On more than one occasion, Nathan Lewis forgot to charge for the lockset when he sold a new front door.
That’s a couple hundred-dollar mistake.
“To keep a good reputation and a high level of satisfaction with clients, you just chalk it up to a learning experience,” says Lewis, owner of Craftsman Construction in Lake Charles, La.
Welcome to the world of remodeling where every single line item must be accounted for, or you lose money.
“In remodeling, one of the challenges of scoping a project is to catch everything that needs to be done,” Lewis says.
It’s not easy.
Accurate estimates
To keep track of all the materials needed for a job, some contractors rely on antiquated spreadsheets. And when it comes to pricing, some fall back on historical costs, without adequately tracking how those costs always change. Others, like Lewis, turn to more modern technology. Software solutions specifically designed for the unique needs of remodeling contractors take much of the guesswork out of the equation. That means fewer errors and higher profits.
Lewis’ preferred program provides “very detailed bricks-and-sticks estimating,” he says.
“Every piece of the project is priced out.”
What Lewis especially likes about this tool is its workflow. It forces him to think though the entire scope of the project, line by line, so that nothing is overlooked.
“The environment within the software forces you to think though the project systemically,” he says.
The result is a comprehensive estimate that sets the right tone with his clients.
Quicker quotes
The time-consuming task of generating quotes for potential clients can be easily streamlined with the right software. Traditionally, this process could take hours or even days, causing delays in responding to customer inquiries and risking bids. However, modern software tools enable contractors to create accurate quotes in minutes, thanks to user-friendly interfaces and integrated pricing databases. By speeding up the quote process, contractors can impress clients with quick responses, improving their chances of winning projects.
It's a handy feature, but Bob Dodson is going to take his time.
“I don’t generate an estimate the next day,” says Dodson, owner of Maitland Construction in Canton, Miss.
His reason? Clients are always changing their minds.
“I spend a lot of time with them before putting together an estimate so that I can get all of their views,” he explains. Plus, “I go back more than once to make sure I got dimensions correct or visit with the client one more time.”
He’s nothing if not thorough. And that’s what he appreciates about his estimating software. It generates a comprehensive list of materials along with monthly updated local pricing (which he double checks because, again, thoroughness).
“I like the way I can pull line items out and list them and the numbers populate automatically,” Dodson says. “Clients will get a detailed estimate. Most of them feel comfortable with that method because they’re seeing it on paper.”
Here’s another helpful feature: Say it’s been 30 days since a contractor issued an estimate. They can use that estimate as a template, updated to reflect current pricing with a click of a button. The program even offers an option for custom pricing so that a contractor can factor in mark-ups.
What both Dodson and Lewis appreciate about XactRemodel is that the software is designed with contractors in mind. That’s important because estimating tools for custom homebuilders or insurance adjustors don’t meet their needs.
“Construction estimating is such a broad field,” Lewis says. “There are a lot of estimation tools but if they don’t fit the work you’re doing, it can be a real problem. XactRemodel is helpful because it’s really built for the remodeler.”
Start your free trial with XactRemodel today.
