Estimating, plainly.
Guides on takeoffs, cost estimating and bidding, written by the people who price jobs every day.
What Is a Takeoff in Construction? A Plain Guide for Contractors
Takeoffs, 7 min read
A takeoff is the quantity list every estimate is built on. Here is what gets counted, how it differs from an estimate, the mistakes that cost contractors money, and how to check one before you bid.
Read the guidePricing, 6 min read
Construction Estimating Services: What You Get and What They Cost
What a construction estimating service delivers, the four common ways they charge, and a simple method for comparing quotes so the cheapest line does not turn out to be the most expensive bid.
Estimating, 6 min read
How to Estimate a Construction Project, Step by Step
A step-by-step method for building a construction estimate you can bid from, with a small worked example, the markups that get forgotten, and the checks to run before you send the number.
Takeoffs, 6 min read
Takeoff Software vs. an Estimating Service: Which Costs Less?
Takeoff software is cheap per month but spends your hours. A service costs more per bid but returns a finished estimate. Here is how to tell which one costs you less.
Takeoffs, 6 min read
3D Takeoff vs. 2D Takeoff: What Contractors Actually Need
Most residential and small commercial jobs come as 2D PDFs, so 2D takeoff is the daily reality. A 3D view built from those plans is a powerful check, and a full BIM model is only needed on some jobs.
Trades, 7 min read
Electrical Estimating: How to Price a Residential Electrical Job
How to price a residential electrical job from the drawings: reading the E-sheets, what to do when there are none, counting devices and wire, sizing the service, and the items that get missed most.
Business, 7 min read
Should You Outsource Construction Estimating? A Contractor's Checklist
When outsourcing your estimating makes sense, how the cost compares with hiring an estimator, the questions to ask any provider, the red flags to avoid, and a low-risk way to try one.
