Computers work hard for Colorado retailer

WO SPECIAL-function computer systems help Home Co., Littleton, Lumber and Supply Co., provide service to customers.

One of the special purpose computers is a materials take-off system. It figures the lineal and square footages and does all ofthe extensions for takeoffs.

The computer operator uses a sound-sensitive wand to trace along the key measurements of the structure on the blueprint. A microphone attached to the drafting table picks up the signal and enters it into the computer. The computer calculates, records, sorts and prints out the materials list.

Time is saved in making measurements, figuring roof sheathing, exterior trim and doing extensions. President and co-owner Don Guetz says it reduces a considerable amount of the drudgery of take-offs and increases the accuracy, but cautions that the operator must already know how to do take-offs.

Story at a Glance

Materials take.of I system reduces drudgery, increases accuracy. truss design software package handles preliminary plans, cutting list, drawing and table layout for assembly, cost estimate.

The second specialized system is a truss design software package. The computer calculates to a sixteenth of an inch the angles and lengths of components of simple and complex trusses and draws the plan for the designer, contractor and fabricator to see. At this point a decision is made as to the correct and final design.

The computer prints a detailed cutting list for the components cutting operation, a drawing ofthe trusses and table layout for the assembly operation, and a detailed cost estimate for pricing.

"It is essential that we provide the highest level of service to our contractor customers who account for 9090 of our business," says Guetz.

"Historically, we catered to the small and medium sized custom home builder. Today we are taking on larger customers building tract and multifamily projects," he said.

Part of providing good service is supplying as much as possible to meet the needs of the builder. Home Lumber stocks all major species of dimension lumber and plywood, purchased in carload lots.

Home Lumber designs and fabricates trusses with the aid of outside engineering. They build stairs, prehung doorsand custom fit windows in their workshop. The yard is composed of a five acre main yard and another four acres on the railroad track.

Cousins, Don and Mike Guetz bought Home Lumber from its retiring owner in 1982, at the bottom of the housing recession. The Guetzes were new to the lumber business.

Their success is credited to their combined experience in small business and sales, and more importantly, says Mike, credit goes to a number of employees who have worked for the (Please turn to page 43)

TRUSS departmenl uses a special computer system which calculates the angles and lengths of truss components, draws the plan, prints a detailed cutting list and table layout for the assembly operation being performed by Bryan Johnson.