Roof Estimating Software
Accurate Estimating is Crucial
Under estimating can lead to substantial losses and over estimating may result in losing the contract and also the client's confidence.
Quantity Surveyors rule of thumb is to have estimates within 2.5% of actual amount.
An estimate that 5% low does not appear to be a lot but the 5% is misleading. On a $10,000 contract, 5% is $500. However if the profit on the contract is $2,000 then 5% is in fact 25% of the profit.
The success or failure of a company is determined by the accuracy of its estimators.
Why Estimating Using Spreadsheets Or Calculation By Area Does NOT Work
Compare Metal Tiles in Two Roofs of the same area. On the Left a Gable Roof, On the Right a Hip Roof. The Gable Roof has 330 Tiles and the Hip Roof has 366 Tiles.
Both roofs have the same area but the Hip Roof requires 11% more tiles.
Modern Software Optimizes Layout
Modern software calculates quantities by optimizing the layout
- Quantities are accurate
- No overcounting
- No undercounting
The computer Map shows where the offcuts are being placed. This is too much detail to give to a metal tile roofer but the map shows how the calculation is done internally by the computer
Modern Software Calculates a Blocking Pattern
Modern software optimizes the layout and generates a blocking pattern
- Quantities are accurate
- No overcounting
- No undercounting
The computer Map shows where the offcuts are to be placed
3D Modelling Allows Accurate Calculation of Eave To Ridge
For Tiles and Shingles an accurate count requires the exact distance form Eave to Ridge
- Overhang In Gutter allowed for
- Offset back from Ridge allowed for
- Quantities are then accurate
- No overcounting
- No undercounting
By modelling the building on the computer and allowing for gutter overhang, ridge offset, and laps, the computer accurately counts the number of courses required
For Estimating Software That Has All the above features click on the following link for a free trial download