A valuable solution Greg Norris discusses the ins and outs of specialized software for construction estimating
T
here’s an adage in construction
chasing and calculating figures can instead
regular job requirements. A paving
that every dollar earned begins
be used to evaluate alternative scenarios
company, for example, might create a
with the estimate. In a highly
and options.
template for a standard paving crew that
competitive environment,
includes the daily cost for a paver, rollers,
specialized software for estimating can be an
How estimating software works
related equipment and the employees that
important ally in winning the right jobs at the
There are a wide range of software
operate those assets.
right price.
applications available for various estimating
These applications deliver advantages
With this cost data already in place and
requirements and construction sectors.
organized, estimators are not starting from
over spreadsheets or manual processes.
Most work in a similar manner. Contractors
scratch every time they put together a new
Estimators can work much faster to
typically pre-populate databases in the
bid. They can pull information from the
complete more bids. At the same time, they
software with their baseline costs for labor,
databases to match the bid specifications
can be more accurate, so the race to work
materials and equipment required for the
relatively quickly and with confidence in
faster doesn’t increase errors and risk.
work they perform. Estimating applications
their accuracy. They don’t have to search in
Finally, estimating software can free up time
also allow them to group these cost items
various places for the latest pricing.
and provide features to assist with strategy.
together into frequently used templates
The time estimators might have spent
or cost structures to reflect repetitive or
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Formula errors and miscalculations, two of the riskiest liabilities with spreadsheets and
