Estimating Archives | Buildxact AU https://www.buildxact.com/au/tag/estimating/ Estimating & Job Management Software Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:37:41 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.buildxact.com/au/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2022/01/fav.png Estimating Archives | Buildxact AU https://www.buildxact.com/au/tag/estimating/ 32 32 How AI Works for the Homebuilder https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ai-works-homebuilder/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ai-works-homebuilder/#respond Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:17:08 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=29185 Ready to learn how AI impacts residential construction? With this eBook learn the basics of AI-based tools and how home builders of all sizes can in minutes fully understand the size, scope and cost of their projects.

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How AI Works for the Homebuilder

Technology is changing the rules of residential construction. With new AI-based tools, home builders of all sizes can quickly understand the size, scope and cost of their projects. With this eBook, get a quick overview of what’s ahead for material and labor estimating.

You’ll learn:

  • The basics of AI technology and how home builders make it work for them
  • Specific examples of how AI helps with takeoffs, estimating and project management
  • What lies ahead with the development of future AI technology.

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  • Meet with us today for a one-on-one conversation: We'll email all the details
  • Learn how some simple planning and prep protects your profits
  • Start cutting 80% of the time it takes to complete takeoffs and quote customers 5x faster
  • Win the jobs you deserve
Schedule a demo

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ai-works-homebuilder/feed/ 0 Buildxact Delivers Estimating Breakthroughs for Builders Battling Labour Shortages and Rising Costs https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/buildxact-delivers-breakthroughs/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/buildxact-delivers-breakthroughs/#respond Thu, 29 May 2025 20:09:50 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?post_type=news_media&p=24931 Enhanced AI-powered platform delivers smart takeoffs, instant estimates and personalised estimate reviews
MELBOURNE – 2 JUNE 2025 — Buildxact, a global software as a service (SaaS) company that provides a simple solution for small-to-medium sized residential builders and renovators to better manage and grow their business, launched an enhanced version of its platform tod

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Enhanced AI-powered platform delivers smart takeoffs, instant estimates and personalised estimate reviews

MELBOURNE – 2 JUNE 2025 — Buildxact, a global software as a service (SaaS) company that provides a simple solution for small-to-medium sized residential builders and renovators to better manage and grow their business, launched an enhanced version of its platform today. 

Buildxact now includes three powerful AI-assisted features to empower small-to-medium residential home builders, renovators and contractors, to manage jobs more efficiently and to earn more profit. These features are delivered by Blu, Buildxact’s new AI-powered building assistant, and include Blu: Takeoff Assistant, Blu: Estimate Generator, Blu: Estimate Reviewer, and Blu: Recipe/Assembly Assistant.  

Blu: Takeoff Assistant allows the user to upload plans that can be automatically scaled in an instant. Additionally, the tool automatically names the pages based on information from the uploaded plan and includes the precise area of the project. The tool then provides a hands-free measurement of the spaces by drawing around the perimeters to capture the total square footage. In addition, new “point add” and “point edit” functionality allows a user to edit individual areas of the takeoff where needed, rather than the time-consuming task of deleting and starting over again.  

Blu: Estimate Generator gives the user the capability to generate labour and building items based on local data. The feature pulls pricing from supplier catalogues, including partners such as Dahlsens, Mitre 10, and Bunnings, to name a few. The first iteration of the feature can generate kitchen and bath renovation estimates, with expanded options such as whole-of-house builds, common extensions, and other common renovation type estimates launching in coming months.  

The new Blu: Estimate Reviewer feature can audit an estimate, giving suggestions on any missed items along with recommendations on how to improve an estimate. The user can enter important details like room types, environmental factors, and energy ratings to get detailed and accurate input. Blu will create a task checklist for any potential improvements, providing a list of suggestions from insurance to energy compliance. The user can mark items complete on the checklist as they are addressed.  

“AI is giving our users unprecedented control,” said Chris Rennie, chief product officer at Buildxact. “With these new features, users will win more quotes and keep projects running on time and on budget. The Blu: Estimate Reviewer is like sending an estimate to your own personal estimator to get feedback on items missing and other areas of concern, breaking through the ongoing challenge of too much work and not enough support.”  

Buildxact also is launching a customizable pricing structure to be more accessible to more of the industry that helps users grow at their own pace. Initial pricing gives them basic tools and allows for instant upgrades as their business necessitates and grows. Plus, each plan offers unlimited users and customer training and support.  

“Unlike rigid, one-size-fits-all software, we listen to our customers and build solutions for their real-world challenges, and we aren’t afraid to challenge ourselves to do that,” said Steve Yates, CEO at Buildxact. “We now offer unlimited users so an entire team can see the benefits without the extra cost. Plus, we’re offering industry-first, AI estimating that speeds up workflows and does the work for the user, without sacrificing accuracy.”  

