EstimatorXpress: getting down to the facts

Here are nine impressive facts about our award-winning software, EstimatorXpress. With figures like these you can see why we're number one!

Rise of the garden plot

Pressure on space across the country’s urban sites is encouraging developers to look carefully at alternative land for development.

With urban areas being dictated by lack of room, there is not a lot of space to play with. It means developers are constantly on the lookout for suitable brownfield sites or are thinking outside the box to make the best use of spare plots and includes a growing number of garden sites.

And another Builder Success Story: EstimatorXpress

Graham Saunders of Trentace Limited in High Wycombe, would be the first to admit that he’s not particularly computer savvy. But thanks to the support he’s had from the HBXL support team (and the fact that the software was designed for builders in the first place!) Graham has successfully mastered EstimatorXpress and has been using it for some time now.

In fact to quote Graham, “They’re always extremely helpful even when I ask Noddy questions!

“The complimentary training webinars have been excellent as well. They’re extremely comprehensive and the guys don’t end the session until they’re happy that every question has been fully answered. They’re very enthusiastic and helpful.”

Graham is typical of the vast majority of our software users and like them, he’s finding life in the trade better than it has been.

“We primarily do new builds, extensions, loft conversions – that kind of thing. Before I discovered HBXL I was using paper and pencil for my estimates. Not surprisingly I was always forgetting something in the quote that either reduced my profit, or actually lost me money. 

“EstimatorXpress is like a ‘crutch’. It forces you to look at areas more deeply than you would otherwise do.”

We asked Graham what difference it makes to present an HBXL quote to a customer.

“Rather than just focussing on the end price on the quote, the customer looks at the individual breakdown EstimatorXpress has produced. It helps make the pill much easier for the customer to swallow.”

Graham explained that he likes to show the customer the quote by build phase and the illustrations of the building stages created by the software not only make it clear, but actually help justify the price.

“I reckon my win rate is better than 50% now, which is all I can ask for. So I’m very pleased.”

Graham has since gone on to buy PlansXpress. As he noted, it’s early days but he’s already recognised the potential it has as another revenue stream.

To find out how HBXL software could benefit your building business, give one of our experienced software consultants a call on 0845 1234 065 or 0117 916 7898. 

Rise in material costs impacts builder's profits

With the economy continuing to improve, builders are being advised to keep a keen eye on their margins or risk making a loss.

Understand your business finances better – with Construction Industry Accounts (CIA Lite)

Ever despair that your profits never actually turn out to be as good as they looked on your estimates? Would you like to keep more of a handle on your finances? 

CIA Lite differs from other accounting software packages because it has been developed specifically for the UK building industry and its specific requirements, for example Job Costing, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), certifications, retentions and VAT. It makes sitting down and doing your accounts so much easier.

To request a demo or simply to talk over the software call the team on 0845 1234 065.

Hidden benefits I : Margins tight? How to eek out more profit with EstimatorXpress

It’s tough going making money in building on a good day in a buoyant year! The bad news is that figures from the Federation of Master Builders suggest that 70% of SMEs surveyed believe material costs will rise in the next 6 months, whilst just 20% consider they will be in a position to raise output prices.The inevitable result is a continuing squeeze on margins at both ends.  (BM Magazine).

To stand any chance of making some money you have to make sure your initial budget is as realistic and comprehensive as possible. Being able to drill down into the costs of a project allows you to have a complete picture of where your money is going and keep tabs on expenditure.