Programs such as SharpeSoft can take the uncertainty and second guessing out of construction cost estimating and job costing.

Wally Clayton, vice president of Pivetta Brothers Construction Inc., has been using SharpeSoft products for four years and is currently running the 2009 versions of SharpeSoft Estimator and SharpeSoft Field Reporter. Previously, this heavy civil contractor was using Construction Link but found SharpeSoft to be more user friendly and detailed. It also has allowed them to prepare more bids, he said.

“I like the fact that we can alter any given set of parameters to set markups, last-minute cuts, etc. It provides a great deal of flexibility and makes closing out a bid pretty simple and stress free,” Clayton said.

Though Pivetta Brothers is still learning some of the more advanced features, Clayton said it has so far been easy to learn and that SharpeSoft’s support has always been very helpful.

Overall, Clayton rated SharpeSoft Estimator and SharpeSoft Field Reporter an 8 out of 10. “Because it’s very flexible and can handle complex bids as well as simple bids. I’d recommend it to any contractor,” he said.