PrebuiltML Software

Overall PrebuiltML is okay. it was a little difficult to pickup on. but after watching the videos it became very simple and I have started using it for work designing floor systems.
although some things need to be added, like a UNDO BUTTON.. it is still good

Pros

what I like about this software is the ease of use (within the given abilities). Putting in most plans and doing a floor layout for work is very simple usually.

Cons

NO UNDO.
I mean come on, this is one of my biggest issues with Prebuilt. I just do not see the logic in not having one. Also dynamic input similar to autocad would be great! so that way if a drawing can not be scaled, we can set the page to whatever scale, and draw.

Increased productivity and the ability to adjust waste factors down to a formulaic level versus shooting from the hip.

Pros

The ability to make accurate changes on the fly as the customer's project evolves and the generation of roofing and flooring layouts to avoid confusion.

Cons

There are some elements that should be shown in pc count (under a specific dimension) vs linear feet. For instance plate length and ridge.

Ease of use

Pros

Prebuilt ML allows me to perform estimation tasks for my insulation company paperless and from any location. What I like best is I can set up each project in it's own folder, and always have access to it. Also, It eliminates the expense of copying or printing full-size blueprints. The cost savings in this alone is enormous, and helps increase net profit. Also, Prebuilt generates automatic quantity reports and piece counts based on product categories input by the end user. This eliminates the need to write notes on other paper and keep them organized and stored. The material reports can be exported to Excel or saved as PDF's. Also, I am able to make e-mailable crops and notes on the drawings should questions or discussion points arise. These items really add up to save time on any project, weather it's 3 or 300 sheets of drawings. Also, Prebuilt's customer support team has been an an incredible asset over the last few years. Customer rep and his team have always gone above and beyond in answering questions during setup and when an issue arises. I would call my computer skills better than average, however the layout of the software is such that anyone with beginning to intermediate skills can use Prebuilt without difficulty. Customers and contractors are always shocked when I show them this software for the first time. It makes a great sales tool as it generates exact quantities while eliminating the potential for human input errors.

Cons

Probably the single-most challenge in using Prebuilt is the need to input and scale each needed. sheet. This does take time, however it only needs to be done once. Once input, scales are automatically saved, and can be drawn on immediately. I find it goes pretty fast, and sometimes it helps identify measurement errors on especially hand drawn sheets. You can also add new sheets and delete new sheets as needed. Also, You can place un-needed sheets in a separate folder to reduce visual clutter in the file.

Increased sales immediately, due to the professional reports
Better software than expected. I have used other software for over 10 years and will never go back.

Pros

Very Professional Reports and Layouts. Very little that has not been taken into account. Great built in Database.
Quick learning curve.
Again, I have been completly amazed at the level of support.
Support staff knows their software and quickly help solve the few issues that could come up.

Cons

No Complaints,

Great presentation and communication to clients.

Pros

I like the view port and engine for navigating project plans. Very fast and intuitive. Many other features are impressive like the obvious take off portion and color coding along with the custom functionality of creating categories and products. Lots of flexibility to customize quickly.

Cons

I wish there was an undo button and I wish it was available on Mac. This being said the Pros greatly outweigh the Cons.

Pros

I enjoy the ability to quickly make changes to lumber estimates and print out detailed reports quickly.

Cons

There needs to be an undo function to correct mistakes. Every software I have ever used has an undo function except this, and it can be frustrating.

I use Prebuilt for EWP takeoffs. It has cut my takeoff time for a large MF project down from 4-5 days to just 1 or 2 days. Easy to use and great support team.

The support staff immediately responded and was very helpful. I switched from oncenter software to prebuilt and have been very happy

Pros

It is very efficient for completing a takeoff along with the info it provides when you are done

Cons

Some of the tables have an over powering amount of information- it is easy to get lost on what you are looking at. I've had a hard time tracking down products because I was in the wrong location (mostly hangers). I understand why it is broken out though I find myself scrolling though the application lists a lot trying to figure out what is the right product

The software is continually improving and adding more features. Being able to create color coded takeoffs makes a nice description of material, usage, and placement. Tech support is very prompt in responding to questions and/or issues. That's invaluable in my opinion for a software company to provide.

Pros

The visibility and location of materials utilized for the takeoff.

Cons

I'd like to be able to remove items never used from the material list as well as be able to code some items for ease of transferring to a pricing software.

Advice to Others

Keep up the good work of making it better for the user.

I was a Carpenter, Framing & General Contractor for over 47 years, always did my own estimating & material lists.
Starting doing lumber lists for my lumber yard 3 years ago, and been using PrebuiltML X for almost a year now, and sure wish I started sooner.
I researched several other takeoff products prior to choosing Prebuilt, the leasing option allows you to use it without big investment up front, and they extended the trial period to me for over a month. Couldn't be more pleased with my choice.

Pros

This software has so much flexibility in it, that you can find all kinds of ways to accomplish your lists the way you want, I did. The more you use it the more you see and learn different ways to do the work. Constantly finding ways to improve efficiency & methods .
The updates with improvements and added features often include your wish lists & always useful.
Updates seem to be released every few months.
The lists provided and trail of information to answer questions later are all there with ease of access.

