Finishing work estimate program. Programs for drawing up estimate documentation

Land owners planning to build a house often worry about whether there will be enough money for the project. You can start planning your expenses using budgeting software. You shouldn't do this manually. To avoid errors, it is recommended to work on your computer using a special application. This review will look at the best budgeting programs.

Application "My estimate"

The peculiarity of the utility is that it is aimed at home use. The interface is simple and clear. The program for drawing up an estimate for apartment renovation is distributed in Russian. The size of the distribution is 3.8 MB. The application works on any version of Windows OS.

The user has the option of generating customer directories, coefficients, current exchange rates, etc. The program contains functions of exporting and importing data, maintaining a catalog of materials and works, recording payments and expenses, as well as calculating the total cost of construction. You can print the report at any moment to have all the information about the budget before your eyes. The advantages of the application include the ease of use of the utility, the clarity and information content of the help system.

In the unregistered version, you will not be able to activate the “Form Designer” option, print documents, or export reports in Word and Excel format. After registration, all restrictions are removed. Among the shortcomings of the utility are the lack of flexibility in individual settings and the lack of a document management system. The cost of a license is 500 rubles.

Application "Lightik-Estimate"

In this utility, construction and repair estimates are prepared using a simplified method. The user needs to select a material or work from the catalog, indicate the quantity (rate), set the parameters of the structures and look at the “Total” column. The last line displays the construction cost. The amount is indicated in rubles, USD and EUR. You can fill out estimates automatically.

The program implements the functions of maintaining warehouse records, generating reports, estimating the cost of repairs and phased tracking of construction. The user can export data in Word and Excel format, as well as print certificates of completed work. It is worth paying attention to the service functions. The program for drawing up estimates for finishing work prompts the user to perform a backup and also restore the saved database. The entered information will not disappear as a result of software or hardware failure, unexpected power outage, etc.

If desired, you can transfer the data to external media. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted the difficulty of adding items to catalogs of works and materials. Even experienced users may find it difficult to close an estimate without losing the entered data. The trial version has a limit on the number of documents created and the number of positions in them. A license can be purchased for 500 rubles.

Application "AvanSmeta"

The utility is used to calculate the cost of repair, construction or redevelopment. In the program, you can maintain a variety of directories, determine the cost of materials, apply coefficients, and print estimates. The data is displayed in several ways. This allows you to understand where you can save money. If desired, you can print information about each construction element.

The disadvantages of the program for drawing up estimates include the complex interface and the lack of necessary settings. The distribution size is 2.6 MB. The cost of the activation key is 3990 rubles.

Bronn-Smeta application

The utility fully automates the process of calculating local estimates using the resource method. Inexperienced users may be confused by the large number of buttons and functions. After a certain period of time, it becomes clear that this free program for drawing up construction estimates is simple and easy to use. Before you start working with the application, you must set the screen resolution to 1024 x 768. Otherwise, some elements of the main window will disappear from visibility.

This free budgeting program contains a list of GESN reference books. This information will help you get an idea of ​​the scope of construction work and its approximate cost. The budgeting process is convenient. Documents are printed in Word and Excel format.

Users attribute the lack of flexibility in individual settings to the disadvantages of the program. This free budgeting program has no other disadvantages. The size of the distribution is 16.1 MB.

Application "WilDWooD Estimate"

To install the utility, you need to run the installation file and follow the instructions. The trial version of the program can be used for 1 month, after which you need to purchase a license. To get started, you should indicate the initial data in the appropriate reference books. Then you need to view and, if desired, edit the parameters in the settings. Next, you need to open the “Open estimate” line in the “File” menu section.

In the new window, click on the “Add” button. After this you can start working. The catalog of GESN reference books in the application is designed for those who understand construction. In the trial version of the program, you can create several estimates simultaneously. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted the lack of necessary reference books and catalogs.

The application is clearly not designed for home use. Information about construction can only be printed in the form of a work completion certificate. The settings present in the program have virtually no effect on functionality. The size of the distribution is 1 MB. The cost of license renewal is 500 rubles.

