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For estimating, I've found programs like Bid-To-Win and Timberline to be too cumbersome for demolition bidding. I'm still a little old school and use Exel. Over the years I've custom build a multi-task Exel spreadsheet that covers every nearly everything I could possibly run accross. The beauty of Exel is that you can have an infinite number of tasks, rates, etc. All you need to do is add them to your spreadsheet. Some may say that Exel is an over glorified calculator, but maybe that's all is needed.
For scheduling, Microsoft Project. If I can use it, anyone can.
rdz, there is nothing wrong with old school, Exel is a great program and had used it for everything when I was in flatwork. I have an opportunity to purchase new software and will check out MS Project. Thanks rdz!
Does anyone use the Sage Master Builder?
Let's refraise the question for the others, shall we....
darlin' I'm like rdz, I've tried Timerline as well and there is just not an easy template for demo. I use excel for bids, project for scheduling and occasionally Primavera if a gc specs it.
I haven't tried SageMaster Builder, is it for demo or is it for construction?
We use an Excel program for estimating, but on the take off side we bought Onscreen take off 2 years ago and found that was the best $2k I've ever spent. My favorite part is scanning in the 8x11 drawings you get sometimes and measuring a baseline item onsite than calculating the scale from that onscreen, instead of wearing out your rollo-wheel tire rolling a butload interior walls
darlin' I'm like rdz, I've tried Timerline as well and there is just not an easy template for demo. I use excel for bids, project for scheduling and occasionally Primavera if a gc specs it.
I haven't tried SageMaster Builder, is it for demo or is it for construction?
Good question. I have a demo disk, haven't plugged it in yet, but will let you know.
I will most likely use Excel for bids, but what about QuickBooks Premier Contractor edition? I read it can do everything and Payroll too. I would like to find an "all in one".
Wawrecker, yours sounds like a winner, I don't think the co. will give me that much to spend...... yet
I'm still a little old school and use Exel. Over the years I've custom build a multi-task Exel spreadsheet that covers every nearly everything I could possibly run accross.
For scheduling, Microsoft Project. If I can use it, anyone can.
Old school? I think Excel is one of the best programs out there for estimating. I have used and created several different templates and it can be a never ending.
I too have used several different bidding programs and they are not suited for the demolition industry and some of them are just too damn expensive to purchase. On top of that you will spend several hundred hours setting them up.
Project is a good easy program to use for scheduling, very easy (sorry rdz) If you are only scheduling for workers, people seem to prefer a whiteboard. If it is for a particular job, it’s a great program.
I haven’t used QuickBooks Contractors Edition, but I have previewed it. Again with the contractor edition it has a lot of bells and whistles for the general contractors. So you would be spending time setting it up. I have used QB Pro and it works just fine. I have heard good things about Peachtree. Also Microsoft has a new small business accounting that has received some high marks. I have a copy but have yet to play with it yet.