Estimator’s Edge

January/February 2026

Poker Hand

In my esteemed capacity as senior estimator, I am constantly compelled to dismiss a plethora of sometimes absurd questions presented by prospective “bidmeisters.”

2025 November/December

A Positive Pivot

You have probably become aware of some significant shifting in the economic winds.

2025 July/August

Data Center Explosion:

I had to chuckle when an earlier “instructions to bid” (ITB) notice came to me attached to a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

2025 May/June

Mind Games of General Contractors

At the risk of offending several of my esteemed superiors, I am now prepared to address the delicate topic of general contractors (GCs).

2025 March/April

Construction Delays: Counting the Costs

Upon reviewing the many topics that I have touched upon in this column over the years, it amazes me that I hadn’t yet raised the issue of scheduling delays and their attendant impacts.

2025 January/February

The Fog of Uncertainty

Having had the past privilege of shepherding a number of prospective estimators from time to time, I’ve experienced an amusing misconception among many of these “bidmeister” “want-to-bes.”

2024 December

Find the Cost

The 2024 hurricane season is finally ending, thank goodness.

2024 November

Luck of the Draw

Along with a welcome influx of neophyte “bidmeisters” gathering by my doorway as of late, I am greeted with a number of questions that could only be proposed by a such flock of interns and...