The reader is introduced to the process of contractor estimating from initial project evaluation through the call for bond, the takeoff, the actual estimating of a civil project, an even the turn in of the bid.

http://runjobsoftware.com/runjob-review/introduction-to-contractor-estimating/

A constructability review can significantly and positively impact a project. But what is it and what are the third-party reviewers looking for in their review? Here we look just at the drawings/plan review (not the specification and contract review).

http://runjobsoftware.com/news/designers-design-constructors-construct-drawings-constructability-review/

Contractors are often brought into a project in the design phase to minimize cost.  Here are some guidelines on infrastructure project cost cutting measures from a Contractor’s viewpoint – it’s advice to a design team.

http://runjobsoftware.com/news/designing-with-cost-in-mind/

There’s a thousand different scenarios to exemplify my proposal here, but let’s say your company is a cabinet installer on a large new single family home project.  There are 400 homes and you have to install kitchen and bathroom cabinetry in each of them.  In each of the homes you go in to to perform your work, the kitchens are in a different state of completion.  Some do not have electrical and plumbing done, some have incomplete drywall, and maybe some aren’t even dried in yet to protect from the elements.

http://runjobsoftware.com/news/subs-should-join-forces/

Once the project starts, it is the Contractor’s project management team’s responsibility to update the client on a regular, usually weekly, basis. This is done graphically using a lookahead schedule in bar chart format (also known as a Gantt Chart). Here we discuss the contents and reliability of the lookahead schedule.

http://runjobsoftware.com/news/the-lookahead-schedule-and-90-60-30/

Cracks in construction provide information to a superintendent. We identify what you’re seeing and what it could mean in specific scenarios.

http://runjobsoftware.com/runjob-review/cracks-in-construction/

What are the “necessities” for software and apps for your construction business? Here’s a look at what’s out there – software and/or apps that are in use by successful firms to accomplish necessary functions in your business.

http://runjobsoftware.com/runjob-review/needed-software-for-a-contractor/

 How many RFIs (requests for information) are too many on a construction project? Is it time, is it possible, to tie the number of RFIs on a job to the cost impact suffered by a contractor? 

http://runjobsoftware.com/podcast/is-one-rfi-one-too-many/

Time for any business is critical, perhaps more so in construction than many other industries. The role of time and its effect on a contractor are discussed here.

http://runjobsoftware.com/runjob/if-cash-is-king-times-the-queen/

Discussed here, by a contractor, is arguably the #1 area of recommended improvement for infrastructure owners with fiduciary responsibility. The area in need of improvement: response time to construction issues.

http://runjobsoftware.com/podcast/time-an-owners-achilles-heel/