paintcost estimator by cpr - Paint Talk

meo814 · 06-02-2007, 12:02 PM

has anyone used this software from CPR........i have the trial version and it seems very simplistic to use, but im just wondering if anyone has the full version and is it worth it............also, does anyone know where the cost codes come from....is it some kind of national average that they use?

**ProWallGuy** · 06-02-2007, 02:26 PM

I have the book which comes with the software. I wouldn't use it as a stand-alone estimating program, but one which you can bounce your own numbers off of to see if they all jive. Some of their rates are close, some are way off. Use your own numbers to come to a realistic price.

meo814 · 06-02-2007, 02:32 PM

hey thanks for the response.........but is there a way to change the numbers?........i cant figure it out.unless maybe with the trial version you just cant do it.......im lost

**ProWallGuy** · 06-02-2007, 04:14 PM

Not sure. I only loaded the software on my pc briefly, then erased it when I noticed all it turned out to be was a copy of the info in the book. I assume it is just a table of info, and not customizable.

welovepainting · 06-02-2007, 04:16 PM

im also looking for customizable etimating and cost spreadsheets.

**ProWallGuy** · 06-02-2007, 04:23 PM

OK, I reloaded the software.

Click on the item you want to change, and then click "edit" on the top menu. In the drop down box, click "change cost line (or item)" and it will allow you to change the info.

**ProWallGuy** · 06-02-2007, 04:27 PM

Crap, I'm talking about the wrong software. But yes, I also have the CPR Paintcost system loaded too. To edit the costs, just click on the tab at the bottom that takes you to the 'cost data' page. Then click on the box with the price in it, and input whatever you want. You can also change the hourly labor rates and markup from the last tab.

**ProWallGuy** · 06-02-2007, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by welovepainting

im also looking for customizable etimating and cost spreadsheets.

Download the trial CPR version we are talking about. It will give you a basic idea of what is out there. Personally, I haven't found one I like yet. Some are way too involved, and some aren't customizable enough. I have looked at a lot of them, and then basically made my own spread sheets in excel to track different cost/expenses. If you use Quickbboks, it can track a lot of things for you too.

**slickshift** · 06-02-2007, 06:17 PM

I tried it
I didn't care for it
It was too simplistic and not customizable enough for me

PaintingContractor · 12-24-2009, 03:19 PM

I really like it, it saves me quite a bit of time with having to bid jobs, so that I can get back to talking to customers.. It allows you to change everything in terms of how much paint costs and how long it takes you to paint.. so that you can get the best bids you can.

I've changed all the preferences and used their software and then did the bid the long way and they were both really close, so I've used the software ever since. Very easy to use and helps alot.

Tonyg · 12-24-2009, 03:45 PM

I've had it for a while but rarely use it. It is sometimes useful but I found that it was a decent base to then adjust where I thought was necessary. Every now and then I will open it to run a couple of numbers a different way.

**slickshift** · 12-28-2009, 05:21 PM

...as the original thread and software critic'd is a few years old, I'm sure the original critics (me included) would like a new trial run before any new readers of this necro-thread assume we are acquainted with the latest version

deach · 12-28-2009, 06:55 PM

As there wasn't a mac version I ended up using Open office to just make spread sheets and keep track and help with estimates/expenses etc......Honestly anything those do you can do with a properly set up spread sheet. (which is basically all those are anyway in fancy form).