In addition to these new AI features, Buildxact’s platform is boosted with the addition of digital signatures, timesheets, task lists, and enhanced client selections.  

The digital signatures feature allows users to sign quotes and variations quickly online for speed and better coordination with customers. Timesheet updates allow onsite crew to record time on each project by category and item level using the Buildxact Onsite app also automatically generating a work order to connect work hours and costs to the right project, category and item. Finally, enhanced client selections improve communications with the homeowner and empower them to make decisions quickly online so the project can be efficient and there is transparency choice by choice.  

About Buildxact  

Buildxact gives small-to-medium sized home builders, trades and suppliers control of their business to get the job done. With AI-powered technology alongside the strength of user-informed programming, job estimates take less time and ordering materials is possible 24/7 with integrated supplier price lists. Founded in 2011 in Australia with North American headquarters in Austin, Texas, Buildxact continues to expand its global presence with customers in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.  

For more information about how builders and suppliers benefit using Buildxact, visit Buildxact.com or follow Buildxact on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. To get started today, book a demo with a dedicated team member or try before you buy with a 14-day risk free trial.  

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/news_media/buildxact-delivers-breakthroughs/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Guide to Renovation Cost Estimating Software https://www.buildxact.com/au/facebook/renovation-estimating-guide-fb/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/facebook/renovation-estimating-guide-fb/#respond Mon, 28 Oct 2024 01:47:12 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=22467 Looking to become a residential builder? Check out our latest eBook to learn how to get started and established in the industry.

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The Ultimate Guide to Renovation Cost Estimating Software

The scarcity of home inventory and subsequent high prices have led many homeowners to stay put and renovate their existing properties.

Residential renovation companies and independent trades must use new tools and methods to seize the opportunities presented by the coming market.

In this eBook, we’ll show you how to get started with cost estimating software so that you can win more work and grow your business. 

You’ll learn:

  • How renovation estimating software makes you more efficient through faster takeoffs and accurate costs;
  • The impact software has on every aspect of a project, from estimating to job management and crew collaboration;
  • How the right software makes you more profitable and gives you greater control.
Download

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Let's show you
how it works

  • Meet with us today for a one-on-one conversation: We'll email all the details
  • Learn how some simple planning and prep protects your profits
  • Start cutting 80% of the time it takes to complete takeoffs and quote customers 5x faster
  • Win the jobs you deserve
Schedule a demo

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/facebook/renovation-estimating-guide-fb/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Guide to Renovation Cost Estimating Software https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ultimate-guide-renovation-estimating/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ultimate-guide-renovation-estimating/#respond Mon, 28 Oct 2024 01:19:56 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=22458 Looking to become a residential builder? Check out our latest eBook to learn how to get started and established in the industry.

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Share:

The Ultimate Guide to Renovation Cost Estimating Software

The scarcity of home inventory and subsequent high prices have led many homeowners to stay put and renovate their existing properties.

Residential renovation companies and independent trades must use new tools and methods to seize the opportunities presented by the coming market.

In this eBook, we’ll show you how to get started with cost estimating software so that you can win more work and grow your business. 

You’ll learn:

  • How renovation estimating software makes you more efficient through faster takeoffs and accurate costs;
  • The impact software has on every aspect of a project, from estimating to job management and crew collaboration;
  • How the right software makes you more profitable and gives you greater control.

Related content

An arrow pointing left in red
A coral arrow pointing right

Let's show you
how it works

  • Meet with us today for a one-on-one conversation: We'll email all the details
  • Learn how some simple planning and prep protects your profits
  • Start cutting 80% of the time it takes to complete takeoffs and quote customers 5x faster
  • Win the jobs you deserve
Schedule a demo

The post The Ultimate Guide to Renovation Cost Estimating Software appeared first on Buildxact AU.

]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/ebook/ultimate-guide-renovation-estimating/feed/ 0 How a variance impacts home construction contracts https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/variance/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/variance/#respond Thu, 24 Oct 2024 20:13:23 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=22933 Variances are standard in the home construction industry. Learn how construction management software makes writing variances easier.

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Builders often are involved in home construction projects where the final price tag exceeds the initial estimate. It’s a financial risky proposition for the builder because the homeowner has the option to dispute the difference without clear evidence of what accounted for the increase.

In such situations, a variance—a formal modification to the original construction or renovation contract—can bring not only a sense of relief but financial security as well.

The importance of variances in construction projects

Variances are standard practice in the home construction industry. They provide clear documentation of customer changes, problems on the job site, or material cost increases. The variance process ensures everyone is on the same page.

