Why we built this community, and how we hope you'll use it

Estimating is a lot of work done alone. Most of what you know about reading a plan set, building a template or catching a missed scope item, you learned the hard way: on a bid that went sideways, or from someone who took the time to show you. That knowledge usually stays in one office.

We built this community to change that. It's a place for estimators anywhere in the world to share what they've learned, so the next person doesn't have to learn it the hard way.

What it's for today

• Ask for help. Stuck on a takeoff? Post it in the Q&A channel for your product. Other estimators and our team answer there, and once an answer solves it, it gets marked so the next person finds it fast.
• Share tips. Got a shortcut, a template trick or a workflow that saves you time? Put it in Tips & Tricks.
• Suggest improvements. Tell us what would make the software better in Feature Requests, and vote on what others have asked for. We're running a poll on what to build next for BidScreen XL right now.
• Hear it first. New features and software updates are posted in Announcements.
• Everything else about estimating and takeoff goes here in General.

Where it might go

Honestly, we don't know exactly what this will turn into, and we'd rather build it with you than guess. One idea we keep coming back to: a place where contractors who need help on a bid can connect with freelance estimators looking for work. If that would be useful to you, from either side, reply and tell us.

A few ground rules

Be respectful. Everyone here bids for a living. Name the product and version you're on when you ask a question. And when someone's answer helps you, upvote it or mark it as the answer, so they get the credit.

Thanks for being here. Ask your first question, share a tip, or just introduce yourself below.

Mark Schwab