On top of a great product is the service and support that comes with it.
I can't imagine a support service any better, just ain't possible. This staff is as good as it gets, and I have spoken with several of them many times.
Robbie is always helpful and quickly follows up with answers not at hand for him then, and always a pleasure talking to him and the other guys.

I rate this support team as 6 of 5 in all ways.

Cons

There are no cons to this product & support staff. whatever additional features & improvements can be made they are working on it, and listening to us as customers with our wants.

Estima is a fantastic tool that is extremely customizable to fit your needs and easy to understand. The software is easy to learn and will increase efficiency and accuracy as soon as you start using it. The staff at Prebuilt ML do a great job at training and supporting the software. They explain everything in understandable terms and very timely. Robbie has been so good to deal with and is always extremely eager to help. It is obvious that he loves his job and has a passion for helping others and representing Prebuilt ML. Greg's vision and morals are prevalent with every person I have been in contact with at Prebuilt ML. All in all, I do not think you could ask for a better partner to have in business than these guys.

I've used AutoCAD and various vendor software solutions but they all fall short compared to PreBuilt's MLX software. PreBuiltMLX has exceeded all my needs in providing accurate, timely, material takeoffs and in creating plans. It is flexible enough to meet all my client specialized needs and integrates with my company's sale department requirements easily. Their support staff is simply incredible, responding to my questions immediately and provided hands-on demonstration and training. After comparing pricing to other competitor's software, the choice was obviously PreBuilt. I would highly recommend trying it out with their free trial to see if it is right for you too.

I am not a well oiled machine when it comes to computers. With the untiring and patient support of both Lonnie and Robbie I am able to produce accurate and illustrated take-offs for our customers. The customized template is a thing of beauty. I recommend this software to anyone regardless of there computer abilities not only for the ease of use but also to the GREAT Technical Support Team available to users. Thanks
Wayne Marlow

My old software wasn't cutting it, I literally switched horses midstream and haven't looked back!
I've used the free trial for two weeks on two jobs, and just subscribed when the trial ended. Then the fun really began when the staff customized my template to fit my needs.
All the support has been amazing. Robbie patiently explains, then re-educates, when my notes fall short. The software products list is so complete it contains material I haven't heard of in 25 years of construction. It is malleable, and I'm confident it will serve my clients from decks to three story townhomes and beyond! Thank you Prebuilt engineers and Thank you Robbie!

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN YEARS OF DEALING WITH SALES/SERVICE REPS FOR ESTIMATING SOFTWARE COMPANIES, YOU FEEL LIKE SOMEONE REALLY CARES ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE AND TRAINING. ROBBIE AND LONNIE ARE EXCEPTIONAL!

The pros are, the customer service, the multitude of options and sophistication. For someone who is fairly new, It has been a great way to learn the job.
The cons are working out the bugs, and the learning curve.

PrebuiltML is a great estimating software. After searching for many months to find the right one to fit our needs, PrebuiltML became our choice. No up front cost, ease of use, and above all else the customer service provided is hands down the very best I have ever dealt with. They are more than willing to walk you step by step on getting your software set up the way you want in the best way possible. If you are in the market for Estimating software, you will NOT go wrong with Prebuilt!

As a 22 year veteran estimator for homebuilders, I've created some very elaborate Excel spreadsheets carefully designed to precisely quantify building materials. Right out of the box, the accuracy of PrebuiltML blows me away. The intelligence that is built into the program, the ease of which materials can be specified and organized, plus the ability to automatically generate a digital audit trail of the entire takeoff, proves to me that this company knows what they are doing. PrebuiltML will definitely remain in my toolbox.

I've been using the product for about 2 months, I believe its revolutionary to have this tool. Its changing the game for us, and more than likely, our competition.

I have been working in this profession for 12+ years and have worked with 2 other estimating software programs, and have had numerous demos of others. This takeoff software is by far superior to any other I have seen or worked with.

As a former builder, I am most impressed by the way I can easily create layouts to convey "exactly" how the material is anticipated to be used. This allows the customer to ensure that the material has actually been accounted for by the estimator, and basically has a diagram of how to put the building together.

As an estimator, I appreciate the ease of use. I like being able to do everything electronically over the drawings that are provided to us. I can add notes for myself or for the customer, and control what is seen. I can highlight information that is pertinent to the takeoff. I can perform measurements. All of this can be done without printing out the drawing, so it is all saved right in my computer. Thus saving us plotter paper, ink and space in my office for the hundreds of prints that used to accumulate.

The customer service experience is excellent!! Any issues are immediately addressed. The available online videos can virtually walk you through about anything you try to achieve. Probably the most impressive thing is, they listen to ideas that users give. As a dedicated 40+ hours per week user I'll often think of enhancements that may improve the software. In my past software experiences I'd be told that the ideas would be passed onto development and it may take a year or so before they'd be incorporated into a release. Many of the ideas I have suggested for this software are available in just a few months after suggesting. There seems to be a release every few months, and I am always excited to find out what is new.

This a great tool for sales! Being able to efficiently perform the takeoff, show that the material has been accounted for and present any issues in the design or material discrepancies, to our customer allows us to make a great impression and at the same time helps make sure that our customer is comparing "apples to apples", or that they're clearly able to see what our competition has simply left out or not addressed.

There is simply nothing I'd rather be using! I already have the best there is!!