How Castle’s Estimating & Design Services (EDS) is helping independent dealers build stronger businesses and stronger communities.
Darren Rest
Estimating & Design Manager
“Can you have this estimate ready by Friday?”
It’s a question independent dealers hear
every day.
For many, it’s also one of the most demanding parts of the job.
Producing accurate estimates requires time, expertise and attention to detail. And with more complex building plans, ongoing labour shortages and rising customer expectations, the job has never required more time or precision.
That’s why Castle created Estimating & Design Services (EDS).
As the first Canadian LBM buying group to offer a centralized estimating program, EDS gives members access to professional estimating expertise, helping them save time, improve accuracy and respond to customers faster, without the expense of building and maintaining an in-house estimating department.
More Than an Estimating Service
Behind every estimate is a simple philosophy.
For Darren Rest, who manages Castle’s EDS, success has never been about producing more estimates. It’s about giving members something even more valuable: time.
“The whole premise is to take the estimating burden off their shoulders,” Darren explains. “This way, they can focus on building relationships and growing their business. Members still oversee the process, but they don’t have to spend hours counting every stick of lumber.”
That’s the philosophy behind EDS.
Rather than tying up valuable staff with hours of manual estimating, EDS allows members to use that time more efficiently to assist their customers with choosing finishes or planning the design of their dream kitchen.
Built Around the Needs of Independent Dealers
Independent dealers wear many hats.
They’re salespeople, project advisors, problem-solvers and trusted partners to contractors and homeowners alike. Every day brings new questions, changing priorities and customers who need answers quickly.
The last thing many dealers have time for is spending hours completing detailed material takeoffs. Castle’s EDS was designed to
change that.
Members simply use the Castle EDS portal to upload their building plans through the CastleCore Member Platform, where each project is assigned to a professional estimator. Within days, they receive a comprehensive material takeoff and bill of materials that can be reviewed, priced, and presented to their customer.
The flexible pay-per-use model means members only use the service when they need it while maintaining complete ownership of their customer relationships.
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference
Delivering that level of support requires more than software.
It requires the right partner.
Castle has partnered with a global leader in estimating and design technology. The partnership combines advanced estimating software with knowledgeable professionals who understand the complexities of residential and commercial construction.
The result is a service that delivers detailed, consistent material takeoffs while eliminating the need for members to purchase expensive estimating software or dedicate valuable staff resources to completing estimates by hand.
Rather than replacing the expertise of local dealers, the service strengthens it.
“Our software allows us to build a complete bill of materials directly from the plans,” Darren says. “That means greater consistency, improved accuracy and more confidence when members are preparing quotes for their customers.”
For some members, that means offering estimating services for the very first time. For others, it means delivering estimates in days instead of weeks. Either way, it creates a better experience for customers while giving members greater flexibility to pursue new opportunities.
“Uploading our blueprints was simple, and we quickly received a detailed, accurate materials list. It saved us valuable time and streamlined our project planning from the start.”
— Alain Melanson, Al’s Paint & More Ltd., Saulnierville, NS
“The clarity, reliability and professionalism of the service has helped set us apart from our competitors. EDS has become a trusted partner and a valuable part of our workflow.”
— Stacy Duguay, North Dundas Building Supplies, Winchester, ON
Confidence Built Into Every Estimate
When it comes to estimating, speed matters.
Accuracy matters even more.
A missed item or incorrect quantity can lead to unexpected costs, project delays and lost confidence; something no independent dealer can afford.
EDS delivers detailed, professional material takeoffs that improve consistency, reduce costly errors and give members greater confidence in every quote.
“Accuracy builds confidence,” Darren says. “When members know their estimates are complete and reliable, they can spend less time second-guessing the numbers and more time focusing on the customer.”
That confidence has become a competitive advantage for members already using
the service.
Creating Capacity for Growth
There are plenty of reasons EDS works; from experienced estimators and proven technology to a streamlined, centralized process.
When Darren was asked what makes the program successful, his answer is
surprisingly simple.
People.
For Darren, estimating has never been just
about numbers.
It’s about creating opportunities for independent dealers to grow and giving all members, regardless of size, the opportunity to offer a service that is typically available only to larger dealers.
Whether it’s bidding on larger projects, shortening turnaround times or expanding the services they offer, EDS gives members the capacity to pursue opportunities they may not have had the time or resources to tackle before.
“It’s about organic growth,” Darren explains. “We want members spending their time where it creates the greatest impact; building relationships, winning more business and growing their market.”
For Chris Cameron, the impact was immediate.
“We’re delivering estimates in a fraction of the time it once took, while our staff can focus on customer service instead of completing takeoffs by hand. It’s also far more cost-effective than purchasing estimating software and dedicating an employee to manage it. EDS has helped us improve turnaround times, enhance customer service and create new opportunities for growth.”
— Chris Cameron, Margaree Castle, North East Margeree, NS
Investing in the Future of Independent Dealers
Innovation isn’t always about introducing a
new product.
Sometimes it’s about finding better ways to support the people behind the business.
As the first Canadian lumber and building materials buying group to offer a centralized estimating service, Castle continues to invest in practical solutions that help independent dealers compete in an increasingly
demanding marketplace.
And the program continues to evolve.
Future enhancements are expected to include expanded estimating capabilities, specialty services and deeper integration with Castle’s digital tools, making the process even more seamless for members.
When all is said and done, Darren says, it’s not about the technology. It’s all about the members. Because every estimate is more than a list of materials. It’s the first step toward helping someone build their dream.
And that’s the foundation Castle has been building all along.
It’s another way Castle is investing in its members: giving them more time to do what they do best: serving customers, supporting contractors and strengthening the communities they serve.
When independent businesses thrive, the communities they serve grow stronger.