Variances are a necessity, not a curse

Variances are the “safety valves” of your construction project, providing a more controlled path to altering a project’s scope when things don’t go as planned. Variances provide the necessary documentation when writing variances from the original contract, ensuring that everyone—you, your subcontractors, and your customer—agree with the revised scope, updated timeline, and adjusted costs. Variances provide the transparency and protection to maintain an above-board style of job management.

Common scenarios requiring variances

Some of the most common scenarios that initiate writing of a variance is initiated from the customer, the contractor, or other scenarios outside your control.

  • Customer scope changes: it’s not uncommon for a homeowner to make changes without understanding the downstream ramifications. Adding or removing features and upgrades, no matter how big or small, after construction begins changes the scope of labor and the amount and type of materials.

  • Contractor Scope Changes: from unforeseen conditions during demolition or construction, to material availability or cost increases, to mistakes in blueprints or specifications that require remediation, a contractor often must devise alternative solutions and adjustments that trigger a change in specifications.

  • Other situations may include permitting issues, subcontractor availability, or natural disasters/events beyond your control.

How variances affect job management

As stated, even a small change can trigger a domino effect that adds up. Timelines can change dramatically, crews may need to be rescheduled, and budgets will fluctuate based on material expenses and unforeseen indirect costs, like permitting. These shifts can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even homeowner disputes if not handled carefully. This is why it’s critical not to leave the variance process to a verbal agreement or even an email that can be lost or accidentally deleted.

How to create and manage variances

Managing variances is critical for any construction professional, and communication is vital. Establishing a transparent process for documenting changes using a standardized variance form that captures details and signatures from both the customer and you, the contractor is essential.

Key elements of a variance as part of a construction contract

Here are key elements to include in a variance agreement:

  • Project information

  • Date of the changes

  • Detailed description and reason for the change

  • Scheduled impacts

  • Cost breakdown and revised budget

  • Signatures

If appropriate, attach or include supporting documentation for additional support.

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Implementing a variance agreement

Steps may vary depending on the project or your company policies as well as the type of change, but for simplicity, we’ve outlined how to implement a variance:

    1. Recognize when a change is necessary and clearly define the scope of the change and how it deviates from the original contract.
    2. Use a template or standardized document to capture all the relevant details and supporting documentation as needed.
    3. Communicate or discuss with your customer in detail, being transparent about the impact on the timeline and budget. Answer any questions or concerns your customer may have.
    4. Update all the appropriate master documents, including the schedule and budget.
    5. Proceed with the revised work as outlined and keep detailed records.
    6. If possible, maintain a variance log to track and manage all the changes throughout the project.

How technology streamlines variances

Technology has rapidly transformed how construction pros like you manage variances. Cloud-based platforms make the process more efficient, transparent, and accurate with real-time collaboration, digital documentation, and automated workflows, streamlining everything from creation, to approval of a proposed change, to documenting an entire project history. 

Digital tools for managing variances

Think of your digital tools as an all-in-one command center for handling project changes. Most cloud-based platforms offer a centralized hub for creating, tracking, and managing variances. The end game is to reduce errors, improve communication, and lead to more efficient and profitable business. 

How Buildxact simplifies a variance agreement

Buildxact simplifies variance management by centralizing everything in one user-friendly platform. Imagine having a digital command center where you can effortlessly create, track, and manage all your change orders and the impact on project scope and your project team. With Buildxact, you can quickly generate professional change order forms, automatically update project budgets and timelines, and easily communicate with clients. 

Buildxact allows you to make changes or adjustments to the contract. The process is the same regardless of your choice, ensuring a charge or credit is made to the contract. It also allows you to mark up items as you see fit. Once you finish a change or adjustment, you can send it to your customer for a digital signature with your customized, branded variance estimate.

It’s a powerful tool that simplifies variances, saving time and money while running your projects smoothly.

Buildxact solves challenges with construction variances

Keeping construction projects on track can feel like a never-ending job, and a variance can complicate the process if not managed properly. Common challenges include miscommunication and keeping track of multiple variances. 

We recommend prioritizing clear communication, detailed documentation, accurate cost estimates, and embracing technology like Buildxact to streamline the process.

Miscommunication between trades and stakeholders

If you, your customer, subcontractors, and other stakeholders have different ideas about any project changes, it can cause chaos. Establish a clear and consistent communication pattern to eliminate misunderstandings that could lead to disputes, delays and project budget blowouts. 

Tracking multiple variances

As a project and a project budget evolve and change, keeping track of all the moving parts takes dedication. It’s the greatest juggling act, and you’re not in the business to be a juggling act.

Each change request adds to the project’s complexity, and keeping track of change requests can be overwhelming. A systematic approach to documenting, organizing and tracking can get lost in the paperwork shuffle, leading to confusion and the domino effect described above, where timelines and a project budget shift as change requests alter the completion date.

