Excel & Basics Articles
13 articles on Excel & Basics — from construction estimating and bid management to AI technology and industry trends.
Carpentry Estimate Template: Rough & Finish Carpentry Setup
Build a carpentry estimate template that separates rough and finish work, handles lumber waste, and prices labor by unit. Layout, formulas, and limits.
Construction Assemblies Estimating: A Step-by-Step Guide
Stop wasting time on manual line-item entry. Learn how construction assemblies estimating streamlines your workflow, reduces errors, and speeds up bidding.
Quantity Surveying Basics Every US Estimator Must Know
Stop guessing on your bids and start building defensible estimates. Learn the quantity surveying basics to improve your accuracy, reduce risk, and win more.
Free Construction Estimating Spreadsheet: A GC's Guide
Stop wasting time on generic templates. Learn how to build or evaluate a free construction estimating spreadsheet that actually works for your jobs.
Construction Cost Estimate Template (Free Excel Layout, 2026)
Free construction cost estimate template for Excel: the exact columns, CSI cost codes, labor and material unit costs, and summary tab GCs need to bid.
Estimating Construction From Scratch: A 7-Step Guide
Learn how to build accurate construction estimates with no templates or historical data—a practical 7-step framework for contractors bidding fast.
Construction Cost Codes: What They Are and How to Use Them for Better Estimating
Construction cost codes organize every dollar on a job. Here's how to set up a cost code system that actually helps you estimate and track profitability.
Labor Unit Costs Construction: A Field Guide for GCs
Control labor costs and win more bids by mastering labor unit costs construction for your specific crew, market, and project conditions.
CSI Divisions Construction Estimating: A Field Guide
Organize multi-trade bids with CSI divisions construction estimating. Master MasterFormat to eliminate scope gaps and build estimates that hold up.
Construction Estimate Checklist: 10 Steps to Bid Right
A field-tested construction estimate checklist covering 10 steps to bid accurately, close scope gaps, and protect your project margins.
Construction Cost Codes List: A Field Guide for GCs
Master construction cost codes with this essential field guide for general contractors. Standardize estimates, track expenses accurately, and improve project profitability with proven coding systems.
Material Takeoff Construction: A Practical Guide for GCs
Learn how to do a material takeoff for construction: how to read plans, calculate quantities by trade, avoid common errors, and use software to speed up the process.
Mastering Construction Estimating in Excel: The GC's Complete Playbook
Build bulletproof construction estimates in Excel — formulas, templates, and the exact moment to upgrade to AI takeoff tools. Free templates included. Updated April 2026.