News & Guides
Practical guides and industry news for GC estimators — covering subcontractor management, bid management, prequalification, and construction communications.
Construction Labor Shortage: Technology Recruitment Isn't Enough
New recruitment pipelines are opening in construction, but demand still outpaces supply. What GC estimators need to know about the ongoing labor gap.
Via Construction Executive
Open Construction Jobs Drop Year-Over-Year, Housing Leads Decline
February JOLTS data shows construction job openings down from three years ago, driven by a pullback in housing. What the soft labor market means for GC bidding.
Via NAHB Eye on Housing
Subcontractor Prequalification Questionnaire for GC Estimators
The exact questions GC estimators should ask subs before bid day, organized by financial health, safety record, experience, and capacity.
By Zachary Norman
Succession Planning in Construction: Why Starting Late Costs You
Ownership transitions in contracting firms fail when planning starts too late. Here's what GC principals need to do now to protect company value.
Via Construction Executive
Why Preconstruction Is Where GC Profit Is Actually Made
Most GCs treat preconstruction as overhead. The firms winning the right jobs know it's where margin is made or lost. Here's why that shift matters.
By Zachary Norman
Why a Subcontractor Tracking Spreadsheet Breaks at Scale
Spreadsheets seem like a fine way to track subs, until bid day. Here's where they actually fail GC estimators and what breaks first.
By Zachary Norman
Why Your GC Win Rate Is a Selection Problem, Not Pricing
Low GC win rates aren't a pricing problem. They're a selection problem. Here's why bidding fewer jobs is the path to winning more of them.
By Zachary Norman
Best Subcontractor Management Software for GC Estimators
Compare the top subcontractor management software options for GC estimators, bid tracking, trade coverage, communication, and more.
By Zachary Norman
The GC Subcontractor Management Checklist That Actually Works
A practical subcontractor management checklist for GC estimators and PMs, from first invite through final close-out. No fluff, just process.
By Zachary Norman
How to Choose Subcontractor Management Software for GCs
Not all subcontractor management software is built for GC estimators. Here's how to evaluate your options and pick the right tool.
By Zachary Norman
How to Build a Bid Clarifications List That Protects You
Learn how GC estimators build a bid clarifications list that defends their number when owners push back on price after bid day.
By Zachary Norman
Last-Minute Sub Scope Changes on Bid Day: What to Do
When a sub changes their scope at the last minute on bid day, your number is at risk. Here's how to respond fast without blowing your estimate.
By Zachary Norman