On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid Rank in FrontRunners Quadrant
Call it a REPEAT! On-Screen Takeoff and Quick Bid were once again named to the FrontRunners Quadrant for Construction Estimating Software by Software Advice for September 2020, Ranking in the top 10 vendor quadrant means OST and Quick Bid excelled in terms of Usability and User Recommended scores. What’s it about? FrontRunners is based on reviews from real […]
How to Make Every Construction Project More Profitable
Let’s face it, the ebb and flow of construction work mean that projects will overlap and intersect. Crews and equipment will—at times—be spread thin. On the one hand, it’s the nature of the beast. On the other hand, it’s not always smart to view each project as separate—especially if your project backlog is shrinking In […]
How to Build Stronger Sub-GC Relationships
It’s been a long, hot summer for anyone in construction. In July, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 7.8 months—a full month lower than in July 2019. In addition, 47% of construction leaders reported they expect to see shrinking profits in the next six months. In these uncertain […]
Bid and Win More Construction Projects
In the wake of COVID-19, all efficiencies that can be gained—from the takeoff process through the project build-out—begins with a high-quality bid. Your bid should be built on the accuracy and timeliness of your company’s takeoff and estimation process. As trades become more specialized, complex, and precise, construction pros must work hard to reduce waste […]
Leaning on Cloud Technology in Tough Times
No doubt, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing how many construction pros get work done. For an industry built on handshakes and one-on-one conversations, the concept of social distancing may be hard to comprehend. For many, the new normal may involve carving out a workspace on the kitchen table. Your daily worries may revolve […]
How to Recruit Generation Z in Hot Construction Market
Wow. There appears to be no relief in sight for contractors trying to find qualified construction workers. Call it a “nice to have problem” if you like—but the struggle is real. With a record low unemployment rate, most construction firms are worried about where to find the next generation of workers. In some parts of […]
New Materials Take Concrete from Gray to Green
When it comes to the concrete and masonry trades, you don’t have to look far to find lots of buzz around green and sustainable construction methods and materials. This includes everything from scientists studying how cigarette butts can conduct energy in bricks and pavement to paint developers rethinking chemicals and colors for more energy-efficient homes. If you’re a […]
How to Win the Hiring Game in 2020
It’s not surprising that the 2020 FMI Industry Report found that 57% of construction leaders listed “attracting and retaining skilled labor” as their No. 2 concern for future success. When asked their top three concerns, hiring came in just below maintaining jobsite safety (66%) and right above maintaining field productivity (52%). These concerns about the […]
Why Contractors Should Invest in Integrated Tools
Whether your construction business is focused on roofing or concrete, your bidding process may involve lots of moving parts. While you may already be using a digital takeoff tool to eliminate paper blueprints, your estimating workflow may still include a mixed bag of supplier and vendor spreadsheets. Inevitably, this can make bid day a mad scramble—especially […]
It’s Back! $1 Million Tax Break
Despite recession fears and stock market jitters, construction demand and activity have held steady this year with backlogs dipping only slightly in most areas of the U.S. In fact, employment has remained strong with wages rising to their highest in the last decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Odds are your construction business […]