Rant: I used to quote jobs by just eyeballing it and adding a flat 20%

After losing money on a kitchen remodel in Charlotte last fall, I switched to using a detailed takeoff app called Buildertrend. Now I measure everything down to the inch and it takes me about 2 hours per estimate, but I'm not guessing on material costs anymore. Has anyone else found a better way to speed up the quoting process without going back to just guessing?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor3052mo ago

Try using a laser measure for the big stuff, saves a ton of time over a tape. I mean, you still gotta do the takeoff, but it cuts that part way down.

hannah_williams20d ago

And the cool thing is you can do room layouts way faster too, just shoot a couple walls and you've got your lengths in seconds. The memory function on mine is a lifesaver when I'm going back and forth to my notepad (which I always seem to leave on the other side of the room). Honestly, once you get used to the laser, reaching for a tape measure feels like going back to the stone age.

murray.grace2mo ago

Switched to a laser for exterior walls last year. It's way faster when you're working alone. Totally worth the money.