5 Tips to Maximize Your Estimating Department and Win More Work
Jerry Aliberti • March 11, 2024
In this article we'll discuss 5 tips to maximize your estimating department and win more work.
As a construction business owner, you've got a lot on your plate. You know that estimating is the backbone of your operation. It's the foundation upon which your entire business rests, and it can either make you a truckload of cash or break your bank account. So, how can you ensure you're getting the most out of your estimating department?
Hire Talented and Experienced Estimators
First things first, you need to get the right people on board. Estimators should be more than just number crunchers. They need to understand the nitty-gritty details of what happens on the construction site. That's why it's crucial to hire estimators with field experience. These construction professionals have been there, done that, and know what it takes to get the job done. Understanding the crazy amount of details that go into a single field operation helps making decision making in estimating much easier. Plus, they can speak the language of your construction crews. So, if you ever get a chance to bring in industry experts with field experience, grab that opportunity with both hands and turn them into great estimators. This is a top way to maximize your estimating department.
Must have a Passion for Estimating
Estimating isn't for everyone. Staying very focused and sitting at a desk all day with lots of reading gets old very fast. It's an office job, and it can get tedious. That's why you should hire estimators who genuinely want to be in this line of work. It's amazing how many contractors make the mistake of hiring new employees who clearly state they want to be in the field but tell them to first start in estimating just hoping they'll develop a passion for estimating along the way. Don't roll the dice on this one. Find people who are excited about doing estimating work day in and day out.
Invest in Estimating Software
In today's digital age, having the right tools can make all the difference. Modern estimating software is a game-changer. It not only helps your estimators crunch the numbers more efficiently but also allows for cross-checking and validation. This means you can have more confidence in your estimates. Software will keep your estimates more organized and allow double checking to go alot smoother. You can handle more work because you'll be more organized and pricing will be done quicker. Check out this article for more tips on creating an optimized estimating department https://pro-accel.com/effective-tips-on-keeping-your-estimating-department-organized/
Continuous On-Site Learning and Experience
Learning should be an ongoing journey for your estimators, just like any department. Don't keep them cooped up in the office all the time. Send them out to the field once a month. Let them see how things work on the ground. They can take notes, observe the operations, and gather valuable insights. The productions they keep can be used as historical data and stored in a network drive. Additionally, consider professional training. Training will always maximize your estimating department. Fresh perspectives can bring a wealth of knowledge and awareness to the table, helping your estimators stay on top of industry trends and best practices.
Close the gap between Estimating and Field departments
Estimators and the field crew need to be on the same page when it comes to budgets! They need to work together seamlessly. This means you should promote effective communication at all phases of the project. Estimators shouldn't just hand off a project to the field and call it a day. Keep the conversation going. It helps in addressing any issues that pop up and ensures everyone is on the same page. Closing the gap between your estimating and field departments is critical to repeatable project success.
In conclusion, I shared 5 tips to maximize your estimating department and win more work. Your estimating department is the heart of your construction business. It's where the magic begins, where the numbers take shape, and where your projects come to life. So, don't take it lightly. Invest in experienced estimators, passionate about their work. Equip them with modern software, provide ongoing training, and encourage open communication. This way, you'll be well on your way to maximizing your estimating department and, in turn, your business's success. Your bottom line will thank you for it!
Reach out to jerry@pro-accel.com and schedule a no-obligation call today!
To learn more about how Pro-Accel can help you optimize your estimating and project management departments check out Pre-construction
and Operations Assessment
pages.
The Challenge One of the most overlooked problems in construction is confusion over who is actually in charge of the project. In smaller companies and on smaller projects, it often falls on the superintendent. They have the field experience, are respected by the crews, and drive the work forward, while the project manager plays a more supporting role. That structure works when the projects are small, but as the company grows and the projects become larger, the cracks start to show. Clients expect the project manager to lead. They want answers on budgets, schedules, and commitments. The word “manager” in the title makes them assume that the person has the authority, and in my years of experience, they should. Meanwhile, the superintendent’s value is in driving the day-to-day in the field and keeping production moving. When the lines between the two are not redefined as a company grows, tension builds. Superintendents who have always “run the job” struggle to let go. Project managers who have always supported now need to step into leadership. The lack of clarity creates a tug of war inside the company.
Welcome to the first edition of The Growth Accelerator. This newsletter is designed for construction owners who are serious about scaling their operations without compromising profit or control. After 22-plus years in the industry, managing hundreds of millions of dollars in projects in the field and leading estimating teams responsible for more than $12 billion in projects, I have seen the patterns that make or break contractors. Each week, I will share insights from the field and boardroom to help you run a stronger, more profitable business. So let’s dive into the first issue topic! I figured I would start with the topic of one of my most viewed LinkedIn posts, which received over 225,000 impressions!
Struggling with large-scale construction budgeting? I can help contractors and developers plan, manage, and optimize budgets for complex projects. Read on...
