The importance of strategic planning for contractors and setting goals for the new year

As 2025 approaches, it’s the perfect time for contractors to reflect on the past year and plan for the one ahead. Strategic planning is more than just jotting down a few resolutions – it’s about setting clear, actionable goals and putting systems in place to achieve them. For contractors, a well-thought-out plan can mean the difference between simply staying afloat and thriving in an ever-competitive industry.

This blog will guide you through the importance of strategic planning and provide a framework to help you set realistic goals for the new year. We’ll also highlight the role of accurate estimating and takeoff tools, like Square Takeoff, in supporting these goals.

Why strategic planning matters

Strategic planning is essential for contractors because it provides a clear roadmap for success. It helps you prioritize your goals, allocate resources effectively and stay focused on what truly matters amidst the daily demands of running a business. A solid plan also equips you to navigate industry challenges like fluctuating material costs or labor shortages, ensuring your business remains resilient.

  • Keep your business focused: Without a roadmap, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day chaos of running a contracting business. Strategic planning keeps you focused on what matters most, helping you prioritize efforts that align with your long-term objectives.
  • Prepare for market fluctuations: The construction industry is often unpredictable. Strategic planning allows you to anticipate potential challenges, such as material price increases or labor shortages, and build contingencies into your plan.
  • Improve team alignment: A clear plan ensures your team knows the goals for the year and how their work contributes to achieving them. This alignment boosts morale, productivity and accountability.

A framework for strategic planning

Here’s a step-by-step approach contractors can use to create their strategic plan for 2025:

1. Review your past performance

Start by analyzing what worked and what didn’t in 2024. Did you hit your revenue targets? Were projects completed on time and within budget? Understanding your successes and setbacks will provide valuable insights for the year ahead.

2. Define clear goals

Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example:

  • Increase revenue by 20% by Q4.
  • Complete 95% of projects within the estimated budget.
  • Train 10 team members on new estimating software by March.

3. Invest in accurate tools

Accurate estimating and takeoff tools, like Square Takeoff, are essential for achieving your goals. With features that streamline the bidding process, improve accuracy and save time, these tools can help you win more jobs and maximize profits.

4. Build a financial plan

Determine how much revenue you need to achieve your goals and map out the resources required. This includes labor, materials and any new technology or training investments.

5. Communicate with your team

Once your plan is in place, share it with your team. Be transparent about your goals, the reasons behind them and how everyone can contribute. Regular check-ins throughout the year will keep everyone on track.

6.Monitor progress and adjust

Strategic plans are not set in stone. Use the data you collect throughout the year to monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. Tools like Square Takeoff provide real-time insights, helping you stay agile and proactive.

The role of Square Takeoff in achieving your strategic goals

Accurate estimates and takeoffs are critical to a contractor’s success. Errors in these early stages can lead to lost jobs, lower margins or budget overruns.

Square Takeoff simplifies this process by:

  • Eliminating manual errors: Digital tools reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
  • Saving time: Automate takeoffs to bid on more jobs faster.
  • Enhancing accuracy: Reliable estimates mean better project planning and execution.

Investing in such technology ensures you start each project on the right foot, setting you up for success in 2025.

Final thoughts

Strategic planning may seem daunting, but it’s a powerful tool for growth and resilience. By setting clear goals, leveraging accurate tools like Square Takeoff and staying flexible, contractors can position themselves for a successful year.

Make 2025 the year you work smarter, not harder. Start planning now and watch your business thrive. Start a free trial with Square Takeoff today!

Top 5 mistakes trades make in takeoff and estimating – and how to avoid them

Estimating mistakes can quickly turn a profitable project into a headache.

Missteps in the takeoff process often lead to budget overruns, material shortages or frustrating project delays. But the good news? By identifying and addressing common pitfalls, construction trades can sharpen their bids and avoid costly errors.

Accurate takeoffs and estimates are critical to maintaining profitability and keeping projects on track.

Whether you’re managing a small remodel or a large-scale build, even small miscalculations can have a ripple effect, causing inefficiencies and stress.

We’re covering the top five mistakes trades make during takeoff and estimating and – most importantly – how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Inaccurate measurements

Explanation: 

One of the most frequent errors is using incorrect or incomplete measurements during the takeoff process.

It seems straightforward, right? Measure twice, cut once. But it’s easy to overlook tiny details, especially when working on complex projects. Missing even an inch here or there can lead to a lot of frustration later on.

Impact: 

Inaccurate measurements often result in wasted materials or worse – unexpected delays when materials run short. Imagine being halfway done with a job, when you realize you don’t have enough drywall. Cue the frantic trip to the local supply store and the dreaded downtime.

Solution: 

  • Use digital takeoff software for precise measurements – tools like Square Takeoff eliminate human error by automating the process.
  • Double-check all inputs and verify critical dimensions, especially for irregular shapes.
  • Perform site visits or cross-reference architectural drawings with actual field conditions. There’s nothing worse than realizing a wall is a few inches off after you’ve ordered custom windows.

