What tools do construction estimators use?
The construction estimator is crucial to the success of a building project, which is why the tools they use are as important as any circular saw or drill.
Estimating in construction is essentially assessing and anticipating the cost of a project prior to the build itself. And it’s important because the estimate is the difference between profit and loss. Forgotten plant, material quantities out, labour hours short, general miscalculations and so on, don’t bode well for a building firm that is no doubt already running on tight margins.
So it’s no surprise that nowadays fewer and fewer estimators rely on spreadsheets, scale rules, calculators and pad and pen. Add in time pressures and who would want to take off line by line, count each item, or search out materials along with their individual size and price?
Estimating software is now the norm. More and more companies are digitising their construction admin. Small to medium sized building firms are looking for digital solutions that will arrive at a price fast and produce a quotation that will impress customers in a highly competitive market.
Large building firms, developers and house builders are looking for integrated software and certainly practical BIM. They want Bill of Quantities and a high level of reporting.
So whether you’re a quantity surveyor, an independent estimator, or a building firm owner producing your own estimates, then think digital.
Carefully consider the pros and cons of each software product. Is it made for the UK? How many estimating calculators does it have? Can it do all that you need it to? How up-to-date are the material prices? Are there project management features as well?
Every project that comes in on time and on budget is a testament to the knowledge of the estimator and the quality of the software that they’re using. If you want to maximise the chance of a proper profit, make sure you’re using the software tool that all the best construction estimators are using. There’s nothing more important.