Application "Win Estimate"

The utility is distinguished by its unique interface structure and the complexity of the process of adding data. The advantages of the program include flexibility of configuration and the presence of built-in catalogs. The user can also create their own directories with completely arbitrary content. The number of sections and positions of the estimate is not limited. If desired, you can print information about individual objects and create a summary statement of costs.

The program has buttons for exporting and importing data. The contents of the catalog and the structure of the estimate can be displayed in the main application window simultaneously. The spending limit mode will be of interest to those who are very strapped for money. The disadvantages of the utility include interruptions in operation and an inconvenient interface. The full version of the program for preparing estimates can be purchased for 6,500 rubles.

DefSmeta application

The utility will be useful to users planning large-scale construction. The program for drawing up repair estimates DefSmeta is more complex and functional than the products listed above. The application has a function for creating prices that are independent of GESN directories and other regulatory documents. You can edit parameters that affect the price, as well as apply index coefficients. It is allowed to divide construction into stages.

The user can calculate the construction time of structures, draw up work schedules, create lists of resources, etc. Directories are designed to store source information. Items are selected from catalogs. This eliminates the need to provide the same data repeatedly. Reports can be printed in the form of schedules, acts and cost breakdowns.

The help system is not very informative. The user will need time to learn the functions of the program to create estimates. Some reports can take a very long time to generate. The distribution size is 17 MB. A license can be purchased for 9,000 rubles.

Results

The first three review programs are suitable for home use. Using the Bronn-Smeta utility, you can carry out complex calculations. The interface of this application is clear even to a novice user. The last 3 programs discussed above are suitable for professional work.

The free program was created for the CUSTOMER of construction work.
The practice of using the program has shown that the main users of the program are people for whom it was not intended.
Therefore, the free version of the program ceased to exist.

Now customers of construction work can determine the cost directly on the website
And construction workers can use the version
which is intended for them adult program page

RESTING INFORMATION REMAINS VALID FOR PAID VERSIONS

The principle of operation in the DefSmeta Free program.

• Enter room parameters.
• Select the jobs you want to do.
• That's all!
• The program will calculate for you the exact cost of the work and give you a list of materials needed to carry out work in the apartment.
• Watch a video on drawing up an estimate for building a house in the free program and for finishing work in the paid program.

The program was created:
• For customers to carry out work on finishing, repair and construction of houses.
• This free program is designed specifically for people who are not experts in budgeting. The program has an estimate assistant (wizard), which will tell you what this or that work is used for, and also calculate the volume of work according to the parameters of the premises using an estimate calculator.
• The program belongs to the category "Games for Adults"

Designed for:
• To prepare estimates for renovation of an apartment or office.
• To prepare estimates for low-rise construction.
• To check construction estimates.
• To determine the timing of work at the construction site.
• To determine the consumption and weight of building materials.

Allows:
• Prepare a construction estimate for apartment renovation with the help of an assistant (Wizard).
• Automatically calculate the amount of work using an estimate calculator.
• Prepare estimates using the pricing database.
• Quickly find and change the most significant pricing parameters, which allows you to draw up estimates in any region, including in Moscow And St. Petersburg.
• Create a cost schedule.

Purchase:
• The program is free
• Pricing base for finishing work - license cost for 6 months - free
• Price base for low-rise construction - license cost for 6 months - free
• The price base for installing suspended ceilings is free
• The base price for repair, operation and maintenance of an apartment building is 2880 rubles.

Important! Running under Vista and Windows 7
• If the program does not start in the usual way (double-click on the shortcut), then to start you need to right-click on the program shortcut and select the command in the context menu that appears Run as administrator.

Use the Budget Assistant - Instructions for drawing up estimates using an assistant.

Initially it was planned to create separate bases for Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities with prices for materials in these regions. But the practice of using the program has shown that prices for the main pricing materials must be set independently, depending on the project, and prices for other materials affect the estimated cost very little. Therefore use program pricing bases possible in any region.

If you are interested in an inexpensive estimate program that contains state regulations, can make acceptance certificates, and much more, then

Everything said below is my personal opinion and does not pretend to be objective.

The article will be useful primarily to managers of repair and finishing companies, foremen and small teams. I hope it will help you avoid many of the mistakes we made and work as efficiently as possible. I apologize in advance if the article turned out to be voluminous, but there is no other way here.

