How to prepare your plans for a fast estimate
Five simple habits that cut estimating time in half — without changing your design process.
A clean plan package is the single biggest factor in getting a fast, accurate estimate. Here are the five things that make the difference.
1. Vector PDF, not an image. Scanned or photographed plans force the estimator to eyeball measurements. A vector PDF exported directly from CAD enables precise digital takeoffs.
2. Scale on every sheet. A graphical scale at the bottom of each sheet is enough. Without it, every measurement has to be hand-validated.
3. Specs in a separate document. Don't bury specs in elevation notes. A dedicated PDF per division speeds up sorting enormously.
4. Note what's excluded. "Excavation existing, by others" saves hours of unnecessary calculation.
5. Visible revision number. When a plan is revised, the estimator has to know immediately which version is current.