Production and Accounting Software for Home Builders

We have a great virtual customer conference planned for May 10-14th.  This is our largest virtual customer conference ever with over 30 sessions, guest speakers, industry experts, Constellation staff and many opportunities for builders to learn from their peers.

We’ll cover many recent enhancements in our home building software solutions and offer product training sessions as well.  For a detailed agenda and registration information, please click on the link below.

Register Now

This year’s IBS was the best year in the past four for Constellation HomeBuilder Systems and the thought was echoed by many builders in attendance. There is a realization that technology will play a much more important role in the builder’s future.

There was talk everywhere about leveraging social media in homebuilding. It is a strategy you should adopt NOW! See what I mean…

One thing I learned is the importance of “claiming your business” on Google. There is a way to enhance the listing of your business on Google including maps, pictures content and even reviews. It is part of the Local Business Center… Who Knew? Check out this link to learn about Claiming your Business.

The response to our new Groundbreaker website solution was phenomenal. If you know you need to update your website or think you may need to change see what Groundbreaker can do for you. Announced at the IBS show Groundbreaker had builder big and small talking and agreeing the unbelievable value it represents.

It was amazing to see the response to the newest product in the Constellation HomeBuilder Systems line of ERP solutions. HomeDev is a project management and job cost system developed for the small builder and remodeler. It uses Microsoft tools and works with QuickBooks. Many builders stated clearly “this is exactly what we have been waiting for”.

BuildSoft Pro was introduced at the IBS as well. Current BuildSoft users were stopped dead in their tracks when we showed them the new product and how it will help them better manage job costs and complete projects on time.

Markham, ON February 1, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of homebuilder accounting software, announces the release of BuildSoft Pro™ 32-Bit, specifically designed for home builders and remodelers to help manage their construction processes.

Since the acquisition of BuildSoft, Constellation has taken this opportunity to increase its investment in new technology and dedicated the necessary resources to re-engineer the product.  “We are continuing to invest in the product and maintain our long-term commitment to the home building industry”, says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “The long-term stability of Constellation ensures that we will continue to enhance our products and bring new solutions forward to help builders compete in any type of market condition.”

The new BuildSoft Pro™ system has a more modern look and feel based on a solid footing with Microsoft Outlook functionality and opportunity for future enhancements.  The end result is a new product that encompasses all the best features trusted by thousands of BuildSoft users, plus many of our recent enhancements.  BuildSoft Pro™ is the next step up from standard spreadsheets, allowing homebuilders to manage everything from accounting to project management.  Specifically, homebuilders can use BuildSoft Pro’s™ residential construction and scheduling software as one integrated package for accounting, project management, estimating and job costing.  All four integrated components help builders improve efficiency.  For remodelers, BuildSoft Pro’s™ residential remodelling features offer the same benefits, to help complete projects on-time and on budget.

The community of 1,500 loyal BuildSoft customers, some of which have been using the software for 21 years, are excited that Constellation has made investments in new technology for BuildSoft.   With a new 32-bit platform, BuildSoft Pro™ will be the foundation to give builders security and stability in their software investments and will provide the comfort of knowing they will be supported now and in the years to come.

BuildSoft Pro™ was launched at the 2010 International Builders’ Show on January 19-22, 2010, and the response has been overwhelming with many BuildSoft customers signing up to take advantage of the low cost early adopter program.  Custom home builders, small volume production builders and remodelers stopped by the booth in large numbers to find out more about BuildSoft Pro™ and the long anticipated new release.

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries:
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

“A Whole New Market”

Constellation Launches the HomeDev Production and Job Cost System for Home Builders and Remodelers at the 2010 International Builders’ Show.

The full article can be found at the following location:

http://www.constructech.com/news/articles/article.aspx?article_id=8161

Markham, ON January 19, 2010 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of home builder, sales, production and accounting software announces a new product release at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19 – 22, 2010.  HomeDev™ is specifically designed for home builders and remodelers to help manage their construction processes.

HomeDev offers a comprehensive solution for job costing, project management, budgeting, trade comparison and purchasing.   Built using familiar Microsoft tools like Excel, Project, Outlook, SQL Server, SharePoint, and .NET, the new HomeDev product integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting systems.

During this building slow-down, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has made significant investments to bring HomeDev to the market.  All builders use spreadsheets and some use Microsoft Project and want to see a new solution that works with these familiar tools.  HomeDev uses Microsoft Excel, Project and Outlook to manage the data collection and presentation, Microsoft SQL to manage the data, and SharePoint and e-mail technology to share documents in the form of vendor and partner portals.

Builders make more money if they learn from their mistakes and avoid them on the next job. HomeDev allows builders to take any job in the system and use that as a basis for a new job. This saves time and produces more accurate estimates and project plans.  The purchasing process in HomeDev provides tools for sending out bid requests, comparing the results, and awarding contracts without manually entering the bid responses.  The builder saves money by selecting the best bid, reduces errors by avoiding data entry, and improves accuracy of budgeting and project management.