Hi all!

My name is Evgeniy, I am the head of the Stavropolremontservice company.

Many clients pass through us, and the first question that absolutely all people ask is how much will it cost? How much will it cost to renovate my apartment? How much does it cost to plaster walls, how much does it cost to lay ceramic tiles, how much do you charge for installing plumbing? Etc., etc.

Any foreman knows how difficult it is to accurately draw up a detailed estimate for a client in a short time, and further errors and errors when drawing up estimates result in very serious problems and unpleasant situations with the customer. It’s no secret that the more accurately you make an estimate, the more respect you will earn from the client in the future, or vice versa. People want to know exactly (and I have every right to do so) how much this or that service will cost them, and what amount they can expect.

To date, I have achieved 95% accuracy in drawing up estimates, which I consider to be a very good result.

If you are interested in how to take measurements of an apartment alone, in 3 hours, draw up an estimate and calculate all the materials needed for repairs with an accuracy of 95%, then read on.

A little background

8-10 years ago, I remember, not without embarrassment, how we communicated with clients, how we made preliminary calculations, made mistakes, and how we provided reports on the work performed. Today, all this could be figuratively compared to the clumsy movements of a penguin on land, or a harbor seal.

The efficiency was terrible. All calculations were made on “pieces of paper”, a piece of paper, or at best in a notebook. When handing over the object, there was confusion regarding the work performed, materials purchased, receipts and reports. A huge pile of waste paper, mixed with crumpled checks, fell out onto the client’s table and said: “Well, that seems to be all, this is all we have.” Now I remember it like a bad dream.

After some time, the understanding came that we do not live in the Stone Age, and we can use modern computer technologies in our work. And lo and behold! We got acquainted with MS Excel. For some time, Excel coped well with the assigned tasks, but over time, the number of clients grew, the requirements for quality of service increased, and an increasing level of automation of routine processes was needed, in which Excel turned out to be incompetent and very clumsy.

Excel is a very cool product, but it is completely clumsy when solving our problems, because... there is practically no process automation in it, and this program, in principle, is not intended for complex business management. In connection with this, I had to constantly perform a bunch of monotonous and routine operations, spending a large amount of precious time on this. Data had to be entered into estimates manually each time, or copied from previous estimates, and this inevitably led to errors.

For example, it took me almost the whole day to draw up one estimate for repair and finishing work for a 1-room apartment of 40 m2. And the client, as you know, does not like to wait and chooses only those who give him an accurate and comprehensive answer in the shortest possible time.

Then we realized that we couldn’t swim that far, and began to look “by touch,” for some automated software product that would allow us to perform the tasks of drawing up estimates, calculating the required amount of materials, keeping financial records and drawing up contract agreements most efficiently.

We went through almost all the programs we found for drawing up estimates on the Internet. Most of them disappeared immediately, because... designed primarily for the preparation of local estimates for government agencies and budgetary institutions, using the FERr and TERr databases.

We needed a simple, convenient and functional program in which we could draw up estimates for small and medium volumes of work in accordance with the price list of average market prices for finishing work.

The second, no less important selection criterion was the price of the product. Most programs of this level cost from 15 to 30 thousand rubles. for 1 license + you need to pay for updates and regional bases, and this is a considerable amount for a starting team or finishing company.

Grand Estimate, SmetaWIZARD, Gosstroysmet, Smeta.ru and such products were no longer needed due to their complexity and high cost.

How we calculate estimates today

After much searching and testing, we settled on a program called advance estimate, and as practice shows, we were not mistaken.

Today, drawing up even the most complex estimate for apartment renovation does not take us more 3 hours time. We achieved this by combining various technical means, one of which is the advance estimate program.

The program amazed me with its functionality. Behind the apparent simplicity lies a very powerful product that can solve complex problems facing estimators and foremen. It is intended not only for drawing up estimates, it is also a convenient tool for accounting for materials, funds, drawing up contracts and generating reports for the client.

