estimating programs
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There are lots of programs out there...all will various start-up costs and on-going "update" fees. Your market will dictate the level of program(expense) you require.
An EC doing resi. and light comm. could be way under the figures you quote...whereas an EC doing heavy comm., industrial, transportation, etc may need a progam at that level or even higher.
I don't think it's a fair question to ask in general ...an apples to pineapples to grapefruits comparison doesn't yeild an accurate response.
But since you asked....
I use a combination of The National Estimator(TNE) and this thing called the HomeDepot Worksite CD (HD WS CD). HD WS CD is essentially the same product as TNE, but it can be updated daily for free...although the update files are NOT in TNE format(incompatability issue).
My 2004 version of TNE cost me $30 +/-, updates were like $25 annually (I stopped that a long time ago)
My 2003 Version of HD WS CD was free..updates are also free.
Currently, I'm "making" my own "program" using the best of both programs in an Excel file...essentially "free"....just requires my own time to create the spreadsheets the way I want them.
So instead of this:
I have this:
An EC doing resi. and light comm. could be way under the figures you quote...whereas an EC doing heavy comm., industrial, transportation, etc may need a progam at that level or even higher.
I don't think it's a fair question to ask in general ...an apples to pineapples to grapefruits comparison doesn't yeild an accurate response.
But since you asked....
I use a combination of The National Estimator(TNE) and this thing called the HomeDepot Worksite CD (HD WS CD). HD WS CD is essentially the same product as TNE, but it can be updated daily for free...although the update files are NOT in TNE format(incompatability issue).
My 2004 version of TNE cost me $30 +/-, updates were like $25 annually (I stopped that a long time ago)
My 2003 Version of HD WS CD was free..updates are also free.
Currently, I'm "making" my own "program" using the best of both programs in an Excel file...essentially "free"....just requires my own time to create the spreadsheets the way I want them.
So instead of this:
I have this:
"I don't think it's a fair question to ask in general ...an apples to pineapples to grapefruits comparison doesn't yeild an accurate response."
Exactly, a program with automatic takeoff can't be compared to a standalone manual takeoff, however I have seen large contracting companies, that use manual systems.
Exactly, a program with automatic takeoff can't be compared to a standalone manual takeoff, however I have seen large contracting companies, that use manual systems.
IllinoisContractor
Member
I use a program called TurboBid. It's a pretty strong residential program. It really allows me to dial in my costs. Another nice feature is the reports that are generated. In the past I would spend considerable time putting together the bid package but now the program does all of that for me. I hear that they are running some kind of marketing campaign right now and selling it for $299. I paid $1,600 when I bought it last year. I've been using it for a while and I haven't had to pay any other fees. They also have a 30 day trial. You can find it here.
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R2006
Member
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- PENNSYLVANIA
I Use Quick Books Pro. Great For The Small Residentials And Light Commercial. Although The Auto Update Feature Sure Sounds Nice Though I Wouldn't Pay A Lot Of Money For It My Over Head Is Killing Me Already.
R2006
Member
- Location
- PENNSYLVANIA
Hi Celtic
Most Of My Jobs Are Smaller, In Q.b There Is An Estmate Section (looks Alot Like The Bills But Says Estimate) Send It Out If Customer Dose The Job I Can Just Convert The Estimate To A Bill. Pretty Easy. Although The Problem With That Would Be If Your Doing Bigger Estimates That Require Contracts Q.b Dose Not Have The Contracts. Works For Me Fairly Easy.
Most Of My Jobs Are Smaller, In Q.b There Is An Estmate Section (looks Alot Like The Bills But Says Estimate) Send It Out If Customer Dose The Job I Can Just Convert The Estimate To A Bill. Pretty Easy. Although The Problem With That Would Be If Your Doing Bigger Estimates That Require Contracts Q.b Dose Not Have The Contracts. Works For Me Fairly Easy.
dduffee260
Senior Member
- Location
- Texas
Celtic, how do you keep up with changing copper prices. This is the problem with a QB estimate for us. We have to constantly change the pricing to keep up with the rising costs.
IMO, the problem with ANY estimating is the updates....how often and how accurate.
The HD WS CD, while completely frugal, can be updated daily - a HUGE plus...but how is the accuracy?
