Estimating Software

[Rich]

I just purchased the Basic Core system of EasyEst software from CSC Software. I have to say for $39 it's pretty nice. I'm not trying to get anyone to buy it - just pointing out there is a pretty cheap estimating program out there.
It's not going to say this program is going to work for everyone - but it's pretty flexible (which is always good). The nice part about it is that the core system with a few add-ons (under $100) can export to Excel, Quickbooks, and a few other programs. You can purchase their price books for another $90 (+/-) - but I'm creating my own from my historic data.
I'm creating a job tracking spreadsheet that takes the exported estimate and allows me to track material, labor, and markup (O&P).
Anyway - check the software out - it may fit your needs. Ask any questions and I'll try and answer with my limited useage.

[giddonah]

so what happened to your custom quickbooks project? I'm ready to move into something and quickbooks contractor edition looks tempting although a bit pricey (sam's club has it for $300).

[Rich]

to get full functionality for quickbooks (to do all the stuff I wanted) I was looking at having to purchase a 3rd party software "QODBC".. it was around $250 for that alone. I figured if I wanted to spend 250 I might as well purchase one of the "other" add-ons out there. Although none of them still have all the features I want. I've heard QB 2006 is supposed to have some of the features - job costing / tracking.
EasyEst (for 39) is capable of exporting to quickbooks - which is good enough for now. At least it allows for invoicing against an estimate.

[giddonah]

well, this certainly looks pretty good. have you used it for a project yet?
did you get any of the add-ons? To export to quickbooks is a $20 add-on? Pricing databases are $160 for electrical, , $60 for drywall, $180 for lumber...

this thing can add up pretty quickly to price it out of range for me. The $40 program looks pretty sweet, but the extra functions just look like $5 hotdogs.

http://www.easyest.com/options.htm

[Rich]

I just did the quickbooks and export to spreadsheet - ended up just under $100. I think the pricebooks are not worth it. Doubt I would use any of the items they had anyway - or would have to modify them at the least.
If you do end up getting it with the spreadsheet export let me know and I'll send you this file.

[giddonah]

ok, I'll look into it again. Right now I'm trying to finish a phase of a project for christmas.


btw, I can't log into the other forums. it says thanks for logging in, but then says I don't have permission to post. :?

[Rich]

Should be ok to post now.. at least all the permissions are correct. You might have to delete browser cache and delete cookie from old forum.