Bidding Software Help

[lloyd B]

I need some feed back on some good commercial software for estimating that hopefully someone out there has used.The focus of the work will be more commercial than residential .I am taking the leap into the contracting world and over the years of my reputation in the electrical field i have several contractors wanting me to do there work for them, at the same time i do not want to be ate up by these guys.I am thinking mabey a good software may be the key, any comments will be deeply appreciated.

 

[cadpoint]

R U hiring ???? ? ?

 

[mdshunk]

Any software package is only as good as your own historical data, which you plug into it over time. I am aware of no package that's ready to rock and roll, out of the box. You'd pretty much have to hire an estimator for that purpose. Trawl your electrical magazines, and there are guys who contract to just do estimates. If I was you, and I was looking to get hot and heavy into commercial with no historical data of my own, I'd hire an estimating contractor until I developed my own data.

 

[lloyd B]

I appreciate the responce, and yea the programs are only what you put into them .The old fashion way i guess for the first few jobs.

 

[Polarcat]

I prefer the old fashion way personally, they tend to be more accurate and by the time you are done with the takeoffs/estimate your more confidant with it, furthermore if you get the project you will already know how to build it in your mind!

Joe,
member of (DELETED)