Yeovil based builder Adrian Helyar is hoping for great things having invested in the latest building software from Bristol-based HBXL.

With business beginning to pick up following a downturn which saw many building firms large and small go to the wall, Adrian Helyar decided to invest in HBXL’s EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress software packages to speed up his planning and quoting. The combination of these two powerful software packages is what we call 3D Visual Estimating and is the easiest and fastest way for building firms to produce professional plans and quotes using a ‘design and build‘ process.

Adrian said: “We have been busy all winter on a series of smaller jobs and I decided to give EstimatorXpress and PlansXpress a try.

“Although I haven’t been using the software that long it has clear advantages over the competitors especially as regards time saving. I have already cut my estimating
time down by around 50 per cent and expect to improve on that as I become more proficient on the system.”

AHB has developed from a family business operating in the Yeovil area and has established a solid reputation for trust, quality and reliability.

Adrian said: “We have used PlansXpress to draw up designs for several house extensions, one a straightforward kitchen and the other a more complex kitchen, dining room and first floor extension. We then run the agreed plans through EstimatorXpress to come up with accurate costings.”

“One of the advantages of the system is its flexibility – EstimatorXpress allows us to utilise our own suppliers’ pricing structures based on our existing discounts to come up with a speedy and accurate quote for the client.”

Detailing what’s required right down to the very last screw, the software provides build programmes which helps plan cash flow and when materials are needed on site.

Joanna Mulgrew, marketing director at HBXL said: “Builders are telling us they need a highly accurate, up front estimate at the beginning of a project which enables them to build in their profit margins.

“With the construction sector beginning to move out of the recession builders are reporting a marked increase in inquiries and the ability to respond quickly providing detailed and accurate estimates with plans and project visualisations is a cornerstone of winning the new business out there. We call this visual estimating.”

EstimatorXpress links to more than a thousand plus live material price lists updated using the HBXL Price Tracker database linked to HBXL’s range of builder merchant partners including Travis Perkins, Keyline and TradePoint.