Simplify variances with Buildxact

Ready to say goodbye to the headaches that come with writing variances? Meet Buildxact, an intuitive cloud-based platform that will simplify the variance process. Our software centralizes everything you need in one user-friendly place. You’ll be able to create professional variance forms, automatically update project budgets and timelines, and seamlessly communicate with clients—no more shuffling paperwork that alters contract terms. With features like digital signatures and integrated cost tracking, you’ll save time, reduce errors, and keep projects flowing smoothly. 

Buildxact empowers you to manage variances simply and reliably. Start today with a risk-free, 14-day free trial, or schedule a demo.

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/variance/feed/ 0 Evolution of the construction quote template https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/construction-bid-template/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/construction-bid-template/#respond Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:49:18 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=22169 Learn the value of providing a formal, professional proposal and how digital quote templates make writing proposals easier.

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For home builders, providing a customer with a clear, concise quote is central to answering those lingering questions that prevent a profitable deal from closing. 

When the home builder provides a potential customer with a formal, professional proposal, they are detailing the cost and scope of work for a construction project in a way that puts their business in the best possible light. 

In many cases, it’s the final opportunity to: 

    1. Estimate: outline the estimated total cost of the project, including labor, materials, and any additional expenses such as equipment rentals. This helps the homeowner understand why their financial commitment is required.
    2. Clarify scope: specify the tasks and services tradies will perform, or not perform, including tear down of existing structures; the materials to be used for the new build; timelines and schedules; and any subcontractors involved. This ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of the project’s details.
    3. Establish competitive pricing: In competitive bidding, multiple trades submit bids, allowing the homeowner to compare prices and services based on quality and budget. Remember, a clearly presented quote often wins the day even when it’s not the lowest priced entry.
    4. Establish a legal agreement: Once accepted, the quote forms the basis of a formal contract, clearly outlining the terms and conditions of the work to be done, ensuring both parties are protected legally.
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What’s in a Construction quote template?

Writing clear, easy-to-understand bids can be time consuming. But there are ways to make the job easier. The use of quote templates is a fundamental way to get a construction quote proposal started quickly, while ensuring no critical items are forgotten.

How a quote template benefits the construction project

A quote template is a form or document that builders and trades use to prepare and submit their price estimates for a home construction project. A quote template streamlines the bidding process and ensures consistency from job to job.

Let’s review the benefits of a quote template:

Standardization

As mentioned, it’s important for a builder to quote in a consistent manner so forecasting profitability becomes more accurate and major tasks are not forgotten. A quote template ensures that all bids are presented in a consistent format, making it easier for builders to compare the success of each project, helps avoid confusion and ensures that no critical project expenditures are overlooked.

Efficiency

Using a quote template saves time by allowing home builders to input details into predefined sections instead of creating a new quote from scratch each time.

 Transparency

A quote template provides builders an easy way to outline the project cost and scope, making it easier for the client to understand where their money is going and what services are included. This promotes transparency between builders, trades and the client. 

Professionalism

A well-organized quote template reflects the builder’s professionalism, helping build trust with the client. It also demonstrates attention to detail and preparedness, which can be a competitive advantage when multiple trades are bidding the same project.

Building a winning construction quote template

With a construction quote template, submitting proposals for home construction projects becomes quick and easy, ensuring builders provide all necessary details for their construction bids.

Key components of a construction quote template 

Basic information

  • Project Name: title or description of the project.
  • Bidder Information: name, address, contact information of the trade or construction company submitting the bid.
  • Client Information: name, address, contact details of the project owner or client.

Job scope

  • Description of work: detailed explanation of the work to be performed.
  • Project timeline: estimated start and completion dates, along with key milestones.
  • Specifications: materials, equipment, and methods to be used, often based on the client’s project documents or requests.

Exclusions

Cost breakdown

  •  Labor: detailed estimation of labor expenses (hours, rate per hour).
  •  Material: cost of materials required, including unit pricing and quantities.
  •  Equipment: costs associated with renting or using machinery.
  •  Trades: expenses for any work subcontracted to third parties.
  •  Overhead and profit: operational costs and the profit margin added to the bid.
  • Contingency: allocated funds to cover unexpected project expenses. 

Terms

  • Schedule of payments: how and when payments will be made (e.g., percentage at milestones, progress payments).
  • Retainage: percentage of payment held back until the project is completed satisfactorily.
  • Late payment terms and conditions: includes interest or penalties. 

Warranty and guarantees

  • Workmanship warranty: duration and conditions under which the tradie guarantees their work.
  •  Material guarantees: warranties provided for materials, either from the trades or manufacturers.

Variations

  • Procedure: explanation of how modifications to the project scope or cost will be handled.
  • Pricing: details on how additional work or changes will be charged.

Terms and conditions

  • Legal Term: provisions around liability, insurance, and dispute resolution.
  • Permits and approvals: clarification on responsibility for securing necessary permits and approvals.
  • Cancellation policy: terms under which either party can cancel the contract.