Mistake 2: Failing to account for waste

Explanation: 

Many trades forget to factor in waste when calculating materials, leading to underestimation. It’s tempting to think, “I’m an efficient builder. I won’t need extra.” But the truth is, construction always involves some level of material waste.

Impact: 

Not accounting for waste can result in materials running out mid-project. This leads to last-minute, often pricey, orders. And when you’re in a rush, you’re unlikely to get the best deal on materials.

Solution: 

  • Always build a waste factor into your estimates. Common waste factors include 10-15% for framing or drywall and 5-10% for flooring materials.
  • Use historical data from past projects to refine your waste percentages. That way, you’re not just guessing – you’re basing your estimates on real-world results.

Mistake 3: Misinterpreting plans and specs

Explanation: 

Reading construction plans can feel like solving a puzzle. Misreading those plans – or misunderstanding specifications – is a common mistake during the takeoff process. The more complex the project, the easier it is to overlook details or make incorrect assumptions.

Impact: 

Misinterpreting plans can lead to wrong material quantities, incorrect installation processes and delays during execution. You thought you needed ten windows, but after a closer look, it turns out you need twelve.

Solution: 

  • Take the time to thoroughly review all construction documents. You don’t want surprises mid-project because of a misread.
  • Use takeoff software with integrated plan-viewing features to cross-check plans while making material calculations.
  • Seek clarification from architects or engineers if the specs are unclear. It’s always better to ask questions than make assumptions.

Mistake 4: Not including labor costs accurately

Explanation: 

Focusing only on material costs and overlooking labor is another common issue. Accurate labor estimates are crucial – especially when you factor in overtime, potential delays or labor shortages. Let’s be real: workers aren’t robots. If they were, projects would go a lot smoother.

Impact: 

Inaccurate labor cost estimation can lead to severely underestimated bids, cutting into your profit margins. And no one likes the unpleasant surprise of having to pay more than anticipated.

Solution: 

  • Break down labor by task, assigning specific time estimates to each.
  • Adjust labor estimates based on team productivity, project complexity and anticipated weather delays – because rain happens.
  • Use labor costing tools within takeoff software to streamline the process and eliminate the guesswork.

Mistake 5: Not adjusting for price fluctuations

Explanation: 

We all know construction material prices can be as unpredictable as the weather. Failing to adjust your estimates for current market prices – particularly for volatile materials like lumber or steel – is a recipe for disaster.

Impact: 

Price fluctuations can lead to cost overruns and even disputes with clients when actual material prices exceed your original estimate. No one likes telling a client that their dream kitchen remodel is going to cost 20% more than expected because lumber prices spiked.

Solution: 

  • Regularly update your material price database or sync with suppliers to get the latest pricing.
  • Factor in contingency allowances for price increases, especially for long-term projects.
  • Use software that can auto-update material pricing to reflect market changes in real-time, keeping your estimates current and competitive.

Take the stress out of estimating

By avoiding these common takeoff and estimating mistakes, you can improve profitability, reduce project delays and build better client trust. Whether it’s double-checking measurements or accounting for waste, these small adjustments can have a big impact on your bottom line.

Ready to make your estimates more accurate and your projects more profitable? Explore how Square Takeoff’s digital solutions can help you avoid these errors and create more accurate bids. Get started with a free trial today

10 questions to ask when choosing a takeoff solution for your business

In construction, accurate takeoffs are crucial for successful project planning and execution. But with so many takeoff solutions available, how do you choose the right one for your business?

Here are ten questions to ask to help you navigate this decision.

Does the software understand your needs?

Before diving into the sea of options, it’s important to understand what you need from a takeoff solution.

Are you looking for something that handles both residential and commercial projects, or are your needs more specific? Do you need advanced features like 3D modeling, or will a simpler solution suffice? By identifying your needs, you can narrow down your options and focus on solutions that best fit your business.

Is it easy to use?

A takeoff solution should make your life simpler, not more complex.

Look for software that’s intuitive and user-friendly. The last thing you want is to spend hours trying to figure out how to use it.

Many software providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to see how comfortable you are with the interface and functionality.

Is it accurate and precise?

In construction, accuracy is everything.

A good takeoff solution should provide precise measurements and accurate estimates. This ensures you’re neither overestimating nor underestimating materials and costs.

Read reviews, ask for recommendations and if possible, test the software to ensure it meets your accuracy standards.

What are its integration capabilities?

Consider how well the takeoff solution integrates with other software you’re already using, such as project management or accounting tools.

Seamless integration can save you a lot of time and hassle by allowing data to flow smoothly between different systems. This can lead to better project coordination and more accurate financial tracking.

Is it cloud-based or on-premise?

Takeoff solutions can be either cloud-based or on-premise.

Cloud-based solutions offer flexibility, allowing you to access your data from anywhere. This is especially useful if you’re often on the go or have multiple team members working from different locations.

On-premise solutions on the other hand, can offer more control over your data and may be preferred if you have specific security requirements.

Weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which type best suits your business.

Is it scalable?

As your business grows, your takeoff solution should be able to grow with you.

Look for software that can scale to handle larger projects and more users. This ensures you won’t have to switch solutions down the line – which can be time-consuming and costly.

Do they offer customer support?

