advice needed on software for purchase orders/ project management

17 years ago

I will be building a 12,000 square foot home (including finished basement) for myself and my family and was wondering if anyone had used any particular software that they found helpful to keep track of purchase orders and for organizing the project. I will be acting as my own general contractor with no previous experience so any advice is greatly appreciated.

I was looking at Microsoft Project and wondering if that was worth the money and also looking at Intuits Qickbooks for contractors. If anyone has any experience on these softwares or any others to use or avoid, please let me know.

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Comments (6)

marthaelena
17 years ago
The very best is REVIT.
jmagill_zn4
17 years ago
I use Quickbooks for a contracting business. We use Quickbooks Pro and I set up all the coding for how we do business.

Quickbooks gives you a great financial timeline but will not help with project management. It has a steep learning curve if you have never used it before.( in regards to getting what you need out of it).

I have also used Microsoft project when working on the multi- million dollar jobs. Even a steeper learning curve and lots of work keeping the info up to date.

For a project your size Quickbooks pro would be worth your while. Then get someone to set it up for you according to your particluar job needs. Combine it with Microsoft Office Office outlook for schedualing and contacts and you should have an sysytem that you can keep up with.

Spending the money up front to have someone set up your job codes in quickbooks will be the best money you spend.
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macv
17 years ago
Professional project management software is intended for multiple users on multiple projects so the learning curve is steep. For your needs an Excel template should work.

Here is a link that might be useful: Excel templates
bigkahuna
17 years ago
Sarayale.... Personally I would recommend using UDA Construction suite 2009. Its geared to residential ( or has a line for it) and it is fairly easy to use but its very complete and flexible. It has scheduling, contracts, lien releases and can be entered in many ways...ie lump sum or detailed and broke down as much as you need.

http://www.uniteddesign.com/cs_overview.html
sarayale
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you all for your advice. Will consider those options
misstifyftl
17 years ago
HI!
My father-in-law owns a GC firm, and I worked as a project manager for him. I am also building a home, and we are going to be doing the pay-outs, etc. I was checking out the ideas here and am sending him the UDA Suite 2009 suggested by Big Kahuna for his review. I am thinking that will be what I will use. You should pick your package based on your needs. If you are fully handling the project, you will most definitely want easy to use contracts/change order/purchase order formats...something I cannot fabricate from excel. especially if you can have a list of subs plugged into the suite and cut and paste a lot of the forms. I am thinking that program has it all, but am downloading the 30 day free trial now to check it out. Also, I will let you know what my fahter-in-law says or if he has any suggestions. I want a good program even if it is a little pricey, because I want to enjoy the management side of the project and do not personally love starting from scratch. I also love the timeline and risk features on that program. Talk to you soon...