Software

[Eieio]

What programs are you guys using to help run your business.

Estimating software?
Contract software?
Marketing software?
CRM software?
Excel Spread sheet?
Several programs strung together?

All in one software the does a combination of stuff?

What is everyone using?

[Blue]

Estimating can be a struggle for many contractors. Means advertises on several forums that I have visited in the past. They have an affordable "one size fit's all" program.

I haven't seen their adds up here yet but you can google them.

[Eieio]

I used means software many eons ago when I first starting out in a new market. They were good to give you an idea on cost. My biggest problem was the numbers were not modifiable to meet my cost.

It is still a good software to check on labor and material cost.

[SLS-Construction]

Excel for me - contracts, estimating, etc...

National Estimator for a time check on something that I haven't done in a while or just as a quick back check

I am going to get Xactmate pretty soon with the bulk of the work coming in for now from Insurance jobs

[Eieio]

Excel for me - contracts, estimating, etc...

National Estimator for a time check on something that I haven't done in a while or just as a quick back check

I am going to get Xactmate pretty soon with the bulk of the work coming in for now from Insurance jobs

What is the cost for Xactimate? is it a onetime fee or monthly?

[SLS-Construction]

What is the cost for Xactimate? is it a onetime fee or monthly?

As of March --- Yearly fee = 599 XactRemodel or 1600 XactMate or they have monthly pricing also (I always pay up front)

[Eieio]

As of March --- Yearly fee = 599 XactRemodel or 1600 XactMate or they have monthly pricing also (I always pay up front)

I am going to start reviewing software in a few weeks. Will you being willing to give a review on the product for us?

[SLS-Construction]

I am going to start reviewing software in a few weeks. Will you being willing to give a review on the product for us?

As soon as I pull the plug & get it I would be glad to

[fez-head]

I would love to hear more about Exactimate for insurance work as well. The cost seems affordable but that 50 estimate learning curve has me nervous.

[Byronz]

How about other software? Are you only reviewing what is mentioned on the forum?

[Eieio]

Byron

I will review anything the forum request or from any vendor that contacts me.

[Ed The Roofer]

As of March --- Yearly fee = 599 XactRemodel or 1600 XactMate or they have monthly pricing also (I always pay up front)

What is the difference between XactRemodel and Xactimate?

Do they have the same price figures?

Remodeling costs more than new construction, so it should be higher.

Do they both have all the same trades work, especially Roofing, Gutters, Soffit and Fascia and Siding?

Ed

[SLS-Construction]

What is the difference between XactRemodel and Xactimate?

Do they have the same price figures?

Remodeling costs more than new construction, so it should be higher.

Do they both have all the same trades work, especially Roofing, Gutters, Soffit and Fascia and Siding?

Ed

XactRemodel & Mate are basically the exact same program & use the same cost books (when I looked into it - I noticed they appear to have a newer version it appears for the XMate version)

The catch is the Water Damage & Fire Damage cost area's are not covered in the Remodel version - to my knowledge everything else is the same

[Eieio]

Xactimate is on my list of software to review

[fez-head]

Xactimate is on my list of software to review


We where just arguing with an adjuster here in our office yesterday about the costs to repair a home invasion claim. What he is proposing and what it will take in the "real world" are not jiving.

I am ready to pull the trigger on Xactimate depending on your review. I need to see what they are leaving out on these types of claims so that we can justify our costs and do right by our (and their) clients.

[Mike(VA)]

It would be interesting to see who funds research for these programs. It couldn't be the insurance companies? No, it couldn't be because then they would have influence over pricing. No, couln't happen.

[Ed The Roofer]

We where just arguing with an adjuster here in our office yesterday about the costs to repair a home invasion claim. What he is proposing and what it will take in the "real world" are not jiving.

I am ready to pull the trigger on Xactimate depending on your review. I need to see what they are leaving out on these types of claims so that we can justify our costs and do right by our (and their) clients.

You can outsource the estimate to be done with Xactimate to several parties on the Internet who are adjusters that are used to catching all of the little details.

I don't have the links handy right now, but I did post them on CT a while back.

Do a search with the word, "Outsource"

Ed

[SLS-Construction]

I am going to start reviewing software in a few weeks. Will you being willing to give a review on the product for us?

As soon as I pull the plug & get it I would be glad to

Ok I pulled the plug and bought XactMate, along with the 3 day course (another $750)

Give me a few days and I will get my notes together - as an FYI... I suggest the class, or at least the on-line version of training if you do use the program

[Eieio]

Ok I pulled the plug and bought XactMate, along with the 3 day course (another $750)

Give me a few days and I will get my notes together - as an FYI... I suggest the class, or at least the on-line version of training if you do use the program


UGGHH I wish you didn't I had something for you

[fez-head]

UGGHH I wish you didn't I had something for you

well pass it around sucka

[Eieio]

well pass it around sucka

I am working on it.. New software.. beta testing it.. Its will be a hit..

I still like Randy's software for you though:2thumbsup:

[Leo G]

eCabs, Excel, KeyCAD, AutoCAD, EasyWebEditor, Evrsoft First Page and WiseFTP.

[Eieio]

eCabs, Excel, KeyCAD, AutoCAD, EasyWebEditor, Evrsoft First Page and WiseFTP.

How about just one that does it all?? :laugh3:

[Leo G]

I'd hate to see the learning curve on that program. And what would you name it?

[Eieio]

I'd hate to see the learning curve on that program. And what would you name it?

The software formerly known as?? :laugh3:

[randyaustin]

I am working on it.. New software.. beta testing it.. Its will be a hit..

How about some details? Features, Modules, Solutions, Needs, Wants, Target Market?
Do tell.

