How to transform your building business into a Design & Build business: A practical guide
If you’re a builder feeling the strain of long hours and not quite seeing the profits you’d hoped for, it might be time for a change. Transforming your building business into a Design & Build operation is a fantastic way to streamline your processes and grow your bottom line. Discover why and how to transform your building business:
Understanding the Design & Build Concept
In essence, Design & Build is an approach where you take charge of a project's design and construction aspects. Instead of juggling separate contracts for design and build, you handle everything under one roof – making your business even more appealing to potential clients. This not only simplifies the process but also gives you a competitive edge and grows your business. Clients appreciate the convenience and the single point of contact for all their needs.
How to Transform with PlansXpress Design & Build software
Here’s how you can make the transition with the support of Design & Build software, PlansXpress:
1. Adopt Design & Build Software
The right software is crucial for making this transition smoothly. PlansXpress is specifically designed for builders like you, streamlining both the design and build processes. This tool lets you quickly create detailed, accurate plans by tracing over designs and integrates seamlessly with your construction planning such as it’s integration with EstimatorXpress. PlansXpress is designed to enhance efficiency by allowing users to quickly draft and modify plans with precision. The software supports a variety of planning needs, from residential to commercial projects, ensuring that all specifications and requirements are met.
Watch an Overview of PlansXpress here.
2. Train Your Team
As you shift to a Design & Build model, it’s essential to ensure your team is equipped to handle both design and construction tasks. PlansXpress takes this into account and is designed with builders in mind and makes CAD (computer-aided drawing) achievable for the untrained builder. With this software, you’re able to produce professional-looking construction drawings and 3D models for planning Building Regs-compliant drawings.
Learn more about PlansXpress 3D models here.
Struggling to get to grips with CAD?
At HBXL, we offer a Free CAD for Construction Skills Bootcamp designed specifically for builders. This hands-on training programme will get you up to speed with PlansXpress, and give you the opportunity to both learn and practice
You'll learn how to master 3D building software, streamline your quoting process, and enhance your presentations to clients. Whether you're new to CAD or looking to sharpen your skills, our Bootcamp equips you with the knowledge and confidence to make the most of cutting-edge technology in your everyday work. Our next set of Bootcamps are running in early September, sign up here.
3. Explore the features
PlansXpress has an enormous range of features and a library to add even more edge to your plans. Some of the features include:
Easy to use: Trace over imported designs, no CAD experience is needed.
Auto-hatching: Automated tools to fill selected areas with patterns to differentiate different plans.
Library of 3D architectural symbols: From bricks, tiles, flashing, gutters, steels, downpipes, baths, and lawn, through to sofas, tables, glazed balustrades, Air Source Heat Pumps, electric vehicle charging points, USB sockets and parametric radiators.
3D photo- real visualisations plug-in (optional extra with Premium): Set yourself apart from other construction firms and offer your clients a chance to get a detailed idea of the result they will receive.
Library of cross-sections: Simply select from the section library and place it on the drawing without having to start from scratch - although of course, you can adapt an existing section to meet your specific requirement.
Building Regulations Notes: EstimatorXpress simplifies the process by automatically drafting the necessary notes to correspond with the specifications you’ve drawn and estimated. Additionally, these notes are kept up-to-date with any changes to building regulations, ensuring your plans remain compliant with the latest standards
4. Saving on Costs
By bringing the design in-house you can save a lot of money on architect and technician fees, especially if there are constant tweaks. Add ‘Design & Build’ to your business name and you’ve given yourself a wider pool of potential customers.
5. Go even further when you also use EstimatorXpress
With the Design & Estimate kit easily integrate PlansXpress and EstimatorXpress. Import a plan into PlansXpress then trace over it. Then add the traced plans into EstimatorXpress for instant pricing, automatic estimates and customer quotations. With the design & estimate kit, we take away the stage of delays with external designers and offer clients a one-stop shop.
Give the Design & Estimate Kit a try for free.
Or give the Take-off & Estimate Kit a trial for free, which is a simplified version of the Design & Estimate Kit, making it even easier to use - but still allows for plans to be imported from PlansXpress to EstimatorXpress.
6. Promote Your New Service
Once you’re ready, it’s time to let the world know about your new Design & Build capabilities. Update your website, social media, and marketing materials to showcase this integrated service. Highlight the benefits of having both design and build handled by a single, experienced team.
Leverage PlansXpress to create compelling presentations and proposals that demonstrate the efficiency and quality of your Design & Build services. Use 3D models and quotations to impress your clients.
Switching to Design & Build might require you to rethink your pricing strategy. You’ll need to account for the comprehensive service you’re offering, which may mean adjusting your pricing to reflect the added value.
There are a huge number of courses we offer from health & safety to mental health & well-being. Discover our online marketing courses.
Give your business a boost
Transforming your building business into a Design & Build operation can be a game-changer. With the right tools like PlansXpress, you can streamline your processes, enhance your client relationships, and boost your profitability.
If you’re looking for more ways to grow your business explore our free resources in our Building Firm Foundations hub.
To find out PlansXpress 2024 latest features watch our webinar here.
