Builders realise estimating software benefits

An Easy Price Pro product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Apr 9, 2008

Research has suggested that an increasing number of builders are turning to estimating software packages, such as Easy Price Pro, to meet business objectives.

Builders are using the software to save time, win more business and appear more professional, as well as ensuring they have priced work correctly.

However, according to the research � conducted by Tangible Developments and commissioned by Easy Price Pro - while many builders say their software has helped them achieve at least some of these objectives, not all are satisfied with their systems.

In particular, the type of software purchased has a significant bearing on the level of satisfaction, with some brands proving more successful than others at enabling customers to achieve their expectations.

A high proportion of the builders questioned run small businesses with less than five employees and are involved in extension and renovation work.

More than 60 per cent said they selected their software in order to save time, around 40 per cent based their selection on ease-of-use and 30 per cent said accuracy of results was an important factor.

Other hoped-for advantages included help in winning more business, the ability to produce more quotes and help to manage jobs.

Improving profitability was surprisingly low on the list.

Easy Price Pro claimed it was the top choice in the following categories: ease-of-use; accuracy of results; time savings; producing more quotes; winning more business; professional presentation; managing jobs; and improving profits.

The company added that a high proportion of builders that had purchased Easy Price Pro believed their software had met these needs, with 85 per cent stating it had performed well or very well for ease-of-use and accuracy of results.

Around 93 per cent liked its professional presentation and 86 per cent said it helped them produce more quotes.

Despite the low expectations for improving profitability, 71 per cent said the software had helped lift profits.