The logic of the program is simple and reliable, like a Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The program consists of 6 main logical modules. This:

1. Object elements
2. Object works
3. Object materials
4. Certificates of completed work
5. Accounting for object materials
6. Object cash

Each of these modules interacts with the other and all data from one module automatically flows into the other.

For example, after entering the area of ​​an apartment, this data is automatically used to calculate the cost of work and materials. When filling out data about the customer and the object, they are automatically added to the contract agreement, which is also built into the program. Those. the possibility of error is reduced to zero. The system itself inserts the contract numbers, the current date, and the details of your company, attaching all the estimated calculations to this.

I'll briefly tell you how it works.

After launching the program, you must add premises and their elements to the project. For example, we add bathroom, with elements: ceiling, floor, walls, doorway, electrical wiring and water supply/sewage.

Adding rooms

You open the directory of works and materials and simply start checking boxes and selecting the works and materials you need. If some name is not in the directory, you simply create it, assign a price to it and insert it into the estimate. Next, the program asks for what area to apply certain works. For example, you have chosen the work “Painting window slopes”, the program itself will show how many linear meters of slopes you have at your site and will offer to apply this work specifically to them. All. That's the beauty of it.

Directory of works in advance payment

Also, the program has the ability to automatically calculate material consumption and take into account the required working time in person/hours. Based on this data, the program generates estimates, defective statements and reports with various parameters. For example, you can check the box to indicate subtotals by premises, or group all work by type of work with one click.

example of a room summary report

Room elements

Working with the program is very consistent. Those. To create an estimate, you just need to smoothly fill out one module and move to another. As a result, the whole process does not create confusion, and you will never forget to complete the entire sequence of actions in the chain, because... the program, as it were, itself suggests what needs to be done next in order to draw up an estimate. And as a result, you receive a detailed information base on a specific object with a detailed calculation of materials and work.

What you liked about AvanSMETA:

• Very clear and simple data structure (you will never get lost in the program interface)
• Ability to add your own work directory
• The ability to download a price list of materials for any construction base, and apply these prices in calculations
• Ability to create several types of prices. Discounts, wholesale/retail
• Automatic drawing up and filling out a contract based on estimates
• Ability to edit contracts and embedded documents
• Keeping records of materials and finances received from the customer
• Ability to export documents in a huge number of formats (PDF, DOC, TXT, JPG, XML, ODT, HTML and others)
• Easy to deploy and implement. The program takes up only 2.6 MB, installs in seconds, and there are no problems when using it.
• The cost of 1 local license is only 4990 rubles.

Our verdict:

• Interface usability: 4 out of 5
• Functionality: 5 out of 5
• Ease of use: 5 out of 5
• Reliability: 5 out of 5

Well, that seems to be all for now. If you want to work less and more efficiently, and earn more, then we highly recommend that you take a closer look at this product. If you already use this or a similar program, tell us about it in the comments.

Official website of the avanSMETA program http://www.avantsoft.ru/

Filling of estimated software packages with regulatory frameworks.

At the moment, the regulatory frameworks of 1984 (EPEP-84 - Part IV of the appendices to SNiP) and 1991 (SNiR-91) are in force in Russia and can be absolutely legally used by all construction organizations. The 1984 standards, as the last fully published standards, are the most popular, and, accordingly, form the basis of the regulatory framework for all budget programs. However, these standards are provided to users of different software systems in different volumes of the basic supply. “WinSmeta 2000”, “WinSmeta Neo” and “Grand Smeta” do not supply all-Russian restoration prices with the program. The same “Grand Estimate” is not equipped with the 1984 standards for Moscow (this is apparently explained by the fact that the program was initially distributed exclusively in the Ural, Volga and Siberian federal districts). “WinSmeta 2000” and “WinSmeta Neo” are not equipped with all the standards for the Moscow region, with the exception of price tags for reinforced concrete products and prices for new construction and repair work. “WinAvers” does not provide consolidated prices and wholesale price lists for materials, products and structures in the Moscow region as part of its programs; restoration prices, price tags for installation of equipment, price lists of wholesale prices for materials, products and structures in Moscow. Local prices and price tags for territorial entities of the Russian Federation (i.e. local standards, except for the Moscow region) of 1984 are also supplied by different developers of estimate programs in different quantities:

Group of companies "StroySoft" (PC "Resource Estimate" / "Estimate 2000" and "site") - 45 bases as part of the supplied set.

