The Concrete Estimator

THE STRATEGY

The Concrete Estimator uses the complete take-off method of estimating. This method actually builds the project as you input your take-off while reporting material quantity and costs instantly and on screen all the time. The completed estimate is easy to audit by the estimator, owner, controller, secretary etc. can easily see how much concrete, rebar, sand ,rock etc. is required for each slab, footing, etc.

Although this program is called The Concrete Estimator, it is really The Concrete Calculator. All material is calculated according to your take off to 6 places passed the decimal point. The only part of the bid that can really be called estimating is labor. By performing all necessary calculations automatically the stress to get all the numbers right is virtually eliminated and the focus on labor becomes simpler and more relaxed.

What makes this program unique is that there are no assemblies. It is the experience of the author that the use of assemblies or modules reduces the ability to properly visualize the entire bid. The variations of footings is so great that when an estimate is generated, it is just as easy to input the Length, Width and Depth with rebar, as it is to find the appropriate pre-assembled footing and then input the lineal feet or number each. The same can be said for slabs walls and columns.

Since the estimating now becomes routine and fast, you can control your company's volume by adjusting the profit margin.  All other costs are not negotiable! Materials, labor, equipment and overhead are absolute.  As your company gets buisy, you incrimentally increase your profit percentage.  You may get a few less jobs but you are getting too busy anyway.  This allows your customers to compete for your services and you will never give a price that is imbarisingly too high or too low.