HomeDev is designed for the builder seeking a solution that is easy to learn and implement.  Builders running the software have told us “because we are comfortable and familiar with Excel, Project, and QuickBooks, HomeDev fits naturally into our operations.”  HomeDev is available under license or subscription.

Constellation is launching HomeDev at the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV on January 19-22, 2010.

Request an appointment, or visit one of the booths during the show for a product demonstration.  

Booth C1145                 Production Builders – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

Booth C842                    Small Volume Builders and Remodelers – Websites, Accounting, Production and Sales Systems

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,400 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems would like to welcome all builders and remodelers to the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

We have an exciting show planned with many experts available to answer your questions about our products, recent acquisitions, and real-world best practices. To register for these sessions, please click on the session name in the schedule below.

Over the past year, we have seen huge changes in our industry and technology in general. While many builders were focused on their business and making many tough decisions, we were focused on providing world-class customer service, enhancing our products, and developing or acquiring new technologies to meet the needs of the changing home builder, home buyer, and home owner.

To meet these demands, we have released major enhancements to our core production, accounting and sales solutions, completed two significant acquisitions, developed two new products, and offer many of our products in hosted configurations. Our track record with new acquisitions demonstrates Constellation’s commitment to customers with world-class service and ongoing product support and enhancements. This means that home builders can rely on Constellation for stable products, dedication to the industry, and proven expertise. With more than 100 employees focused on homebuilding software, and over 2,400 customers we are the largest software company in the industry with the resources to deliver mission-critical solutions for home builders of all sizes.

With several booths at the show this year, please be sure to stop by to share some stories, or just ask our experts a few questions. We would like to learn more about your business and offer our assistance in any way we can.

See you in Vegas.

Constellation Booth Schedule

*if you are unable to attend any of the scheduled events, please contact
sales@constellationhb.com.

Markham, ON, January 4, 2010 – Constellation Software Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, is proud to announce the acquisition of Builder1440, a leading software company focused on the residential homebuilding industry.  This acquisition includes Sales1440, a trusted and proven web-based sales solution for hundreds of home builders, as well as the consulting and staffing solutions of G.1440.

“We know this industry, and after evaluating several firms, it was clear that Builder1440 was more than a simple sales system,” says Dexter Salna, President of Constellation HomeBuilder Systems.  “Builder1440’s software suite is a great choice for homebuilders that can’t afford to risk putting their business in the hands of old technology, limited solutions, or small family businesses that might not be around to support them tomorrow.”

Builder1440 will continue to operate and grow out of its Baltimore offices, under the same management team and will continue to promote and enhance its existing product line.  Constellation welcomes all Builder1440 customers and will provide world-class solutions and services as a long term technology partner in the homebuilding industry.

“Constellation recognizes Builder1440’s commitment to our clients,” says Matt McShane, Vice President of Builder1440.  “Throughout the downturn, we’ve been aggressively expanding our solutions with one goal in mind: to help builders sell more homes.  Constellation shares that goal, and we’re excited to be a part of the Constellation family.”

Larry Fiorino, Builder1440 CEO and Founder added that Builder1440 is planning to announce several key initiatives and new offerings at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, NV this January.  “I can’t get into it yet, but we’re rolling out solutions that will completely change how builders sell homes,” said Fiorino.

With many of North America’s top 10 builders as clients, Builder1440’s cloud-based platform supports customers ranging from large national builders to smaller, regional builders, and everyone in between.

In addition to Builder1440, Constellation has acquired parent company G.1440, including consulting solutions and IT staffing services divisions that deliver end-to-end IT solutions.  Specializing in custom software, web design, web marketing, and tech staffing, G.1440 will continue to be a leader in IT in the Baltimore/Washington region. G.1440 was founded in 1998 and was previously a subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group.

About Constellation HomeBuilder SystemsAs the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,100 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

About Builder1440, LLCBuilder1440, LLC delivers trusted software solutions for home builders. With a deep vertical knowledge of the home building industry and extensive technical expertise, our team designs and develops cloud-based software solutions currently in use by hundreds of builders across North America. Builder1440′s sales & marketing software suite increases profits and decrease costs through all stages of the homebuyer life cycle.

About Constellation Software Inc.Constellation Software Inc. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CSU”. Constellation Software is an international provider of market leading software and services to a number of industries across both the public and private sectors. Constellation acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses that provide mission­-critical software solutions to address the specific needs of its customers in those industries.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
ckotsopoulos@constellationhb.com
(888) 723-2222

Markham, ON, December 14, 2009 – Constellation HomeBuilder Systems, the largest provider of software for home builders, helps Shea Homes of Walnut, CA boost customer satisfaction to higher levels in 2009 by helping them monitor and improve the new home buyer experience from contract to warranty.