Firm "VinSmeta" (PC "WinSmeta 2000" and "WinSmeta Neo") - 13 databases on an additional CD.

LLC "ERTIsoft" (PC "WinAvers") - 30 databases as an addition to the main set.

Scientific and Technical Center "Hector" (PC "Estimator-Builder") - information not provided.

LLC Center "Grand" (PC "Grand Smeta") - 30 bases as part of the supplied set.

As a rule, prices for the Far North are perceived as another way to generate income. For an additional fee, they are supplied by ERTIsoft LLC (PC WinAvers) and STC Hector (PC Estimator-Builder), LLC Grand Center (PC Grand Estimate) sells a separate regulatory framework for five clusters (zones) ) concentrated construction in the Khanty-Mansiysk (north of the 60° parallel) and Yamalo-Nenets autonomous districts of the Tyumen region. However, the standards “Tomsk-North, Tyumen region, North (12 gas clusters)” and “Tyumen region, North (5 oil clusters)” are included in the Grand Smeta PC as part of the standard regulatory framework.

The regulatory framework for SNiR 1991 is supplied by all the developers of estimate programs discussed in this article, except for LLC Center "Grand" (PC "Grand Estimate"). LLC "ERTIsoft" (PC "WinAvers") and Scientific and Technical Center "Hector" (PC "Estimator-Builder") provide this database for an additional fee.

Currently, a transition is being made to a new regulatory framework, GESN 2001, approved by the State Construction Committee. These standards are supplied by all the developers we are considering on the same basis (at the same price). A similar situation has developed with state federal prices for repair work (FERr). Unfortunately, the agreement on the supply of GESN and FERR on uniform terms is not supported by all companies that develop and distribute estimate programs in Russia, but this does not apply to the companies whose products are discussed in this article.

The supply agreement on uniform terms also applies to the Moscow territorial estimate standards (MTSN 81-98), developed by the Moscow Center for Pricing in Construction (JSC MCTS "Mosstroytseny"). Of course, the Moscow user is primarily interested in their availability, but these standards will also be useful for the regional user: the use of MTSN 81-98 is cost-effective, which is proven by the conclusion of Mosgosexpertiza dated 08/31/01, which states that the use of MTSN in the price level 1998 gives a reduction in the estimated cost of construction of facilities from 0.63 to 11.6 percent. As mentioned above, MTSN is not included in the database of PC “Grand Smeta” (LLC Center “Grand”). We have no information regarding the availability of MTSN as part of the RiK-Net program.

Let's summarize the first part of our review. The most complete regulatory database in Russia, which includes both district, regional, local standards, and regulatory frameworks for the regions of the Far North, is presented in the software products of the StroySoft Group of Companies. A fairly complete base is supplied by Scientific and Technical Center "Hector" and LLC Center "Grand" (with the exception of MTSN 81-98 standards).

Professional budgeting capabilities.

Perhaps the main criterion for the quality of programs is the ability to generate and maintain a variety of estimate documentation. As a rule, the estimator has to create the following documents:

local calculation;

object calculation;

summary calculation;

resource calculation;

acceptance certificates for completed work (including KS-2);

• resource statements;

  statement of material requirements;

  uniform M-29;

  labor cost sheet;

  accumulative statement;

  local and other calculations according to MTSN 81-98.

This entire set is available to users of software systems created by the StroySoft Group of Companies (“Resource Estimate”/“Estimate 2000” and “website”), which also allow you to compare estimates with regulatory frameworks, acts with estimates and accumulative statements; control the planned and actual consumption of building materials, structures and products, generate statements of resource requirements and materials write-off forms M-29). All of the above features are also available to users of the “Hector: Estimator-Builder” program (STC “Hector”); PC "WinSmeta 2000", "WinSmeta Neo" (TZHV "Soft"). PC "Grand Estimate" (LLC Center "Grand") and PC "RiK-Net" do not allow you to create a cumulative statement.

