State of the Art Contractor: Ready-to-Use Spreadsheets for Estimating (GC Works)

Most small- to medium-sized builders who are just beginning to use a computer in their businesses need advice on where to start. The model I usually propose includes off-the-shelf programs that combine stand-alone applications into an inexpensive, simple-to-use “system.” One program that fits the model perfectly is GC Works, a construction management system tailored to residential builders. The program is designed for new construction and development, but will also work for remodeling. I call GC Works a “system” because it combines with QuickBooks (Intuit, P.O. Box 3014, Menlo Park, CA 94026; 800/624-6930) and ClarisWorks (Claris Corp., 5201 Patrick Henry Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95052; 408/727-8227) to handle most of the work that goes on in a construction office — estimating, accounting, job