McCormick Systems’ Blog

The construction estimating process is a critical component of construction, responsible for keeping projects on budget. All construction companies should have an in-depth understanding of how estimating works and why it is important. Although cost estimating is crucial for profitable construction projects, it is still complex and often professionals may have a few questions. We’ve answered some of the biggest

Estimators play a crucial role in the construction industry, determining project costs that can make or break a contractor’s profitability. According to the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, construction estimating errors cost U.S. construction companies an estimated $273 billion annually. It’s a major drain, accounting for up to 20% of total project costs and causing as much as 52% of

When bidding on plumbing projects, creating clear, commercial plumbing cost estimates is essential to winning jobs. From small installations to large-scale commercial projects, the accuracy and presentation of your estimate can set you apart from competitors. Plumbing is a highly competitive field — according to the Better Business Bureau®, it is the 5th largest construction category in the U.S. With

Many new or inexperienced contractors find themselves asking “What is a construction takeoff?” Even if you have worked in the industry for years, technology and bid requirements are constantly changing, affecting the takeoff process. A construction takeoff is an important calculation that transforms blueprints and designs into a comprehensive list of required materials and related costs. This is an essential

One of the first steps in a successful construction plumbing project involves creating an accurate estimate. 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

Accurate electrical estimating is the cornerstone of every successful electrical project. Detailed estimates help account for: Rising material costs Labor challenges Job-specific electrical regulations Many electrical estimators are investing in electrical estimating software to build more winning bids. The best estimating software for electrical contractors offers a variety of features designed to: Increase estimate accuracy and volume Minimize errors Increase

When it comes to estimating, the details matter. Whether pricing a small building renovation or a large-scale project, having the right construction items and assemblies in your estimating toolkit can make all the difference. Specialty estimators understand that trade-specific items and assemblies are not only helpful but essential for creating accurate, efficient and competitive bids. Technology also plays a crucial

For contractors, managing project costs, bids and finances with accuracy is essential for staying competitive in construction. However, keeping construction estimating and accounting data aligned can be a challenge, particularly when using separate systems that don’t seamlessly connect. This often leads to the time-consuming and error-prone task of manual data entry. According to JBKnowledge’s Construction Technology Report reveals that 53% of contractors

Estimating is one of the most important steps in the construction industry. This is because: Bids are based off estimating totals and determine whether a contractor is awarded the job. Estimates are used to help contractors determine cash flow and profitability. With that in mind it’s crucial that estimates are accurate. In the past, estimators performed estimates by hand. However,

In the fast-paced world of construction, accurate and efficient estimating can make or break a project. Whether you’re bidding for a smaller local project or a complex government job, having the right tools at your disposal is critical for success. While many general-purpose estimating software exist, the most effective systems are those specifically designed for the unique needs of particular

When looking for construction estimating and takeoff software, you need to look for a robust solution that provides cutting-edge solutions to address the unique challenges faced by construction professionals. McCormick Systems is the leading provider of commercial construction takeoff and estimating software for the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades. We offer tools that can help streamline the process of measuring

In the world of construction estimating, material costs can make or break a project. Building strong relationships with construction material suppliers is essential for estimators to keep projects on time, on budget, and profitable. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, construction materials typically make up 40-60% of the total cost of a project. With fluctuating material prices and supply