Most General Contractors would agree that productivity has increased since people began working from home.
In 2020 almost overnight, the coronavirus pandemic changed the way workers do their jobs. Stay-at-home orders meant massive changes to the world of work, which for many was welcomed with open arms. Whilst most people in the Pre-Construction industry don’t have the option of working from home, estimators are one of the exceptions. Fast-forward to mid-2022, there are an increasing number of estimators and Pre-Con professionals looking for remote career positions. In fact, many estimators would now rather look for a new job than return to a non-remote (onsite) position. There is no doubt that opportunities to work remotely have become a necessity for the Pre-Construction industry to succeed.
Most General Contractors would agree that productivity has increased since people began working from home. However, personal preference about the way a workforce is managed and how to successfully integrate remote work throughout an entire project naturally can cause some hesitation amongst General Contractors, particularly within larger projects. For this reason, many GCs offer hybrid opportunities to meet the needs of this newfound desire for remote estimating. It is essential in today's Pre-Construction industry that estimators and Pre-Con professionals are provided with the correct tools to make remote and hybrid work efficient. This begs the question…
The estimating process is a complicated task and a crucial step in every construction project. A well-planned and detailed estimate helps estimators to stay on top of things. A good estimator will therefore want to deliver consistent, accurate, and efficient results. There are many tailored technology packages designed for these exact purposes which can help the estimator streamline and improve the process of creating cost, material, and labor estimates.
Estimating technology contains several functions that lend additional support to estimators, providing them with the opportunity to perform a more accurate and simplified submission of bids. These functions may include estimating, takeoff, and bidding technology all within one platform or it may be a case of having to use several together. Generally, fewer platforms mean more confidence that the project data is not compromised by trying to import and export between several applications.
Estimating technology can be cloud or desktop based, ranging from simple spreadsheet templates to online collaborative technology. Some construction estimating technology contains built-in takeoff technology. This will measure information from documents associated with the bid generation process, such as blueprints or specification sheets.
In order to accurately gauge the cost of a construction project, general contractors must obtain detailed cost estimates, schedules, and construction plans. It is crucial, therefore, that the remote estimator working for a GC, whether small or large, knows how to provide quality estimates using the best technology.
A common question asked by the remote estimator is:
Finding the right estimating technology to become proficient in, depends in part on understanding how the company operates. A general contractor that subcontracts a few jobs will need a different type of technology than a commercial construction company handling huge projects. A viable estimate gives a construction company the ability to go line by line, in estimating costs for things like materials, labor, and equipment. However, the cheapest estimate isn’t always the best estimate and accuracy is what most GCs will desire in hiring an estimator. In order to bring a project to fruition, today’s estimator must be up to date with current practices and trends within the industry. Creating an accurate budget estimate is key to the success of any construction project.
At NicheSSP, the three most popular technology packages we see being utilized by large GC’S such as Balfour Beatty, Turner Construction, and Skanska include ProEst, Destini, and Timberland:
A cloud-based platform, ProEst serves as a single online hub for estimating activities, holding unlimited volumes of project data in one location. The technology is used by GCSs such as Geisinger, Blach, and Vantis and integrates with Sage, Procore, Vista, and others. Some further features include:
There is a fixed annual cost to access ProEst technology and this includes regular updates and advancements. The technology offers unlimited use meaning whether you have one estimator in a single office or dozens of users in multiple locations, there is no additional cost. Trade partners can also be invited to work along with you on the ProEst platform at no additional cost. They offer immediate access to technology experts, account managers, implementation specialists, and other client-focused professionals. Training is provided in several forms including live virtual training and on-site. Demos are available.
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Over forty years old, Sage is the most widely used cost estimating solution in the construction industry. Also cloud-based, the technology is used by GCs such as Turner and Hensel Phelps integrates with PlanSwift, eTakeoff, On-Screen Takeoff, CRM, BIM & Sage Business Cloud. Other features include:
Sage Estimating has a number of advanced features that will appeal to large construction companies that bid on complex projects. Sage offers both phone and online support with an abundance of professional help from their Sage University, Sage knowledgebase, Sage City and Sage Resources section on their website. Demos are available.
A leading GC - Beck’s technology, ‘Destini’, is used by forty percent of the ENR Top 400 General Contractors such as Balfour Beatty, Big-D Construction, and Sundt. The technology integrates with Autodesk, Procore, and ConstructConnect. Also a cloud-based platform, it allows comparison reports, offering 2D and 3D Takeoff using BIM 360. Other features include:
Tutorials are available covering a wide range of topics and can be accessed from the Beck Technology website. These include, how to install the software, how to import spreadsheets, and how to upgrade cost databases. Demos are available.
A thorough Google search of customer reviews and expectations of ‘The Best Precon Estimating Technology’ will gravitate towards one key point: One of the worst mistakes you can make is investing a lot of money in tools that don’t work together! Performing takeoff on one platform - applying cost to line items in another - creating reports in yet another, leaves a high margin for error such as lost data, and a lack of cohesion when presenting to general contractors. Choosing an estimating technology is no easy feat; A common error that sets you two or three days behind is a mistake that could end up costing the estimator a bid.
Estimators of the past may be more comfortable with a pen, paper, calculator, and a decent excel worksheet. The modern estimator who intends on working remotely, however, would be best advised to train themselves in good technology estimating software. It can only serve to help them adapt to the ever-expanding world of technology within the Pre-Con industry and help expand their job prospects. That being said, it is easy for big companies to talk up a product and market it with bells and whistles but you’ll never fully know its ease of use until you see it in action. Does it really integrate with the other technology it claims to or did updates stop some time ago? Furthermore, does it integrate well with other technology or would you feel more comfortable with them on separate platforms? Only you as an estimator know what you want and what you need. Take time to sift through your options. Write down a list of questions and Request a Demo to see if it answers them.
Technology options in the Pre-Construction industry continue to expand, with new innovations being created or upgraded every day. While this may appear to make the job of choosing the correct estimating technology harder, it need not be the case. Like with a new car or mobile phone, updates may get us excited to have the latest edition but the reality is, they never really do much more than we needed in the first place, albeit we’re now $500 down. A car is needed to get from A to B and a phone to make a call. Don’t get too discombobulated with all the lingo of shiny new technology packages. Focus on what you need to get from A to B and make the call.
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