Mike's Tips

03/25/10 – Money Savers

An experienced commercial drywall foreman can use his knowledge to accurately price metal stud framing labor, but it takes some time to think it through.  In contrast, a junior estimator with exclusively academic credentials may estimate faster, but probably less accurately.

Recently, I developed an Excel Workbook File that enables anyone to estimate metal stud framing as quickly and accurately as the best professional estimator.  This inexpensive product is so easy-to-use that even pencil-and-paper estimators enjoy using it.  I call it:

The Production Rate Calculator for Metal Stud Framing

This product enables you to estimate the labor production rate (and labor unit price per linear foot) for virtually any metal stud framing configuration, any size, any gage, quickly, accurately, and automatically.

Just find the stud size and gage on a sequential list; then, next to the stud item you found, type in only two numbers taken from the architectural detail:

• The wall height (or total length of stud if it’s not a wall)
• The number of track or similar connections (Just enter “2” if it’s a wall.)

Both the production rate and unit price for labor (per linear foot) appear instantly.

Initial set-up (calibration to accommodate your labor rates) takes just a few minutes with very simple, step-by-step instructions.  To learn more, follow this link:

Very Affordable Software

Saving time and improving accuracy with this calculator is a big money saver.  Here are three more ways you can choose to strengthen your business now:

1. Professional, Accurate Takeoff and Estimating Services: I will simply do some of your work for you.
2. Live, Interactive, Online Classes: I will teach you the most effective, accurate takeoff and estimating methods using either paper and pencil, Excel, OST, Quick Bid, or other construction software.  Just watch, listen, learn, and get straight answers to you specific questions.
3. Join the Construction Software Revolution; just click the link below to:

Download a Free 14 Day Trial of PlanSwift

There is no obligation to buy PlanSwift, and you can even receive free PlanSwift training during your 14 day trial period.  Try it; you will like it...

The best way to get jobs is clear: base your bids on accurate takeoffs and estimates.

You can bid faster… and more accurately.