Simple cost estimating software
Have you ever wondered what features the ideal cost estimating program should have? Clear, fast, intuitive...
Sounds ideal, but does such a thing exist?
Free calculation software - does it work?
We'll start today's overview with the free calculators that many building supply stores offer.
Most of them are simple tools linked to specific manufacturers' price lists, which let you work out a rough cost of the materials you're interested in and of basic finishing work.
A job for an engineer
Professionals use much more advanced programs for preparing bills of quantities, construction cost estimates and checking cost estimates.
These systems are used for electrical, building services and road works.
Professional documents prepared with the detailed method contain tables of composite elements, i.e. a breakdown of the values of resource inputs - labour - and the other components of the estimated price for a building element or for specific types of work.
Standards catalogues, the basis of costing construction work and estimating repair costs
Another extremely important element of modern software is access to the KNR catalogues (Polish catalogues of resource inputs).
Also known as standards catalogues, they are a systematic description of works, the technologies used to carry them out and the standard resource inputs.
Features of the Rodos program
One of the most popular systems on the Polish market is the Rodos calculation tool, which lets you quickly enter a price list of building services work into the catalogue.
You can also use it to prepare a breakdown of construction and road works.
The Rodos cost estimating program is also helpful when estimating repair costs.
The best programs for preparing construction cost estimates
Engineers and construction students shouldn't be surprised by names such as:
BIM (Building Information Modelling), Sykal, Norma, Koma, Zuzia or ArchiKalk.
Another well-known tool is Winbud, available in various versions. The Winbud Żak version is intended for students at construction schools and universities.
Cost estimating software - what's worth knowing?
Most of these programs can be tried out in a free trial (usually 30 days), but to use their full potential, the user faces a long and tedious learning process.
It's also worth stressing that these programs are designed for typical construction calculations; if you really insist, you can of course make a breakdown of decorative materials in them, but don't say I didn't warn you - it won't be simple or intuitive.
Which program to choose for an interior cost estimate?
So which system should you choose if you work in interior architecture and are interested in a completely different scope of work?
Ideally one that turns renovation cost estimating from an unpleasant chore into a pleasure: KIS List. It's an app for making shopping lists and more, which perfectly complements the software for interior designers.
Online cost estimating software
Cost estimating and storage in one place
Remember, too, that while designing you need many other tools besides a program for drawing up cost estimates.
A shopping list, a cost estimate for finishing a flat, a platform for communicating with clients and your team, and a place for inspiration - that's what you can expect when you use KIS List.
You pull all the product data into your list with the KISer extension, which fetches and catalogues the data automatically. A smart shopping list. That's how you could put it in one sentence.
A smart shopping list? We've got it
You can export the shopping list to PDF or Excel (but it's not a standard shopping list in Excel) together with descriptions and product information, or create a moodboard with one click. You can also share the list with your client online.
You'll also find a favourite products library handy, where you can easily catalogue your favourite products for future projects, as well as the option to create projects - a place where you not only save important files for a specific job, but can also communicate with clients and your team.
In short, if you work in design, you need KIS List.
Software in which you can intuitively prepare not only a pre-construction cost estimate, investor's cost estimates and a finishing work cost estimate.
KIS List is our virtual assistant and a true ally in design work!
