Choosing an estimating solution could be the difference between winning your building customers’ business - or not. So choose your estimating software or take-off service carefully! Whether you’re receiving plans for garage or barn conversions, renovations, home extensions, lofts or new builds, you need a provider which can handle it all.

HBXL are THE estimating specialists and can be your estimating software AND estimating service partner. You can choose either/or. Or why not both? Software for when you have the capacity and a service when you need estimating support.

Critically you need to be able to trust that the estimate outputs are accurate. Why? Because your customers’ businesses rely on your professionalism. And of course you don’t want it to be stressful to deliver. You’ve enough on your plate as it is. As a Branch Manager or Estimator, time is never on your side - so it needs to be straightforward and faff-free. Fast estimating software and quick turnaround estimating services are key, along with frequently updated material prices or, better still, integrated with your business price list.

Estimating in the merchant world doesn’t start and finish with the estimate and quotation. The money is in the scheduling of materials and helping your customer call these off. So make sure your estimating software has project management tools as well.

Alternatively, if you go the service route, ensure that your estimating partner can provide detailed materials schedules and a build programme too. Look for a solution that automatically generates a Gantt chart using the details of the job and produces time-based material schedules that have full product descriptions, product codes and importantly order by dates - not just due dates. That’s the mark of a good estimating solution.

With the huge pressures Builders’ Merchants face, you need your admin to be the easy part. So take the time to choose the right software or service. Estimates that are accurate. Quotes that are error-free. Material schedules prepped for easy ordering that can be integrated with your IT systems.

Don’t underestimate the value of a good estimating software or service partner. It’s an essential part of your delivery of a ‘value-added’ estimating service, helping you secure your customers’ business. Apps can be a good solution if you were a tradesman after a ‘lite’ type tool. As a Builders’ Merchant trying to secure larger projects from the ground up, you need a professional estimating company supporting you.

If you like what you see today, call us for more info or to book your demo.
Call 0117 916 7898 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or email hello@hbxl.co.uk