McCormick Systems’ Blog

Discover what’s happening through our blog. Stay up to date with McCormick System company news, project estimating best practices and industry updates.

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Exploring Estimating Templates and How to Use Them

An estimating template provides estimators with a framework to use as they are creating their estimates. Think of it as a pre-defined format that estimators will repeat each time they create an estimate. Let’s dive deeper into how to use an estimating template, the importance of estimating templates and how electrical estimating software helps. Key Takeaways Estimating templates provide estimators
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What is Construction Change Order Management

Construction projects are complex undertakings that often require adjustments as work progresses. Whether due to unforeseen site conditions, evolving project requirements, or design modifications, changes to the original construction plan are almost inevitable. According to Digital Builder, 35% of projects experience at least one major change throughout the life of the project. In the construction industry, these adjustments are formalized
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Developing a Winning Takeoff and Estimating Process for Your Team

On average, construction estimators win around 10-20% of the projects they bid for. Now, aiming to be awarded every project is unsustainable. However, it is quite easy to increase the number of bids you’re being awarded. One of the best ways to give your construction business a competitive edge quickly and effectively is to implement or refine your quantity takeoff and estimating process.
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Selecting Your First Estimating Software: A Podcast Discussion

McCormick President Paul Wheaton appears on the latest episode of Today’s Electrical Estimating, a podcast hosted by Chris Trommer and Sal Huerta where they chat with leading electrical estimating experts to share industry insights and trade-specific tips. The trio deep dive into the considerations estimators need to make before purchasing their first electrical estimating software. The conversation focuses on how
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How to Estimate to Win Large Electrical Construction Jobs

Large electrical construction jobs involve complex estimating for projects like skyscrapers, factories and hospitals. These lucrative opportunities require very skilled workers, precise planning and cutting-edge technology to handle the scale and intricacies of the electrical work. Despite being large undertakings, these projects are extremely attractive for contractors as they offer: A chance to showcase expertise Higher earning potential Valuable experience
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The 10 Habits of Successful Electrical Estimators

One of the most important steps to winning more lucrative electrical jobs is cultivating successful estimating habits. These habits should make creating fast, accurate bids a seamless process. Below, we’ve put together 10 different things to consider as you cultivate better estimating habits. If you’re new to estimating, or just trying to sharpen your processes, pick a few adjustments to
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7 Tips to Win Commercial Electrical Jobs

Electrical estimating jobs are tricky. They involve varying voltages, different types of wiring or piping, and (seemingly) an innumerable number of outlets. With all these complex specifications, electrical bids are expected to be accurate and tailored to the trade. And that doesn’t even cover what’s needed for competitive electrical estimates. According to Blackridge Research and Consulting, a bidder will likely
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Tips to Improve Your Construction Bids

The accuracy of your bid is crucial to not only winning the job but also determining expected costs and forecasting your profitability. The bid includes the quantities and prices collected in the takeoff and the estimate so precise information is necessary from the start. Collecting and organizing this data can be time-consuming and difficult. To make your job easier, we’ve outlined some tips
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Understanding Construction Bidding

Accurate construction bids are an essential part of running a successful construction company. You’re probably familiar with a construction bid, having gone through the motions of the construction bidding process already, however, understanding the ins and outs of construction bidding can make your proposals more precise and give you a competitive edge. According to Knowify, 60% of all contractors are putting in
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The Differences Between Construction Takeoff, an Estimate and a Bid

In the preconstruction phase, to be confident in your data and assured of the competitiveness of your bid you have to understand the various elements involved. Determining appropriate timelines and creating accurate budgets allows you to manage more profitable jobs. Takeoff, estimates and bids, in their own way, are processes used to determine the schedule and costs for a project.
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Five Things Contractors Should Look for When Buying Construction Estimating Software

When you hear the word “tools,” certain images probably come to mind: a hammer, a drill – maybe even a box of screws. But do you also think of your software? As all contractors know, construction is a fast-paced industry where having the right tools can spell the difference between success and failure. You can’t wire a building without wire
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Five Ways to Simplify Your Estimating

Estimating directly impacts the bidding process by establishing an accurate budget, identifying all potential expenses, providing a detailed list of necessary materials, and evaluating all labor requirements for a job. Because estimating touches every aspect of a project, it’s important to estimate accurately. But it can also be an extremely tedious and time-consuming process. Finding ways to streamline the estimating