Estimating

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  Using XactRemodel to Increase Profitability (Subscriber content)

  The best part of this estimating software is its extensive database of item costs, says the author

   
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  Anticipating Price Fluctuations (Subscriber content)

  Contractors need to allow for material and labor price increases that may occur after they submit a quote

   
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  The 10-Minute Profit Check (Subscriber content)

  Checking weekly that actual expenses are in line with the estimate alerts you to overruns

   

• A Tale of Two Estimates

  The methods insurance estimators use are a far cry from the way most contractors estimate.

   
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  Getting Paid for Preconstruction Advice (Subscriber content)

  Use a "professional services agreement" to get compensated for consulting time

   

• Surviving a Competitive Bid (Subscriber content)

  A good strategy starts with knowing when to say no.

   

• Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs (Subscriber content)

  Managing customer and architect expectations can head off problems in a remodeling project.

   
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  iQuick Estimator

  Estimate materials, labor, and more for six different construction trades including concrete, flooring, drywall, paint, roofing, and framing all from the iQuick Estimator app available on the iPhone and iPod Touch.

   
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  Comparing Cloud-Based Apps: CompuTool and BuildTools.com

  The type of company you operate and the kind of work you do should guide your choice of cloud-based applications and services.

   
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  Tech@Work: Apply Yourself: New Apps for Builders

  Three remodeler-friendly apps for you smartphone: BuildCalc, BeamBuddy, and DesignEasy Joists.

   
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  Using the NAHB Chart of Accounts to Organize Your Business Finances (Subscriber content)

  Here's an effective way to organize and categorize expenses and job-cost data and compare the results with your forecasts.

   
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  Calculated Industries Ultra Scale Master Pro Digital Takeoff Tool

  Anything that promises to speed up takeoffs and estimating deserves a look.

   
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  Letters

  Questions about AFCI rules; Mac estimators; roof-ventilation correction; fastening underlayment

   
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  Estimating With a Spreadsheet

  Learning some advanced functions will save loads of time.

   

• Business: Job-Costing for Survival (Subscriber content)

  Job-costing for survival

   

• Business: Developing Unit-Cost Assemblies for Estimating (Subscriber content)

  Developing unit-cost assemblies for estimating

   
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  Interview Getting Into Insurance Work (Subscriber content)

  Insurance work may look like a gravy train of good-paying remodeling jobs, but there's a lot more to it. An adjuster-turned-restoration specialist explains the ropes.

   

• Business: Determining Labor Productivity Rates (Subscriber content)

  Determining labor productivity rates

   
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  Estimating Finish Carpentry (Subscriber content)

  A simple spreadsheet is the backbone of this estimating method, but the daily job log provides the critical labor data to ensure accurate, profitable bids.

   
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  Business: Using Cost Books for Estimating (Subscriber content)

  Using cost books for estimating