Signatures

  •  Client signature: Signature and date of the client approving the bid.
  •  Builder signature: Signature and date of the builder submitting the bid.
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Why Buildxact for construction bids

The days of using paper and spreadsheets to create home construction quote templates by hand is quickly passing as the construction industry goes digital. 

Today, efficient builders use construction management software to create powerful quote templates that can be saved a copied with the click of a computer mouse. There’s no paper files to keep and estimates are available from any device with the internet connection.

Buildxact is one such software tool that brings together the power of estimating templates with digital takeoffs and scheduling. All these features are available from a cloud-based software tool that frees builders from the office so they can manage project details, create material counts, send multiple bids and schedule trades from their onsite laptops and mobile devices. Takeoff measurements pass easily into online estimates that then form the basis for building a complete schedule.A look at the estimating screen in Buildxact

With Buildxact, it’s easy to create a customizable construction quote template based on the most successful projects. And builders making the leap from spreadsheets to software can upload their favorite project spreadsheets; so getting started with Buildxact is fast and effective. 

Buildxact makes it easy to incorporate estimated tasks, materials and costs into an attractive cover letter that includes all your terms and conditions packaged under a builder’s unique logo and company name.

Are you ready to jumpstart your bidding process to win more work and become more profitable? Get started with a no-risk trial or schedule a demo of Buildxact to learn how to create customizable construction quote templates that no competitor can duplicate.

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/construction-bid-template/feed/ 0 How improving AI tech avoids common construction estimating mistakes  https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/ai-tech-estimating/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/ai-tech-estimating/#respond Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:44:58 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/us/?p=22449 Learn how AI tech can serve as a digital assistant to speed up the entire process of writing estimates and winning more business.

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When AI construction estimating software connects your favorite supplier, quotes become more accurate, efficient

One of the easiest ways to make mistakes when estimating home construction projects is to do things by hand. Most common construction estimating mistakes happen because we overlook certain details or lose focus after doing the same thing repeatedly. 

What’s needed is an assistant to help when time is short or attention fades. But what builder these days has the budget to hire someone just to help with estimating? 

The solution is an artificial intelligence, or AI, digital assistant that speeds up the entire process of writing estimates and winning more business. Construction estimating software enhanced by today’s AI technology is an affordable solution that brings even greater accuracy to construction estimating. 

With AI-enabled software, the construction industry now has an effective estimating process that’s repeatable and predictable. It allows builders and renovators to quickly estimate a home construction project using updated material pricing based on local market conditions, all of this with minimal manual effort.

Gone are the days of wasting time measuring paper plans with rulers or stumbling over complex formulas buried within outdated spreadsheets. Software designed for construction estimating not only avoids material count and pricing errors, but also makes it easy to get started with natural language prompts and project descriptions that AI understands. 

Let’s have a look at some classic construction estimating mistakes, and how construction estimating software powered by AI addresses them. 

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Construction estimating mistake 1: Growing too fast 

A growing business might be a successful business, but only if you can handle the workload. Growth should not come at the expense of your nights and weekends with friends and family. 

Consider that the average estimate, using manual takeoffs and estimates, for one project takes eight hours—and that doesn’t count the waiting time to get back quotes from trades. That’s long hours. Winning the number of projects to grow your business often comes at the expense of personal time as estimating takes up more and more free time. 

Now, imagine kickstarting an estimate with AI. Imagine describing in a few sentences the size and scope of project phases and then using accurate measurements from a digital takeoff tool to quickly create a basic estimate. In fact, the best AI tools can estimate major project tasks, such as flooring or framing, in as little as 30 seconds. It’s hard to argue against construction estimating software in these terms.

This time savings obviously adds up. Construction estimating software like Buildxact cuts the overall time it takes to build a complete project estimate by 30%. 

Construction estimating mistake 2: taking the wrong shortcuts 

Guessing at your numbers based on past experience or an outdated cost estimation process is not the way to go. 

With AI machine learning, you can be sure not to miss a thing because the AI assistant never tires and never overlooks a small detail. Now imagine having the materials that go with all those necessary tasks priced from a major material supplier. The right prices add up to the right estimate that wins the confidence of the customer. 

AI estimating software with an intuitive interface helps keep you on the right path, even while reducing manual tasks. AI tackles the basic task of gathering all the necessary items and quickly pricing materials. With this done, you have more time to find the right tradie for your project or spend more time supervising the job site to ensure work meets your high standards. 

Plus, with estimating software like Buildxact, you can create accurate estimates repeatedly by creating effective estimating templates unique to your business. 

Estimating labor and material costs can be tricky. An effective template created with the help of an AI estimating calculator can ensure you win and complete more projects — all while employing better decision making. In fact, users of Buildxact complete 56% more residential jobs each year. 

