            
|
|
|
 REAL ESTATE Software allows builders, buyers to keep in touch By KELLY HUMPHREY, Daily News Contributing Writer Anyone who has ever hired a contractor knows that communication can be the key to a project's success. Unfortunately, the realities of the building industry sometimes lead to miscommunication - a problem that can end up costing a builder and his clients both time and money. In an effort to combat communication problems and help builders manage their projects more efficiently, Construction Data Control Inc. (www.cdci.com) developed Job2Date, a construction management software package for builders and their clients. Job2Date is an Internet-based communications and data management system that enables homebuyers to stay in touch with their builder and track the construction of their new home. "Homebuyers can follow the progress of their new home from the time the foundation is poured until the day the punch list is completed," said Dan Jacobs, the executive director of sales and marketing for CDCI. "The job cost and progress information is automatically uploaded each night from the builder's office onto a secure server, which authorized buyers can then access through the Internet. Buyers can also view site photos and blueprints, post their own responses or requests, select options and make cost inquiries via a secure messaging system." The advantages of such a system can be beneficial to both the builder and the homebuyer. Because builders spend so much time traveling from one construction site to the other, they are often difficult to get in touch with. By the same token, builders sometimes have a tough time contacting owners, especially if they live out of town. As a result, the avalanche of information that enters the builder's office via fax, e-mail and phone messages can sometimes fall through the cracks. Job2Date's secure messaging system allows the builder to spend more time working on the homebuyer's project, and less time playing phone tag. "With Job2Date, you have one central source for communication and documentation," Jacobs said. "This way, both the homebuyer and the builder are protected in case there's ever a dispute." Since time is money, the software's time-saving features are also appealing. "The other advantage is that it allows consumers to make selections about things like carpet, fixtures, and wallpaper in the comfort of their home, at a time that is convenient to them," Jacobs said. "In the past, when it was time to pick out plumbing fixtures, for example, the husband and wife would have to find a time when they could both get over to the showroom. Then they'd have to write down their selections and get them to the builder's office. With Job2Date, the builder can simply download several catalogs onto the site, and the client can make their selections with the click of a button." In addition to improving builder/client communication, Job2Date offers project management services that help the builder keep track of the long list of details involved with building a home. "For example, the builder can maintain accounting information on the secure server that allows a subcontractor to see when he is getting paid, and what time he's supposed to do what task," Jacobs said. "Everything is done using security to keep the wrong people from finding out your information." Because all of the project information is available over the Internet, homebuyers can follow the construction of their new home and stay in touch with their builder from any location, making it an ideal choice for military families or builders of vacation homes. The builder can even provide his clients with information about local professional services and shopping by posting the information online. "This option allows the builder to sell advertising space on his site to local businesses," Jacobs explained. "In that way, the builder can recoup the cost of the software without much effort at all." "Most consumers already use the Internet to shop, trade information, and conduct business," added CDCI president John Geoffroy. "Job2Date takes this technology to the next level, helping them manage the most important purchase they will ever make." Kelly Humphrey is a Niceville resident. You can reach her at MWC84Grad@aol.com REPRINTED FROM THE NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS, Sept 19, 1999 This article can be found on page G1 COPYRIGHT NOTICE The entire contents of Northwest Florida Daily News Online, including its logotype, are fully protected by copyright and registry and cannot be reproduced in any form for any purpose without written permission from Northwest Florida Daily News. © 1999 NORTHWEST FLORIDA DAILY NEWS |
|
||