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  Colin Hunt June 11, 2017 at 7:01am

  I have used a 'home-made' template Excel spread sheet with formulas added to help with my quotes.  
  • 

    Daniel Johnson > Colin Hunt June 12, 2017 at 9:12pm

    I do currently use excel. I was just wondering if anyone had come across a better way of doing it.
  • 

    Daniel Johnson > Colin Hunt June 12, 2017 at 9:13pm

    Thanks
    • 

      Colin Hunt > Daniel Johnson June 14, 2017 at 2:52pm

      Not sure what more you would want than an Excel spread sheet with formulas that with minimal input will work out your totals inc profit and VAT etc. 
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  Ben Carter June 12, 2017 at 8:33am

  I would make something up on excel it needn't be complicated.  I have never used SPONs but i have used others Schedules when i was a contract manager and they can be complicated but what i find with Schedule of Rates (SOR) is that somethings are really good earners and others aren't, but as the contractor they don't favor you.

  They get complicated for example when you apply a rate per meter for hedge cutting,  You then have to apply another rate to remove arisings you then have to apply a rate for the amount of leg work involved in removing arisings based on distance.  In short with your knowledge you would arrive a price which would suit you quicker than working it all out on SOR.

  You could make your own SOR up to suit you!
  • 

    Daniel Johnson > Ben Carter June 12, 2017 at 9:12pm

    Hi Ben

    Thank you for the response.

    I should have said, currently I do you excel spreadsheets. I list out the elements of the job. as you said eg cut hedge, clear up, disposal etc etc and apply my estimate on the time each will take.

    It was more for paving and fencing I was looking at. Almost a way to sense check my calculations. I appreciate all companies are different and each has different costs and earning expectations so maybe I was hoping/expecting a bit too much.
    • 

      Ben Carter > Daniel Johnson June 12, 2017 at 10:22pm

      No Worries

      LiberRate sounds interesting though.
• PRO

  Gary RK June 12, 2017 at 9:38pm

  .... You're not......but it will cost you and it's called LiberRATE ...... :)
  • 

    Daniel Johnson > Gary RK June 12, 2017 at 9:54pm

    Hi Gary

    Thank you for the reply.

    I have come across LiberRATE (£875) and they also offer garden costings which is intended for designers to work out design costs but might also work.

    Probably worth further investigation then?

    Anyone used / fancy reviewing?
    • PRO

      Gary RK > Daniel Johnson June 12, 2017 at 10:01pm

      The fallback is to leverage the small landscaping works book from Spons ( not the full external works version ) and build up via XLS.
      
      LiberRATE is a great product but needs commitment to use it effectively.
      
      Sam Hassel ( its creator ) is a member on LJN. He will normally provide an evaluation license if you ask him nicely ;)