Posts by Joanna Mulgrew

Big profit and building project don’t always go together. Inaccuracies, delays and problems can all conspire to eat away at your already slim profit margin until there’s nothing left. For so many builders, despite relentless activity, profitability remains elusive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. This article is about transforming your business into a sustainable venture that will thrive in any economic climate. And to do it you…

Of course you want your building firm to be successful in tough times as well as in the boom times. But how? It feels easier said than done. The world is looking shaky right now. Geopolitical tensions, global crises, economic uncertainties… the landscape for building firms is anything but stable. From the complexities of Brexit and conflicts in regions like Ukraine and Gaza to the lingering effects of the Covid-19…

So do you estimate your building projects using a digital tool? If not – why not? It’s unlikely you’re using a mobile phone from 10+ years ago. If you’re old enough to know what one is, it’s unlikely you’re still using a VHS player. Technology moves fast and in the main we all embrace the inevitable changes and applaud the improvements – the ease of use, the improved quality and…

‘Is a Construction Skills bootcamp right for me’ is a question we’re often asked. And invariably a Bootcamp is ideal for anyone who wants to gain skills in estimating, business (specific to construction) or CAD for construction. For some, it’s training they didn’t know they needed! If you’ve been in construction for some time, you may well feel like you pretty much know it all by now. Well we’ve got…

Want a more successful construction company? When will you be ready to do the things needed to become more successful than you are now? In a few months? Once this next job is finished? When you’re properly off the tools? Once you’ve recruited more help? The truth is, waiting for the perfect moment is only delaying your progress. And let’s face it there’s never a good time. Take stock of…

A huge number of new walls have been added to EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress in a big software update for 2023. And there’s more… What do you mean by lots more walls? You have way more flexibility to alter the make-up of a wall whether you’re designing or estimating. Users are already loving it! Choose from a long list of external finishes (different cladding, renders and tiles including SIPs and ICF)…

Maintaining a consistent flow of profit can be quite a challenge. The complex nature of the construction industry, combined with unforeseen project hurdles, often lead to profit fluctuations. However, there’s a powerful solution that’s changing the way residential building firms approach profitability – and that’s EstimatorXpress. This award-winning software is a specialist estimating tool for residential construction projects such as extensions, renovations, loft conversions, and new builds. And in this…

Ticking a list – there’s nothing like it and one of the few perks of doing admin. That’s because building a successful construction business is no small feat. The endless to-do lists, the constant juggling of tasks, and the need to keep everyone on the same page… It can sometimes feel like trying to push water uphill. But what if we told you that there’s a way to make your…

As published in October 2023 issue of Professional Builder Magazine Joanna Mulgrew, Managing Director of HBXL Building Software, shares her advice on making money rather than losing it. In a year marked by economic turbulence, the pressure building firms face is real. We know. At HBXL we’re talking to builders every day. The temptation to give an overly competitive price to secure projects is understandable, but before you tread this…

For a limited time this month you can have FREE customer contract software! That’s right – nothing to pay! Our HBXL ContractsXpert software makes the legal side of construction so much easier – and that’s really good news! And that’s because homeowners can play hard to get with the final instalment, they can move the goal posts, and they can pay in their own sweet time. And in a difficult…

“CAD for profitable take-offs” – Skills Bootcamp ** 10-week course – Fridays 10am – 4.30pm – January/February/March 2024 ** Want to take-off a plan and get an accurate estimate from it? This is a great opportunity! On this particular course (part of our CAD for Construction series of Skills Bootcamps) rather than designing using CAD you will receive training in taking off a plan and getting a profitable estimate from…

Both the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and HBXL know very well that running a small to medium-sized building firm in the UK comes with its own set of challenges, especially in these testing times. The FMB recently reported concerning statistics that highlight the impact of increased material costs and outgoings on businesses. With 79% of members indicating material cost hikes in Q2 2023 and 72% anticipating this trend to…