Construction estimation is a critical business function and having the right materials and tools, especially in terms of software, can greatly enhance the proficiency and effectiveness of providing bids and estimates. Proper choice of technology can save you considerable time and energy at the same time minimizing the amounts of mistakes. Here is an overview of some of the top tools and software that every construction estimator should have in their toolkit:
On-Screen Takeoff Software
The on-screen takeoff tools enable personnel to do takeoffs as well as measure materials on PDF plans, CAD files, and other formats. That means, whereas otherwise, you would have to manually do takeoffs on paper, all calculations for linear feet, square footage, counts, etc., are accomplished easily with just a few simple mouse clicks. Some of the most widely used takeoff software applications are Planswift, On Center Software, Bluebeam Revu, and Stack. Although time-consuming, such tools can cut hours from each estimate and at the same time enhance precision.
Construction Estimating Software
There is construction estimating software that specializes in providing the various frameworks that estimating company can use to develop thorough estimates of the construction costs from the ground up. These are not simple applications for basic spreadsheet functions but are created for construction estimating, bidding, budgeting, and other similar functions. It has integrated cost databases for assembly/crew rate databases, waste factor/overhead factor adjustment features, report generation, change order management, and compatibility with other programs. Sage Timberline Estimating, ComputerEase, Bid4Build, and several other software are some of the most popular options.
Spreadsheets
Although there are dedicated estimating tools more powerful and capable in comparison to spreadsheet software, the latter is also useful when less sophisticated estimates are needed. Microsoft Excel is still the most versatile and accessible spreadsheet to use for electrical estimate. The main advantages are that you possibly already possess it, the tool is rather simple, you are free to design prescriptive templates, and there is data interoperability with other systems. However, be aware of size constraints and the challenges that come with estimating more complicated tasks. Google Sheets is free and it is an online tool, so users can access it from any device.
Measurement and Field Tools
The importance of field measurement can therefore be summarized in the assertion that getting the right measurements in any field is essential for the generation of accurate and comprehensive estimates. Specialty items such as laser measurers, rolling wheels, and extended-reach measuring rods can increase productivity and accuracy. Mobile applications such as Smart Measure employ the application of augmented reality as well as the camera in your device to measure distance. Total station equipment is the most sophisticated equipment used for measuring and capturing data in civil engineering, construction surveys, and other related fields with the use of electronic theodolites, microprocessors, and servo motor control for angles, slopes, coordinates, and others. Some of the commonly used brands today are the Topcon GPT-3500LWB as well as the Leica Nova TS60.
All CAD Viewing and Takeoff Tools
With most lumber estimates plans to start with a digital blueprint in CAD format, it is important to have a tool that can open, pan, zoom in and out, measure, and annotate CAD files. As for screen takeoff solutions, these oftentimes come with CAD viewing capacities and basic interface control, yet many estimators opt for utilizing separate programs such as Autodesk Design Review. It is free for use and enables one to open, view, and engage in simple dimensional estimations on DWG files.
PDF Editing Software
Pretty much all the plans, specifications, bids, contracts, and all the other types of documents that you will be working with will be in PDF. Takeoff software: The takeoff software tools like Bluebeam Revu and Adobe Acrobat Pro, enhance the features that are helpful for takeoffs, annotations, fillable forms, digital signatures/stamps, page numbering, batch creation, etc. Below you can find a list of helpful tools for effective working with such documents.
Project Cost Databases
The main activities of historical project cost data include referencing in order to develop estimates for new bids. Tools such as the National Construction Estimator by Craftsman Book Company offer compliance cost data that can be categorized and ranked according to your particular requirements. You can use its database of hundreds of specific category building type prices by square foot/square meter and gain access to millions of specified line item costs. Budgeting tools also allow for calculating the total costs of a project at the early stages of planning more or less.
Unit Conversion Tools
Construction estimators deal with various units of measurement such as feet, inches, cubic yards, meters, centimeters, pounds, and many more. Converting from one unit to another is tiresome and may end up taking so much time and making so many mistakes. Some of the other invaluable tools that are available online include the unit converter which has over 450 categories containing all possible units of measurement available at convertunits.com. Further, many of them have convenient web apps and mobile apps to enable them to provide lookups within the shortest time.
Document Management/File Storage Tools
As one might expect there is a certain amount of documentation and files created in the process of developing the drawings, placing bids and estimates, signing contracts, issuing invoices, taking pictures, and many other things. However, implementation of this can be done by following simple rules of logical and practical naming of the folders on the internal network and the use of appropriate software such as eFileCabinet and M-Files comes with other features such as search faculties, automation, annotations, cloud access, and synchronization among others.
Comparison Shopping Resources
Cost collection is a crucial process, especially when it comes to determining costs for materials and equipment, as well as subcontractor services; however, cost collection can be cumbersome if the right tools are not employed. Sites such as Trade Service, Home Advisor Pro, and RSMeans Online give you immediate access to national and local hourly rates for every service imaginable, thus enabling you to include precise rates on your bids. There are also sourcing sites such as Thomasnet.com and Alibaba.com, which are important in procurement.
In Conclusion
It is therefore important for construction cost estimators to be able to combine the right tools and software solutions as listed above to be able to enhance their operations with regards to efficiency as well as accuracy of estimates and bids. The essence lies in understanding the role and purpose of various technologies and determining which ones are most suitable for an estimating company as well as, for instance, for a standard business or office. The above investment can thus lead to massive savings on time and costs as compared to relying purely on manual operations.
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