Most small- to medium-sized builders
who are just beginning to use a computer
in their businesses need advice
on where to start. The model I usually
propose includes off-the-shelf programs
that combine stand-alone applications
into an inexpensive, simple-to-use
"system." One program that fits the
model perfectly is GC Works, a construction
management system tailored
to residential builders. The program
is designed for new construction
and development, but will also work
for remodeling. I call GC Works a
"system" because it combines with
QuickBooks (Intuit, P.O. Box 3014,
Menlo Park, CA 94026; 800/624-6930)
and ClarisWorks (Claris Corp., 5201
Patrick Henry Dr., Santa Clara, CA
95052; 408/727-8227) to handle most
of the work that goes on in a construction
office — estimating,
accounting, job