A bid estimation revolution
a large commercial construction firm
faster estimates
more bids pursued
assumptions across every estimate
Estimators built bids by hand from drawings, specs, and historical costs, taking weeks per project. Slow turnaround meant passing on opportunities, and inconsistent assumptions led to bids that were either uncompetitive or unprofitable. The firm needed faster, more consistent estimates without surrendering the estimator's expert judgment on every job.
How we approached it
Structured historical bids and cost data into a reliable estimating baseline.
Built tools to extract quantities from drawings and specs automatically.
Generated draft estimates with cost ranges that estimators adjust and approve.
Compared model drafts against won and lost bids to calibrate before rollout.
“We pursue bids we used to skip for lack of time. Estimators start from a solid draft and apply judgment where it counts.”
No. It generates draft estimates with cost ranges, and estimators adjust and approve every number, keeping expert judgment in control of the final bid.
Drafts were calibrated against the firm's won and lost bids before rollout, so they reflect real historical outcomes rather than generic cost assumptions.
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