Estimators are slow for two reasons: they rebuild the same assemblies from scratch, and they chase pricing that should already be on file.
Template this. Don't template that.
| Standardize | Leave to judgment |
|---|---|
| Repeat assemblies and unit builds | Means and methods on tight sites |
| Material pricing files and escalation | Risk and contingency posture |
| Crew productivity baselines | Sequencing and phasing calls |
| Bid form and qualifications language | Scope exclusions strategy |
30–50%
More bids at the same headcount
80/20
Templated scope vs. judgment scope
1 owner
Required to keep assemblies current
“Our estimators didn't get faster. They stopped doing work they'd already done.”
Chief estimator, civil contractor
Frequently asked
- What should be standardized in a takeoff?
- Repeat assemblies, unit builds, material pricing files, crew productivity baselines and bid form language. Leave means and methods, risk posture, sequencing and exclusions to the estimator.
- Does bidding faster hurt hit rate?
- The opposite, in practice. When routine scope is templated, estimators spend their time on the differentiating 20%, which is where bids are won or lost.