Good customer support is essential to success with takeoff.

Even the best software can encounter issues, and you’ll want to know that you can get help when you need it. Look for providers that offer comprehensive support, including phone, email and live chat options. Check reviews to see what other users have to say about their customer service experiences.

What does is cost?

Budget is always an important consideration when investing in technology.

Takeoff solutions can vary widely in price, so it’s important to find one that offers good value for money.

And don’t just look at the upfront cost. Consider the long-term value and how much time and effort the solution will save you. Remember, a more expensive solution might actually be more cost-effective in the long run if it significantly boosts your efficiency and accuracy.

Do they offer training resources?

A takeoff solution is only as good as your ability to use it.

Look for providers that offer training resources, such as tutorials, webinars and user guides. These can help you and your team get up to speed quickly and make the most of the software’s features.

Is there a free trial or demo?

Finally, take advantage of free trials and demos.

Many software providers offer these so you can test their product before committing. Use this opportunity to evaluate the software’s ease of use, functionality and overall fit for your business.

Pay attention to how well it integrates with your existing tools and whether it meets your accuracy and efficiency needs.

Is Square Takeoff right for you?

Choosing the right takeoff solution is a crucial decision that can impact the efficiency and profitability of your construction projects.

By understanding your needs and prioritizing factors like ease of use and accuracy, you can make an informed choice for your business.

Square Takeoff is the right solution for your building business because we combine user-friendly functionality with precise measurement tools, ensuring accurate estimates every time. Plus, our seamless integration with Buildertrend allows you to simplify your workflow and focus more on building your business.

Start your 14-day free trial today to see for yourself how we can add hours back to your day – and save you a ton of money.

Hear from other builders who are already seeing results with Square Takeoff


“I’ve already won several large bids, thanks to the program. Before Square Takeoff I was bidding “down and dirty” trying to come up with the perfect number per square foot. Occasionally I would get a job, but I would leave money on the table because my numbers were so skewed. Since using Square Takeoff, I now know my exact costs and can also show my clients that I’ve included everything in my bid. I have peace of mind submitting my bid (no more nail biters!) and I don’t have to worry if I’m going to short myself or look ridiculous because I bid too high. It’s a win-win for me! Thank you Square Takeoff for the AMAZING job you’re doing. I couldn’t do it without y’all!”
­– Jennifer Holbrook, New Color Painting LLC


“As one of the largest lumber retail companies in the industry, we always work to stay up to date with new technology trends to ensure we provide our clients with the most accurate estimate for their construction projects. We were looking for a leader in the industry that could provide us with a stable software that would be able to meet our daily demands. The software and the team at Square Takeoff have gone above and beyond meeting every need and have helped us achieve the goals we’ve set forth as a company. Keep up the great work.”
­– Estimating department, 84 Lumber Company

Percentage of Home Buying Interest Down in 2019

In a recent article posted by the NAHB, they found that the average percentage of adults who reportedly have plans to purchase a home within a year has declined from 17% in 2018 during the first quarter to 13% for 2019. With this being reported as the second consecutive year-over-year drop, and could be contributed to the deterioration in the affordability of today’s housing market.

Some of the other items detailed in the Housing Trends Report (HTR)

 shows that a majority of the adults looking to purchase a home within a year are Millennials who make up 20% of the market, with Generation X following behind with 15%. Interestingly they found an increase in first time homebuyers from 54% for 2018 to 60% for 2019. With 77% of those, being made up of Millennials.

It also detailed how geographically there was a higher number of buyers planning a home purchase from the south (16%) versus other regions of the country.  Lastly, the data showed that these prospective homebuyers preferred to buy and existing home (41%) versus building a home (22%), with the remaining buyers (38%) open to either option.

In closing, today’s market is seeing a prospective decrease in buyers interest in entering the purchasing market over the next year compared to last year, however the increase in Millennials to the market is a continued move in the right direction. What will the results of the second quarter be? Time will tell. Hopefully, the market will start to see a balance in the affordability of today’s available housing to help drive the interest up in today prospective buyers.

Top Takeoff Software for Concrete Contractors

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve your process for completing a concrete takeoff? How about an easier and quicker way to estimate the concrete, labor and equipment you need for your next construction job? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply calculate the total Cubic Yards of concrete to the rebar and accessories, all the way down to the labor hours to complete it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools to speed up the time it takes to calculate a concrete foundation by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price, labor and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

Concrete Construction Cloud Takeoff Software

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to take Square Takeoff for a spin yourself then today’s the day to start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

And as always Happy Bidding!! 

What Takeoff Software is Best for Your Business

Construction takeoff and estimating software enables you calculate sundry costs (materials, equipment, labor, etc.) for upcoming projects, and submit formal bid offers to prospective clients. The software just requires you to input the required parameters and does the complex calculations. You just have to compile projected costs, thus saving your precious time and equipping you to forward more accurate bids.

When you begin the process of looking for the right software, you’ll find a bevy of products. You need to determine which of these products will do what you need and help your team do business your way.