The ability to support different calculation methods - basic, index, resource and mixed methods - is highly valued by estimators. The developers of all analyzed programs declare support for these calculation tools.

The next criterion for evaluating budget programs is the wealth of ways to apply coefficients and corrections.

Functionality of budgeting programs
and user-friendliness of the interface.

The functionality of the programs is a continuation of their professional capabilities. Let's consider which of the manufacturers of estimate software packages can offer more convenient ways of classifying and structuring estimate elements. The idea of ​​openness of the system and freedom of action remains relevant. For example, ERTIsoft LLC declares “complete openness of the system” as the most important property of the WinABePC PC, understood as the ability to create your own regulatory framework and estimates of any structure, reference books of estimated coefficients (markups), calculation of estimates taking into account real (actual) prices for materials . In this system, the user is invited to independently create an algorithm for calculating the estimate. It sounds tempting, but it is difficult to say how appropriate such an approach is in the daily work of an estimator. We would venture to suggest that in daily work it is easier to use ready-made tools than to create algorithms anew each time.

Other capabilities of cost estimate automation programs

Another aspect in the characteristics of estimating software systems is the capabilities of the search system. Perhaps the most powerful is the “site” PC (flexible and versatile search across the entire volume of reference data and estimate documentation). The WinABePC software package implements a system for searching prices by code and context across the entire regulatory framework or individual collections. Several search modes are provided by the Grand Smeta PC. WinSmeta 2000 can be proud of its developed contextual help system.

These are the most common characteristics of leading budget programs. Meanwhile, each of them has unique additional features. “Resource Estimate” / “Estimate 2000” have an extremely useful function of the examination mode of ready-made estimates and allow you to adjust not only already compiled documents, but also coefficients and other elements of the estimate in accordance with the changes that have occurred. The “site” PC implements automatic verification of estimate documentation for compliance with the regulatory framework and other sources.

WinEstima 2000 provides the ability to customize the accuracy of calculations. “WinEstimate Neo” is rich in pleasant software capabilities (an included module for calculating position volumes - a bookmark when placing the cursor on a position, which is a simple calculation sheet; a database of counterparties - contractors and customers; a currency database with the ability to recalculate estimates in another currency; the ability to automatically work with electronic by mail).

“WinABePC” suggests using a calculator for intermediate calculations (however, the built-in calculator is difficult to classify as an original development; other programs also provide this opportunity).

PC "Estimator-Stroitel" contains a number of functions for regional pricing centers in construction (by the way, there is a client-server system created by the StroySoft Group of Companies specifically for regional pricing centers in construction and developers of estimate and regulatory bases, which is not included in this review). Additionally, the module for mutual settlements with customers and subcontractors can be connected to the “Estimator-Builder” program.

Technical requirements

It makes no sense to dwell in detail on the technical requirements for the computer configuration: they are almost the same (at least Pentium II, Celeron; RAM at least 32 MB; hard disk space - from 30 MB to 1 GB). Of much greater interest may be the issue of ensuring the safety of programs from copying. There is reason to believe that one of the most secure programs is the “Resource Estimate”/“Estimate 2000” program (this issue is covered in more detail in the Internet publication “Analysis of the protection of estimate programs from unauthorized use.”

Prices

Cost is an important factor in choosing an estimate program. We invite the reader to independently analyze the table we have compiled and draw conclusions at their own discretion.

Comparative analysis of the cost of estimated programs 1

1 The table does not include PC PC "RiK-Net" (LLC "SC RIK"), since at the time of writing the article, data on the cost of this program was not available.
2 The value “zero” is taken by an item included in the delivery set at no additional cost. The comparison did not include the bases GESN, FER and TER, the terms of delivery of which are equal for all. The analysis did not take into account the cost factor of program support (training, consultations in the office and by phone, visits to the user, generation of documents, regulatory frameworks, purchase of new versions, etc.). When analyzing the cost of these services, the leader in terms of minimum cost is the “Resource Estimate” program. For example, the developers of “Resource Estimate” supply an additional workplace for less than a quarter of the cost of the full package, additionally sell instructional and methodological materials, and for almost all other manufacturers the discount for the additional package is no more than 30% of the full price.
3 Consisting of prof. Set (cost - 13,800 rubles).
4 Regulatory framework for five clusters (zones) of concentrated construction in the Khanty-Mansiysk (north of the 60th parallel) and Yamalo-Nenets autonomous districts of the Tyumen region.
5 Installation of software on the 2nd and subsequent PCs - with a 30% discount.
6 The price of a set with one additional workplace is indicated in parentheses.
7 Prices are subject to change! Please don't forget to check. Our price list

These are, in general terms, the comparative characteristics of the products that are leading today in the Russian market of estimating software. It is difficult to say which of the software systems discussed in the article has the best chance of development. Time will show.

