Let’s pretend that ‘The Budget’ is a person. Few will argue against the fact that The Budget ultimately rules every project. While it may be the owner who carries the vision, the architect who crafts the design, and the contractors who execute the plan, ‘The Budget’ ultimately dictates the size, scope, and success of a project. The Budget even ultimately determines if the project will ever be built. The Budget is more than just a number. The Budget is King, and this king influences the actions of every participant. No one moves unless the King says so. The Budget is also the reason why the market today is flooded with software companies that specialize in helping determine the size and scope of The Budget.
The Budget
Construction estimating software is not a gimmick and is not just for the contractors who bid work. Estimators and project managers are turning to digitized takeoff software to make the bidding process faster, more reliable, and above all—profitable by staying within the budget. These software applications should be utilized both before and after The Budget is established. When focused on the conceptual and design phases, estimating tools, such as On Center Software’s On-Screen Takeoff®(OST), generate a more precise take on the budget and facilitate better planning and communication.
Automate Takeoff & Bidding
OST and Quick Bid® (QB) enable rapid takeoff of detailed quantities for any scope of work, using electronic plans or image files. These image files can include aerial photos or images taken from Google Earth to aid in making decisions such as where the new parking lot and walkways should be placed, what kind of landscaping the lot accommodates, or how the building’s footprint should be laid out. Combining these data points with other information it is easy to develop a conceptual budget.
It is easy to break down the takeoff data by Division and Section using QB. Productivity improves with each use of automation by leveraging custom libraries and templates for different building types. Creating custom libraries for construction types allows for faster and more accurate conceptual estimating. Subsequent, similar project planning and estimating doesn’t have to be started from scratch and can be developed faster.
Preset Conditions
There is no need to start each job with a blank slate or reinvent the wheel—leverage new estimates with previously saved conditions from completed projects. Each time a project is created in OST, conditions may optionally be added to a style library. Over time, a well-rounded style library for Office Buildings, Schools, Hospitals, Warehouses, etc. is established. As new projects begin, a list of previously used conditions is pulled/ dropped-in from the library. These conditions include items such as partitions, plumbing fixtures, electrical receptacles, furniture and other items required for each type of project. Unless the projects involve an extreme amount of specialty work, where conditions are never the same, having the option to use preset conditions saves a lot of time.
Overlay
During the design and development phases, multiple revisions to a set of plans are bound to occur. Any changes to the plans that are not clearly marked may result in errors in the takeoff, and therefore impact the budget. As new revisions are issued, OST provides the ability to overlay a new set of plans onto the previous version, making it easy to spot any modifications to those drawings. Sections of the plans that were deleted from the original scope are automatically marked in red while new additions are clearly marked in blue. And because digital plans are used with OST, this overlay image, any annotations, and the entire set of plans are quickly shared electronically with team members.
For example, if an education facility project is planned and there is a need to quickly convey to the team the architects’ changes of adding 150 extra seats to an auditorium, or shrinking the gymnasium to accommodate two more classrooms, the overlay feature clearly displays both the original and newly proposed plans in a colorful and distinct way. This feature may not directly impact the budget, but it has a profoundly positive effect on communication that reduces risk.
Communication
When using digital takeoff software, there is no need to print and shuffle stacks of large plans. Nor is there a wait for paper plan deliveries or pickup services. Electronic media enhances communication among all personnel involved in the planning and estimating process. The lack of or delay in communication between contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners and architects has long been a hindrance to project completion. Unnecessary delays generally lead to missed deadlines and possibly even the worst-case scenario—a blown budget. By having quicker and more accurate quantity takeoffs along with the ability to share the information electronically, issues about material quantities are discussed and resolved in a fraction of the time. This results in lower costs to the planners, the contractors, as well as to the owners.
During the design and estimating phases, the team collaborates by highlighting and making notes to each revised plan. Then they share those annotations instantly by using OST. Because email has certain size constraints (2-10MB) on the attachments that can be sent, OST includes a feature called Project Express that allows the sharing of the entire takeoff details with owners, contractors, subcontractors, and consulting engineers without worrying about a file size cap.
Automate The Budget
Taking advantage of the full capabilities of OST is much more than the basics of takeoff. Improved communication, the positive impact across the design and estimating process has a direct correlation to a solid, manageable budget. OST dramatically benefits the bottom-line through time saved and improved accuracy when preparing the next project. The Budget should always be respected with the highest level of accurate information—OST is automation fit for this king.
On Center Software
On Center Software, Inc., is a privately held company providing software and training to construction industry professionals for over 24 years. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, the company’s mission is to transform the estimating, takeoff, and labor-tracking experience with comprehensive software solutions that turn winning bids into profitable projects. On Center Software solutions include On-Screen Takeoff®, Quick Bid®, and Digital Production Control™. Customers in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, and 60 other countries around the world leverage On Center Software’s internationally recognized solutions. For more information about On Center Software, call 866.627.6246 or visit www.oncenter.com.
DOWNLOAD the full white paper.