Also, I have not had a chance to check out XactRemodel and Xactmante. Can you describe some of the features and what you like about it?

Details, Details, Details,
Thanks,
Randy

[Eieio]

Remodeling software seems to be a hard sell to contractors.. I have look at probably hundreds of options..

Seems that they either do too much or too little..

Many of them seem to have been designed by people who did not take the time to get input from those that would use the product..

If you as a Contractor or remodeler were going to buy a software to help your business what would it do??

What are the areas of your business that could be helped or automated with the use of software>??

Estimating, Contracts, Scheduling, purchase orders, Design work, organization, documentation??

What would your software do for you?? How would it make your life easier??

Why are you not interested in software?? Do you think it is unnecessary?

Have you not seen a product that puts the features you want together or the product does not do it better than your current setup??

[Eieio]

How about some details? Features, Modules, Solutions, Needs, Wants, Target Market?
Do tell.

Also, I have not had a chance to check out XactRemodel and Xactmante. Can you describe some of the features and what you like about it?

Details, Details, Details,
Thanks,
Randy

Just saw this Randy..

Features I like. it is geared towards remodelers and design build firms..

It has a lead, job, estimating, change order and contract module..with more to come.

It is web based so it can be used anywhere with internet connection..

The developer listens to feed back and has implemented changes based on that..

Will link to Quickbooks in the future

[randyaustin]

Sounds interesting. Thanks for the feedback. When I get out from under this work load I am going to check it out.

[fez-head]

Xactimate is on my list of software to review

Bump...................................

[SLS-Construction]

Bump...................................

http://www.remodelcrazy.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1518

[orson]

I would like to see someone develop estimating software that works very very differently from anything I have seen available. I'm not sure how well I can explain my vision of how it would work but I'll give it a shot...

Let's say you are doing a bathroom remodel and the customer currently has a fiberglass one piece tub/shower unit that you are going to replace with a tub and tile surround.

You select the estimate item "replace with tub" and a window opens that gives you a combination of drop down menus and checkable boxes...

Include removal/demolition? dropdown(control click for multiple items): none, cast iron, fiberglass/acrylic tub, fiberglass/acrylic tub/shower, steel, tile surround, clawfoot, shower mud base

Replace with? dropdown(control click for multiple items): dropdown that shows all the tubs that are loaded in the program. I'll select "kohler K1122 acrylic whirlpool w/ drain" from the list.

I happen to have called in to my supplier to check the price on this tub and I notice the price is $32 higher than what is listed in the program so I enter the new price in the handy dandy price adjustment/entry box that becomes available once a fixture is selected.

I also check the box "make allowance" so that the tub amount is listed on the contract as an allowance since I'm not really sure what tub the customer wants.

I proceed through a series of dropdowns and checkboxes allowing me to specify that the tub requres elctric, the electric is 110V on a dedicated GFCI breaker, I want to add shutoff valves, rough in a new shower valve, add an access panel to the shutoff valves, and I can check a box making note of the access panel so that later when I'm doing drywall or trim the program will prompt me to add the times for finishing out the access panel.

Once you finish that "item" up you move on to the tile surround...

Any fixture in the estimate will have a checkbox option to "make an allowance" and any section or assembly will also have the option to "make an installed allowance" or "make an option".

When the program spits out the estimate or proposal it will have a section with the allowance items and will also seperately list (with seperate pricing) anything designated an option.

I don't ask for much do I?

[Eieio]

Owen that software exists all ready

[orson]

Owen that software exists all ready

Name....Rank....Serial Number?

[Eieio]

Name....Rank....Serial Number?

Soon.. Soon... Off track a bit.. I am interested to see what MOTB has cooked up., his new posts sounds interesting..

[orson]

[QUOTE=EIEIO;47718]Soon.. Soon... Off track a bit.. QUOTE]

You bastard! :grin:

[Elms]

I happen to have called in to my supplier to check the price on this tub and I notice the price is $32 higher than what is listed in the program so I enter the new price in the handy dandy price adjustment/entry box that becomes available once a fixture is selected.


Excellent idea to be able to adjust global task database from within working estimate. This is the place where you will find the price difference and need to make the adjustment. I am adding this enhancement to the backlog.

[angus242]

Might be worth browsing:

http://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/

[Elms]

Might be worth browsing:

http://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/

Thank you - I am always looking for good ideas.

[Elms]

Thank you - I am always looking for good ideas.

Might be worth browsing:

http://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/


From their website:

"Software Advice works on a pay-per-lead (PPL) basis. Software vendors pay us for each referral we make for them. We bill each month for the referrals we made in the previous month. We have no other fees to sign up, none to keep it going and none to cancel. It's that simple."

As a software vendor, I have the same reservations that many remodelers have regarding lead generation services. Where do their allegiances fall, with the paying software vendor, or the customer seeking information about software options. Nevertheless - you do get a list of available options, but I expect that the information at RC is a better source.


L

[orson]

Owen that software exists all ready

Bump....

Are we there yet?

[Eieio]

Bump....

Are we there yet?


2 weeks away from presenting it to the public..

[afkama]

Quickbooks
Estimating is done in a very detailed excel workbook.
We rely heavily on Outlook- but I use Thunderbird.
We make a point of NOT using Project.
GanttProject for our scheduling
Acrobat Pro
PDF 995
ArioForm for our electronic forms
Chief Architect and Autocad
Pdf Annotator because we use tablets
ooVoo for colaboration.

The hub and the glue that holds everything together is OneNote.
OneNote is hands down the most useful software I have ever used.

[Eieio]

that's too much shite to have to use..

[afkama]

that's too much shite to have to use..

We don't use them all simultaneously.

[fez-head]

that's too much shit to have to use..

you cant cuss in here sh!t head