Looking for a software package that can be used in remodeling. Would like to be able to draw existing floor plan, then draw new layout and be able to create takeoff and create estimate from new plan
Anyone ever come across a product with these capabilities?
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http://softplan.com/
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I just got a copy of softpaln to try.
Looking at the features it has alot more than I am looking for.
What I want/need is a package that will let me create an existing floor plan. then change it to new configuration and be able to do take-offs based upon the changes.
If that makes sense.
If it could be used for estimating costs that would be great.
Any other thoughts?
thanks
Jim
One of the modules of SP is Softlist. It creates a spreadsheet list of all materials as you draw the plans.
For new work, when I use it right, it is the most accurate estimation I can have.
For remo, it takes more work to get it right. here's why.
As you draw each item, it is added to the list. Forget to draw in that TP holder and the program will not list it for you. Fail to place the vinyl flooring in the kitchen since you npormally don't draw that in a floorplan program, and it will not be listed on the spreadsheet. But create a wall that has a drainage plane and twoo layers of SR for sound/fire, and it will include all the screws, sheetrock, etc. that you need to build it. You can add waste percentages for your way of working ion the database linked to the spread too.
So I draw the house the way it exists for a baseline original. Then I do "save as" with a new name like conceptA041004 and I have to edit the existing items to not be listed in Softlist, unless I will reuse them, like sayt the cast iron bathtub...
Then as I draw in each new item, it is listed.
I actually use another program for my estimating remo's but compare to this one. I could probably learn this for all jobs.
It is a comparisson between stick estimating and item estimating.
For instance, on roofing, I used to know my costs and would figure a roof at say $70/square. Softlist gets more specific counting each "stick" by listing number of bundles shingles, number of pounbds nails, rolls of felt, feet of flashing, etc with a line for permiting, labour and disposals for you to set or adjust.
a drawback, is that for studs, it will list cut lengths by default instead of total number bd ft frame lumbner. it can be reset, but I haven't/
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