PB talks to Matthew Bee of We Are Builders about his experiences with HBXL’s Software
A professional estimate is the foundation of any construction project. It’s where you can make sure you generate a healthy profit margin and maintain a thriving business. The HBXL range of building software solutions are your tools to do just that and Matthew Bee of We Are Builders is an enthusiastic advocate.
The major Norwich renovation job that we caught up with Matthew on was planned and priced through PlansXpress and EstimatorXpress. “This is a complex job and a good example of what you can achieve with the software,” Matt enthuses. “We are creating a new rear dormer, to extend the existing bedroom, and split the space up to include a new en-suite and dressing room, with bi-fold windows and an attractive zinc standing seam roof. These, together with the Velux roof windows, take advantage of a fabulous view across Whitlingham National Park, which is part of the Norfolk Broads. At the same time, we have undertaken a complete reroof, insulating from above with a breather quilt and below with PIR insulation.”
Matthew embarked upon his building career as a bricklayer and founded Norfolk based We Are Builders in 2008. The well established family firm includes Matthew’s wife, Louise Bee as his business partner, who is also a Gas Safe registered heating engineer. A company that undertakes all manner of residential improvement works has remained loyal to HBXL’s solutions since 2009. The emphasis is on a high-end finish, and new work is sourced almost entirely from recommendations.
“We’re a small business with just two apprentices on the payroll, and – when you’re responsible for everything that comes with that – that’s where HBXL’s software really makes its mark,” explains the 43-year-old. “PlansXpress is a really easy to use software programme for drawing building plans and I’m largely self taught in its use. I know what materials and quantities I’ll need and I’m able to provide a client with professional plans along with 3-D models of projects. I have used it to quote for design and build jobs without employing the services of an architect or quantity surveyor, which is another saving. You have the option to select what type of wall or roof you want and drag and drop it in or draw them yourself.”
A PlansXpress user can import drawings and then amend if necessary. The result is a Building Regulation- and planning application compliant document that can then be dropped into EstimatorXpress. For Matthew this is where the process of building a professional quote begins.
“The beauty of HBXL’s estimating software is that it’s so versatile. It will generate accurate prices, through its Price Tracker+ system but these can be revised to reflect my own profit margin, which I can add as a percentage, as well as labour rates, or what materials from a particular manufacturer have already been specified.
“I can work through it in stages with the confidence I’m not missing an element of the build. Any omission can easily come back to bite you, but EstimatorXpress provides me with the peace of mind of knowing I’m making my profit on the job. It saves me loads of time when quoting, and when you have a family that’s priceless. Not only that, but I can also generate a build programme and materials/labour schedule based on what I know about my own business and how long it will take to complete a project.”
Versatility
EstimatorXpress users can generate quotes from drawings or build an estimate from scratch. Readymade templates built into the software’s project library, can be adjusted as required and price tracked materials rates include over 6,000 resources, all of which can be modified to reflect the builder’s own business and local trading conditions.
For Matthew one of the key benefits of a HBXL estimate is the projection of a professional image. It acts as a resource for establishing trust between the builder and client at the very start of the relationship: “Everything is itemised, from the site set-up to kitchen and bathroom fittings along with all things in between. I get a lot of comments from clients that they really appreciate the detail, and you can make the estimate your own, with a covering letter that includes my own logo and any accreditations, which in our case includes Gas Safe.
“On the job we’re currently working on the estimate was a 14-page document, but you can choose how much information you want to provide the client. On any job, even very small errors can start to add up. As well as that, the support and updates package from the knowledgeable HBXL team is excellent. I can ring them any time during working hours and I’m on first name terms with many of them now. They even have the ability to log into your computer remotely so they can review what you’re doing on the screen.”
That support has also included the HBXL Skills Bootcamp programme. These online courses include Business skills for a successful construction firm; Estimating Skills for a thriving construction firm; and CAD for construction. Although he’s long been conversant with the software, Matthew was keen to find out if there was any functionality he wasn’t utilising and attended a course in 2023. “They’re free to attend for most, and are invaluable for builders new to the software, or who simply want to know more, so I’d definitely recommend them. You’re provided with the full suite of software and guided through it at every stage. If you miss a session you can catch up with it online as a video.
“I was actually using the estimates I’d priced on real jobs and it was great to pick HBXL’s brains on how I could accurately produce a quote for a timber frame build, for instance. There’s lots of discussion amongst attendees from a wide cross section of the industry, and there were sessions from business mentor, Simon Lazarus from the Better Business Group. He probed into how I was running my business and provided some useful advice on what I could improve upon.”
“When I’m in front of PlansXpress or EstimatorXpress I know it’s where I make my money” concludes Matthew. “I love being out on site but if I’m not pricing correctly it can be costly. HBXL helps me do what I do best and that’s building.”
For further information on HBXL Building Software and to sign up for a free trial visit My Trial – HBXL Estimating Software for Builders and Developers.
To find out about the HBXL Skills Academy visit HBXL Skills Academy – Online Construction Courses.
To find out more about We Are Builders visit We Are Builders.
