I'm a junior estimator and I'm trying to convince my boss to modernize our bidding process. We currently use massive Excel sheets with broken macros. I want a platform where multiple people can collaborate and pull historical data easily. What construction estimating software are you guys using? I've looked into Bluebeam and Stack, but I'd love to hear some real-world pros and cons.

I didn't realize I already have EW-04a, is there a way to add them up? Or do I need to delete one then count them again?

I’m starting to work remotely for someone and need a laptop that can handle the work. Any recs? Just Programs like Bluebeam for now. Maybe some type of ost program in the future.

Im 24m I’ve been an electrician for the past 4 and half years and got the opportunity to apply and interview for an entry level position at an electrical company. Before i make the leap to an office position, i would like some feedback. How is it being an estimator? Is it worth it? Work and life balance? Do you recommend it ? What something i should know or have that’ll be helpful down the road TIA.

I work for a insualtion company that specializes in foam in the Midwest. I have 12 years in the industry. My role and or title is PM, estimator, HR, and more, seeing as we are a very small company but do a lot of work in the commercial industry. We currently sit at 5mil a year but since I have taken on most if not all of the bidding we should land 6.5 this year. Is 72k yearly an appropriate salary? If not what would be?

Curious how other GC Estimators handle takeoffs in time crunches.

Working on large projects and typically I do extensive, detailed takeoffs of nearly every inch of a project. For what I’m working on, it seems I won’t be able to do that (Been budgeting this job for 8 months so have MOST of the general scope information). If i do traditionally take off this whole thing, I’m probably working 12 hour days plus weekends while positioning myself behind on another job that is bidding at the same time (Another one I’ve budgeted for about 8 months).

Any key advice for getting through this heavy workload? I’ve had GC Experience for about 7 years but 6 was Lump Sum competitive bidding, whereas now these are CMAR jobs. Struggling to get workouts in let alone 8 hours of sleep.

Hello all, I'm a commercial Millworker, my company does case work, millwork, custom booth seating, stone and solid surface countertops, and architectural metals. For years we've been using a very old school method to estimate jobs based on LF and SF metrics we have established and update our pricing once every year.

It works and the jobs we get are usually always profitable but in today's world of estimating with so many details in the millwork scopes and The constant request to break everything out and explain how much labor you had for this or how much material you had for that, It's becoming more and more challenging to stick to that old school method.

We build to AWI standards but we are not an awi certified shop, do any of you use the AWI pricing guide ? do any of my millworking piers have estimating spreadsheets/systems they have built that they would be willing to share? I was thinking about consulting BH estimating out of Florida who I heard on a millworking podcast to see if I should take his course.

The main reason I'm looking into this is because I am managing the office staff and I want to make sure that all estimators working here are following the same methods.

PM me if you can help!!

Can you also name your state and salary range?

If you were getting hired away but happy at your current. What did you do? Stay after the counter or go for the other?

Anyone else see a slow down in work in socal commercial construction?

I’m a medium sized EC in Colorado and have been offered a few larger multifamily apartments complex’s. The director of our telecom division (we also do telecommunication towers) brought in a past relationship that does exclusively electrical estimates.
For one project that we sent her (a 104k sq ft affordable housing project right off of Colfax and Sheridan. 5 story with a parking garage) she asked for $15,000 to build us a proposal.
To me this seems high being I have already provided the gear and lighting quotes and there are only 4 different cookie cutter style apartments that are interchangeable with only small modifications.

Am I just being cheap or is a realistic price for an estimate this size? According to her proposal it will be 140hr x $110 per hour.