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Construction Estimating Guides
Practical guides on takeoffs, estimating and bidding, written by our estimators for contractors and builders.
Estimating Guide • 8 min readCSI MasterFormat Divisions: Complete List and How Estimators Use ThemEvery MasterFormat division from 00 to 48, the old 16 division format and how estimators use divisions to build and check bids.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 7 min readWhat Is a Quantity Takeoff in Construction?What a takeoff includes, how it is done, the units used for each trade and the mistakes that cost contractors money.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 7 min readHow to Read Construction Plans for EstimatingSheet prefixes, scale, floor plans, elevations, sections, schedules and details, in the order estimators read them.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 4 min readConstruction Estimating Software vs Outsourcing: Which Is Right for You?Compare construction estimating software with an outsourced estimating service: cost, speed, accuracy and when each option makes sense for contractors.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 3 min readHow Much Does Construction Estimating Cost?What construction estimating services cost, how pricing is set, what drives the price and what you should get for your money.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 3 min readConcrete Cost per Cubic Yard: Pricing Guide for EstimatorsReady mix concrete cost per cubic yard, what changes the price, how to calculate yards and how to budget delivery, labor and waste.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 3 min readConstruction Bid Template: What to Include in Every BidA practical construction bid template layout: scope, inclusions, exclusions, pricing, schedule and terms, with a sample cost summary.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 3 min readCommercial Construction Cost per Square FootTypical commercial construction cost per square foot by building type, what drives the range and why a detailed estimate beats averages.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 3 min readHow to Bid a Construction Job: Step by StepA step by step process to bid a construction job: choosing bids, reviewing plans, takeoffs, pricing, markup, proposal and follow up.Read Article
Estimating Guide • 4 min readHow to Estimate Drywall: Takeoff and Pricing GuideHow to estimate drywall by wall type: measure walls and ceilings, convert to sheets, add waste, framing, finishing and labor.Read Article
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