Why S&M Solutions is using HBXL

High end, London-based contractor S&M Solutions has found HBXL’s EstimatorXpress to be a capital idea! Professional Builder talks to the firm’s founder, Safet Mustafaj We offer our clients a full…

High end, London-based contractor S&M Solutions has found HBXL’s EstimatorXpress to be a capital idea! Professional Builder talks to the firm’s founder, Safet Mustafaj

We offer our clients a full design & build service, enthuses Safet Mustafaj, proprietor of S&M Solutions. “That allows us to take ownership of the project across its full lifetime and HBXL’s EstimatorXpress is an integral part of the process.”

We caught up with Safet in a leafy and well-heeled corner of southeast London. It’s in that quarter of our capital city where he and team can be found undertaking quality extensions, loft conversions, and the more substantial interior refurbishment jobs. “The way we’re set up as a business, we’re not really interested in taking on anything less than a £100,000 job”, explains the 41 year-old. “Ultimately, I really love doing this kind of work, and that is more important than anything to me.”

Premium projects

With greater cost comes increased complexity and it’s here that Safet finds that HBXL’s software really makes it money. “We have architects and engineers on our payroll, as well as a sister company called S&M Design. By utilising all those resources, we can make sure that we’re delivering on the client’s vision but within a budget with which they are comfortable.”

Safet can point to more than two decades of experience in the construction industry, starting as an engineer and moving up to management. “I don’t think we could do without HBXL and every one of our jobs now goes through EstimatorXpress. When you’re dealing with premium projects mistakes can be costly and the software ensures that every element is accounted for, and at the right price, before we start work. It provides peace of mind and protects our bottom line.”

Indeed, Safet describes HBXL as one of the most essential tools at his company’s disposal. It’s comprehensive and detail driven format, means nothing escapes scrutiny, and it ultimately benefits all parties. Built in estimating calculators in picture form accounts for every item, including labour. HBXL’s Price Tracker provides up to date prices, whilst users can equally view a job at a glance, including the cost to the customer, overheads, cash flow and profit margin.

“We can, of course, choose exactly what we want to communicate to the customer from the information that EstimatorXpress generates but it’s the level of transparency that safeguards the client and reduces the chances of any surprises during the build. We can tell them with confidence that the agreed budget will get them over the finishing line. Nor should you underestimate the time saved as well, which is considerable.

Although Safet has found EstimatorXpress to be intuitive and easy to use, he has made use of some of the extensive online resources that HBXL offers, including training sessions and videos. The building software provider’s team are also very supportive if queries do arise. “I do believe that, for anyone with a even a modest grasp of computers, it is a straightforward system to use, and there’s a lot of help available.”

Design and build

As Safet gave us a tour of the one of his current projects – which includes a cinema room in the refurbished loft conversion and some major interior upgrades – he explains why his company is deliberately set up as design and build and how EstimatorXpress is the perfect partner.

“S&M Solutions has been trading for 10 years. In that time, we found that some architects – although they might have the best intentions – will provide plans that don’t reflect the client’s budget. By contrast, we will sit down with the homeowner and make sure that they will enjoy the best possible outcome within what is affordable for them. We couldn’t do that without HBXL. It help us include
all the right materials, fixtures and fittings whilst remaining in full control of the costs. Prices can be adjusted to what we’re paying locally and literally every component can be included.

“With house prices so elevated in London we are finding that a lot of property owners are improving what they have, rather than moving on. That does mean present business opportunities for
contractors like us. We’re a local company that champions good relationships with our clients, with a good service and a quality finish.”

For further information on HBXL’s EstimatorXpress click here.

If you want to know more about the work of S&M Solutions click here.