In the construction industry, the accuracy of reporting documents, in other words estimates or estimate documentation, has always been important. And drawing up such an estimate sometimes took a long period of time, because the estimate business is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. It is not tied to any specific pattern and requires knowledge of the matter. After all, the preparation of estimate documentation includes work on choosing the form of the estimate, knowledge and ability to use regulatory frameworks, coefficients and all kinds of indices. In a word, automation of the budgeting process was simply necessary.

With the advent of the first estimate program, the work of estimate engineers became much easier. The software package already contained all the necessary regulatory frameworks, regional indices and coefficient calculations. In addition, the program also allowed you to enter and use the necessary formulas. And the creation of printed forms and automatic verification of calculations significantly reduced the time spent on creating estimate documentation.

After some time, several more estimate programs entered the Russian construction market. And here literally every company was faced with a choice for the first time. We can say that this expansion of software products has simply led many organizational leaders to confusion. This problem still exists today; in this article we will try to cover the most popular estimate programs in construction, as well as the criteria for their selection.

The most popular estimating programs

Today, about two dozen different cost estimate programs are widespread in our country, but not all of them are in demand and have the functions and capabilities that are simply necessary in construction. Five of the most popular software products that have received recognition from construction companies will be presented to your attention.

In principle, all these programs have approximately equal capabilities for drawing up estimates, and each of them is capable of completely satisfying the cost estimate engineer. These cost estimate programs can be considered dominant in the construction market not only because of the impressive sales volumes, but also because they all have enormous potential for further development and resources for creating new software systems. However, each, even the most popular construction program, has both its pros and cons.

"Estimate 2000"/"Resource estimate"

Among the advantages of this program is the ability to compare estimates with regulatory frameworks, and acts with accumulative statements. The program also allows you to determine the actual and planned consumption of materials in construction and generate statements of need for these resources and materials write-off forms M-29. In addition, the program has a huge number of ways to generate calculations using various coefficients and corrections.

In addition, "Resource Estimate"/"Estimate 2000" also interacts well with accounting programs. It also has a fairly useful function of the examination mode of ready estimates and allows you to adjust, according to the changes made, both the compiled documents and other elements of the estimate.

The universal format ARPS 1.10, which was created to facilitate document flow between construction organizations, is also implemented in the PC "Estimate 2000" / "Resource Estimate".

Another most important indicator of the superiority of Estimate 2000 is the presence in its composition of a complete regulatory database on the territory of Russia, which includes both regional, district and local standards, as well as regulatory frameworks for the regions of the Far North.

Let us remind you that today in our country such regulatory frameworks as in EPEP-84 - IV part of the annexes to SNiP 1984 and SNiR-91 1991 are in force and used by construction firms, but, unfortunately, not all of them are provided in full in the basic delivery of one or another software package.

"Smeta.RU"

This program was created by the same company as Estimate 2000/Resource Estimate, so it can be called a kind of the most advanced version of Estimate 2000. "Smeta.RU" has the same capabilities, but its advantages also include the ability to visually monitor the progress of work and generate KS-6.

Another important aspect in the characteristics of estimation programs is the search engine capabilities.

And the PC “Smeta.RU” has, of course, the most powerful search engine among all the programs under consideration. It allows you to carry out a diverse and flexible search across the entire volume of estimate documentation and reference data.

In addition, "Smeta.RU" is capable of automatically checking estimate documentation for compliance with the standard database and other sources. And the last thing that definitely needs to be mentioned is that the Smeta.RU PC has the best application for network work compared to other types of developments.

