5 Steps to Build a Better Bid
Ask any cost estimator. Estimating is perfected through experience, practice, and intuition. They’ll also say estimators must doggedly pursue missing project details before finalizing their bid. Estimating can often feel like a high-stakes video game where you’re trying to avoid “Game Over” before your bid deadline. Whether leaning on subcontractors or digging for emails in […]
Real Estimators of Genius – We Salute You
If you’re any kind of a construction estimator, you’ve probably been involved in some crazy, complicated, weird—and wonderful—projects during your years in the construction business. Let’s face it, the world’s highest and longest glass bridge in China didn’t just appear out of thin air. Nope, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge started with a few gallons of coffee, […]
8 Common Construction Estimating Mistakes
Estimating is one of the most difficult jobs in construction. It is also one of the most important. Profits are typically won or lost based on how accurate your estimates are and how closely they match up to your final project costs. So, how accurate are your estimates? According to a survey from QuickBooks […]
On-Screen Takeoff Named to Capterra Shortlist!
It just keeps getting better for On-Screen Takeoff! Once again, OST was ranked as a top construction estimating tool by another peer review group. This time the honor was making the Top 10 cut on the 2021 Capterra Shortlist for Construction Estimating Software. Using exclusive data and user reviews, Capterra created its Shortlist after analyzing […]
On-Screen Takeoff Named Top Takeoff Software for 9th Year
On-Screen Takeoff has been ranked again as the No.1 Takeoff software in the 2020 Construction Technology Report by JBKnowledge. Ever since the survey began in 2012, On-Screen Takeoff has earned top takeoff and estimating honors in this report. This year’s respondents ranked On-Screen Takeoff as their top tool by a margin of 42%. Also ranking among the […]
10 Things to Know About $1 Million Tax Break
Are you thinking 2021 may be busier and less chaotic than 2020? It may be a great time to add new software, like takeoff and estimating tools, or new equipment and deduct all of it on this year’s taxes. Call it a win-win for small-to-medium size businesses, Section 179 of the U.S. Tax Code allows […]
5 Estimating Shortcuts You’ll Love
The world of professional training and development has been my passion for more than 15 years because I love to learn and help others learn. One of the most rewarding things about helping others is hearing them say, “Wow, that’s going to save me a bunch of time and make my job so much easier.” […]
Take Tax Break to the Max: Write-Off $1 Million
From widespread project delays and cancellations to disruption of ongoing projects, 2020 has been one for the books for the construction industry. No doubt, year-end tax strategies may be the last thing on your mind as your construction business prepares for an uncertain 2021. But with more contractors bidding on fewer projects and project backlogs […]
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 […]
3 Ways to Prep Before Your Online Takeoff and Estimating Training
In the wake of COVID-19 and work-from-home becoming the new normal, more and more preconstruction professionals are choosing to attend training online. Rather than learning the ins and out of using a new construction software programs in-person, they are clearing their calendars for more online learning. As always, the adage—you get out of it what […]