3 D Model

Team Spotlight: Estimating & EWP Design

Mar 14, 2022

Efficiency has always been a priority for construction projects, and with the volatility of today’s supply chains, projects need to go as smoothly as possible. To support our customers at Talbert Building Supply and facilitate more efficient projects, we have a secret weapon: our Estimating & EWP Design Team.

Our Estimating & EWP Design Team enhances the construction process for customers by using intuitive, high-performance technology to generate accurate material estimates and engineered wood product (EWP) floor systems. The customer service from this team is an integral part of the Talbert Difference, so let’s take a moment to get to know them a little better.

Meet the Team

The team is led by Brent Davis, and he’s joined by Ginny Oakley, Stephen Wright, and Susan Browning. This group works hand-in-hand to help customers through the process of designing, customizing, purchasing, and installing structural products. The team uses MiTek software for modeling, including MiTek Supply for whole-house estimates and BC Framer for engineered wood floor system designs.

We use Boise Cascade products for our EWP floor systems. “In the last year, we’ve seen a lot of other vendors’ products. But as far as the quality of it, Boise Cascade is top of the mark,” explains Brent Davis.

Here’s how the process works when our customers reach out:

  1. A builder or homeowner contacts our Estimating & EWP Design team to estimate their project. Brent Davis or Susan Browning handles these requests, logging the customer’s requirements and the project’s intent.

  2. Susan begins building models within MiTek Supply to kick off the project.

  3. The models are then sent for review to MiTek’s Platinum Global office. Here designers dedicated to Talbert complete the models.

  4. Once the Platinum Global office delivers the models, they go to Ginny and Stephen for final review.

  5. During the modeling process, MiTek Supply determines and logs any materials needed for the project. A complete bill-of-materials (BOM) is generated for the customer, broken down by usage and shipping package for convenience.

  6. We can then import the estimate into our Epicor BisTrack ERP for pricing and order entry.

How to Work With Our Team

Our design team handles new construction, remodeling, single-family homes, and occasionally multi-family residential projects. We provide estimating services for framing, roofing, building wrap, siding & exterior trim, and drywall. Still, most of the requests we receive are for framing and floor systems.

The BC Framer and MiTek programs make the process more transparent and efficient for our customers. “It’s very intuitive — it looks intimidating, but it’s super useful,” says Brent Davis.

Customers also have access to the 3D models created and can view them on their computer, smartphone, or tablet. “They can cut into the house to see inside the home and close up details,” Brent explains. “Each stud can be seen in these images.”

The goal is to prevent user error on projects and reduce the time needed to produce an estimate and quote for customers. This detailed view of the home’s layout supports customers by anticipating any issues that might arise during the project before installation begins.

“If you take the time to go through it, the level of detail available can help to resolve a lot of problems up-front,” says Brent. The technology we use also allows our team to provide feedback more easily so customers can be more involved with the design.

“We want to make sure it’s clear and concise,” Brent explains. “At the end of the day, homeowners and builders get what they want and expect.”

Solutions for More Efficient Home Construction

Our Estimating & EWP Design Team works hard to ensure that customers are satisfied with the outcome of their estimates and EWP floor system designs. That kind of customer support helps to guarantee a smoother, more successful project, and the technology used provides builders with what they need to get the job done right the first time.

Our team can help you get started with your project today. Learn more and reach out to us here!