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April 26, 2001

Homebuilders may find utopia with BuildTopia

  • Software geared to making builders more efficient
    • By TERRY STEPHENS
    Special to the Journal

    Both commercial and residential builders have similar challenges, such as tracking costs and progress for each project and communicating frequently with a wide range of subcontractors, architects, suppliers and marketing people. Doing those tasks well results in more efficiency, more profit and less hassle factor for everyone.

    How the BuildTopia Program Works
    The home screen of the BuildTopia program provides a choice of eight modules the cover the major elements of the software. While the company using the program will have access to all of the data, participating builders, architects, engineers, vendors, subcontractors and homebuyers will only see pertinent information through their own Web page.

    The eight modules and their uses include:

  • Builder Data Management: Enter and view information used throughout the BuildTopia system, such as cost codes, house types, the lot matrix and subcontractor records. Existing records can be easily transferred into BuildTopia.

  • Design and Collaboration: View and comment on CAD drawings with instant online messaging, collaborating with architects or engineers in real-time and using the final designs and specifications to solicit subcontractor and vendor bids, all online.

  • Bidding and Purchasing: Prepare information for vendors and subcontractors to bid a project, distribute plans and specifications through electronic RFPs and answer questions by e-mail or online messaging. Contracts are also generated by the program.

  • Project Management: Monitor the production schedule throughout construction of entire subdivisions or individual homes, post changes to vendors or subs, discuss changes in real-time messaging, approve purchases and work orders and track information, such as building permit data. Schedules can be updated in the field using wireless devices.

  • Sales: All retail pricing information and home descriptions can be loaded onto the Web site, including base prices and options. Information on prospects and brokers can be viewed and updated online.

  • Contract Administration: All communications with purchasers can be recorded here, along with information required from the home buyer. A master checklist can be customized to record data about each home, options, customizations, contract details and the project schedule. Pre-settlement walkthroughs with customers, as well as settlements between lenders and title companies, can be handled online.

  • Customer Relationship Management: Home buyers can have their own password-protected URL so they can view their contract information, change orders, production schedule and the projected completion date, a list of information they need to provide and digital pictures of their home in various stages of construction. BuildTopia provides an efficient way for builders and buyers to communicate about any issues.

  • Customer Service: The BuildTopia program allows the builder and home buyer to collaborate on administration of the warranty service. Customers can read warranty information on site, log requests and view the status of their order, eliminating frustration and lengthy phone-tag. An online calendar coordinates the subcontractors, vendors and purchaser’s schedules. BuildTopia, according to its developers, provides high-tech solutions without elaborate up-front costs for technology and training. The program provides an integrated suite of applications that adapts to the size of each business and the needs of that user’s market segment; guarantees network access; provides advanced security system integrity to keep data confidential; provides professional training for users and extensive follow-up technical support and continual upgrades to assure users have the latest technology and techniques.

    • But handling such complex tracking and communicating well is the catch.


     
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