Custom Software Development for Construction Company
Featured Review- Custom Software Development
- $50,000 to $199,999
- Quality
- 4.5
- Schedule
- 5.0
- Cost
- 5.0
- Willing to Refer
- 5.0
"I do feel that My Web Programmer is an honest and responsible company."
- Real estate
- Chicago, Illinois
- 11-50 Employees
- Phone Interview
- Verified
My Web Programmer was hired by a home construction company to develop a custom software tool to improve business efficiency and workflow by reducing busy work.
My Web Programmer is commended for their ability to solve technical challenges when it seemed like there was no solution. My Web Programmer is recommended to any client that needs a custom software solution.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
Seven Custom Homes is a high-end construction company. I am the owner of the business.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with My Web Programmer?
I was having issues with managing our tasks, which were being repeated continuously. A fulltime resource was taking care of documentation and sedimentary issues like liability release waivers. They were simplistic tasks, but demanded a fulltime office person to take care of documentation and legal requirements. I mapped out the scope for a software, and started working with My Web Programmer.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
My Web Programmer has developed my software, eliminating my need for a $70,000 per year employee, and doubling my business without bringing an additional headcount. The software has acted as a full documentation source for us.
The initial version was built using WordPress, but it has become so large that it will need to be converted to a custom PHP version. This depends on whether or not I decide to also sell the product, or to simply keep using it for my company.
I provided very detailed specifications, given that I come from a construction background. My Web Programmer did a great job of following my instructions. I wrote to-do lists, and they knocked them out.
My Web Programmer has performed great. Whenever something appeared unsolvable, My Web Programmer figured out a way to solve it.
How did you come to work with My Web Programmer?
I had previously hired a developer for this project, but it wasn't working out. He was missing deadlines constantly. I came to the realization that he had subcontracted My Web Programmer in order to do the work, so I simply contacted them. I terminated the initial provider, and continued working with My Web Programmer, which was 100 times better. I never realized what an obstacle that person was through their lack of communication with My Web Programmer.
I had looked at other developers, but I found that My Web Programmer was invested in the work and were doing such a good job, that I've had a hard time splitting away from them.
How much have you invested with My Web Programmer?
The cost of my project with My Web Programmer has been above $50,000 per year. It's hard to estimate the current cost because, once the software went live, I've only used one developer from My Web Programmer, instead of 2-3.
What is the status of this engagement?
I started working with My Web Programmer 2 and a half years ago. We have an ongoing relationship, and it's been a great investment for me. The software is currently in maintenance and enhancement mode.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?
Project management within my company has improved. It used to be a very stationary business, given that subcontractors needed to come to the office and sign a document in order to pick up their checks. We have streamlined the process, allowing checks to be mailed and signed digitally. This has helped my business tremendously, enabling me to double the amount of revenue which I previously had, without increasing the headcount. This has been a competitive advantage, generating $70,000-80,000 for each job.
There's been some interest in my software from an investor looking to make it public. As a result, I've talked to some other local developers, who were impressed with the work made by My Web Programmer. I've stuck with them throughout this period, and feel that we have a good working relationship. My Web Programmer is definitely responsive.
How did My Web Programmer perform from a project management standpoint?
My Web Programmer either delivered on time, or explained what was happening, and why a deadline wasn’t be met. My Web Programmer has been on time in 90% of cases, but I have come up with some challenging tasks, like tying to the QuickBooks accounting software. If there was no API for this, then My Web Programmer had to write it.
Our project has changed a lot, so I can't evaluate our budget accurately. From my experience, if there isn't clear guidance, then the contractor will probably go over-budget. I haven't felt bad about what I was spending, because I knew that adding additional items to my software would cost more.
Whenever there's a problem, I can send an email to My Web Programmer, and they'll answer it within my daytime, which is night time for them.
I have mainly worked with a project manager from My Web Programmer. The software which I wrote has aspects which are very similar to Basecamp, given that construction is almost identical to software design, in terms of project management. We've used our own software in order to communicate to-do lists.
What did you find most impressive about My Web Programmer?
This is the first project of its kind which I've worked on, and I've acted as a project manager, so I don't have a base for comparison. I do feel that My Web Programmer is an honest and responsible company. I feel comfortable working with them, and they have reasonable pricing, considering what they've accomplished. My Web Programmer isn't the cheapest option on the block, but they're not the most expensive one either. Honesty has been especially important, given that there is some sensitive data handled by my software. My Web Programmer has never done anything that would make me question them.
Are there any areas My Web Programmer could improve?
This may be a cultural limitation, but My Web Programmer could offer more guidance based on what they've seen in the past, whether it be on layouts or any other items.
Our only challenge has been in terms of time zones, but I've become accommodated to this.
What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with My Web Programmer?
Any client needs to be clear and concise in their requests, and make an effort to map out the work as much as humanly possible beforehand. One of the hardest things that I've had to learn was that explaining a request in a visual way makes the process much easier and faster. Three hours spent at night coming up with the illustration will probably prevent 20-30 hours of developers going down the wrong path.
RATINGS
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Quality
4.5Service & Deliverables
"The work hasn't been perfect, but My Web Programmer strives to get there. This is a huge item, because it shows that they care."
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Schedule
5.0On time / deadlines
"As long as My Web Programmer's team receives clear and concise instructions, they will stay on track."
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Cost
5.0Value / within estimates
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Willing to Refer
5.0NPS
"I've recommended My Web Programmer to other people.