why to use estimating software?

Must use Software for Estimating:

Back in the past when computer was not as popular as now, finding a way to get a proper estimation for project was very difficult. It is very hard for a person or a group of person to thoroughly analyze the blue print of the project, bring out the relevant information, calculate the amount of material, present market price of material and labor. Along with that, to find out matters like the sequence of work and probable time that would take to complete the project was almost next to impossible. But with the advent of new technology, we get various new software which help us to get a proper estimation of the project.

The features of the Estimating Software:

• Up to date material prices.
• Man hour and crew rate
• Calculator to save time to figure out quantities for bearing walls, joist systems, concrete walls and more
• Job cost wizard which turns estimates and proposals into documents and exports both to printers.
• Also includes permits, fees, set-up, demolition, rubbish removal and renovation. 

To sum up, time and money are two important considerations for any industry, job, or company. What you want is a balance between quality estimates, fairly inexpensive labor, and quality work. While the only thing that construction estimation software can really do for you is provide quick and accurate estimates, the other two areas will fall into place as you spend less time estimating and more time running your business and finishing jobs.

Different estimating software are: BID2WIN, ConEst, ProEst, Maxwell Systems ProContractorMX , PlanSwift. WinEst, Work in Progerss and many more.  

A Quick Review of Sketchup 8

Google launched Sketchup version 8 at 3D Basecamp 2010. This version has much more added facilities than Sketchup 7. you can download Sketchup 8 free version from http://sketchup.google.com/. Many features of Sketchup 7 have been redesigned in it for betterment especially for those who need to make digital site models for their design.

Following the advantages of using Sketchup 8:

Ø      Model geo-location with Google Maps: In Sketchup 8 you are enabled to built Maps by adding a geo-location to the model.

Ø      Color imagery and more accurate terrain: You will get the color aerial imagery with more accurate 3D terrain data when any user adds a geo location to the model.

Ø      Match Photo improvements: The new Match Photo feature allows the users of Sketchup 8 to trace one or more photographs to build a model.

Ø      SketchUp, meet Building Maker: It is now easier to draw models of existing building in Sketchup 8 because you can take advantages of Google Building Maker.

Ø      Solid Tool: There are some new sorts of powerful tools introduced in Sketchup 8 pro for making your drawing more lively and realistic.

1.      Union: This tool is used to add together two or more shapes.

2.      Intersect: With the help of Intersect, you can makes a new shape out of the bits that overlap [parts that are common] - while deleting everything else.

3.      Subtract: It helps you to turn a shape into a 3D cookie cutter. Use it to slice and dice any other solid.

4.      Trim: The tool named Trim tells one shape to take a bite out of the other - without deleting the first shape.

5.      Split: This tool takes a new shape out of the bits that overlap - while keeping everything else.

Ø      Scene Thumbnails: With this feature you can get little image previews of the scenes in the Scene Panel.

Ø      Back Edges: it is used to see the obscured edges as dashed lines. It is also a fantastic substitute to Wireframe or X-Ray mode to look through your model.

Ø      Angular Dimensions in LayOut PRO: For creating angular dimensions Sketchup 8 is equipped with LayOut 3.

Ø      Push/Pull pre-selected faces: if you don’t want to Change your point of view then this tool is apt for you. You have to select face first and then you have to push or pull it.

Ø      Calculate volumes: With the help of this tool, you will get to know the volume of any solid in your model. When you generate report in Sketchup Pro, the volumes will be included there.

Ø      Outer Shell: This tool can generate a shape that completely encloses two or more solids in the model.

Ø      DWG/DXF 2010 PRO: Now you can export or import vector data to Sketchup 8 pro which support DWG/DXF 2010 format.

Ø      DWG/DXF export in LayOut PRO: Sketchup 8 Pro allows its users to share the LayOut 3 Drawings as files that any CAD system or 3D modeler can open.

Ø      Dashed lines are configurable in LayOut PRO: you are able to adjust dashed line style of LayOut PRO library.

Ø      Precise Move in LayOut PRO: In Sketchup 8 Pro, there is a centre grip on every element to do double duty. You can also place it wherever you like to establish a custom ‘snap point’ for putting things according to your requirements.

You can avail the Google Sketchup 8 different languages like English, French, Italian, Spanish and German. Google will release it in more languages soon. The price of Sketchup Pro in US$495 and if you will upgrade it from earlier version then the expenditure will be US$95. You can also download the free version.