Constellation BuildSERV’s Home Ownership Guide, the 2009 Innovative Housing Technology Award Winner, is used by Shea Homes to enhance home builder-to-home owner communications using  content management services, online messaging and warranty management software solutions throughout all phases of the new home construction process to keep new home buyers informed and engaged both during and after construction.

In the recent 2009 J.D. Power New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study reveals that customer satisfaction and new home quality has improved dramatically from 2008.  Shea Homes, Walnut CA performance in this survey was enhanced and strengthened through the company-wide implementation of BuildSERV Ownership Guide.   Shea Homes ranks 1^st or 2^nd in customer satisfaction in all 5 markets where they competed (Phoenix, San Francisco Area, Denver, Inland Empire, and Orange Co/San Diego), and ranks highest in Shea Trilogy Active Adult communities where they compete in 6 U.S. markets.    Year over year, Shea Homes places in the Top 10 for number of homes built each year with approximately 2,400 homes being sold this year.

Shea Homes expanded their commitment to utilize BuildSERV throughout their 11 regions with built-in milestone notification e-mails and web-based appointment scheduling.  Shea Homes expanded from 3 to 11 regions for three principal reasons.  Firstly, BuildSERV helps Shea Homes internally by allowing everyone to upload, share and collaborate regarding the same documents and information for consistency and unification of their branded image in all locations.  Externally, they’re able to proactively communicate with home buyers using milestone-based messaging and appointment scheduling to keep homebuyers informed and positively engaged.  Secondly, Shea Homes tracks and monitors home owner activities and warranty performance with activity timeline reports giving them a clear picture as to how the home owner is learning and using the system while helping Shea Homes meet their legal obligations.  Finally, the implementation process is quick, easy and cost effective so they save time, money and resources.

Once BuildSERV is delivered to the home buyer by CD ROM, web or e-mail, Shea Homes receives campaign management results with reporting on recipients who’ve received, responded to and are using their information and services.  “In essence, instead of delivering the Home Owner’s Manual as a paper 3-ring binder that gets shelved, BuildSERV delivers twelve copies of their Manual electronically during their first two years in their home using BuildSERV’s milestone messaging and web-based Home Ownership Guide”, Chip Pennington, Corporate Director of Customer Service, Shea Homes.

“The next generation of home buyers are expecting more information online, and BuildSERV delivers the effective communication tools they’re looking for with a comprehensive, web-based Home Owner Manual, providing quick and easy access to regular updates about their home and enhanced information services to create better home buying experiences,”

- Robb Pigg
Corporate VP Operations
Shea Homes

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems is the largest home building software supplier helping builders manage their information technology costs with cutting-edge, integrated software solutions to run their businesses more effectively.   Constellation continues to invest in new products and services, while providing regular updates  to keep builders current with today’s technology trends. 

Constellation HomeBuilder Systems (“CHS”) is a division of Constellation Software Inc. (“CSI”), and is a publicly traded company.

About Constellation HomeBuilder Systems

As the largest home building software company in the industry, Constellation HomeBuilder Systems has helped more than 2,100 builders manage their information technology costs with integrated software solutions to run their business from dirt to warranty. From planning to homeowner services, we have land development software, new home sales and marketing software, production, purchasing, scheduling, accounting, warranty, electronic homeowner manuals, vendor portal solutions, and web site solutions designed exclusively for the home building industry.

Media Inquiries
Cathy Kotsopoulos
(888) 723-2222

In 2007, Jeff Benton Homes, implemented the complete FAST Management Platform in a nimble three-month pace and kept right on building into historic profits. A complete builder ERP solution, FAST allows builders to streamline systems, increase efficiency and improve operations, empowering businesses to concurrently grow volume and profit margins.  Congratulations JBH!

Click here to see a recent article about Jeff Benton Homes.

A couple months ago Builder G, not their real name, decided to change the way they follow-up with internet leads. They are already a successful builder, but this is still a big step for their company and their staff. Everyone involved in this will learn how to use the internet differently, identify and follow-up with prospects more consistently, and manage their sales teams more effectively. They will make better use of Constellation’s home building software.  I hope we learn a lot as well and we’ll share it with other builders in the Constellation family. 

For most builders, the time is right to make this improvement.  There is some optimism in the market, websites have probably been neglected, more potential home buyers are getting their information online, the length of the new home buying process has increased, and many large builders are attributing their recent success to a better website sales process.

Builder G will make the following changes:

1. update their existing website so that it is easier for prospects to obtain community/lot/model/upgrade details and provide contact information
2. utilize one employee to follow-up with all internet prospects immediately to provide friendly information and schedule sales agent appointments
3. utilize their existing sales system to track each prospect and ensure that only qualified prospects are provided to sales agents

Builder G hopes to obtain the following results:

1. obtain more prospects from their existing websites (pre-registration and existing communities)
2. ensure that all prospects are the responsibility of one person and that their marketing database is properly maintained for future prospect campaigns
3. use the software from Constellation to follow industry best practices and track every prospect from start to finish

We’ll let you know how it goes.