1. How easy is the software to handle?

Ease of navigation is a core requirement of takeoff software. The product should have clean and visually appealing interface that makes navigation like sailing through space. Your team should require minimal assistance from support guides or tutorials when it comes to understanding the navigation. Importing blueprint images and creating cost sheets has to be an easy process. An ideal program will let you efficiently create scales and takeoffs, and compose an official bid.

2. How efficient it is when generating an estimate?

Essential estimating features include the ability to do instant takeoffs of materials from the estimate and alter single item costs to view speculative estimates. You need to take into account the variety of estimate generating tools on a program. Advanced features include the ability to merge multiple bids into a single estimate. Make it a point to get a program that allows generating estimates using uploaded blueprints that are editable.

3. Does the project work in conjunction with project management software?

Once your bid is accepted by client and work begins, you should be able to keep track of costs during construction. You can do this by bringing in project management software in the loop, thus keeping your expenses close to the original estimate. Using both the software in tandem will enable you to take of stock of available material and get alerted if certain aspects of the projects have exceeded the original estimate.

4. Is help available?

Regardless of the ease of learning curve, construction takeoff software can be complicated to operate. Ready help such as tutorial material should be available. Inquire if they’re offering 24/7 support via phone or live chat. Some companies put up extensive training materials on their websites. Find if they’re hosting remote seminars or in-person training classes, and whether joining these will require you to pay a fee.

5. Does software integrate with Excel and QuickBooks?

There’ll be times when you need to integrate your takeoff software with programs like Excel and QuickBooks. You need to have a look at the program’s compatibility with the business software used at your company. If you’ve been using spreadsheets a lot when estimating, you’ll like to seamlessly import these files into the program and be able to work into them.

6. How is software useful once the client has accepted the bid and project is underway?

Ideal software should act as a repository of sorts.  It should facilitate keeping all job files associated with that particular job.  As the job changes, and it always does, the entire team can see any time what is changing and what modifications are being made (new plan pages imported). Ability to place notes on pages allows for better collaboration (“please verify if door opening is correct, will this door swing interfere with that opening?”).

A takeoff & estimation software could be considered a ‘hub’ of information.  Cloud-based software allows for near real time viewing as compared to desktop solutions that need to have the file emailed again and again.

7. Can you access the software on different devices?

Make sure the product you finally pick works well on different platforms. Your staff should be able to access software, regardless of the device they’re using. For instance, if some of them are using tablets and others smartphones, they should have no problem working with the software.

Summing Up

Your choice of construction takeoff and estimating software is set to be a major aspect of the bidding processes, impacting your bottom-line. It’s important you do adequate research of software and zero in on one that is most likely to give value for your money.

Take Your Construction Business to Another Level

A construction site scenario: As your truck comes to a screeching halt at the jobsite, you get out putting on your glasses and uttering, “last week report.” A display appears in front of your eyes, putting up all items that were part of the report sought. Glancing at the report, you inspect the site, taking the photos of newly installed structure or plumbing work and comparing them with the older photos of those areas to see the difference. You are able to do it all without lifting a finger, just with a voice command.

Another scenario: Someone wants to find how an apartment will look once it is complete. They can use certain interactive app on their smartphone to view the apartment and the tower in 3D from every angle. Outcome of technology is powerful visualization of the project that is still in making.

This is Augmented Reality (AR) for you!

Construction business is one of those few verticals that are closely linked with technology. IOT (Internet of Things), robots, and automation – all these tools have done their bit for boosting productivity and efficiency in the vertical, while bringing down costs. AR is the latest technology to knock onto construction sites.

AR involves enhancement or augmentation of real-world environments, by superimposing virtual computer-generated images or holograms onto a physical space through special headsets, tablets or smartphones. Peripherals such as Microsoft’s HoloLens help accomplish hands-free use, enabling you to access information while continuing work.

Here is how AR can help you become even more efficient:

Geo-locate objects that are physically not there

AR technology facilitates geo-locating objects and structures that have not yet been installed on the site, but will come up later. You can use AR to ‘see’ hidden elements like cables, underground pipes, and ducts hidden behind a wall, thus finding their exact position.

Help user visualize the finished product on-site

You deploy AR technology for mapping the prospect’s exact location on the site using GPS technology and overlaying BIM (Building Information Modeling) information, thus setting up the user to view the functional model of the project. They are able to ‘see’ functional project and compare it with the current progress. Prospect will have exact information where columns and foundations will be placed, and how will the whole structure look like. 

Construction companies are increasingly using this technique to engage prospects early on and avoid costly fixes later. Minneapolis-based construction firm Mortensen has been an early adopter of this technology.

Gain enhanced functionality

AR ensures optimum functionality of the construction. For example, the technology has been successfully used in a hospital construction project for ensuring the hallways were broad enough for a stretchered patient to be moved through with ease. Fixtures in various hospital rooms were positioned optimally for healthcare professionals. This resulted in a welcome situation for hospitals as well as patients.

Make workers more productive

You can equip workers with AR glasses, thus setting aside the need of constantly consulting a laptop or instruction manual. Voice-activated controls and hands-free headsets enable workers to call up diagrams and assembly videos while continuing work, thus beefing up production.

