Construction and Computers [Paperback]

Patti Feldman (Author), William Feldman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1996

Armed with this workhorse of a manual, even the most computer-illiterate contractor/remodeler will be prepared to leap into the "computer age" and reap its rewards--saving time and money and reducing mistakes. The authors describe how to maximize business potential by using computers to keep a database, perform computer-aided design, generate estimates and spreadsheets, perform accounting and invoices, and more. 100 illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Even if you don't know a bit from a byte, you can put computers to work in your contracting business with the help of this complete, reader-friendly guide Computers can do a lot for any business, including construction and remodeling firms. Maintaining flawless financial records, performing computer-aided design (CAD), generating precise estimates. . .the list goes on. With this friendly and accessible manual written from a contractor's persperctive, taking the computer plunge has never been simpler. William and Patti Feldman, publishers of a popular newsletter on computers in construction, take the anxiety out of all issues you'll confront druing computerization. You will find practical guidance and helpful tips on: choosing the best hardware and software for your business; using a building online service for research-clients and suppliers; developing effective marketing strategies; making the most of CAD and performing a host of other applications. Complete details on how to set up your computer system are provided, along with full analyses of available software used to: Maintain databases; Perform computer-aided design; Generate estimates and spreadsheets; Perform accounting and invoicing; Manage scheduling; Produce professional-quality business forms; And more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional Publishing (July 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070214948
• ISBN-13: 978-0070214941
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,702,508 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Use this as a reference, December 9, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Construction and Computers (Paperback)

This book is an excellent handbook for the contractor and construction professional. It clearly cuts through a lot of the hype that comes from the hardware and software sales departments and tells you what you need to know. The authors have spent a lot of time reviewing various software from every angle. They tell you what it can do and what it cannot do. The book covers software for CAD, specifications, estimating, scheduling, accounting, job costing, preparation of forms and contact management. In some cases the authors tell you a few things that the software vendors don't want you to know. Don't expect to read this from cover to cover. This is a book that you will use as a reference. It is especially good for the contractor who is just getting into computers or for the person that needs to get more out of the computer. Submitted by: Stanley Strychaz, West Hills, C

4.0 out of 5 stars Softplan CAD software is a pain!, April 23, 2011

By 

HB "HB" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Construction and Computers (Paperback)

Chief Architect is better. Soft plan is lousy by its designers. Softplan cares more about protecting its software more than customer usability. One cannot make a move without involving the use of an astronomically expensive USB key, that if you lose will cost you almost a thousand dollars to replace!. If you wish to use on more than one machine or location (lets say a laptop, desktop, home or office) be prepared to shell out thousands more. The only alternative is to keep track and never forget or loose the user key! Pain in the butt software. Be prepared to deal with a militant and paranoid company who is always closed when you have a problem! You will be spending more time crawling around the back of your computer or driving to get your forgotten user key than drawing plans!