"WinSmeta-2000"

This program can be proud of its advantages, such as a developed contextual help system, as well as the ability to customize the accuracy of calculations. In addition, "WinSmeta-2000" has a general universal format for transferring data from estimates to an accounting program, which is available to all developers, while other estimate programs can exchange data only with programs developed by the same company and transfer some information to other programs.

Regarding the filling of "WinSmeta-2000" with regulatory frameworks, it is worth saying that the program is not supplied with all-Russian restoration prices and is not equipped with all the standards for the Moscow region.

Universal format ARPS 1.10. in the software package is also, unfortunately, not included in the standard delivery and can only be provided to customers for an additional fee.

"WinAverse"

The functionality of estimate programs can be called a continuation of their professional capabilities.

The “WinAverse” program precisely declares “complete openness of the system,” understood as the ability to create estimates of an arbitrary structure, its own regulatory framework, and make calculations taking into account actual prices for materials. In other words, the user is asked to independently create an algorithm for calculating the estimate. But on the other hand, it is difficult to say how appropriate such an approach is in the modern work of a cost estimate engineer, because sometimes it is easier to use ready-made tools than to create algorithms anew each time.

Another advantage that may be useful in some areas of construction is that the program allows you to convert specifications that come from architectural and construction packages (ArchiCad, AllPlann, ArCon). "WinAverse" also allows you to use a calculator for intermediate calculations, and there is also a very well implemented system for searching prices by context or code across the entire database of standards or individual collections.

Among the shortcomings of the software package, one can highlight the fact that for some reason the regulatory framework for SNiR of 1991 is absolutely not supplied with this program. In addition, "WinAverse" does not include consolidated prices and price lists of wholesale prices for materials and products in the Moscow region, as well as price tags for installation of equipment in Moscow.

For an additional fee with this program, the client can purchase prices for the Far North and the universal ARPS 1.10 format, whereas in some programs they are already included in the standard delivery.

"Grand Estimate"

The most significant advantage compared to other programs in “Grand Estimate” is several search modes.

Among the so-called shortcomings, one can highlight the absence of all-Russian restoration prices, as in the WinSmeta 2000 program.
Also, “Grand Estimate” is not equipped with the 1991 SNiR standards and the 1984 standards for Moscow, most likely due to the fact that initially the software package was distributed exclusively in the Siberian, Volga and Ural federal districts.

However, for an additional fee, you can obtain a separate regulatory framework for five more construction zones in the Khanty-Mansiysk and Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrugs of the Tyumen Region from the Grand Smeta PC.

Selecting an estimate program

As you have already seen from all of the above, even the most popular program has a number of its own shortcomings, so determining whether this or that budget calculation program is suitable for you or not is based only on your needs. And we will name several criteria by which you should focus:

1. Pay attention to the functionality of the program. There is no ideal program for drawing up estimates in the world yet, so be guided by those development requirements that suit you in most respects. For example, if the program does not have a search system, but you don’t need it, then you can not pay attention to such shortcomings at all.
2. When choosing a program, also take into account such quality development characteristics as ease of installation, simple interface, etc.
3. Quite often the determining factor when purchasing a calculation program is the price. In this case, you must first set for yourself certain criteria that affect the price. These criteria include: the price of the main workstation, the price of an additional workstation, the period of free program updates and the cost of purchasing an update after this period has expired. Next, you should focus on at what point you want to save money, for example, you can buy the main workstation of the program at a higher price, but then pay less for updates, or do the opposite, buy it cheaper, but then spend a larger amount. And do not forget to pay attention to the duration of free updates.
4. In addition to the internal parameters of a construction organization, the choice of program is also influenced by external factors. The most important of them is the popularity of using a particular estimate program in your region. The fact is that during the interaction of various estimate programs, all sorts of failures can occur, even when using a special estimate format. It will be much more convenient if you and your partners work with the same estimate program, then you can be absolutely sure that the estimate will reach your partner without any distortions.

And as a conclusion, I would like to note that you should not dwell on a certain budget program, relying only on one parameter, try to study all the disadvantages and advantages of other programs, even cheap ones, because this does not mean at all that they are less effective and functional!