Mike's Tips

08/25/10 – Top Priority

The age-old question in our industry: What takes top priority, bidding or project management?  Many contractors do not recognize the clear answer:

 Project management takes top priority.

The primary importance of estimating evaporates when chaos reigns on the jobsite.

So why spend so much time and expense on takeoffs and estimates?  Answer: Estimating excellence produces more PROFIT.  Here are two important reasons: 

1. An excellent estimate enables a project manager to realize a job’s full PROFIT potential.
2. Excellent takeoffs and estimates yield MORE jobs with top PROFIT potential.

The following are my specific areas of expertise:

• Light Gage Steel Framing
• Rough Carpentry
• Millwork, Casework
• Insulation
• E.I.F.S.
• Doors & Hardware
• Lath & Plaster
• Drywall & Metal Framing
• Residential Drywall
• Acoustic Ceilings
• Acoustic Wall Panels
• Painting & Decorating

First Priority: Learn how to achieve takeoff and estimating excellence.  Here are four different opportunities:

1. Register for an Online Class. To learn more, follow this link:

   Online Classes

(Schedule at your convenience, and learn at your own pace.)

2. Get The Production Rate Calculator for Metal Stud Framing (already the best software bargain in our industry). To learn more, follow this link:

   Very Affordable Software

3. If your company uses Quick Bid, start getting the most out of it:

DMI Databases for Quick Bid

4. If not, join the construction software revolution:

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.