Called PlansXpress the software allows small building companies to offer a full design and build service for their customers, and means general builders can quickly and easily draw their own building plans, elevations and 3D visuals without the need for any training or employing the services of an architect.
Originally launched in 2007 by HBXL, this latest version which includes a number of upgrades, is the easiest to use yet and will allow builders to create their own drawings in super quick time rather than spending money outsourcing to get their plans drafted.
Ideal for planning applications and building regulations, builders looking to branch out will be able to draft their own architect quality working drawings in plan format as well as producing automatically generated elevations and 3D visuals.
One of the new features of the software is its ability to automatically create elevations direct from the plans. Viewing the elevations in 2D or 3D it means as the plans are drawn and amended, the elevations and 3D are created before the user’s eyes. This means the builder can check the design as they go and gives a real feel for the space and layout.
Another nifty time saving feature is the ability to easily copy different floors so the user can build up the design ever quicker.
Also, the ability to import plans from PlansXpress into HBXL’s award winning estimating software EstimatorXpress means the entire plan and design will be automatically priced and scheduled at the click of a button!
In addition this latest PlansXpress allows the user to automate estimating ICF and SIPs wallings through EstimatorXpress which is useful for developers using new technologies for sustainable construction.
Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “The launch of this latest version of PlansXpress really does open up massive potential for builders to extend the service they provide their customers.
“To have the power to quickly and easily draw plans and elevations right at their fingertips really does place the builder in the box seat and does away with having to outsource this service.
“For those that already offer a design service they will save thousands in fees and for those who do not PlansXpress opens up a totally new market.
“PlansXpress is so good that construction students at Merthyr Tydfil College produced, from scratch, plans in just a few hours which had previously taken them months using AutoCAD. This shows how quick and easy it is to use.
“In addition, because of the direct link to EstimatorXpress a full material breakdown was also created in a matter of seconds.
“There are many design programmes on the market but none actually link the drawings and estimating software. This means the user still has to go through the arduous process of putting the estimate together and inputting dimensions again which is a waste of time when you can do it one!”
“We have many customers who have improved their win ratio, become more profitable and reduced massively the time and money spent on creating drawings and producing estimates by using our software.
“If you as a builder can demonstrate your professionalism in the design and building then I’m sure your services will be in high demand in the foreseeable future.”
For further information on PlansXpress or any other HBXL product please call T: 0845 1234 065 or visit the web site www.hbxl.co.uk