Promote quality control

AR can be effectively turned as a means of quality control. Clicking a photo of the product and comparing it to technical drawings helps in ensuring work was done as stipulated and measurements kept to specified parameters. You can also use AR to ensure workers have all the materials and tools required for completing a task to perfection.

Train employees

AR is an effective tool for walking workers through construction process as a whole and their particular role, thus acting as a useful training tool for new employees as well as upgrading skillset of existing workers. Technology provides them visual cues for operating machinery and assembling products.

Increase Safety

You cannot undermine safety in construction project, can you? Using AR equipment makes it safer for workers on real jobsites with all sorts of hazards. Walking to a specific area of construction with a safety checklist on an AR peripheral certainly assures your workers better.

Summing Up

In a hyper-competitive business environment, technology can help you thrive. Integrating AR, you can enhance your operational ability and boost sales. As the technology becomes better, the ROI is sure to augment.

Top Takeoff Software for Framing Contractors

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve your process for completing a framing takeoff? How about an easier and quicker way to estimate the framing material, labor and equipment you need for your next construction job? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply calculate the total LF of your walls or do the entire process of calculating every stud, plate, joist and rafter, all the way down to the labor hours to complete it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools, such as the Joist and Rafter Tool, to speed up the time it takes to calculate a floor or stick framed roof system by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price, labor and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to take Square Takeoff for a spin yourself then today’s the day to start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

And as always Happy Bidding!! 

Top Takeoff Software for Flooring Contractors

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve your construction estimating and bid process? How about an easier and quicker way to estimate the flooring material, labor and equipment you need for your next construction job? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply calculate the total surface area of your floors or do the entire process of calculating every piece of tile or hardwood flooring, all the way down to the labor hours to complete it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools, such as the Area Tool, to measure anything you would normally measure by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price, labor and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to take Square Takeoff for a spin yourself then today’s the day to start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

And as always Happy Bidding!! 

Home Builder Confidence Rising in January 2019

With the assistance of the decline in mortgage rates the National Association of Home Builders is reporting un uptick in builder confidence in the new year. This month the market saw a rise of 2 points for newly-built single-family homes on the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). 

This is a positive move into the new year after reports of a 4-point decrease in the month December 2018.  

“Builders need to continue to manage rising construction costs to keep home prices affordable, particularly for young buyers at the entry-level of the market,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Lower interest rates that peaked around 5% in mid-November and have since fallen to just below 4.5% will help the housing market continue to grow at a modest clip as we enter the new year.” 

However, there was some downside to the news. 

With housing and permit Census figures delayed from being released on Jan. 17, due to the government shutdown, the data is strictly only an estimate. The NAHB anticipates that the December Census data would show that single-family starts ended the year totaling 876,000 units, which would mark a 3% gain over the 2017 total of 848,900. The sales during the fourth quarter of 2018 however has left new home inventories elevated in some markets. 

With 2018 in the past, hopefully 2019 will see growth of 3% or more over the 2018 year with a balance between new home starts and home inventories. 

Top Takeoff Software for Electrical Contractors

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve your next electrical estimate? How about an easier and quicker way to estimate the electrical material, labor and equipment you need for your next construction job? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply count the number of electrical switches and outlets or do the entire process of calculating every total length of wire runs, every switch, outlet, or panel, all the way down to the labor hours to wire it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools, such as the Count Tool, to measure anything you would normally measure by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price, labor and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to try Square Takeoff for yourself then today’s the day to start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

To see how this software can positively impact your business we always like to provide you with a free demo of our product. So, take advantage today and let your business takeoff. 

And as always Happy Bidding!!

Electrical Construction Cloud Takeoff Software

Takeoff and Estimating Software For Electrical Contractors 

Top Takeoff Software for Painting Contractors

Takeoff and Estimating Software For Painting Contractors  Takeoff and Estimating Software For Painting Contractors 

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve and speed up your next painting estimate? How about an easier and quicker way to estimate the paint material, labor and equipment you need for your next construction job? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply calculate the total surface area of your walls and ceiling or do the entire process of calculating every gallon of paint, all the way down to the labor hours to paint it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools, such as the Area Tool, to measure anything you would normally measure by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price, labor and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to try Square Takeoff for yourself then today’s the day to start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

To see how this software can positively impact your business we always like to provide you with a free demo of our product. So, take advantage today and let your business takeoff. 

And as always Happy Bidding!!

Online takeoffs require zero paper

Online Takeoffs Need Zero Paper 

Blueprinting is an outdated practice and has been around for almost two centuries. Today, working with and viewing construction blueprints can be achieved using online takeoff™ software. Contractors can view plans, share, collaborate, measure areas and lengths, and markup plans on any computer or mobile device, without ever printing a single page.  

Products like Square Takeoff™ offer other aspects as well. With additional aspects such as a built-in estimating software, you can complete measurements in half the time and then calculate material quantities needed for the project. For example, by digitally clicking around a blue-print plan onscreen and measuring an exterior wall, you can instantly calculate the framing material along with the exterior finishes all at the same time! You are even able to estimate the material cost and labor that is needed. 

