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How to Estimate Projects Lightning Fast (Without Sacrificing Accuracy) · Contractor Business Builder Podcast

• 0:01
  Contractors, if estimating is consuming your nights and
• 0:04
  weekends, you are not alone. Most GC's are stuck quoting the
• 0:09
  hard way. Not a motivation issue, it's a
• 0:11
  systems issue that would clear repeatable process.
• 0:15
  Every estimate becomes a custom job and that slows everything
• 0:19
  down. Here's how to streamline it and
• 0:21
  turn estimating into one of the most efficient parts of your
• 0:25
  business. The five part system for fast
• 0:27
  and accurate estimate estimating.
• 0:31
  Number one cost codes and standard pricing.
• 0:35
  This is the foundation of everything.
• 0:36
  Break down your projects into cost code categories, precon,
• 0:41
  demo, framing, siding, electrical, etcetera.
• 0:45
  Then assign standard pricing based on square footage, unit
• 0:48
  cost or historical benchmarks. This keeps your numbers
• 0:51
  consistent and makes estimating far less time consuming.
• 0:54
  Pro tip Align your cost codes with your bookkeeping software
• 0:59
  so your estimates flow directly into financial reports #2 build
• 1:05
  the right software stack. You don't need the most
• 1:08
  expensive tools, just the right combination of systems that help
• 1:11
  you measure plans quickly using digital takeoffs.
• 1:15
  Use templates and pricing directories to generate
• 1:18
  estimates faster. Integrate estimates with
• 1:21
  scheduling, invoicing, and job costing.
• 1:25
  Pick tools that are simple, repeatable and allow your team
• 1:28
  to step in without breaking the system #3 use rough budgets and
• 1:34
  paid drill down estimates. Not every lead should get your
• 1:38
  full attention. Here's the smarter Flow rough
• 1:41
  budget. This is free based on templates
• 1:44
  and pricing directories. Quick ballpark to qualify
• 1:47
  serious leads. Then drill down estimating.
• 1:51
  This is a paid estimate. Once a client is serious, use a
• 1:54
  pre construction services agreement to build a full scope
• 1:57
  quote with real selections, Subs and supplier quotes.
• 2:02
  Stop donating 10 plus hours to clients who aren't ready.
• 2:06
  The system respects your time and increases conversions #4
• 2:11
  Templates and assemblies for large projects Never start from
• 2:15
  scratch again. Build reset templates for large
• 2:19
  project types like custom homes, tenant improvements, full home
• 2:22
  remodels, kitchen slash bathroom renovations.
• 2:26
  Then create assemblies for specific components like walls,
• 2:29
  decks, cabinetry that auto calculate quantities and
• 2:33
  material costs. It's accurate, scalable, and
• 2:37
  transferable across your team #5 create Sops and training to
• 2:43
  delegate estimating. Once you're estimating system is
• 2:46
  dialed in, don't keep it all in your head.
• 2:50
  Document it with a clear standard operating procedure and
• 2:53
  training video so you can delegate the process to a
• 2:56
  competent project manager or estimator.
• 3:00
  This allows you to step out of the weeds and focus on growing
• 3:03
  the business, not quoting every job yourself.
• 3:07
  Most contractors think estimating takes forever, but
• 3:10
  once you're things are humming, it becomes one of the easiest
• 3:12
  and fastest parts of your business.
• 3:15
  So you want a complete, built out, proven estimating system?
• 3:19
  Go to rapidresultcreators.com. We've got a bunch of free
• 3:23
  resources there as well as an opportunity for you to book a
• 3:26
  free business builder call. This is a strategy call for you
• 3:31
  to help you grow and scale your general contracting business.