5 Must-Have Plumbing Estimating Software Features To Help You Win More Bids

Before starting any successful construction plumbing project, creating an accurate estimate with the right plumbing estimating software is essential. Precise estimates help account for:

• Increasing material costs
• Labor challenges and rising labor costs
• Job-specific plumbing requirements

Many plumbing estimators are investing in plumbing estimating software to build more winning bids.

The best estimating software for plumbing contractors offers a variety of features designed to:

• Enhance estimate accuracy and increase bid volume
• Reduce errors
• Increase profitability

Whether you’re estimating government projects or large commercial installations, the right software solution can transform how you bid on projects. Below, we’ll explore the critical capabilities that separate industry-leading platforms from basic calculators.

Key Takeaways

• Plumbing-specific databases provide real-time access to accurate material pricing for pipes, fittings, valves and fixtures
• Digital takeoff tools integrated with estimating platforms reduce takeoff time by up to 80% while improving accuracy
• Cloud-based solutions enable estimators to access projects from any device, anywhere, with automatic updates and unlimited storage
• Change order management features streamline approvals with digital signatures and version control to reduce project delays
• Software integrations eliminate duplicate data entry by syncing estimates with accounting software and project management platforms

Essential Features That Separate Basic From Advanced Plumbing Estimating Tools

Basic programs handle simple calculations, but professional-grade plumbing estimating software delivers specialized capabilities that directly impact your win rate and bottom line.

The following five features represent the core functionality that plumbing contractors should prioritize when evaluating software options.

1. Plumbing-Specific Assemblies

For plumbing contractors, material costs regularly change, and staying on top of accurate material pricing is key to long-term success and building strong relationships with vendors.

Plumbing estimating software should provide an up-to-date, trade-specific database of plumbing materials, including:

• Pipes
• Fittings
• Valves
• Fixtures
• And more

The real-time access offered by some estimating software ensures that contractors are able to review accurate material costs.

This helps them avoid underpricing or overpricing their plumbing jobs to maintain their expected profitability and build strong, competitive bids.

Ultimately, by having access to a trade-specific database during the estimating process, contractors can quickly adjust their estimates as material prices change, allowing them to remain competitive while protecting their profit margins.

2. Integrated Takeoff

Digital takeoff tools are a game-changer for plumbing contractors because they can complete detailed takeoffs in a fraction of the time.

Digital takeoff allows contractors to:

1. Import their project plans
2. Set units of measurements and define layers (ex. walls, floors, etc.)
3. Point and click where they want the items and assemblies, and the software will automatically count quantities and measurements
4. Apply rates from the trade-specific databases
5. Generate a detailed breakdown with precise material quantities and costs for their project

Some plumbing estimation software offers built-in material takeoff capabilities, which means plumbing estimators can perform accurate takeoffs and create detailed estimates from the same screen.

Plumbing estimators can maximize their productivity in the bidding process because they can precisely measure project plans and automatically calculate trade-specific materials to complete plumbing estimates in a fraction of the time.

3. Cloud-Based Access

With cloud-based plumbing estimating software, estimators gain access to a secure online portal — giving them the freedom to sign in on any device from anywhere.

Conversely, on-premise estimating software only allows estimators to review their estimates on select device(s) where the program is installed.

Oftentimes, cloud-based estimating software provides ample storage so plumbing professionals can easily review past estimates and adjust accordingly for future projects.

Additionally, cloud-based estimating software normally includes automatic updates that regularly improve functionality and security.

Many plumbing estimating software solutions have shifted toward a cloud-based focus because of their users’ needs to access real-time data from multiple devices. It’s important plumbing estimators ask potential plumbing estimating software vendors if their software runs on the cloud.

4. Change Order Management and Visibility

Plumbing contracting commonly involves Change orders, whether due to unforeseen site conditions or changes requested by the client.

Estimating software that includes change order management helps contractors handle these adjustments more effectively by providing them with:

• A centralized platform for estimators and stakeholders to collaborate on change orders and review key documentation
• Real-time updates that reflect across the entire change order for all end users
• Digital signatures to get fast, clear approval from supervisors and stakeholders
• Version control to track changes and prevent miscommunication

Each of these features ensures plumbing contractors can quickly address change orders to reduce project delays. It also helps them improve communication and build trust with stakeholders.

5. Syncing With Other Software

Efficient operations often rely on multiple software systems that are capable of sharing data with each other. The best estimating tools integrate seamlessly with other platforms, such as accounting software or project management tools.

These integrations ensure that once an estimate is approved, it can automatically flow into other parts of the business, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry.

For plumbing contractors, this means that once the estimate is finalized, it can be directly transferred into the accounting system. From there, contractors can sync important data to give them a comprehensive view of a project’s finances.

Integration with project management software gives plumbing estimators access to important project details — such as labor hours and material deliveries — to address change orders and keep projects on track.

Create Competitive Plumbing Bids With McCormick

For plumbing contractors, having the right estimating features is essential to help them:

• Win more jobs
• Create more accurate bids
• Maximize profitability
• Grow their plumbing companies by taking on larger opportunities

Investing in leading plumbing estimating software — like McCormick — ensures you receive the features you need to make informed decisions for long-term success.

For more information about McCormick’s powerful software solution that can improve your project timelines, speak to a specialist today!