Q. How long is the learning curve?
A. As the demonstration shows, the learning curve for BidBuilder
Estimating Software
is only about 2
hours. However, if you have experience with estimating software the learning curve is less than 2 hours! BidBuilder is shipped to you with training CDs and online video help built into the program. These training supplements walk you through any aspects of BidBuilder you desire eliminating confusion and guess work.
As always, if you have questions you can call us, toll-free and speak with contractors and estimators with real world experience that will help you. We know you are busy in the field with your projects - we are always here to help you with technology.
Q. I use Excel, why should I upgrade
to BidBuilder?
A. BidBuilder offers many advantages that spreadsheets can’t compare to. To name a few, with BidBuilder, you will be working with an organized material database. This means all the material information will be in one location verses scattered throughout a spreadsheet. Update the price of material just ONCE and it is updated automatically throughout the entire database. BidBuilder also displays your estimate in easy to sort columns - no more scanning your spreadsheet for the needed number, item, assembly, price modification, etc. BidBuilder has equations and conversions built into the program, therefore saving you the time of creating them. And most of all, you won’t have to worry about broken equations or material not calculated correctly or lengthy price changes. Are you truly confident in your spreadsheet?
Q. Does BidBuilder provide presentation quality reports?
A. Yes. BidBuilder provides popular pre-designed reports but also enables you to create custom reports to help you manage your business.
Q. Am I able to create proposals in BidBuilder?
A. Yes, BidBuilder has a Proposal Writer built into the program to offer just that. Easily create proposals by inserting proposal statements, client information, estimate information, or even inserting images. This feature allows you to create professional proposals in a matter of minutes. But we didn't stop there. With BidBuilder you can show exactly what work is being proposed – VISUALLY - a picture is worth 1,000 words, right? Eliminate confusion in the clients mind and you win the job. In BidBuilder you can paste drawings, manufacturer’s product graphics, etc. directly in the proposal to eliminate confusion for the buyer and eliminate a liability risk for you. That is going above and beyond what your competition will do. Win more jobs AND keep a professional reputation!
Q. Do I start from scratch and have to build or purchase a database?
A. No! BidBuilder
estimating
software already contains hundreds of popular items in its database and is pre-organized for you. Included is a comprehensive residential database containing pre-created items and assemblies. This database makes it easy and fast to find any item or assembly. Unlike other estimating software products, you aren’t required to build anything from scratch nor do we force you to pay for the database. With BidBuilder you can add, delete, or modify any existing item or completely customize your own database.
Q. Does BidBuilder handle Assemblies?
A. Absolutely. The program includes hundreds of popular assemblies so you are productive immediately and saving time. Easily and quickly add, delete or modify any of these or customize your own. We don’t force you to purchase these nor do you have to start from scratch – you already have hundreds of pre-created Assemblies ready to use. In addition, 3D Visual Assemblies are also available in our estimating software. To view these and see how they will help you click the Visual Assemblies tab. Q. Does BidBuilder handle shipping / ordering of items based on the cycle of the project?
A. Yes. You have the ability to simply tag items into their appropriate Phase or Location. Quickly identify everything by project Phase or Location for fast and easy ordering, delivery, etc.
Q. Will BidBuilder force me to estimate differently than I do now?
No. Unlike other software, the flexibility of BidBuilder enables you to estimate by selecting your preferences on a few quick settings vs. forcing you to learn new methodology and causing a painful learning curve.
Q. Does BidBuilder work with my design
software?
A. BidBuilder contains direct links to most popular design software - including Building Blocks and SolidBuilder! BidBuilder easily and quickly imports any SolidBuilder estimate to further detail your estimate, to print professional reports, manage costs, etc.
Q. Does BidBuilder work with my accounting
software?
A. Yes. BidBuilder was designed with a ‘two-way’ link between BidBuilder and QuickBooks accounting software. BidBuilder has the ability to gather necessary information from QuickBooks and apply it to the material in your estimate. Once your estimate is complete, BidBuilder will send the material back to QuickBooks so you can invoice and perform your typical accounting procedures. If you have accounting software to link to - we will do it for you.
Q. Does BidBuilder interface with any digital takeoff programs?
A. Yes, in fact we have our own Award Winning digital takeoff software which is called “Digital Takeoff.” Digital Canal's take off software is one of only a couple truly professional products that you can get for under $1,000 - HALF the cost of a digitizer. With BidBuilder, take full advantage of Digital Takeoff by using electronic drawings, files, or even importing CAD drawings from other software, architects or designers. This keeps your costs down, lets you respond to your prospective customer very quickly, makes you appear more professional and wins more projects!
Q. Should I purchase Digital Takeoff software with the BidBuilder estimating software?
A. If you want to be completely automated, save space on your desk top, spend less than a digitizer costs and visually check that you did not miss anything in your takeoff - then the answer is yes. To see more information on Digital Takeoff and how it will benefit you directly, click this link -
Digital Take off Software.
Q. How accurate is BidBuilder?
A. BidBuilder is accurate to 10 decimal places - we think that this is more accuracy than you need, but we want to be sure that your profits are secured and surprises are eliminated! It is not easy to find building intelligence in software that protects your profits like BidBuilder will.
Q. Does BidBuilder offer me anything I can pass on to my clients?
A. Yes. With BidBuilder you can easily and quickly offer your clients different design options. Maybe your client is indecisive between two kitchen layouts. BidBuilder lets you figure the price and cost for each layout - then easily update your estimate depending on their choice. This feature offers your clients design options which keep your bids competitive, while maintaining your profit margins. You will know exactly what your cost is – and profit is – for each option as you present them.
Q. Does BidBuilder allow me to write equations for calculating and/or ordering material?
A. Yes. BidBuilder has an equation database which allows you to create and maintain your own equations. More importantly, BidBuilder won’t allow you to create an invalid equation, so you no longer have to worry about broken equations or material not calculating correctly. With equations, you will be producing accurate estimates quickly and easily.
Q. Am I able to enter more than just material information into BidBuilder?
A. Absolutely. Because BidBuilder uses a true
Microsoft database versus a spreadsheet, you can insert multiple types of information to keep you and your business organized. Some of this information includes clients, suppliers, subcontractors, part numbers, part codes, estimators, item notes, and more.
Q. Can my material have multiple prices?
A. Yes, in fact up to 5 different prices are available. BidBuilder allows you to calculate material, labor, subcontractor, equipment, and miscellaneous prices - all within one database location.
Q. Can I export my BidBuilder estimate to any other programs?
A. Yes. Your BidBuilder estimate may easily be exported to Microsoft Excel, accounting software and project management software. Additionally, we also allow you to print your BidBuilder reports/proposals as Microsoft Word or PDF files.
Q. Does BidBuilder allow me apply multiple markups to my estimate.
A. Absolutely. With BidBuilder you can assign multiple types of markups to cover your overhead and profit. Whether you’re applying a dollar amount or a percentage, BidBuilder is capable of calculating your markups. In addition to markups, BidBuilder allows you to give discounts. Simply specify a percentage and BidBuilder will deduct it from your estimate.
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