Steel construction costs continue to rise as China and other developing nation put pressure on the supplies of material. This is causing the need for estimator of steel construction to make sure they use up-to-date cost figures when doing estimates.
With prices moving as rapidly as they have been in the period, it is no longer acceptable to use even two-week-old steel prices. Doing so could cause the estimate to be completely off the mark.
“PlanSwift has been an excellent addition to the Installed Sales department @ Builders FirstSource. In due time, I can see how it will contribute to countless timely plan takeoffs. I look forward to learning more about the software through daily use and ultimately being able to train my staff. To compliment the effectiveness of the software, the support staff @ Planswift is very accessible and easy to work with on a one on one basis through the trial period and after purchase.”-Builders FirstSource / Drew Stritch
Instead, it is important to use current prices just before submitting a bid.
However, doing so by hand can create a very challenging issue. The time needed to update material prices for an estimate could easily be half the total time to estimate, so updating just the prices could add a lot to the total time of an estimate.
This issue can be dealt with by the use of construction takeoff and estimating software. They programs allow you to update the prices of material at any time, then within a couple of minutes the new totals will be available.
“Last November I needed to make a decision about which paperless takeoff system to use for my estimating company. I had reviewed [the competition] several times over a three year period, and even installed the demo on my computer. I could never bring myself to make the purchase. I then searched the Internet for on screen estimating systems and found yours. After a brief conversation with you, I downloaded and installed the demo. The difference was immediately recognizable. The program is visually appealing, and intuitive to use. The zoom and pan controls took only a few moments to get used to, and quickly became completely natural. All of the features needed to do takeoff off of both “spots and dots” and linear items took seconds to learn. For those who need good organizational tools for your takeoffs (that would be me), Planswift is also a hit. I am quite pleased with the programs abilities in this area. I have also been quite satisfied with your technical support. I tend to push software packages to the max, always looking for better ways to do things and advanced program capabilities. The tech support staff has never let me down. And finally, the price. A superior product with great tech support for less money.”-Carr Consulting Services / Steve Carr
This is great when prices of construction materials are moving rapidly up or down. Current prices can be input in the morning and an accurate bid dropped off before lunch.
Just one more way PlanSwift is trying to save you time and money.