Estimating software

[shelton]

I estimate the old fashion way by hand is estimating software that much better. I was always told if you use estimating software your bids will be to high. Please set me straight.

 

[celtic]

What does "high" mean?

Does it mean every nut, bolt, second has been accounted for?
Does accuracy mean "high"?

 

[dezwitinc]

Software

Software

Software is bound by that old saying -"Garbage in, garbage out".
If you have not fine tuned your program, numbers will be all over the place.
My experience is that most people don't take the time to review the databases supplied with these programs and adjust them to where they should be.
Most contractors bidding anything sizeable are using estimating software.
Does this mean that all their estimates are high and that some are just higher than others?
Take the time to modify your database and it will serve you well.

 

[shelton]

If you dont mined what software do you use i have been in contact with vision soft and Mckormicks but to put that kind of money out i would like the most for my money Thanx

 

[IllinoisContractor]

Using the correct labor units when you do an estimate is crucial. I would have to assume that any quality estimating software program will allow you to adjust the labor units. You can be much more precise on your material costs as well. Some programs allow you to update current pricing from your material vendor at the time of the estimate. You are able to identify your direct costs, indirect costs, labor costs, code requirements, etc. to such a higher level of accuracy. The key is to make sure that you take ownership of an estimating program. Make it reflect your labor units and costs. This just takes a little trial and error but once you get it dialed in, you're good to go.

Since you are on Mike Holt's web site, please visit his estimating software section where he gives his opinion on this subject. http://mikeholt.com/EstimatingSoftware.php He tries to dispel some of the negative myths that exists regarding estimating software programs. I would also highly recommend that you purchase his estimating book. It is a very helpful resource

Most of the estimating programs that are out there are tilted toward the commercial side of estimating. The only one that I found that works well for residential is TurboBid. TurboBid is listed on Mike's estimating software section.

 

[celtic]

Have you downloaded any of the trial versions?

Download them all and take them for a ride - just not at the same time....try one, try if for a week or two...try another. Won't cost a dime.

If your dying to spend some money, but are still on a budget...spend $33 at amazon for the National Electrical Estimator.

In a completely different direction....there ARE some free sources:
http://www.electricalreference.com/

http://www.get-a-quote.net/QuoteEngine/costbook.asp?WCI=CostFrameSet&BookId=4&Mode=Page

...and you can make your own using Excel:

 

[celtic]

Using the correct labor units when you do an estimate is crucial.

I'll repeat that for those in the back row:
Using the correct labor units when you do an estimate is crucial.

Since you are on Mike Holt's web site, please visit his estimating software section where he gives his opinion on this subject. http://mikeholt.com/EstimatingSoftware.php He tries to dispel some of the negative myths that exists regarding estimating software programs. I would also highly recommend that you purchase his estimating book. It is a very helpful resource

Yup...that page has lots of info for a person "on the fence".