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There are a couple nice estimating softwares out there. For example ProContractor MX, Estimation, Bid4Build, Hard Dollar, Bid2Win. These are just a couple and reviews for each can be found as well.

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10y ago
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Chris O'Halloran

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3y ago

It depends on what you need. The bidding process typically starts with a blueprint takeoff to determine a bill of quantities which can then be used to build a a cost estimate.

So you will typically need takeoff software, Joyne provides one for free.

Next you will need to get an idea for costs, Joyne also provides a local material price database, but for high level costings, RS Means and BNI Craftsman are also good resources, though not as accurate as an actual pricing data base.

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Q: What construction bidding or estimating software is useful for a small business?
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What bidding website is not a scam?

Ebay, but there are many others that are valid.


I am in the process of opening a biz in NY of installing fire sprinklers i know how to install them but not how to charge per Sq foot whats the going average price or per head any starting advice?

Not to sound too critical but if you're not sure what to charge per sq. ft. or what to charge at any rate you should either re-think whether or not your up to the task of starting out in your new business or team up with someone with more knowledge in estimating or designing fire sprinkler systems. Sq. Ft. prices are usually averages figured out after the fact and are not a consistent or reliable way or bidding any system. Sure, they're good for ballparking projects that you may have installed 100 similar projects but there are just too many variables to simply want to throw out a sq. ft. number at people and hope to be profitable. My sincere advice would be to make the move from the field to the office with your current company if such an opening exists. Learn from the masters all about the contracting end of the business, learn how to estimate, some design principles and then start your business. I would recommend at least a year in full time estimating prior to tackling small T.I.'s and 13D projects maybe 2 years or more for becoming proficient in medium size ordinary hazard and light hazard commercial projects and additional years of training with knowledgeable estimators to tackle the larger and more complex systems and special hazards. I know you probably didn't want to hear all of this but just because you can crank a wrench and read plans doesn't mean you're ready to start your own business doing it. Good luck,


What is open tender?

Bidding process that is open to all qualified bidders and where the sealed bids are opened usually in public for scrutiny and are chosen on the basis of price and quality. Also called competitive tender or public tender.


Where is second hand conference room furniture sold?

With regards to locating second hand conference room furniture, www.craigslist.com is a great website for locating new and used furniture throughout the United States. Another option would be to search www.ebay.com however, the downside to ebay is you may have to go through a bidding process in order to purchase your items.


Is Bid Cactus a scam?

Opinion 1:BidCactus is not a scam. Penny Auctions aren't regulated yet, but they probably will be at some point.Unlike any other Penny Auction Site, BidCactus is the only Penny Auction Site to undergo an audit by an independent third party - Ernst & Young. They are also accredited by the Better Business Bureau.Opinion 2:Yes, it's a scam as most people understand the word. You are paying seventy five cents per bid with no guarantees. It may just as well list itself as a gambling site, but even in the unlikely case you "win", you'll have paid more for whatever you bought then you would have at the store!No Opinion, fact. I just watched a bidding war between two parties. It was for a gift certificate. At a presumed value of $0.70 per bid, with 77 bids and a $2.95 shipping charge, the "winner" just paid $56.85 for a $25.00 certificate. The bidding was not stopped when the retail value was met/exceeded. It was allowed to continue. Two parties were bidding so a total of $110.75 was taken in for a $25 gift certificate. This is a SCAM by definition!Some factual data:In the sixty or so days since the BBB accreditation of BidCactus they've a number of complaints, especially when one considers how few a percent of people complain to the BBB out of the total number of people who are upset.The BBB has listed 19 complaints. These complaints, from the BBB's own site are as follows:Failure to substantiate charges.Failure to honor a contract or agreement.Invalid or false contract.Unauthorized changes to the contract or agreement.Failure to provide promised assistance or support for products or services.Non-delivery of products.Guarantee or warranty complaints issue.Sales complaint issue.Sales presentation misrepresented the service.Sales presentation used dishonest sales practices.Delayed completion of service.Complaints are listed as 13 "resolved" and 6 "administratively closed".Now with the data, one may draw their own conclusions as to the appropriateness of dealing with BidCactus.

Related questions

What is the best construction estimating software and how much does it cost?

ProEst 11 by CMS is one of the most popular and successful programs for general contractors, electrical contractors, and mechanical contractors. It is used for writings bids and estimates for construction work or projects. ProEst costs about $3000. CMS offers a free evaluation copy that can be downloaded form their website. ProEST 11 is compatible with Windows XP and higher. Hard Dollar’s HD Estimating Software is one of the most cutting edge estimating software on the market. Taking bidding a step further, HD uses actual numbers and resource figures for complete cost and productivity visibility throughout the process. The cost varies based on licensing; register here for a free live demo to learn more. http://www.harddollar.com/schedule-demo HD Estimating Software is one of the most cutting edge estimating software on the market. Taking bidding a step further, HD uses actual numbers and resource figures for complete cost and productivity visibility throughout the process. The cost varies based on l


What is an example of a software interface for bidding?

