Construction takeoff software is revolutionizing the process of creating job quotes. Manually building construction quotes can take hours or even days, depending on the size and complexity of the proposed project, and it can be highly susceptible to error. Today’s cost estimating software not only streamlines this process but also automates calculations to reduce errors. In this article, we’ll examine how to get fast, accurate quotes using takeoff software.
Select a software product that meets the unique needs of your business.
The first step in getting fast and accurate quotes with estimation software is to choose a product that fits the way you do business. Ask for a demonstration so you can view the templates and see how the software works before you buy. You should be able to easily import and organize plans, take measurements, and perform automatic calculations for all aspects of a job. If you work in a specialty trade like roofing, fireproofing, or wall and ceiling construction, make sure the software includes templates, databases, and cost libraries that meet your specific needs.
Upload plans to the software tool.
In many cases, you can directly upload project plans to the estimation software from your computer or cloud application. From there, use the software to organize the plans into pages and create logical links between them for easy and convenient navigation. Some products can do this automatically, saving immense amounts of time.
Take measurements for automatic materials calculations.
Digital takeoff tools allow contractors to quickly measure lengths, areas, and volumes from digital documents. Simply input the scale and use drag-and-drop features to create automatic calculations for each project detail. The software can locate like items in the plan and use up-to-date cost libraries to generate total costs of each type of feature.
Takeoff software allows you to easily visualize what has been calculated and what remains to be accounted for in your plans. This eliminates the possibility of over or undercounting materials and ensures your quote will be accurate and complete. With these tools, you can complete complex calculations with ease, reducing errors and saving labor hours.
Calculate labor hours.
Construction takeoff software can help you estimate the labor costs of a project as well as the cost of materials. Input labor rates for the various services that will be needed, such as plumbing, electrical, or carpentry. These rates will automatically be multiplied by the number of hours needed to complete the work based on industry standards. You can also use production modifiers to more accurately estimate the progress expected during work hours based on variable conditions like weather, complexity, and fatigue. As a result, you can generate detailed estimates of the labor hours needed for each aspect of the project.
Generate a detailed estimate report.
Once you’ve accounted for all the materials and labor involved with your project, the software can automatically generate a detailed quote. With the enhanced accuracy of takeoff software, you can have confidence in your projected budget. Then, you can easily share your quote with clients and partners to get the project up and running quickly.
Keep cost estimates up to date.
Even when you use the most accurate takeoff software available, unexpected events can impact your budget. For this reason, it’s important to choose a product that allows work-in-place tracking. With this feature, you gain ongoing insights into each project’s financial details that are updated in real time. As a result, you can identify budgetary issues early and prevent runaway costs. This not only helps you preserve your profit but also maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by facilitating clear communication and cost transparency.
Stop wasting time with manual estimation processes.
When you implement the right takeoff software, you free your business from the need for laborious number crunching and allow your staff to spend more time focusing on what you do best. With faster and more accurate cost estimation, you can take more projects, protect profits, and build strong and lasting relationships with your customers and business partners. To learn more about the benefits of modern takeoff software, see the BuzzBID blog.