In turn, this allows you to determine the cost of a job, and then bid on the project. It reduces miscalculations and helps you avoid over or under bidding a job. Ensuring a higher bid win ratio.  

ROI on Takeoff Software vs Cost of Paper Plans 

 Most estimating and takeoff software costs around $1000 to $1500, that initial software investment seems larger than the $4 cost of printing a single blueprint page. However, the software will quickly pay for itself by eliminating printing needs and improving the speed and accuracy of estimating jobs. Here is a simple example that illustrates how quickly this software could pay for itself: 


 Let’s say your construction company bids on 25 jobs a year. For each job, you print 3 copies of a 20-page blueprint. At a nationwide average cost of $4 per page to print, you are looking at $6,000 in expense just for blueprints. Within the first 5 jobs, this software has already paid for itself; job 6 and all the rest are straight profit.    


 Let’s say your construction company bids on 25 jobs a year. For each job, you print 3 copies of a 20-page blueprint. At a nationwide average cost of $4 per page to print, you are looking at $6,000 in expense just for blueprints. Within the first 5 jobs, this software has already paid for itself; job 6 and all the rest are straight profit.    

25 Jobs per Year * 3 Copies * 20 Pages per Print * $4 per Page = Total Cost Of $6000 

Reasons for Using Construction Software 

One of the best sayings in the construction industry is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It is often tough to make the change to something new. Even though companies were built on the foundation of techniques and tools that have shaped this industry, change can drive innovation and innovation will allow those processes and tools to evolve. Growing up in this industry, with a hammer in my hand, I watched some of the longtime veterans of our industry frown on the use of pneumatic nail guns. Nevertheless, by making that change, the time it took to frame a home or shingle a roof was cut in half. Takeoff and Estimating Technology is here to do the same. I have always followed the motto “work smarter, not harder” and with such great advancements in tech, your estimating techniques can evolve into an even better and proficient process.   

So, what is holding you back? 

Want to look at how technology could help take your business to the next level?  If so, sign up for your FREE 14-Day Trial of Square Takeoff. One of our Reps are standing by to show you how to get started. 

Top Takeoff Software for Drywall Contractors

Are you looking for a tool that will help you improve your bidding process? How about an easier and quicker way to estimating the drywall material, labor and equipment you need for your next project? Well if so, you have come to the right place.  

We designed Square Takeoff™, our Online Takeoff™ and Estimating software with your needs in mind. Whether you are looking to just simply calculate the total surface area of your walls and ceiling or do the entire process of calculating every piece of material from the sheetrock to the mud all the way down to the labor hours to complete it, we are here to help.  

Square Takeoff provides you with easy to use digital takeoff tools, such as the Area Tool, to measure anything you would normally measure by hand. Saving you a ton of valuable time. Because above all we understand that time is money. But, don’t worry the tools don’t stop there. Square Takeoff also provides you with an estimating tool that will allow you to calculate anything from material quantities to material price and everything in between. As we like to say around here, if you can do it by hand, you can do it with Square Takeoff.  

We also offer other tools to help you improve your daily tasks. From our Bid Management Tool, which helps you keep track of those bid due and project start dates, to our project sharing tool, that will ensure all team members are on the same page. We work hard to ensure that our software meets the demands of your trade with tools that make your job easier.  

If you would like to try Square Takeoff for yourself then today’s the day you start saving valuable time and money. Sign-up now for our FREE 14-Day Trial.  

To see how this software can positively impact your business we always like to provide you with a free demo of our product. So, take advantage today and let your business takeoff. 

And as always Happy Bidding!!

Retailers Rush to Beat Upcoming Tariff Increases

As Retailers throughout the nation rush to beat the upcoming tariffs proposed by the government on goods imported by China, container ports, that are tracked using Global Port Tracker, have set another new record, reaching 2 million containers in a single month for the first time.  

October marked the highest for a single month, topping the previous record of 1.9 million set in July, which in turn had beat a record of 1.83 million containers set in August 2017. 

November was estimated at 2.01 million containers, a 14% year-over-year increase that would have been a new record if not for the October number.  

December which is a historically slow month with holiday merchandise already on the shelves, is forecasted at 1.83 million, up 6.1% from last year. Those numbers would bring 2018 to a total of 21.8 million, an increase of 6.5% over last year’s record 20.5 million. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF). 

But the NRF said year-over-year growth rates and total volume are expected to slow considerably in January, when 10% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese products that took effect in September had been scheduled to increase to 25%. 

Trump recently announced, after a meeting with Chinese President Xi, that the increase – and a threat to impose tariffs on all Chinese products – has been put on hold while the two countries conduct 90 days of negotiations. Still with possible tariffs increases on the horizon, retailers will push to ensure a profit throughout the upcoming quarters of next year.  

Have Tariffs affected your business? If so let us know. Drop us a message at marketing@squaretakeoff.com

7 Tips for More Accurate Construction Estimates

Calculating an accurate project estimate is one of the toughest challenges in the construction process. If it is too high, your competitor may be awarded the bid. If it is too low, you may have little chance of earning any profits from the bid. 

