General Construction

K. Alan Co

Longtime Customer

Rocky has been a Maxwell Systems Quest customer since 1991. He started with the company’s DOS-based estimating solution before the Windows capable version was available.

“I’ve been with Quest since I began estimating with a computer,” says Rocky. “I
use everything you guys come out with relating to digitizing or digital takeoff.”
In the years since Rocky began using Maxwell Systems software, the product
line has become more sophisticated and robust, and Rocky has continued to
experience new benefits from each new release. He regularly uses Maxwell
Systems™ Quest Estimator™ with digital takeoff and Maxwell Systems Quest
Earthwork™.

The Benefits of Automated Estimating

“Before I began using Maxwell Systems software products, my bid information was compiled on many, many pages of legal note pads,“ says Rocky. “Viewing or capturing that information was a frustrating exercise in page flipping. Now the pricing information I need is categorically listed in my database and I can easily transfer the information and work I generate during the course of creating an estimate from Estimator’s Notepad to my estimate.”

Rocky continues, “I can review and change or update pricing and quantity information in the estimate with the comfort of knowing I have all of my work saved. During many discussions with clients regarding the cost of items listed in my estimate, I have been able to quickly refer back to the saved Notepad and takeoff information to refresh my memory or substantiate quantities. That ability helps establish the credibility of my estimate. Plus, when the time comes to order materials or check budgeted cost against bid amounts, the same information is readily available.”

Quest Earthwork Proves Invaluable

Rocky relays the reason he decided to buy Quest Earthwork: “Many of the building sites on which I am constructing homes have extreme topographical features. Most sites have significant elevation changes. I could not produce accurate estimates regarding cut and fill or determine foundation characteristics I need to understand without this software. It’s a fantastic tool! The 3-D capability is incredible.”

“I recently won a contract because of this (3-D) feature,” Rocky continues. “My client’s eyes lit up when I showed them how the proposed grading plan interacted with the lower level floor plan design of their future home. The golf course view the architect and landscape architect had promised suddenly became obvious and the remaining contract discussions seemed to go more easily because of the client’s increased understanding.“

Rocky adds, “The cut and fill information I gain from using the Earthwork software makes me feel much more comfortable when determining sitework material quantities. Before using Maxwell Systems’ software, these quantities were very hard to determine with the associated costs always having a big impact on the bottom line. Thankfully, those days are gone! And once I have determined the quantities of cut or fill, the ability to easily transfer the information from Earthwork to Estimator to determine costs is invaluable.“

Rocky has also enjoyed working with Quest Digital Takeoff software. “Even though it has been a great convenience, it’s nice not having to deal with a digitizer,” he says. “Digital takeoff enables me to do my quantity takeoffs easier and faster.”

Rocky believes that Maxwell Systems’ software gives him an advantage over the competition. “I feel like I have a leg up on them,” he says.

“I’m sure glad I have the Quest system.” Rocky concludes. “You’ll have me as a  customer until I retire.”