Ideal Computer / Desk Setup
See below the typical computer setup we have.
A minimum of 2 screens is needed, with 3 screens being ideal if space is available. Computer chip needs to intel i5 at minimum, but ideally i7 with minimum 8 gb ram. This is because some pdfs are quite heavy and you don’t want any lag while using either the software or the pdf.
Ideal desk height, foot rest, keyboard tray and mouse tray are equally essential as estimators will be sitting at the desk pretty much most of the day. The chair also needs to be comfortable but supportive and be height adjustable.
Laser printer with an option for color printing will also be helpful on some jobs. Although most jobs won’t require any printing with multiple screens. Microsoft excel and outlook are still the best options for spreadsheet and email respectively.
Choosing the best estimating software
Please refer to my blog on how to choose the best construction estimating software for your business.
Customizing and automating some estimator tasks
Excel Template
Ask your estimating team or hire a freelancer who can work with your team to make an excel template. This goal is to convert the takeoff quantities to a final material list and big price with the help of formulas that automate as much of the work as possible.
Software Template
A software template is simply a set of preexisting items that estimators can use in every job as a starting point instead of creating them from scratch each time. Any one of your estimators can create this template for everyone to use.
Advanced Software Customization
Depending on what you estimate you may be able to calculate multiple material quantities by measuring a single item. For example by measuring the length of the footing you may also be able to calculate sf of forms and volume of concrete without needing to do that separately or in excel.
You can hire a freelancer or maybe one of your estimators can do these customizations to improve productivity.
Sharing Tips and having an annual speed competition
Once a year you can have estimators compete against one another to see who can complete the same job in the fastest time (without errors). This can be a great way to motivate your estimators to find productivity enhancements.
Post the competition estimators can also share speed tips with each other.