Concrete estimators use concrete calculators to get quick, simple answers for basic slab and footing measurements, but today’s projects demand more accuracy and automation than a handheld formula can provide.
But here’s the thing: many estimators don’t realize that other tools are available to simplify the estimating process.
Concrete estimating software can handle everything from takeoff to estimating to bidding, ensuring you’re maximizing productivity and profitability at every step of the process.
Let’s take a closer look at what concrete calculators do well and where they fall short compared to concrete estimating software.
Key Takeaways
- Concrete calculators are great for fast, simple answers during the estimating process.
- When concrete estimators need more than answers to a few simple calculations, many turn to concrete estimating software.
- Concrete estimating software — like The EDGE® — allows estimators to perform takeoff, automate calculations, source materials and build better bids that improve profit margins
What a Concrete Calculator Does Well
Concrete calculators help contractors estimate material volumes quickly and confirm small-project measurements on the go. When you’re out in the field or sketching a quick plan for a small job, they help you estimate cubic yards of concrete using basic inputs like length, width, height, thickness, volume, diameter and depth.
They’re great for:
- Quick material estimates
- Small or simple pours
- Double-checking measurements or calculations on the fly
But while calculators are fast and convenient, they’re also very limited on larger jobs or projects that are more challenging.
Where Construction Calculators Fall Short
Concrete projects challenge calculators because complex pours, formwork and varying mix designs require detailed estimates that basic tools can’t handle.
Concrete calculators don’t:
- Perform material takeoffs
- Account for materials wasted
- Calculate labor rates
- Store information from past estimates
- Integrate with project management or accounting tools
If you’ve ever used a calculator, then turned around and had to do a full takeoff by hand, you already know the extra steps — and risks — that come with it.
Any slight miscalculation or error leads to overbidding or underbidding, ordering the wrong amount of material and lost profit.
Why Estimators are Starting to Invest in Concrete Estimating Software
Estimators are trying to avoid errors and automate their concrete estimates. It’s important to note that about 88% of manual spreadsheets contain errors, making manual estimating and reliance on calculators risky, according to Assignar.
Concrete estimators are investing in digital estimating software to reduce manual spreadsheet errors and improve estimating accuracy.
What Concrete Estimating Software Brings to the Table
Concrete estimating software expands on what calculators can do by automating takeoff, labor, and material calculations across every project phase.
Purpose-built tools for concrete contractors simplify the entire estimating process so you can:
- Create detailed digital takeoffs in a fraction of the time
- Automatically calculate material, labor, equipment, overhead and waste
- Apply labor rates that dynamically change based on project complexity
- Access concrete-specific databases to easily source the right materials in seconds
- Track actuals vs. estimates throughout the project
- Create and store estimating templates for similar future jobs
And because everything is saved in the cloud, you can access your estimates from anywhere, collaborate with your team and make real-time adjustments to keep everyone on the same page.
Concrete estimators who rely on concrete estimating software build more accurate estimates in less time. They also gain real-time visibility into costs and project productivity to keep projects on time and within budget.
Automate Your Concrete Estimating With The EDGE
In today’s competitive market, speed and accuracy are everything. Estimators don’t just need to know how much concrete to pour — they need to know what it will cost, how long it will take and how profitable the job will be before work begins.
Concrete estimating software like The EDGE gives contractors confidence in every estimate by combining takeoff, automation and cost control tools into one platform. The EDGE offers:
- All-in-one estimating and takeoff
- Automated calculations
- Concrete-specific databases
- Smart Labor® Technology that dynamically adjusts labor rates based on task complexity
- Custom layout that offers common conditions for frequently used project specifications
The EDGE combines estimating and takeoff in one platform, helping concrete contractors bid faster and more accurately.
For more information about The EDGE, speak with a specialist today.
