Overview of EZ Construction Estimator

EZ Construction Estimator is an easy to use, scope driven, estimating tool that was built for any Contractor, regardless of their industry. Whether estimating for a roofing project or a municipal sewer project, EZ Construction Estimator provides the data entry and reporting features required for successful and profitable bidding.

The heart of the software is the database of Components and Assemblies. Components make up the largest part of the database and consist of items such as 2x4x10's or ¾"x20 PVC pipe or Electrician Helper Labor. Components are single items that go into an Estimate or Assembly.

Assemblies are made up of 2 or more Components or Assemblies. Assemblies can even be made up by other Assemblies that consist of other Assemblies! There is no limit on the depth of the Assembly tree. The key is to build Assemblies that can be used by other Assemblies. For example, if a Double Faced Drywall Wall is needed in an Estimate, make a 2x4x8 Frame Wall Assembly (include nails in the Assembly), a Hang Only Drywall Assembly (include screws in the Assembly) and a Finish Drywall Assembly (with tape and joint compound). With those 3 Assemblies created, create a Double Faced Drywall Wall Assembly by choosing the 2x4x8 Frame Wall Assembly, the Hang Only Drywall Assembly (twice the quantity) and the Finish Drywall Assembly (twice the quantity). When the Estimate is created, use the Double Faced Drywall Wall Assembly in the Estimate Detail and the software will calculate out the correct materials and labor of all of the constituant parts.

Taking advantage of creating Labor Components allows flexibility in charging labor rates. Creating a Framer Carpenter Component that has labor costs in it will allow them to be changed in a single Component and those changes will be automatically applied wherever that Component is used, whether an Assembly or an Estimate. Since EZ Construction Estimator is installed with hundreds of Components and Assemblies already created, it is almost ready to use right after installing.

Before an Estimate can be created, Estimators will need to be entered. When Estimators have been established, enter the Customer's information for which the Estimate is being created. Then, simply press the Add button on the desktop and the Estimate is created. Assign the Estimator and the Customer to the Estimate and then drag and drop Components and Assemblies into the Estimate and fill out the quantities. Since EZ Construction Estimator is a scope-driven estimating tool, it is easy to break the Estimate into smaller pieces by taking advantage of the Area entity in the Estimate Detail items. An Area can be a single room, such as Bathroom or a specific task, such as Roof Demolition.

When an Estimate is completed, print off the Scope of Work report to get a complete breakdown of the Components and Assemblies used on the Estimate. Also, when the Estimate is approved, print off the Material List for the Estimate to give to the supplier for getting the correct items and quantities to the job site. If you need another report that was not included with the install, simply create a new one using the Report Layout Tool.

EZ Construction Estimator can utilize a Microsoft Access database for less than 3 users. For 3 or more users, it is suggested that the company invest in Microsoft SQL Server for better performance and stability.

While EZ Construction Estimator is a powerful and sophisticated tool, it is very easy to use. Goof proof prompting assures the User that only valid data gets into the system. Browse the Features section of this site to see pictures of the primary data collection functions. Then, download the free, fully functional trial version to see the system at work. Weller Systems is confident that you will be impressed with the functionality. If a feature is missing, submit an Ehancement Request through this site and it may get incorporated into the core functionality of EZ Construction Estimator.