In today's competitive construction industry, securing work takes more than a friendly smile and a single sheet quotation. Actually, when was that ever enough? In the current climate, success in the face of stiff competition, demands a strategic blend of professionalism, timely responses, detailed quotations, and accurate estimations.

With the market constantly evolving, small to medium-sized building firms face intensified challenges in clinching contracts. However, by implementing key practices and taking advantage of innovative tools like EstimatorXpress from HBXL Building Software, you can significantly improve your chance of success.

Professionalism: A foundation for success

It sounds fundamental. But you can’t under-estimate the importance of delivering exceptional customer service, and demonstrating expertise in your field. Professionalism sets the tone for client conversations and can leave a lasting impression, influencing their decision-making process – and referrals.

The power of presentation

OK so you’re not trying to win work in the boardroom, but the living room of a customer’s home is just as important if you’re looking to make a £40 or £50K profit on a job! Effective presentation skills play an important job. Presenting your firm's project portfolio, previous successful projects, and testimonials in a visually compelling way can clinch the deal. And the look of your covering letter and quotation can be make or break.

Timely and detailed quotations

Returning quotes promptly showcases reliability and responsiveness. A swift turnaround time highlights your commitment and interest in the project. Present a detailed quotation and you’ll be demonstrating a thorough understanding of the project requirements, instilling confidence in clients about your competence and attention to detail.

The crucial role of accuracy

Accuracy in estimates is non-negotiable. Clients want precise cost estimates and timelines to make informed decisions. Even minor discrepancies can undermine trust and jeopardise the likelihood of securing a project. Accurate estimates reflect competence and reliability, positioning your firm as a trustworthy partner.

EstimatorXpress from HBXL Building Software: Transforming the game

EstimatorXpress by HBXL Building Software is the leading solution in the UK for small to medium-sized building firms, revolutionising the estimation process. Here's how it can be a game-changer:

Streamlined estimating process

EstimatorXpress simplifies complex estimating tasks, allowing you to create detailed estimates efficiently. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive library of construction costs streamline the estimation process, enabling you to produce accurate quotes quickly and easily.

Professional presentation of quotes

The software automatically produces professional, detailed quotes that can be easily customised for presentation to the client – including your own business logo. With clear breakdowns of costs, materials, labour, and timelines (via the Build Programme it automatically produces), EstimatorXpress elevates the presentation of quotations, showcasing professionalism and competence.

Enhanced accuracy and cost control

100% accurate. The software uses the latest material prices. The library of estimating calculators is vast. And the labour and plant costs are closely monitored for their accuracy. The software also allows for a wear and tear percentage, plus wastage, overheads – and inflation. This level of precision not only fosters client trust but also assists you in maintaining cost control and importantly, protecting your valuable profit margin.

Time-saving and efficiency

So much of what EstimatorXpress does is automated. Your role is relatively small. It’s about adding dimensions, selecting specific materials and so on. All this means you will produce estimates quickly and simply press a button to get an automatic quotation and supporting reports. And of course with time saved, you have an increased capacity for going after many more jobs, important in a challenging market.

So what next?

In today's fiercely competitive building industry, mastering the art of winning projects requires a combination of professionalism, timely responses, detailed quotations, and accuracy in estimations. By choosing EstimatorXpress you will have the tools to streamline your estimation process, enhance presentation quality, and significantly improve your chances of securing lucrative contracts in a challenging 2024. Contact us today on 0117 916 7898, have a quick demo of EstimatorXpress or download a free 14-day trial.

The art of winning building projects in a competitive landscape