I suppose I could "order" my material from HD ~ but that's not likely as I dispise HD (another thread, another rant).
What I have found my self doing is generating my estimate with either TNE or HD WS CD...getting an accurate wire take-off, then calling the supply houses. Still a PITA.
Here's an example...250' Romex:
Item * HD * SH
14/2 * 51.58 * 44
14/2 * 72.43 * 49.50
12/2 * 78.22 * 67
12/3 * 112 * 111
I updated pricing from HD on these items, then called Cooper...lowest price is BOLD. HUGE difference in pricing(except the 12/3???)!
For larger wires, you really need accurate pricing. If I were to use the HD generated figures for the RX, I would probably still get the job - while "enjoying" a safety margin on prices. I am not about to call the SH every time I do an estimate.
If I were to try and use this tatic on a larger project(or a house of gigantic proportions), I probably would NOT get the job. For the larger jobs, I'll call on pricing and add a "price volatility" clause into the contract.
The HD WS CD, while completely frugal, can be updated daily - a HUGE plus...but how is the accuracy?
I suppose I could "order" my material from HD ~ but that's not likely as I dispise HD (another thread, another rant).
What I have found my self doing is generating my estimate with either TNE or HD WS CD...getting an accurate wire take-off, then calling the supply houses. Still a PITA.
Here's an example...250' Romex:
Item * HD * SH
14/2 * 51.58 * 44
14/2 * 72.43 * 49.50
12/2 * 78.22 * 67
12/3 * 112 * 111
I updated pricing from HD on these items, then called Cooper...lowest price is BOLD. HUGE difference in pricing(except the 12/3???)!
For larger wires, you really need accurate pricing. If I were to use the HD generated figures for the RX, I would probably still get the job - while "enjoying" a safety margin on prices. I am not about to call the SH every time I do an estimate.
If I were to try and use this tatic on a larger project(or a house of gigantic proportions), I probably would NOT get the job. For the larger jobs, I'll call on pricing and add a "price volatility" clause into the contract.
In the 2 pictures I posted above, there is pricing for 14/2...
The upper picture(dated 4/4/07) shows 20' of 14/2 @ $13.50
(13.50/20=0.675/ft...0.675*250=168.75)
14/2 250'@ $168.75
The lower picture (dated 4/18/07) shows 18' of 14/2 @ $8.10
(8.10/18=0.45/ft....0.45*250=112.5)
14/2 250' @ $112.5
Todays(4/20) prices were substainially different ($44 - $51.68).
The upper picture(dated 4/4/07) shows 20' of 14/2 @ $13.50
(13.50/20=0.675/ft...0.675*250=168.75)
14/2 250'@ $168.75
The lower picture (dated 4/18/07) shows 18' of 14/2 @ $8.10
(8.10/18=0.45/ft....0.45*250=112.5)
14/2 250' @ $112.5
Todays(4/20) prices were substainially different ($44 - $51.68).
Celtic,
Have you played with doing the merger of National Electrical Estimator with Quick Books Pro? They say you can, but is it creating a headache, or making things more cost effiecient?
Home projects have taken me to HD twice this week, and copper for 12/2 250' roll went from $62 to $67....looks like another season like last year. Put your seat belt on, and have time restraints/adjusters stuck in your bid packages!
Have you played with doing the merger of National Electrical Estimator with Quick Books Pro? They say you can, but is it creating a headache, or making things more cost effiecient?
Home projects have taken me to HD twice this week, and copper for 12/2 250' roll went from $62 to $67....looks like another season like last year. Put your seat belt on, and have time restraints/adjusters stuck in your bid packages!
Rockyd said:
The "Plan" was to do just that...merger my '01 QBP and '04 TNE....BUT, then came the geat crash of '04 right after I returned from vacation (like the VERY day I returned and put the comp. on)....all existing data was lost. (Tallgirl gave me some direction in the back-up department)
At that point...I said %^* it....let's try something different.
I'll post a few different pages from that spreadsheet I have...they are not on this particular computer...so we'll have to wait a bit.
Rockyd said:
I have a contract signed back in 10/06 for a house ....still haven't recieved a dime ~ but also haven't lifted a finger there. I can already see the fireworks when the GC tells me "Ok, it's ready for you"...and I say "Not so fast Jack, due to market fluctuations.....".
I hope he read the small print.
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