Journal of Light Construction: Estimating

Using a Simple Timecard to Collect Labor History

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 10:26:23 EST

Gather accurate information for your estimates

Using XactRemodel to Increase Profitability

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:26:12 EST

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

Anticipating Price Fluctuations

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:56:08 EST

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

The 10-Minute Profit Check

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:56:38 EST

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

A Tale of Two Estimates

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:26:56 EST

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

Getting Paid for Preconstruction Advice

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 09:23:25 EST

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

Surviving a Competitive Bid

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 01:57:59 EST

A good strategy starts with knowing when to say no.

Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:36:41 EST

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

iQuick Estimator

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 04:14:46 EST

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.

Comparing Cloud-Based Apps: CompuTool and BuildTools.com

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:53:44 EST

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

Tech@Work: Apply Yourself: New Apps for Builders

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:45:15 EST

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

Using the NAHB Chart of Accounts to Organize Your Business Finances

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:54:21 EST

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

Calculated Industries Ultra Scale Master Pro Digital Takeoff Tool

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 10:52:06 EST

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

Letters

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:05:37 EST

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

Estimating With a Spreadsheet

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:13:40 EST

Learning some advanced functions will save loads of time.

Business: Job-Costing for Survival

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:44:32 EST

Job-costing for survival

Business: Developing Unit-Cost Assemblies for Estimating

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:41:41 EST

Developing unit-cost assemblies for estimating

Interview Getting Into Insurance Work

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 01:16:46 EST

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

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:37:22 EST

Determining labor productivity rates

Estimating Finish Carpentry

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:35:45 EST

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.