📐 Estimating User Guide
Jobs Pipeline, Cost Estimating, Blueprint Takeoff & Quotes
Overview
The Estimating department covers pre-construction activities: managing the jobs pipeline, creating cost estimates, performing blueprint takeoffs, and managing vendor and subcontractor quotes. Access estimating features under Estimating in the navigation menu.
Jobs Pipeline
Navigation: Estimating → Jobs Pipeline
Features
- Pipeline Board: Visual board showing jobs at different stages (Lead, Bid, Proposal, Won, Lost)
- Job Cards: Each card displays project name, estimated value, client, and status
- Drag & Drop: Move jobs between stages as they progress
- Quick Filters: Filter by status, date range, or client
- Job Creation: Create new jobs/leads directly from the pipeline
Creating a New Job
- Navigate to Estimating → Jobs Pipeline
- Click "+ New Job" or the create button
- Fill in job details:
- Job Name: Descriptive project title
- Client: Select existing or create new contact
- Estimated Value: Projected project value
- Bid Due Date: Deadline for bid submission
- Description: Scope and key details
- Click "Create Job" — the job appears in the Lead column
Managing the Pipeline
- Drag job cards between columns to update their stage
- Click any card to view full details, add notes, or update estimates
- Track win/loss ratios across your pipeline
- Set follow-up reminders for active bids
Cost Estimating
Navigation: Estimating → Cost Estimating
Features
- Estimate List: View all created estimates with status and totals
- Detailed Line Items: Break estimates into categories (Labor, Material, Equipment, Subcontractor, Overhead)
- Markup & Margin: Apply markup percentages and calculate profit margins
- Version Control: Track estimate revisions
- Export: Generate estimate reports for client proposals
Creating an Estimate
- Navigate to Estimating → Cost Estimating
- Click "+ New Estimate"
- Select the associated project or job
- Add line items with quantities, unit costs, and categories
- Apply markup percentages for profit margin
- Review the summary with subtotals and grand total
- Save and optionally send to client
Estimate Line Item Fields
| Field |
Description |
| Category |
Labor, Material, Equipment, Subcontractor, Overhead, Other |
| Description |
What the cost covers |
| Quantity |
Number of units |
| Unit |
Unit of measure (hours, sq ft, each, etc.) |
| Unit Cost |
Cost per unit |
| Total |
Auto-calculated (Quantity × Unit Cost) |
Blueprint Takeoff
Navigation: Estimating → Blueprint Takeoff
Features
- PDF Viewer: Upload and view construction blueprints directly in the browser
- Measurement Tools: Line, area, and count measurement tools
- Scale Calibration: Set the drawing scale for accurate measurements
- Measurement List: All measurements saved in a sidebar panel
- Color Coding: Assign colors to different measurement types
- Export Measurements: Export all takeoff data for use in estimates
- Navigate to Estimating → Blueprint Takeoff
- Click "Upload Blueprint" to add a PDF plan
- Set Scale: Use the scale calibration tool to set the drawing's scale
- Select Measurement Tool: Choose Line, Area, or Count
- Draw on Blueprint: Click to place measurement points on the drawing
- Measurements appear in the sidebar with calculated values
- Add labels and notes to each measurement
- Export measurements for use in cost estimating
Measurement Types
| Tool |
Use For |
Output |
| Line |
Linear measurements (walls, pipes, conduit) |
Length (ft/m) |
| Area |
Surface measurements (flooring, roofing, painting) |
Area (sq ft/sq m) |
| Count |
Counting items (fixtures, outlets, windows) |
Count (each) |
Vendor & Subcontractor Quotes
Vendor Quotes
Navigation: Estimating → Vendor Quotes
- View and manage quotes received from material vendors
- Filter contacts list to show only vendors
- Compare quotes from multiple vendors for the same materials
- Link quotes to specific projects and estimates
Subcontractor Quotes
Navigation: Estimating → Subcontractor Quotes
- View and manage bids from subcontractors
- Filter contacts to show only subcontractors
- Compare scope and pricing between subcontractors
- Award and track subcontracts
Clients
Navigation: Estimating → Clients
- Manage your client contact list
- View client project history
- Track active proposals and bids per client
Tips & Best Practices
- Start with the Jobs Pipeline to track all potential work, then create estimates as bids move forward
- Use Blueprint Takeoff before creating detailed estimates to get accurate quantities
- Get multiple vendor/sub quotes and compare them before finalizing estimates
- Version your estimates to track how pricing evolved during the bidding process
Last Updated: February 2026