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I’ll explain the significance of renovation and estimating software in a moment. In the meantime, let’s just take a moment to consider how many people seem to be undertaking renovation projects right now. Not extensions but renovations.

They’re not automatically moving to a new house or extending their current one. More and more people are choosing to renovate their existing homes. This trend reflects a couple of things: 1) Rising energy bills have created a drive for thermal efficiency, plus of course, a general concern about today’s cost of living 2) Lifestyle preferences have evolved. There’s a growing appreciation for the value of spaces within a home and how best to use them. The pandemic has a lot to answer for!

For builders looking to capitalise on this trend, understanding the motivations behind it and effectively promoting your services is key. And if you scroll towards the end of this page, you’ll see how HBXL can help with its new EstimatorXpress 2024 edition. As well as calculators for new builds, extensions and loft conversions, it has massively increased its range of renovation calculators in the estimating software. If you don’t have equivalent software, you should read on…

Cost considerations

As I say, one of the primary reasons driving the popularity of home renovations is the increasingly competitive housing market. Rapidly rising property prices, coupled with limited availability, have made it challenging for many homeowners to find suitable new homes within their budget. As a result, renovating their current property becomes a more financially viable option, allowing them to create their dream home without the, often, hefty price tag associated with buying a new one.

Rejuvenated space

Renovations offer the flexibility to tailor the look to suit the lifestyle, from choosing specific materials and finishes to reconfiguring layouts to better suit the homeowners’ needs. Knocking a room through. Reconfiguring a kitchen. Creating a snug. Adding a window. All to the homeowner’s exact brief. They’re called ‘improvements’ for a reason.

Emphasis on sustainability

The increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness is also driving the popularity of renovations, or rather retrofits. Many homeowners are opting to update their properties with energy-efficient features, such as solar panels, insulation, heat source pumps, and eco-friendly appliances – all to reduce their carbon footprint and lower their utility bills. The Future Homes Standard coming into effect in 2025, is a good reason for the residential builder to get ahead of the game and start working in this sector now.

Promoting your expertise in renovation work

So how do you stand out – what do you need to consider to become the preferred building firm for renovations and retrofits?

Highlight expertise and experience: Emphasise your experience and expertise in renovations, showcasing past projects and demonstrating your ability to transform outdated spaces into modern, stylish homes.

Offer comprehensive services: Many homeowners prefer to work with builders who can handle all aspects of the renovation process, from design and planning to construction and finishing touches. Promote your ability to provide all these services, making the renovation process as seamless and stress-free as possible for your clients.

Focus on quality and craftsmanship: Quality craftsmanship is crucial in renovations, where attention to detail can make all the difference in the final result. E their commitment to quality and craftsmanship, reassuring homeowners that their renovation project will be completed to the highest standards.

Provide transparent pricing and timelines: Renovation projects can often be complex and unpredictable, but you can set yourself apart by providing transparent pricing and realistic timelines upfront. Clear communication and honest expectations can help build trust with homeowners and alleviate any concerns they may have about the renovation process. Again, if I can draw your attention to the end of this article and EstimatorXpress…

Showcase the transformation: If you can demonstrate the dramatic transformation you can achieve with a 3D model, you’ll inspire huge confidence. That’s not just providing a quotation. That’s going the extra mile. You need clever CAD software for this. And I can help you there as well.

EstimatorXpress 2024 for renovations, retrofits and property conversions

In response to the growing trend of renovation work, we’ve created new calculators for our flagship estimating software, EstimatorXpress. This new set of estimating calculators specific to renovation and retrofit work will ensure your quotations are comprehensive, accurate – and profit-making.

From removal of wall tiles to joinery demolition, brickwork repair to retrofit loft insulation – the list is extensive.

We’ve also included new estimating calculators for properties being converted into flats for multiple occupancy. We’re talking fire doors, fire alarm systems, fire protection consumables, and more.

There’s also a new 2024 PlansXpress with new drawable renovation items. And PlansXpress is where you’ll get your 3d models from – regular a

WHAT NEXT?

Is your own estimating software up to the job? EstimatorXpress 2024 and PlansXpress 2024 are being launched any day now. You can buy or subscribe to EstimatorXpress here and PlansXpress here. (You’ll automatically receive the software update). If you have the software and your Support & Updates is up-to-date then you’ll be able to download the updates via the user zone on the day. If you need to renew or upgrade in order to receive these updates (and all previous ones) call 0117 916 7892 or make your payment online.