Why Deck Builders Need a Deck Estimating App in [2024]

While there’s a debate on whether deck estimating apps are ideal for creating estimates for deck building, it’s been proven over time that estimating apps can help builders reduce time and increase productivity.

After all, only an experienced deck builder should employ these tools to achieve the best results.

However, the deck building market is forecasted to reach an average of $510.66Million by 2027; this indicates that there is potential for massive growth in this industry, and deck estimating software will be at the forefront of this movement.

But, do deck builders need a deck estimating app? Can’t they develop estimates without the help of these apps?

In this article, we’ll be exploring the reason why deck builders should start using deck estimating apps. 

What Is Deck Estimating App?

The deck estimating app is a software application designed to assist deck builders and contractors in creating accurate cost estimates for deck construction projects. 

It helps them to calculate the materials and labor costs associated with building a deck, as well as other project-related expenses such as permit fees, transportation costs, and insurance.

Some of these apps have a user-friendly interface that allows users to input project specifications, such as deck size, shape, and complexity, and get an estimate of the project cost. 

The app considers various factors that can impact the cost of a deck project, such as the type of materials used, the level of customization required, and the amount of labor involved.

In addition, the deck estimating app is a great tool that can also provide detailed estimates for different types of decks, including ground-level decks, elevated decks, and multi-level decks. 

How To Estimate A Deck

Before starting the construction process, it’s crucial to know how much it will cost. Thus, estimation is included in the process.

However, this task can be challenging, but with proper planning and an understanding of the process, deck builders can come up with an accurate estimate. So, the provided step-by-step guide below is what deck builders need to learn how to estimate a deck.

1. Determine The Size And Design Of The Deck

The first step in estimating a deck is to determine its size and design. This will depend on various factors, such as personal preferences, available space, and budget. 

Deck builders can start by measuring the area where they want to build the deck – considering factors such as the shape of the area and any existing structures or obstacles that may affect the design.

It’s also crucial to decide on the type of deck their client wants, it might be a ground-level deck, a raised deck, or a multi-level deck.

2. Choose The Decking Material

Deck builders or do-it-yourself enthusiasts are required to choose the decking material they want to use. 

The most common decking materials include wood, composites, and PVC. 

Wood is the most affordable option, but it requires regular maintenance, while composite decking is more durable and requires less maintenance, but it’s more expensive than wood. 

However, based on budget, PVC can be an ideal choice because it doesn’t need much maintenance and lasts longer than any other material.

3. Estimate The Cost Of Materials

After determining the size, design, and decking material, the next step is to estimate the cost of materials. 

Deck builders can visit a local home improvement store to get a rough estimate of the materials’ cost. They can also use deck estimating apps to get an idea of the cost. 

4. Estimate The Cost Of Labor

The cost of labor will depend on the complexity of the design, the experience of the contractor, and the location. 

It’s recommended to get at least three quotes from different contractors to compare their prices. 

5. Add Additional Costs

There are other costs associated with building a deck that deck builders should consider. 

These may include permits, inspections, and any additional features such as lighting, built-in benches, or planters. 

They can contact the local building department to find out the cost of permits and inspections. 

6. Calculate The Total Cost

To calculate the total cost of building a deck, deck builders will need to add up the cost of materials, labor, and any additional costs. 

It’s recommended to add a contingency of around 10% to the total cost to account for any unexpected expenses.

Why Do Deck Builders Need a Deck Estimating App?

Deck building is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. 

From selecting the right materials to calculating the right measurements, deck builders need to consider some factors to ensure their projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction.

However, all these tasks can be time-consuming if done manually with paperwork, and it can be daunting as well.

Hence, a deck estimating app is the ideal tool that can help deck builders streamline their work and improve results.

Here are some reasons why deck builders need a deck estimating app:

1. Accurate Material Calculations

One of the most critical factors in any deck-building project is calculating the right amount of materials required. 

With a deck estimating app, builders can input their project’s specifications and receive an accurate calculation of the required materials. 

The app also takes into account variables such as material waste, which can help builders reduce costs and avoid overbuying materials.

2. Improved Efficiency

A deck estimating app enables deck builders to streamline their workflow by automating calculations and other time-consuming tasks. 

The tools allow them to quickly and easily generate estimates, invoices, and other documents – which helps free up more time to focus on other aspects of their work. 

This increased efficiency can help builders take on more projects, increase their revenue, and exponentially grow their businesses.

3. Greater Accuracy

Manual estimation methods are prone to human error, which can lead to costly mistakes and delays. 

Deck estimating apps use algorithms and databases to calculate costs and other variables.

So, it increases the estimate’s accuracy to avoid budget overruns, ensure the timely completion of projects, and maintain the trust and confidence of clients.

4. Better Project Management

It’s also worth noting that deck estimating apps include project management tools that enable deck builders to manage their projects more effectively. 

These apps may include task lists, calendars, scheduling tools, and other features that help builders stay organized and on top of their projects. 

With this, they can avoid delays and missed deadlines – which will help them attain successful projects and satisfied clients.

5. Competitive Advantage

In today’s highly competitive deck-building industry, any advantage can make a significant difference in winning and retaining clients. 

By utilizing a deck estimating app, deck builders can differentiate themselves from their competitors by offering accurate and efficient project estimation and management tailored to their business brand.

This helps them to build a strong reputation and secure more clients/customers over time.

What is Deck Design Software?

Have you ever heard of deck design software before? Oftentimes, most people mistake “deck estimating apps” for “deck design software”, but they’re different.

They are both used for different activities. So, let’s get to know what deck design software is.

Deck design software is a computer program designed to help deck builders create a detailed plan and visual representation of their deck projects.

It is developed to provide them with a 3D rendering of the deck that they are planning to build, complete with all the necessary measurements, materials, and design elements. 

Deck design software is an essential tool for both professional contractors and do-it-yourself enthusiasts who are planning to build a deck.

Its great potential can only be unlocked when used in the early stages of the design process. 

So, this is how it works:

Deck builders will input the dimensions of their outdoor space, the location of any existing structures, and any other relevant information. 

The software then generates a 3D model of the proposed deck, which can be edited and adjusted as needed. 

This allows deck builders or do-it-yourself enthusiasts to experiment with different design elements, such as the placement of stairs, the size and shape of the deck, and the choice of materials.

One of the most significant benefits of deck design software is that it allows users to visualize their project before any construction begins. 

With this feature, they can identify any potential issues with their design, such as space constraints, before they start building. 

The best part is that deck design software can help deck builders save time and money by ensuring that all measurements and materials are accurate before the building process begins.

Moreover, most of the deck design software available on the market is user-friendly, even for those with limited design experience. 

They often include pre-designed templates that can be customized to fit the specific needs of the contractors’ project and also tutorials and user guides to help them navigate the software and make the most of its features.

Conclusion

Deck builders can greatly benefit from using deck estimating apps to streamline their workflow, save time and money, and provide more accurate estimates to their clients. 

By automating the estimating process, they can easily input data and calculate material costs, labor expenses, and other factors involved in building a deck. 

This not only helps them avoid errors and miscalculations but also provides clients with transparent and detailed estimates that are based on actual data rather than guesswork.

To help you understand the difference between “deck estimating app” and “deck designer software”, we’ve also provided the full meaning of deck designer software and what it’s used for.