EBay is another software interface that specializes in bidding sales by individuals.


Cost Estimating Software Can Boost Your Bottom Line?

In today's challenging economy, when proift margins are razor-thin, your construction business needs every advantage it can get. Cost estimating software can provide you with one valuable tool designed to boost your business' bottom line, in any economy.This software can help you accurately bid on potential projects. You won't have to worry about underestimating the cost of building that house or renovating that commercial strip mall. With advanced cost estimating software, you'll have a firm idea before bidding for a project exactly what every job will cost your company.By investing in this software, you'll eliminate the unnecessary costs that come with under- or overestimating the costs of large construction jobs. In an economy in which every dollar counts, preventing these sometimes large losses can make the difference betweeen a profitable year and a forgettable one.Of course, cost estimating software doesn't come free. But if you use this software wisely, it will pay back your investment in less than five years time.The key, though, is to find the cost estimating software that's best for you and your business. Doing this requires you to take a long look at the makeup of your company.Do you handle large-scale jobs throughout the year?Is your company at the helm of multi-million-dollar projects?If so, you might benefit from paying for one of the more deluxe cost estimating programs on the market. These costlier versions come with the extra bells and whistles that are necessary when properly estimating the costs of the largest projects.However, if your company is a small, local one that takes on more modest jobs, there might not be any reason to spend the big dollars on features that you'll never use. You might do better by your company's bottom line by investing your dollars into more basic cost estiminating software. These simpler packages will probably contain all the tools you need to correctly estimate the costs of your projects.It's true that you don't want to spend any more money than necessary in today's dismal economy.This is especialy true when you're working in the struggling commercial or residential construction industries. But you should consider the fees associated with cost estimating software to be an investment in your business. And, if you use the software properly, it can be an investment that quickly pays off.


How can one increase your construction bids?

There is nothing to increase in construction bids, construction bids are not something you increase at all. Construction bidding means to submit a proposal to manage a construction project.


Estimating Software For "Mom & Pop" Contractors?

Anyone who has ever done any construction or remodeling project on a contract basis knows the hardest part of the job is always creating an accurate estimate. For both the giant construction firm or the independent “Mom & Pop” shop, overestimating leads to losing the job and underestimating leads to losing money. There’s an “urban legend” among old time contractors about the retired contractor who had been the best in the business when it came to estimating a job. A newcomer to the field went to visit him one day for advice and the old man told him to break down the job into steps and then break each step into its component parts. He further told the newbie to apply a time estimate to each step and list, down to the last screw, every bit of material needed for the job. He finished by saying, “Whatever number you come up with, double it, and then if you’re lucky you won’t lose money on the job!” Smaller contractors may know there are construction estimating software programs available to help with the bidding process, but they are frequently reluctant to give them a try, since they can be expensive. In addition, they often assume these programs are more suitable for large contractors and large jobs, which is not the case. Estimating software programs include databases of local construction and materials rates and costs, which can be updated over time with the actual jobs done by the contractor. By comparing actual job costs with estimated costs, the database can be refined and improved for better estimating on future jobs. Indeed, many experts feel estimating software is ideally suited for the small contractor shop. Check the Internet and you’ll find web sites that review the top ten estimating software programs available. They range in price from $49.95 to $5,000 with several highly rated programs priced in the $300 to $500 range. These prices are well within the reach of even the smallest contractors, especially when you consider the benefits they afford. For those contractors with limited experience using computer software, some of these programs offer online demonstrations of what their programs can do, as well as training and toll free technical support.


How do you bid dump trucking?

Bidding for what? If you're trying to get into major construction contracts, the terms of your contract are usually dictated to you by the construction company.


From where can one download the eBay bidding snipe software?

One can download eBay bidding and sniping software from the following websites: JBidwatcher, Auction Sniper, Auction Sentry, EZ Sniper, and CNET Download.


is there a web site that will give free info on cost and management or bidding construction work?

You will get free info from these.Please visit http://www.icoste.org/publ.htm www.icoste.org/publ.htm and http://www.nukedit.com/ For bidding construction work information visit www.Homestead.com


How much does Drake tax software cost compared to others?

Which tax software is the best for new companies that have only 5 to 10 clients? I use Drake also it's a great software and easy to use. Of Texas which produces heavy construction bidding and field management software compared to everyone Proseries would cost me as much on a per return basis.


Advatages of selective bidding?

Selective bidding helps a business focus on their core competencies. When a business bids on all open bids they could get a project that doesn't align with their strategy.


What has the author Theodore J Trauner written?

Theodore J. Trauner has written: 'Bidding & managing government construction' -- subject(s): Construction contracts, Public contracts 'Construction delays' -- subject(s): Construction industry, Management, Production scheduling


What are the benefits of participating on construction equipment auction?

The benefit of taking part in a construction equipment auction is that you can find construction equipment cheaper than in regular stores. Auctions are about bidding so with good strategy you can make bargains.