HBXL launches design drawing software package

HBXL's PlansXpress Ultimate enables builders to offer a complete design and build service by undertaking the design process themselves using the software.

That's the view of Anthony Botibol, marketing manager at HBXL, following research that highlights a growing number of customers that request drawings for a project, and shows that only a small quantity of builders in the country currently provide such a service.

Anthony also believes that using an architect to provide the drawings wastes vital cash, where as the builder producing the drawings creates generates revenue.

When asked how they currently provide plans and designs for clients 34 per cent said they use an architect, 12 per cent design inhouse by hand with 14 per cent using CAD software.

40 per cent said they didn't provide any plans and designs for its clients.

For those who outsource their drawings to an architect, when asked how much they pay for a set of plans or drawings 37 per cent said they pay between GBP300 and GBP600, 39 per cent pay between GBP600 and GBP2000 with 5 per cent over GBP2000.

19 per cent said they pay GBP300 or less.

In terms of how long it takes to get a set of drawings 33 per cent of clients would typically wait more than 10 days for a set of visual plans or 3D drawings.

23 per cent would expect to wait between six to 10 days and 26 per cent to wait between four to five days.

Finally when asked if they had ever thought about offering a design and build service 44 per cent said they had with just 15 per cent saying they already do.

PlansXpress Ultimate allows users to quickly and easily draw professional building plans and elevations without the need for any training or employing the services of an architect.

As well as designing houses, extensions, offices and flats users will be able to produce plans and layouts for plumbing and electrics first fix, loft conversions and domestic and commercial alterations.

In addition users get access to SketchXpress which adds instant style to CAD drawings and elevations.

PlansXpress Scan Pack allows users to import a scanned image of a set of plans and trace over to cost up the drawing automatically using HBXL's EstimatorXpress.

Those who purchase PlansXpress Ultimate will also get six hours of free training at a nearby workshop.

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