Creating Additional Estimating Templates

You can save time with templates when you use the BidMagic software for bidding, since you won't have to re-enter the same basic items for every project. You are also much less likely to forget things, since the 'basics' for the project will already be included.

If you work on more than one basic type of project, you can create more than one estimating template--each designed to handle a particular type of project for the BidMagic construction estimating software.

It's helpful to create specialty templates for any of the following types of work:

• Different qualities of work-- Create both a 'high end' template and a 'low end' template if you do work with a wide range of qualities.
• Different types of projects-- If you do both remodeling and new construction, set up a template for each.
• Different types of construction-- If you use more than one basic construction method such as timber frame, stick framing or pre-manufactured units on your projects, set up a template for each.
• Different neighborhoods-- You'll use very different construction methods for a downtown townhouse and a suburban ranch. If you do both types of jobs, set up a template for each.
• Different models-- If you start from 'stock' floor plans and make changes from there, set up a template for each model that you start with. NOTE: Unlike other templates, those based on an actual floor plan should have dimensions already entered into them.
• Other differences--if you do both union and non-union work, both residential and light commercial work, or both spec houses and bid jobs, set up a template for each choice.

Each estimating template that you create can have different operating costs, different pre-set dimensions, and different construction choices in Specifications. Each can even have different unit prices for the same items.