Title: Estimating building expenses: what tools or sites do you trust?
Lead times are a constant headache, especially with specialty fixtures or imported tile. I’ve started tracking them manually in a spreadsheet, but it’s clunky. Haven’t found an estimating app that really nails both cost and timing—seems like there’s always a trade-off. For custom interiors, I’ll sometimes just call the reps directly... not ideal, but at least you get real-time info.
- Totally get the spreadsheet pain—been there, still doing that for some stuff.
- I’ve tried Buildertrend and CoConstruct, but honestly, they’re overkill for smaller projects and don’t always have up-to-date lead times.
- For specialty items, I usually end up calling or emailing reps too. Not efficient, but at least you know what’s actually in stock.
- Home Depot’s Pro Desk sometimes gives decent estimates, but it’s hit or miss with custom orders.
- Would love to see an app that actually tracks both cost and delivery in real time... but haven’t found one yet.
- At this point, I just pad my timelines and budgets a bit—learned that the hard way after a tile shipment got stuck in customs for three weeks.