This keeps construction companies on their toes trying to arrive at the correct estimate in the most accurate way possible. 

The Process 

Before you send in an estimate, you need to research any cost you may incur while developing the project. Generally, you would apply a markup to this figure and inform the customer of the final amount. 

Your objective is to ensure that the final payable amount and the pre-construction estimate are almost the same. 

Moreover, you need to do these calculations as soon as possible. If you do not, expect your competitors to be the early bidders. 

Here are seven ways to make your construction estimates more accurate:  

Choice of Software 

Choosing the right software is important when it comes to determining an accurate bid.  Cloud-based software with an array of necessary features help you arrive at the right figure. 

Every solution available on the market is different. Get one that meets your work requirements and most importantly your needs. 

Choice of Estimator  

The work approach of an estimator invariably affects estimating. Estimating is a complex process and anyone not really accustomed to it, will struggle at it. Select someone who knows construction management and has the ability to learn about estimating software. An estimator who knows the job of everyone working on the project is well aware of the advantages and the limitations of the software would be in the right position to handle it. 

Bottom-Up Estimating 

For optimum accuracy, keep people who will be responsible for the project, in the loop. Promote an environment where the staff is under no pressure to commit to unrealistic figures for securing a bid. Honest input regarding estimates and a reliable software solution are keys to accurate figures. 

Proper Gathering of Requirements 

Instruct your project managers to interview clients in detail, to communicate all relevant information.  If the client themselves are unaware of the specifics, past projects may be a good source of getting requirements. 

Values in Opposite & Extreme Ranges 

It will be helpful for estimators to develop a variety of values for optimistic, nominal and pessimistic estimates. When negotiating the contract, this provides estimators with a clear insight regarding the acceptable figures. 

Constant Communication 

In a construction project, various parts and areas of a company function in tandem. Estimators need to have continual communication with people working in different departments. 

Expertise of Finance & Legal Experts 

Apart from the core construction work, it is important to seek advice from finance and legal fields. A legal expert, for instance, can provide estimators with information regarding possible repercussions in a case of incorrect estimation and/if the final payable amount differs. 

FAA Regulation Delays Expansion of Drone Usage

Drones are a still-emerging and fast-evolving technology, so it’s perhaps not surprising that federal regulations have been slow to respond. The FAA released its final small commercial drone rules in 2016, eliminating the need for companies to seek approval for each flight or to hire a licensed pilot. Per these requirements, drones must weigh less than 55 pounds, be equipped with anti-collision lights, fly below 400 feet and under 100 mph in daylight hours only.

Although this is a drastic improvement compared to the ambiguous guidance that came before, operators still must get the FAA’s approval to fly at night and over most people, as well as keep the drone in their line of sight while in use. And with commercial drone use surging 239% in the past year, according to a DroneDeploy report, it’s even more important that federal guidance evolve to meet demand.

The FAA could propose standard regulations for drone use over crowds and populated areas, such as urban construction sites, as soon as this month, WSJ reported, but experts speculate that identification rules will come first.

“The pilot community questions whether a complex airborne identification system is more urgent than unlocking basic value by enabling overflight of people, flight beyond-line-of-sight, or night flying,” Dan Burton, CEO and founder of drone services provider DroneBase told Construction Dive. Although FAA priorities could use reshuffling, the agency’s rollout of the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) has helped standardize and expand the use of drones in construction, he said.

LAANC automates the approval process for drone flights in controlled airspace and is available near roughly 500 airports across the country. “Before the program, [manual approvals] took more than 90 days, effectively preventing drones to fly in 30% of all U.S. airspace,” Burton said. With 99% of U.S. airspace now accessible to drones, he said, “construction companies can use drones across hundreds of worksites to track progress in real-time.”

Importance of industry trade shows

Whether you’re an architect, a project manager, or a general contractor, business-to-business trade shows and conferences are one of the best resources available to you. With events all year round and in cities across the U.S. there are any number of shows suitable to your business and needs.


Exhibitors incur a great expense because there is great value in getting in front of their customers. However, there is also a great value in a being an attendee. Trade shows are the main stage where suppliers and customers come together to discuss the future of your business. They are among the best resources for discovering, sourcing, and comparing new products and services, and have become a key element in the purchasing process.


As an attendee, You are the reason exhibitors are there. With sometimes hundreds of companies exhibiting and vying for your attention, you control how you navigate your way through the myriad of products and services. Trade shows can also help develop greater confidence in your purchasing power.  Specifications can sometimes be a challenge, trade shows offer the opportunity to test drive many of the products and services that you need for your business so that you become more comfortable with investments. They also include seminars, panels, and workshops in their calendar of events. These are great tools for really honing in on a specific topics or services that are relevant and may lead you to new ways of thinking about your business.


As with any business, relationships are an important factor to building and growing and there is no better platform for networking than a trade show. You can rub elbows with suppliers to learn about what’s hot and what’s not, see what your competition is up to, become acquainted with new companies that can offer something you didn’t know you needed, meet colleagues and/or potential new customers, and just connect personally with others in your industry.