Construction estimating mistake 3: poor interactions with suppliers 

With an AI estimating calculator, pricing basic materials is automated so you can carve out time with your supplier for the material requests that require extra attention. Don’t waste time talking to your supplier about a typical order of 2X4s. An AI estimator can reduce the chatter so you focus on what really affects your project plans. 

When it’s time for direct conversations, modern estimating software communicates more effectively by automatically sending and tracking emails with your preferred suppliers. 

Construction estimating mistake 4: unprofessional quotes 

Not only does your quote need to be accurate, but it also needs to look good. Your quote reflects your brand and is one of the first impressions with a potential customer. 

Leave a positive impression using construction estimating software that places your brand in the best light so you can quote and sell with confidence. After all, you’re asking this person to trust you to build their house, their most significant investment. In their eyes, an unprofessional quote may signal unprofessional work if they hire you. Not something you want in a competitive environment filled with other home construction companies.

In fact, builders report a 17% increase in quote-to-win ratio within the first eight months of creating quote with Buildxact. Buildxact enables builders to simply upload their own logo and photos for that perfect personal touch. Now, that’s value engineering.

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Construction estimating mistake 5: unrealistic scheduling 

Like it or not, the first company that submits a quote has an advantage—everyone else will have to justify why their quote is more or less expensive than the first one. That’s just the way it works in the home construction industry.

Unfortunately, paying someone else to put together the estimate can take even longer than doing it yourself. A third-party hire could take weeks and won’t guarantee quality. 

Speed up your estimating time by up to 30% with construction management software that ensures all your I’s are dotted and all your T’s are crossed in one single automated platform with complete confidence. 

Moreover, with the right construction estimating software, you can not only give your potential client an accurate picture of how much their project will cost, but you also can give them an idea how long the project will take by drafting a rough estimate of the project’s major phases.

Construction estimating mistake 6: human error 

Compiling estimates via paper drawings and Excel creates many opportunities to introduce mistakes—transferring information from a supplier email to a spreadsheet and then to a proposal by hand. Not to mention how data inputs go wrong when you are in a hurry. 

Cloud-based construction estimating software with an AI calculator ensures that your data is up to date in real-time, using the latest pricing and including all the tasks you need for a complete estimate. Builders often lose money when they forget to estimate necessary project tasks, and AI ensures builders cover all the bases. 

The best construction estimating software also lets you rough out a schedule so that your prospect not only knows how much they will spend but how long the project is likely to take. Now, that’s a competitive edge. 

Construction estimating mistake 7: selling on price alone

Some builders think the price is all that matters and is the only aspect of winning a quote. Good builders know how to sell their value and their work. For example, you may include a line item for a site supervisor who will be on the job every day to ensure the project elements are followed. 

But you have to sell yourself and the reason your quote is a little higher. Builders who make those elements part of their story are the ones who will win the work. Construction management software streamlines your processes and gives your story more clout. 

End the mistakes. See how Buildxact uses artificial intelligence to your benefit

The easiest way to see how Buildxact’s cloud-based construction management software can ease the estimating burden is to take it for a spin. Try our 14-day risk-free trial, or schedule a demo with one of our Buildxact experts.

Let’s quickly recap what we’ve learned:

Why do manual construction estimates often lead to mistakes?

Manual estimates rely on repetitive calculations and human attention, which can lead to overlooked details, errors in material counts, and miscalculations. AI-powered estimating software helps eliminate these mistakes by automating the process.

How can AI improve the accuracy of construction estimates?

AI ensures accuracy by using up-to-date material pricing, reducing human errors, and automatically including all necessary tasks in an estimate. It also eliminates errors caused by manual data transfers between spreadsheets and supplier emails.

How does AI estimating software save time?

AI speeds up the estimating process by automating material calculations and labor costs, reducing estimating time by up to 30%. It also eliminates the need for manual measurements and outdated spreadsheet formulas.

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Can AI software help with scheduling construction projects?

Yes, AI-powered estimating software allows builders to draft a rough project timeline, giving clients a clear idea of both cost and duration for major project phases.

How does AI estimating software prevent unrealistic scheduling?

AI considers real-time pricing and required labor for each phase of a project, helping builders create more accurate timelines and preventing delays due to miscalculations.

What are the benefits of using AI for material pricing and supplier interactions?

AI automates basic material pricing and tracks supplier communications, allowing builders to focus on more critical discussions rather than wasting time on routine material orders.

How does AI estimating software help builders grow their business?

By improving estimating speed and accuracy, AI tools allow builders to complete more bids, win more projects, and grow their business without sacrificing personal time.

Can AI help builders avoid selling based on price alone?

