Five Things Electrical Contractors Should Look for When Buying Electrical Estimating Software

When electrical contractors hear the word "tools," certain images probably come to mind: wire strippers, multimeters, or maybe even a spool of electrical wire. But do electrical contractors also think of their software as a crucial tool for cost estimates and takeoffs?

As all electrical contractors know, the electrical construction industry is fast-paced, and having the right tools can spell the difference between success and failure. Electrical contractors can't wire a building without the proper tools, and their electrical estimating software is no different. Electrical contractors can't expect to produce accurate cost estimates efficiently if they're using estimating software that hasn't been optimized for electrical takeoffs and cost estimates.

With such a myriad of electrical estimating and takeoff software options available, the pressure on electrical contractors to choose the best solution for cost estimates can be overwhelming. To help electrical contractors navigate through the landscape of options, we've compiled five key factors to consider when buying electrical estimating software for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Key Takeaways for Electrical Contractors:

Reliable Tech Support: Choose software with responsive support via phone, chat, email, and online resources available during work hours for electrical contractors.
Available Training Sessions: Look for ongoing training, from basic tutorials to advanced modules, with materials for electrical contractors of all levels.
All-In-One Solution: Invest in electrical estimating software that integrates both electrical takeoff and cost estimating into one platform to streamline workflow and minimize errors for electrical contractors.
Frequent Updates: Select software regularly updated to meet electrical industry standards, address bugs, and enhance user experience for electrical contractors.
Easy-to-Use Interface: Prioritize intuitive software with easy navigation and customization options to minimize learning curve for electrical contractors performing cost estimates and takeoffs.

One: Reliable Tech Support for Electrical Contractors

Between troubleshooting issues, resolving bugs and providing guidance on software functionalities, responsive and knowledgeable technical support is truly an irreplaceable element when electrical contractors are selecting estimating software for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Electrical contractors should look for solutions that offer a number of different and responsive support channels, including:

Phone support for electrical contractors
Live chat for immediate assistance with cost estimates and takeoffs
Email support for detailed queries about electrical estimating
Online resources tailored for electrical contractors

These support channels should have quick response times, experience troubleshooting electrical construction-specific challenges in cost estimates and takeoffs, and be available during working hours for electrical contractors.

Two: Training and Educational Sessions for Electrical Contractors

To use electrical estimating software to its full capability for cost estimates and takeoffs, electrical contractors must have a comprehensive understanding of the system. To ensure this, electrical contractors should look for software providers that offer ongoing training and education sessions.

These educational opportunities will help electrical contractors maximize the software's potential in electrical estimating and takeoffs.

From basic tutorials to advanced training modules, educational resources can empower electrical contractors to use the software with confidence, leading to improved productivity and accuracy when completing electrical cost estimates and takeoffs.

Electrical contractors might look for a software provider that offers on-site and remote training, with options for beginners, as well as deep dives for more seasoned electrical estimating professionals.

Training courses should be taught by well-established members of the software company's staff, and electrical contractors should be offered educational materials they can keep, like workbooks, for additional practice on cost estimates and takeoffs.

Electrical contractors should also consider whether the software provider offers ongoing training opportunities to keep users updated when new features are released for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Three: All-In-One Electrical Takeoff and Cost Estimating

Instead of using separate software for electrical takeoff and cost estimating, electrical contractors should seek out and invest in a comprehensive solution that consolidates all aspects of the electrical bidding process. This can enable seamless data transfers between takeoff and cost estimating modules, eliminating double entry, minimizing errors and saving time for electrical contractors.

Well-executed integrations also keep electrical contractors from needing to purchase additional software for takeoffs or cost estimates and often allow them to design in the same electrical drawing.

Electrical contractors should also look for features like:

Electrical trade-specific databases for accurate cost estimates
Built-in change order tracking for evolving electrical projects
Unlimited supplier price reports for electrical components to enhance cost estimates

These elements will help to further ensure accuracy by tailoring the software to electrical contractors' specific project requirements for takeoffs and cost estimates.

Four: Frequently Updated for Electrical Contractors

When a company is committed to electrical estimating software enhancement, it will consistently update its product to meet ever-evolving electrical industry standards for cost estimates and takeoffs. These upgrades help electrical contractors remain competitive within their trades without any additional work being added to the estimating process.

But regular updates do more than keep electrical contractors on the technological forefront: they also address any software bugs or performance issues that may arise during the software's use for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Some common updates could include new features, expanded electrical databases, integrated toggles to calculate using new or existing electrical industry standards, integrations, and additional options for electrical items and assemblies in takeoffs and cost estimates.

Electrical contractors should be sure to select software made by a company that actively seeks out and considers user feedback from electrical contractors.

When a company acts upon consumer feedback, the overall user experience for electrical contractors is typically more enjoyable, sustainable, and efficient. It can also help ensure that the software remains relevant and competitive in the electrical marketplace for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Five: Easy to Use for Electrical Contractors

Electrical contractors should invest in electrical takeoff and cost estimating software that prioritizes and maintains an intuitive design. This makes it easier for an electrical contracting team to implement the software and learn the layout quickly for both takeoffs and cost estimates.

Electrical contractors might prioritize a system with simplified calculations for electrical work and the ability to effortlessly add, save, and store new electrical items and assemblies for takeoffs and cost estimates.

All-in-one software that makes it possible to translate the electrical cost estimate into the bid and integrate the takeoff into the estimate can save time and eliminate time-consuming steps in the electrical estimating process.

These elements will help to minimize the learning process for any new electrical estimators working on takeoffs and cost estimates.

Consider Specialized Electrical Estimating Software Solutions for Cost Estimates and Takeoffs

With so many options available, choosing the right electrical estimating software for cost estimates and takeoffs can be difficult for electrical contractors. The solution electrical contractors ultimately choose can have an impact on not only their electrical project outcomes but also on their bottom line.

By prioritizing elements like reliable tech support, comprehensive electrical training, integration capabilities, regular updates, and ease of use, electrical contractors can give themselves the best shot of success with their new system for cost estimates and takeoffs.

Electrical contractors should remember to thoroughly evaluate their options, seek out product demos and solicit feedback or case studies on current users before making a final decision. With the right electrical estimating software in place, electrical contractors can optimize efficiency, accuracy, and profitability across their electrical projects, from takeoffs to final cost estimates.

Some specialized electrical estimating software solutions offer all of these features and more for electrical contractors. In addition to being an all-in-one solution for takeoffs and cost estimates, they pride themselves on offering industry-leading customer service and unlimited tech support, so electrical contractors can optimize their system and win more profitable electrical jobs.

Want to learn if specialized electrical estimating software for takeoffs and cost estimates is a good fit for your electrical contracting business? Schedule your free electrical estimating software demo today to find the best fit for your electrical contracting needs.

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