What Is an RFQ in Estimating? How It Impacts Accuracy

What Is an RFQ in Estimating? How It Impacts Accuracy Introduction Every construction estimate is only as good as the data behind it. And one of the most important sources of real-time pricing data is the RFQ. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, RFQ in estimating stands for Request for Quotation—a formal document sent to […]

Ultimate Guide to Estimating vs Quoting vs Bidding — 5 Key Differences Every Smart Contractor Should Know

Estimating vs Quoting vs Bidding — What’s the Difference? Introduction If you’re a small contractor in the U.S., chances are you’ve used the terms “estimate,” “quote,” and “bid” interchangeably. But in the construction world, each one serves a specific purpose. Understanding the difference between estimating vs quoting vs bidding can help you protect your margins, […]

How to Create a Unit Cost Estimate From Scratch: 7-Step Guide

How to Create a Unit Cost Estimate From Scratch — Step-by-Step Guide Introduction For small contractors and trade professionals, estimating accurately is the difference between profit and loss. But building an estimate from scratch especially using unit costs can feel overwhelming. A well-prepared Unit Cost Estimate lets you break down every piece of a job […]

6 Shocking Ways DIY Estimating Wastes Time for Small Contractors

How DIY Estimating Wastes Time for Small Contractors Introduction In today’s fast-paced construction environment, small contractors are juggling tight deadlines, rising costs, and competitive bidding pressures. Many try to do it all themselves including estimating. But here’s the truth: DIY estimating wastes time for small contractors, especially when growth is the goal. While it might […]

5 Urgent Reasons Why Takeoffs Are Delaying Your Project Start Dates

5 Critical Reasons Why Takeoffs Are Delaying Your Project Start Dates Introduction Why Takeoffs Are Delaying Your Project Start Dates is a growing concern for small contractors. As competition intensifies, delays don’t just frustrate—they cost you money. One of the biggest culprits behind shifting schedules is slow or inaccurate takeoffs. In this post, we’ll show […]

10 Proven Must-Haves in a Professional Construction Estimate

What’s Included in a Professional Construction Estimate? Introduction For U.S. contractors and small construction firms, accurate estimates are the foundation of profitability. Whether you’re bidding on a small remodel or a multi-phase commercial project, a professional construction estimate is more than just a number — it’s a roadmap. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly […]

Underestimating Your Project Costs: 5 Signs You’re

5 Signs You’re Underestimating Your Project Costs Introduction If you’re a U.S.-based contractor or trade business owner, keeping your construction estimates accurate isn’t just important—it’s the lifeline of your profitability. Unfortunately, many small to mid-sized businesses underestimate project costs without realizing it until it’s too late. This blog outlines five key signs that you might […]

5 Critical Differences Between MTO vs QTO Every Contractor Must Know

MTO vs QTO: Definitions, Differences, and Use Cases Introduction For U.S. contractors, trade professionals, and general contractors, understanding the difference between Material Takeoff (MTO) and Quantity Takeoff (QTO) is essential to estimating accurately. Misunderstanding the difference between the two can result in missed materials, inaccurate bids, and lower profit margins. In this post, we’ll break […]

Bad Estimating: 7 Devastating Reasons Why U.S. Contractors Lose Bids

Why U.S. Contractors Lose Bids Due to Bad Estimating In a competitive construction landscape, the margin for error is razor-thin. U.S. contractors invest hours preparing proposals, gathering quotes, and assembling bid packages—only to lose out to competitors again and again. Often, the root cause isn’t pricing alone. It’s bad estimating. Bad estimating doesn’t just result […]

What Is Construction Estimating? A Complete Guide for Beginners

What Is Construction Estimating? A Complete Guide for Beginners Construction estimating is the backbone of any successful building project. Whether you’re planning a residential remodel, a commercial build-out, or bidding on subcontracting work, accurate estimating determines whether you’ll make a profit—or lose your shirt. This guide walks you through the fundamentals of construction estimating, the […]