Goldenseal is an integrated software program that handles estimates, job cost accounting, schedules, contract writing, and project management. Ithaca, N.Y., firm Turtle Creek, a company that started out as a construction firm that specialized in kitchens and bathrooms and then started selling the software it produced, has been producing Goldenseal software since 1987. Because of the company's background, the program has a strong estimating section that works well for kitchen and bath projects.
The Goldenseal kitchen estimates include unit prices for demolition, framing, wallboard, cabinets, tile, flooring, plumbing, appliances, and other kitchen remodeling items. The pricing includes all labor and material components in a form that is easy to update. The material unit prices update automatically when a user selects material purchases.
For $495, the company offers a full package that includes estimating, job cost accounting, schedules, contract writing, and project management. Another version is priced at $295 and includes all of the above, except for the accounting software. Programming director Dennis Kolva says contractors who use QuickBooks usually choose this option.
The fee includes free lifetime phone support. Though the tutorial and manuals that come with the package are thorough, the company also offers a training class. The class costs $125 for the first student and $62.50 for each additional student. Kolva says the learning curve varies, but most users are able to produce estimates in one to two days. For more information, visit www.turtlesoft.com or call 888.272.1008.
