These days in construction, timelines are tight, markets are saturated, and margins are paper thin. To get ahead and establish your ground, you need to look at where you can optimise your processes more than ever. We are not living in the days of pen and paper estimates, and with the right construction estimating software, this process is a doddle.
Using good estimating software can turn a quote that would have taken 20 years ago, days to complete into a 30-minute process. With a quick quote turnaround, you get a competitive edge, and by managing those incoming projects better, you will propel your business forward.
Choosing the right construction estimating software, however, can feel like entering a maze. With so many options out there, finding the right one can be a long and confusing process. Today we are going to break it down into 5 key considerations to help you make a decision.
Ease of Use and Adoption
Efficiency starts with ease of use. No matter how advanced or feature-rich a piece of software is, it’s only as good as its usability in your team’s hands. Today’s workforce has grown up with easy-to-use applications built for user experience. So to increase your adoption rates when choosing construction estimating software, consider how easy it would be to learn and implement across your organisation.
Some platforms offer implementation services to help with this. Access to dedicated coaches to guide your team through the initial setup is a big green tick and will reduce the learning curve and ensure you are using the estimating software effectively from day one.
Efficiency depends on user-friendly design; prioritize:
- Intuitive Design: A simple, easy-to-navigate program will reduce training time and increase adoption by your team.
- Customization Options: You don’t want cookie-cutter software. If you can’t tailor the program to your business needs, you will struggle to integrate into your workflow.
- Built-in Support and Guidance: Built-in tutorials and onboarding guidance will go a long way toward getting your team up and running.
Cost and Return on Investment
No surprise here, but you have to make sure it fits in the budget! When evaluating estimating software, look for those that have a roadmap to scalability and will improve your bottom line. During your search, make sure you look past the initial cost and to the ROI.
Software can range from low-cost monthly subscriptions to more expensive options that could cost thousands of dollars upfront. Choosing the cheaper option might seem like the best choice at first, but it may not have the scalable and robust features to support long-term growth and efficiency gains.
Don’t just look at the price; consider:
- Scalability: You can grow at lightning speed if you use the software correctly. Choose one that can grow with your business, not just now but as it grows and you take on more staff and more projects
- What’s the ROI?: What are your long-term costs of ownership?. Are there implementation and training services? Is there extra cost for the features you need? Make sure you know the full picture and the ROI it will give you.
- Balance Features and Price: Choose software that meets your business needs for features and integration. Investing upfront for more efficiency will give you significant ROI so do a cost-benefit analysis.
At Bolster, we want our clients to know exactly what the ROI will be, so we do one for you! To get your ROI with Bolster, chat with our team today!
Accuracy and Precision: Protect Your Bottom Line
Accuracy is the difference between winning and losing bids. Beyond just winning jobs, a 3% miscalculation on a million-dollar construction quote will be a huge loss. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet!
A quote that is incorrectly priced is, sadly, human error. Software that makes the quoting process easy is great, but you should also look for ones that will flag errors before the quote is finalised.
Another must-have in the accuracy department is the management of material and labour pricing data. Can the program store your material pricing for quick and easy input? Or do you have to manually search through your vendors every time? This is not only a big win for quoting accuracy but also efficiency. Safeguards like this will protect you from financial losses, strained client relationships, or, worse, legal issues with clients and subcontractors.
All-In-One Tools
Having construction estimating software that is an all-in-one tool can be a big win for your business. Beyond just quoting, look for platforms that include features like client relationship management (CRM), payment processing, and project management.
An all-in-one solution consolidates multiple functions into one platform, reducing the need for multiple software subscriptions. By centralising functions, you eliminate silos that slow down your business. With information flowing freely, you can respond to client inquiries faster, manage payments easier, and keep projects on track—all in one piece of software.
When looking at your options, look for:
- CRM Integrations: Choose software that has a CRM to manage client interactions, track leads, and nurture relationships.
- Payment Processing: Opt for platforms with payment processing built in to streamline invoicing and payments and reduce admin.
- Project Management Tools: Look for software that has project management features to keep your projects on track from start to finish.
If you can find a program that has most of your software needs in one place, you’ll be in good shape.
Customer Support and Training
Good customer support and training resources are key to the long-term success of any software implementation. No matter how easy the software is, your team will encounter issues and need help.
When looking at construction estimating software, consider the quality and availability of customer support. Look for platforms that have comprehensive training resources, including tutorials, webinars, and a dedicated support team.
- 24/7 Support: Choose software that has 24/7 customer support to get issues resolved quickly.
- Training Programs: Opt for platforms that have extensive training programs to get your team up to speed quickly.
- Community and Resources: Look for software with an active community and a wealth of online resources like forums and FAQs to help with continuous learning and troubleshooting.
Win More with Bolster
Those are our top considerations for choosing construction estimating software. While you are researching, try Bolster. Our software transforms the quoting process, delivering fast, customised quotes that qualify customers quickly and accurately.
With interactive proposals that increase win rates and empower homeowners to make informed decisions, Bolster makes your quotes stand out.
Join the many industry leaders who have chosen Bolster to transform their estimates and grow their businesses. From precise estimating and streamlined invoicing to better client interactions and project management, Bolster has got you covered.
So, what are you waiting for? Schedule a time to chat with our team today, or learn more at bolsterbuilt.com.
Construction Estimating Software