Yes, AI software helps builders present a more professional and detailed estimate, allowing them to justify their pricing based on value, quality, and project oversight rather than just cost.

Why is a professional-looking quote important?

A well-designed, branded quote makes a strong first impression on potential clients, increasing trust and improving the likelihood of winning the project.

10. How can builders get started with AI-powered construction estimating software?

Builders can explore AI estimating software like Buildxact through a free 14-day trial or schedule a demo to see how it can streamline their estimating process.

The post How improving AI tech avoids common construction estimating mistakes  appeared first on Buildxact AU.

]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/ai-tech-estimating/feed/ 0 How Buildxact catalogs and recipes unlock efficiency and precision https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/buildxact-catalogs-and-recipes/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/buildxact-catalogs-and-recipes/#respond Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:53:19 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=21779 Learn how Buildxact catalogs and recipes form a powerful duo that streamlines estimating.

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Philip Wright

Buildxact Lead Developer/Team Lead, Engineering

In the residential construction industry, efficiency and precision are the twin pillars of successful projects. Striking a balance between managing resources, maintaining costs, and meeting deadlines often is a Herculean task.

Enter Buildxact, a construction management platform designed to streamline these processes and bring a level of organization and accuracy that transforms how you operate. Central to this transformation are two powerful features: catalogs and recipes.

Material catalogs: a single source of truth

Imagine having a comprehensive, up-to-date repository of all your building materials with prices right at your fingertips. This is the essence of catalogs in Buildxact. By consolidating your materials into catalogs, we eliminate the chaos of spreadsheets, and with Buildxact you have the choice to create your own catalogs or use those provided by connected material suppliers.

This means fewer errors and more accurate estimates. When every item has been cataloged, the chances of overlooking a crucial component or mispricing an item are significantly reduced. With regular updates from connected suppliers, builders ensure their costings reflect the most current market conditions, allowing for better budgeting and financial planning.

Recipes: blueprint for consistency and efficiency

While catalogs provide the raw material data, recipes in Buildxact take it a step further by creating groups of related items or tasks. Think of recipes as pre-defined combinations of materials and labor that can be reused across multiple projects.

For residential builders, this means that once a recipe for a particular type of wall, roof or flooring is created, it can be applied to any job with just a few clicks.

The implications for consistency and efficiency are clear. No longer start from scratch with each new project. Instead, rely on tried-and-tested recipes that ensure consistency in quality and cost. This not only speeds up the estimation process but also reduces the likelihood of errors, as every element of the recipe has been pre-validated.

Furthermore, recipes allow for easy adjustments and customization. If a client requests a specific change, builders can quickly modify the recipe without disrupting the entire job plan. This flexibility is invaluable in a market where client preferences can be highly specific and variable.

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Supplier integration: the future of residential building

Traditionally, builders might spend countless hours manually updating material costs, cross-referencing supplier catalogs, and adjusting estimates accordingly.

With integrated supplier pricing, this process becomes automated. Builders quickly pull in the latest prices, adjust quantities and generate detailed cost breakdowns without the tedious manual labor. This not only speeds up the estimation process but also frees up valuable time for builders to focus on other critical aspects of the project.

Additionally, the integration facilitates better supplier relationships as it ensures timely and accurate orders, reducing delays and improving overall project efficiency. In a competitive market, these efficiencies can provide a significant edge, enabling builders to complete projects faster and with greater precision.

A competitive edge in a demanding market

In a competitive residential building market, the ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality can set a builder apart. By leveraging the power of catalogs and recipes in Buildxact, residential builders achieve an unmatched level of efficiency and precision.

Whether you are a small renovator or a larger residential building company, the benefits of using Buildxact are clear. From reducing errors and improving cost accuracy to enhancing client communication and streamlining job management, Buildxact provides the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of residential construction with confidence and ease.

Catalogs and recipes are not just features within Buildxact. They are essential components that revolutionize the way residential builders operate. By embracing these tools, builders unlock new levels of efficiency and precision, ultimately leading to more successful projects and satisfied clients.

Ready to learn more about Buildxact?

See for yourself how Buildxact integrates material supplier pricing and automates the estimating of repetitive tasks like roofing and framing. Schedule a demo today, or if you are ready to get started with Buildxact, sign up for a free trial, today!

The post How Buildxact catalogs and recipes unlock efficiency and precision appeared first on Buildxact AU.

]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/blog/buildxact-catalogs-and-recipes/feed/ 0 A look at innovative renovating with Xpres Kitchen and Bath  https://www.buildxact.com/au/case-study/innovative-remodeling-express-kitchen/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/case-study/innovative-remodeling-express-kitchen/#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:05:05 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=21720 Learn how the pros at Xpres Kitchen & Bath went from juggling multiple software tools to using the leading software in home construction management.

