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Building a Home Remodeling Other

Software for managing remodeling?

5 years ago

Hi everyone,

is there any type of software out there that can help manage the whole planning of our house remodeling? We're currently using excel to track things like cost, tasks, dependencies, etc. but wondering if there's a smarter way to do this.

On a separate but related note, also looking for a software that's not super complicated to learn but allows 3D visualization of slanted rooms. Currently using roomle which is great but doesn't work for our attic.

Thanks!

-Jess

Featured Answer

PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

5 years ago

There isn't any software which will help one organize one's brain in advance.

One has to have an informed and organized brain as the starting point.

The challenge with "managing design and construction", is that one must first understand the processes and schedules before one can select, load and use software...any software.

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Comments (6)

User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
It’s called an experienced builder and architect. Or at least 10 years in the trades yourself.
jemiti88
Original Author
5 years ago
Sure, but we all have to start somewhere and having the right tools often helps where experience is lacking :) I'd love to learn what tools you experienced builders are using, knowing fully that this won't replace expert help. But it might help me organize my brain in advance.
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This kind of software is often limited to an operating system. Contractors often use Windows and architects often use Macs. What is yours? You should ask your contractor to provide a schedule because you will be constantly hounding him for information in order to update the schedule and you don't want to usurp his responsibility for that aspect of the project. For tracking project costs there are many Excel templates available that only cost $25 or so and allow a free trial. It might be difficult to find a good one simply because project management means different things to contractors, architects and owners and there are so many different kinds of projects and delivery methods; for instance, yours is not a common one for home building.
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User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You are making the mistake of equating the tool to the wielder of the tool. Software is just an electronic #2 pencil. If you can’t do it already, electrons won’t help.

To be the wielder of the pencil, you learn by making mistakes during that 10 years of experience in the trades. There is no shortcut. The only software that some builders use is BuilderTrend, and that is just a fancy pencil for the experienced to use. It won’t tell you jack if you don’t already know it.

Its like trying to find out how to sculpt marble from YouTube video. You can learn a bit about selecting stone, and maybe about tool choices. But until you’ve held the tool in your hand and given it a go yourself, all of the information in the world is useless. And it’s actually a hindrance to you hiring a stone sculptor.
Suzanne
5 years ago
My builder uses CoConstruct - it’s pretty good - keeps track of all the change orders (electronic signature) has all the plans and engineering easily accessible - has a complete list of all the specs and what is being used down to the electrical switch plate style and color. It has both a web and mobile app.
millworkman
5 years ago
You really need to still have all the same knowledge as if you were doing the work in a ledger. Software is just the tool to store and tabulate the data.

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