Estimating

• Computer Solutions: WinEst Pro Plus 4.0 (Subscriber content)

  Estimating with WinEst Pro 4.0

   

• Strictly Business: Remodeling a Remodeling Company (Subscriber content)

  Downsizing a remodeling business

   

• A Practical Approach to Construction Computing (Subscriber content)

  Four computer-savvy contractors explain how they use off-the-shelf software to integrate and streamline their business procedures.

   

• Kitchen and Bath: Upgrading Kitchen Wiring (Subscriber content)

  Estimating electrical work

   

• Profiting From Insurance Work (Subscriber content)

  Insurance repair jobs usually go to the lowest bidder. But when nature wreaks havoc, the rules change. An upscale remodeler tells how he learned to love insurance work.

   

• Quick Kitchen Estimates (Subscriber content)

  Clients often want to know what their new kitchen will cost before they’ve picked cabinets or decided on countertop material — even before they’ve finalized the layout. This unit-price approach will help you produce rough estimates quickly and with a minimum of guesswork.

   

• Profiting From Panelized Construction (Subscriber content)

  A Massachusetts builder explains how he uses factory-built panels to lower costs and speed construction of custom homes and additions.

   

• Estimating Rules of Thumb (Subscriber content)

  A veteran estimator shares tricks and tips that ensure fast and accurate estimates, from foundation to finishes.

   

• State-of-the-Art Contractor: Tracking Costs (Subscriber content)

  Simple, low-cost estimating/job-costing program

   

• Focus on Energy: Simple Airflow Test (Subscriber content)

  Simple pressure test for ductwork

   

• Software for Builders That Works (Subscriber content)

  Every construction software package promises the world, but few deliver. Four contractors who’ve tried them all talk about the programs that work for their businesses.

   

• Business Forum: Mind Time (Subscriber content)

  Setting priorities

   

• State-of-the-Art Contractor: Low-Cost Invoicing and Estimating (Subscriber content)

  Simple invoicing software

   

• Business Forum: Estimate Equals Actual (Subscriber content)

  The mechanics of subcontractor liens

   

• Estimating Basics for Remodelers (Subscriber content)

  Accurate job-cost information and a thorough estimating checklist help this successful remodeler win jobs that make money.

   

• State of the Art Contractor: Ready-to-Use Spreadsheets for Estimating (GC Works) (Subscriber content)

  Spreadsheet estimator

   
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  Computers: Struck by "Litning"

  Integrated estimating and bookkeeping

   

• State-of-the-Art Contractor: Magic Act (Subscriber content)

  Bid Magic estimator

   

• Training Lead Carpenters (Subscriber content)

  A job foreman needs more than good carpentry skills to manage the construction site. Here are the techniques a successful builder uses to find lead carpenters within his own ranks, rather than hiring from outside.

   

• Getting Started With Computers (Subscriber content)

  Every year, computer hardware drops in price and software gets easier to use. Our computer columnist tackles commonly asked questions about what to buy and how to put computers to use in your business.