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XPRES Kitchen and Bath, based in Plymouth, Minnesota, specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovating. Under the leadership of Jaime Hommerding, the Vice President of Production, the company has established a reputation as a small business with excellent service. 

An introduction to XPRES Kitchen and Bath 

Jaime has been with XPRES Kitchen and Bath since its inception in 2016 and oversees day-to-day operations, which include working a variety of home construction projects, ranging from traditional kitchen and bath renovating to comprehensive design work. All of this is setup to cater to the evolving needs of their clients. 

Origins and growth 

Customer discusses Buildxact with his laptop perched on a ladderThe company’s journey began with the collaboration between Jaime and Dennis Guptill, who met through a mutual bookkeeper. Initially focused on bathroom renovating, the company quickly expanded services to include kitchen renovating and main floor renovations. Today, they even offer deck renovating, highlighting their versatility in a changing marketplace. 

Adopting construction estimating software 

For Jaime, using Buildxact construction management software is about more than just enhancing efficiency—it’s about revolutionizing their construction job management. Prior to Buildxact, using construction software was time intensive and expensive mainly because it involved learning new administrative techniques, often in the evenings and other off-hours. 

 “My life before Buildxact involved juggling multiple software tools, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs,” Jaime shared. “Now, with Buildxact, everything is in one location, and managing projects has become significantly easier.” 

Jaime found the setup easy because Buildxact offers subscribers different levels of support, including online videos, emails and phone calls.  As Jaime became more familiar with Buildxact, he was pleasantly surprised by the unique features that formed a platform of digital construction tools. 

“We actually ended up finding that Buildxact did a lot more pieces of our business than what we originally thought we were getting into,” he said.  

Accurate quoting and job costing 

One of the standout features for Jaime has been the precision provided by Buildxact’s online quoting and estimating tool, which includes digital takeoffs for accurate material counts and pricing. Having the right pricing is critical, Jaime said. Express Kitchen and Bath remodeler works on a bathroom

“If you aren’t tight with your numbers in a construction company, you are going to probably not last very long,” he said. “With Buildxact, I like the fact that you can control the material costs and the labor costs to the detail that you want.  

“There’s also a box when you’re building your estimate for your markup percentage, which I find particularly nice because you can’t in the construction industry put the same markup on all materials, or you just won’t be competitive,” he said. 

Intuitive job management 

Buildxact is about more than winning more work and pricing it correctly, it’s about managing the job, on time and on budget. For instance, Buildxact’s scheduling feature, which assigns tasks in specific orders using Gantt charts, also has proven valuable for XPRES Kitchen and Bath.  

“There’s a lot of different software out there, and very few of them focus on the production side and the ability to manage your workers … so when we filter our production calendar now, we can filter it by the job name that they’re on, or we can filter it by the employee, or the subcontractor that’s on the job. And it gives us the flexibility to have a better idea of what’s going on, on a day-to-day basis, with the people in the field.” 

A well-organized construction company can deliver a phenomenal customer experience and can deliver a lot of profit for its owners. But it all starts with being organized on how the job is going to be put together and what the steps in the stages are, he said. 

Tracking actual costs against the estimate 

Before adopting Buildxact, Jaime and his team faced challenges with using multiple software tools, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. By consolidating their administrative tasks into Buildxact, they improved their job management capabilities significantly.  

This has allowed them to more closely track actual expenditures against estimated costs, even when it comes to the small things. 

“Buildxact has given us the ability to identify some of those areas that are a little bit more expensive, that we were just kind of, you know, writing them off as not a big deal. And now it’s given us the ability to track some of those smaller pieces to better manage our profit margin,” Jaime said. 

Want to try Buildxact?

Schedule a live demo, or if you are ready to get started today, sign up for a risk-free trial.

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]]> https://www.buildxact.com/au/case-study/innovative-remodeling-express-kitchen/feed/ 0 Mastering Construction Estimating and Scheduling: A Guide for Home Builders https://www.buildxact.com/au/facebook/mastering-scheduling-fb/ https://www.buildxact.com/au/facebook/mastering-scheduling-fb/#respond Wed, 04 Sep 2024 01:21:26 +0000 https://www.buildxact.com/au/?p=21701 Looking to become a residential builder? Check out our latest eBook to learn how to get started and established in the industry.

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Mastering Construction Estimating and Scheduling: A Guide for Home Builders

In the intricate world of home construction, timing is everything.

Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or a seasoned builder, understanding how to effectively schedule people, materials, and equipment can make or break a project.

In this eBook, we’ll show you how you can master your estimating and scheduling, giving you more time and greater control of your business. 

You’ll learn:

  • How being preparation is key to a successful project;
  • The ripple effect a quality schedule has on all aspects of a project;
  • How you can use software to take complete control of your estimating and scheduling. 
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