Mary asks…
What is the best Tablet pc for construction estimating (Insurance adjusters) in the field?
What is the best Tablet pc for construction estimators in the field? Can anyone please give me any hints on software i will need to run and write on this Tablet pc? Any advise on estimating softwares like Exactimate etc? Thanks!
Wize Guy answers:
Toughbook hands down! Talk to Panasonic and they’ll hook you up with the software you need.
Lisa asks…
Is there any insurance loss estimating software homeowners can buy to calculate losses for claims?
In order to negotiate with the insurance company, it would be useful to have a software package that would help itemize, price, calculate, and estimate, not only the value of contents but also the cost per square foot of restored construction, the labor cost of tearout of damaged property, debiris disposal costs, etc. Insurance companies have such software packages. It would be great if the insured could also use one.
Wize Guy answers:
There are two main software packages that insurance companies use. It would be cost prohibitive for a homeowner to purchase it. However, most contractors that do insurance repair work have the same programs. The easiest thing for a homeowner to do is have their contractor put together an estimate for the repairs. If there is a price difference from the adjusters estimate – then the contractor and adjuster will work it out – or you can just send the contractor estimate to the adjuster to review.
George asks…
Who knows the most comprehensive and user friendly software for construction project management & accounting?
I am running an expanding construction/remodeling company and need to have some sound systems in place for accounting, estimating, project management, etc. There is a lot of software out there. I am looking for recommendations.
Wize Guy answers:
Both PeachTree and QuickBooks are geared toward smaller companies (for instance companies with annual earings of $5M or less). I use PeachTree and it has a pretty extensive array of project management tools.
Sandy asks…
Construction Cost Software?
Can anyone tell me what is an excellent/superb software that accurately estimates construction costs for specific cities in Virginia?
Wize Guy answers:
I use Craftsman Book, they are the best and they are always updating the prices so you will always be current. They have a place for you to put in your local zip code so you get local prices and it has remodeling and new construction cost as well. I’ve used them for the past 5 yrs and they are always right in line. So go to Craftsmanbook.com and order your program from them, I think they cost about $65.00.
Laura asks…
how much time should be spent on software design as a percent of the entire construction phase?
We are estimating the design phase and overall construction phase of an IT software (j2EE) project. Is there any industry “standard” as to how much time should be spent designing , compared with total construction. I have seen figures ranging from 10-30 % . Would like to hear from some experts. Thank you!
Wize Guy answers:
It would depend on the nature of the project. It could be 10-30%. Here are some factors to consider:
* What kind of system are you building? Web or Desktop, which both have lots of user interaction scenarios? Or a processing system, with relatively few user scenarios.
* Are you building something that’s bleeding edge with completely new features? Or are you customizing an off-the-shelf package?
* Are you adopting an existing framework (for J2EE, Hibernate and Spring come to mind)?
* How good is your team? Experienced teams won’t need as much time.
* How large and distributed is your team? Larger teams with lots of remote developers will need more time.
* How integrated is your software design process into your system design process? Are you following waterfall, UP, Agile? Depending on those answers, how integrated your system designers are with requirements gathering and how you’re defining “design phase” your answer will vary. For example, because we do web development, we combine graphical design and system design in one task because they’re pretty closely related.
* What are the testing and validation requirements? Applications subject to audit industry, client or government audit will take more time.
* What’s the lifetime of the application? Obviously there’s a balance to strike between “straight line development” and “designing for every eventuality.”
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Tags: user friendly software, smaller companies, insurance company, construction estimators, remodeling company, cost per square foot