Lastly, trade shows can be a lot of fun. There will be a lot of energy buzzing around you as well as chances to cut loose and mingle with business associates. As you end your day walking the exhibition floor, you can look forward to attending dinner parties and use that time to strike up long and meaningful conversations without the hustle and the bustle of the show itself.


What I’ve covered so far is just the tip of the trade show iceberg. Much of your success will come with experience as an attendee as you become more familiar with the benefits of trade shows and how they apply to you. Of course you must consider the cost and time of attending these shows (ie: time away from the office, airfare, accommodations, food, and registration fees), but my goal here isn’t to discourage you but rather to share with you why attending these shows is worth your time and effort!

Come Join Us at this years International Builders Show in Las Vegas from February 19 – 21 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. We are in the South Hall at Booth SU1236. Need tickets to get in? Let us know. Hope to see you there.

Why Square is the Top Online Takeoff Software

Construction takeoff software is immensely helpful for achieving bid prices based on resource and labor costs, historical cost evaluations, cost reporting, other overhead, and the ability to manually adjust the bid price (along with a host of other features).

Cloud-based software, such as Square Takeoff, eliminates any need for a standalone product. Square Takeoff can be accessed at will from any Internet-enabled device.

Let’s see what makes Square Takeoff the easiest construction online takeoff™ software on the market:

 Simple Navigation

Ease of navigation allows users to complete takeoffs and bids quickly and with great accuracy. The navigation has been designed for the mindset and requirements of estimators. You are able to explore the tools available and move around with ease. Major menu items that are present, on the left, are Bid Management, Estimating, Reports, and User Management.

Bid Management: manage your multiple bids and takeoff process

Estimating: determine an estimate

Reports: filter reports of all types

User Management: manage various users within the company

Elimination of the Cost of Printing the Blueprint

A conventional takeoff requires the use of a blueprint. Before the construction even begins, blueprints are printed many times over and over by architects, project managers, engineers, contractors and building owners. An average reprographics shop generally gets about 35 to80 print requests a day for construction projects. For each request, the shop may print 1 to 300 blueprints, depending on the size of the project.

Going digital removes any need of printing. Construction companies are able to save costs associated with the printing and handling of paper.

Ultra Quick Calculations

Once a digital blueprint is uploaded, the mathematical calculations become as easy as just a few mouse clicks. With these quick clicks, you can do calculation of square footage, linear footage, and item counts.

 Google Maps Integration

Enter any address and Google Maps will display the digital map. Zoom in to display a specific location and then select it. The selected location is already scaled by the satellite, so there is no need to handle it manually.

Support to Several Digital Format

Square Takeoff enables you to work with a large variety of digital formats. This include popular ones like PDF, BMP, JPEG, and TIFF.

 Simple Uploading

With Square Takeoff, you can upload your files using one of two methods. You can browse to find the file(s) and then upload them, or simply drag and drop files onto the screen.

 Scaling

You may need to scale your digital blueprint once it has been uploaded. You can determine measurement on the basis of imperial or metric system.

Cloud-triggered Advantages

The cloud allows you to access the software from anywhere, at any place. For instance, while inspecting your job site, you can have a peek into your data and do an immediate calculation. You can calculate stuff like area, linear, and counts for all sorts of projects.

 Sharing of Bids/Data

The software enables you to share bids you are working on with other members of your team. You can also export data in HTML/Excel format.

 Identification of Takeoffs

Notes and colors facilitate for easy identification of takeoffs.

How to start a new project with square takeoff

Square Takeoff is the leading software solution when it comes to bid management. A state-of-the-art SAAS (software-as-a-service) solution, it enables you complete takeoffs in mere seconds. You can easily estimate project material, save valuable time and money, and access project information on any device.

Here’s how to start a new project with the software:

Click Here to View The Video 

Creating a New Project

Within the bid management section of the application, simply select the ‘Create a new project’ button. Once selected, a menu will show up. Within this menu, you can enter and select multiple values such as the company name. This will be the company that you want to complete the takeoff for. This may be your own company or any other. In case you need to add a new company, simply select the System Tables and then Company Master. You will be able to add as many additional companies to your system as you need.

Next step will be to select the user that will be completing the project. This will be under the owners’ field. You can now enter the project name you would like to use for this project.

Rating a Project

Square Takeoff allows you to rate a project based on its importance. It may be a project that you tend to win the most bids on, simply enjoy doing or a project requiring some kind of priority. Once you have set project rating, you can move on to select the status of the project. By default the status comes in as Neill. Using the drop-down you can approve the status like initial review, estimating pricing and so on.

Setting Project Dates

Bid due date: This’s the date that your bid is actually due well.

Project start date: This’s the date you’re starting the project on.

Putting in Contact Info

In Contact Information tab, you can enter the contact name for a project. You can feed in the relevant phone number, email address and country name. Under Project Details, you can select the unit of measure that will be used for the take-off as well as the color that this project will appear on the calendar. You can also put in the estimated total project value, the estimated bid value and the currency in which these values represent.

Working on Project Notes

Under Project Notes, you can enter any relevant notes relating to the overall project and click ‘Save’. The project is now visible on Calendar.