3 Ways Estimating Helps Define Your Brand

In a world of hard bids and intense competition, most general contractors try to stand out by dropping their project bids as low as they possibly can.

But there’s so much more to standing out than numbers alone. Plus, focusing only on prices can backfire spectacularly: in a hard bid model, most projects come out significantly over budget by the time change orders have been submitted.

This reality highlights a stark truth: it’s super difficult for contractors to find ways to differentiate themselves! Being able to define who you are is important no matter what industry you’re in. Your brand can make or break deals, and your reputation can precede you for both good and bad reasons. Branding might seem a little artificial, but it’s the best way to help you discover your company’s identity as well as help project owners understand why they should choose you over any other contractor.

Here’s where estimating comes into play. You’re probably already well aware that preconstruction has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of the construction process. Although the importance of an outstanding preconstruction effort is now trending within the industry, it can be a little overwhelming to understand exactly how it factors into your brand. There are three major ways that estimating—and the estimating software that your team chooses—can help define who your company is.

• Consistency across your entire team
• Innovation and individuality in data visualization
• Increased reliability with greater accuracy and real-time updates

Consistency Across Your Entire Team

When it comes to building trust with a project owner, there’s no more crucial phase than the preconstruction one. And if you’re inconsistent and spotty in this phase, how will the owner know they can count on you for the rest of the project lifecycle?

Perhaps more importantly, you can’t define your company’s brand if every process or task is handled differently from person to person. You definitely can’t do it if everyone uses a different tool to build their estimates. Establishing standards for your entire preconstruction team helps you create a strong, unified front.

Innovation and Individuality in Data Visualization

Data visualization is still a relatively new concept in the world of estimating. 3D takeoff and building information modeling are being adopted by the industry, but slowly. This is an area you’ll definitely want your team to take advantage of. Why? Being able to tangibly show project owners what will happen when certain numbers change is massive. It’s a chance for you to not just cut back on the number of change orders that the owner might ask for, but it’s also a chance for you to show off some creativity and forward-thinking spirit.

"A lot of our clients have multiple projects, so we'll have one school district that we have 15 projects with over the years, and we really wanted all of those estimates and all of our products to look exactly the same to them, to have a nice continuity with them." -Landon McQuestion, Director of Preconstruction and Estimating at Balfour Beatty - Why You Need Preconstruction Standards

Incorporating data visualization into your estimating process brings another benefit: it’s easier for project owners to immediately recognize your company just by looking at an estimate. And in a world where first impressions can be everything, the value of that kind of recognition can’t be overstated.

Increased Reliability With Greater Accuracy and Real-Time Updates

Last but certainly not least: if you’re working with a construction estimating software that minimizes human error as much as possible, consolidates multiple tasks into one platform, and enables data tracking and analysis, your company brand will quickly develop a reputation for being reliable, accurate, and client-focused.

Studies have shown time and again that the majority of construction projects will go over budget by at least 16%. When you’re able to knock that percentage down by even just five points, you’re showing project owners that you’re committed to truly giving them the best possible number, rather than a number that will end up doubling by the time the project’s over.

Additionally, with the right construction estimating software, you’ll be able to develop estimates that can be updated anytime, anywhere, which also means that project owners know you’re giving them real-time updates.

How Can You Begin Defining Your Brand Today?

We’ve shared with you the three biggest ways estimating can help define your brand, but at the end of the day, it’s still up to you whether or not you’ll start implementing these changes. If you’re not sure where to start in defining who your company is and what you want to be known for, we recommend going to www.beck-technology.com/contact/ to schedule a demo of DESTINI Estimator with us.