News & Guides
Practical guides and industry news for GC estimators — covering subcontractor management, bid management, prequalification, and construction communications.
How to Resolve Sub Scope Overlap Before It Becomes a Change Order
Scope overlap between two subs will cost you. Here's how GC estimators catch it early and assign it clearly before it turns into a dispute.
By Zachary Norman
Why Storytelling Is Now a Bid Strategy for GCs
Construction marketing has shifted from credentials to narrative. Here's what that means for GCs trying to win work in a crowded, competitive bid environment.
Via AGC News
Why GCs Are Moving to Subscription-Based Construction Tech
Subscription platforms are replacing one-time software purchases on job sites. Here's what that shift means for GC estimators and preconstruction teams.
Via AGC News
Construction Materials Up 2.6% in May, Nearly 10% Year Over Year
Construction input prices jumped 2.6% in May and are up nearly 10% year over year. Here's what that means for GC estimators building budgets right now.
Via Construction Executive
Why GCs Lose Money Self-Performing Scopes Without Realizing It
GCs often self-perform to save money, but hidden labor, overhead, and scope drift costs eat that margin fast. Here's where the losses actually happen.
By Zachary Norman
What Preconstruction Looks Like by 2030
Preconstruction is shifting fast. Here's what GC estimators should expect by 2030 and where the real gaps still are.
Via Construction Executive
How to Write a Scope Sheet That Controls What Subs Bid
Learn how to write a subcontractor scope sheet that eliminates gaps, aligns bids, and protects your estimate from exploding at buyout.
By Zachary Norman
What to Do When a Subcontractor's Bid Looks Too Low to Trust
A suspiciously low sub bid can wreck your estimate at buyout. Here's how GC estimators should respond before plugging in that number.
By Zachary Norman
Autonomous Construction Equipment: Real Capability vs. Real Hype
Autonomous construction technology is advancing fast. GC estimators should understand what's operational today versus what's still a demo reel before it affects their bids.
Via Construction Executive
Construction Jobs Up 17,000 in May, Craft Pay Climbs 5%
Construction added 17,000 jobs in May and craft worker pay rose 5% year-over-year. What that wage pressure means for GC labor budgets and sub pricing right now.
Via AGC News
Nonresidential Construction Added 15,700 Jobs in May
Nonresidential construction hiring picked up in May. Here's what the job gains mean for subcontractor availability and labor cost pressure heading into summer.
Via Construction Executive
Why GC Estimators Underprice General Conditions Every Time
Most GC estimators cut general conditions to win the job. Here's why that decision catches up with you at buyout and what to do instead.
By Zachary Norman