me.

2. 
   JerraldHayes | Mar 18, 2005 03:21am | #9

   BobKovacs - "Check out what Jerry Hayes is doing with his software.  It's constantly being improved, and may work well for you.  I believe it can  be accessed through his main webpage at http://www.paradigm360.com "

   Well thanks Bob but that's not quite the correct address. It's not paradigm360.com it's Paradigm-360.com and while you can still access the software through that URL back on March 1st I set up the software with it's own dedicated web site.360difference.com. Screenshots from the estimating system can be found at 360difference.com/screenshots/. While I am working on improving it all the time right now what I'm working on are the TimeKeeping and Construction Managers Log modules.

   Suntoad I am always looking for suggestions and ideas so if you take a look at it and think "well I really like to see it do this or do that" let me know and I'll probably work it into the system (if I'm not not working on that feature already). I also have at least two clients who I am doing customization for so if you want it to do something out of the ordinary that possible too.

   View Image

   ParadigmProjects.com | Paradigm-360.com | Mac4Construction.com

1. 
   BobKovacs | Mar 18, 2005 03:23am | #10

   Man, I'm lucky if I can remember what I had for breakfast, and you expect me to remember your web addresses? LOL

   Bob

2. 
   JerraldHayes | Mar 18, 2005 03:42am | #11

   Hey I know that feeling. Ya know I think the owner of Paradigm360 is one of those agencies that goes around picking up domain names that are similar to other domain names because I know when I got paradigm-360 I also considered getting Paradigm360 at the time. In retrospect I guess I probably should have done that huh? Well c'est la vie.

   View Image

   ParadigmProjects.com | Paradigm-360.com | Mac4Construction.com

3. 
   suntoad | Mar 18, 2005 05:12am | #12

   That explains alot, Jerrald... Here's what I got when I typed in your 'other' address: 'Welcome paradigm360.com !'That's it. Nothing else.. Sounded bogus.Anyway, I'll be looking into your software--via your true website. Thanks for the help.

2. 
   MikeSmith | Mar 17, 2005 04:40pm | #7

   i've used it for about 10 years.. back then i think it was about  $600

   beware.. especially in remodeling... using someone else's data base to project production rates is usually wrong.. you need to develop your own production rates

   i like GC Works because it organizes the estimating process.. and then prints out my Proposals

   the new BuildWorks lays on top of Excel & Quickbooks Pro

   my GC Works lays on top of Clarisworks & Quickbooks ProMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   UBuildIt | Mar 18, 2005 05:21am | #13

   I hear Estimator pro is really easy to use and works like a charm. It's around 800 bucks.

   http://www.buildingonline.com/news/viewnews.pl?id=2682

    

   Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

4. 
   Dewaltdog13 | Mar 20, 2005 06:15am | #14

   I'm not sure what type of estimating program you're interested in, but I use Xactimate, a subscription-based service that keeps track of pricing thoughout the US. It provides price lists for geographical locals, has an easy to use CAD style drawing that makes estimating quick and easy. It itemizes everything by location, and in my opinion looks quite professional. http://www.xactware.com Hope this helps

5. 
   HandySteve | Mar 20, 2005 06:05pm | #15

   digital canal .com  has been promoting some excellent software for design and estimating.  

   Anyone got this?

1. 
   HandySteve | Mar 20, 2005 06:11pm | #16

   solidbuilder for design

   bidbuilder for estimating.

   digitalcanal.com

1. 
   jonblakemore | Mar 21, 2005 05:12am | #17

   Faustie,Are you involved with digitalcanal.com? 

   Jon Blakemore

1. 
   HandySteve | Mar 21, 2005 05:58am | #18

   nope.  just very eager to find out from someone what they think of the software before i drop about 2000 on the set for bid builder and solidbuilder.