McCormick Systems’ Blog

Discover what’s happening through our blog. Stay up to date with McCormick System company news, project estimating best practices and industry updates.

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8 Ways to Create Attractive Commercial Plumbing Cost Estimates

When bidding on plumbing projects, creating clear, commercial plumbing cost estimates is essential to winning jobs. From small installations to large-scale commercial projects, the accuracy and presentation of your estimate can set you apart from competitors. Plumbing is a highly competitive field — according to the Better Business Bureau®, it is the 5th largest construction category in the U.S. With
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What Is A Construction Takeoff?

Many new or inexperienced contractors find themselves asking “What is a construction takeoff?” Even if you have worked in the industry for years, technology and bid requirements are constantly changing, affecting the takeoff process. A construction takeoff is an important calculation that transforms blueprints and designs into a comprehensive list of required materials and related costs. This is an essential
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5 Must-Have Plumbing Estimating Software Features To Help You Win More Bids

One of the first steps in a successful construction plumbing project involves creating an accurate estimate. Precise estimates help account for: Increasing material costs Labor challenges and rising labor costs Job-specific plumbing requirements Many plumbing estimators are investing in plumbing estimating software to build more winning bids. The best estimating software for plumbing contractors offers a variety of features designed
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5 Must Have Features That Transform Electrical Estimating for Contractors

Accurate electrical estimating is the cornerstone of every successful electrical project. Detailed estimates help account for: Rising material costs Labor challenges Job-specific electrical regulations Many electrical estimators are investing in electrical estimating software to build more winning bids. The best estimating software for electrical contractors offers a variety of features designed to: Increase estimate accuracy and volume Minimize errors Increase
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Why Construction Items and Assemblies Matter for Your Bids

When it comes to estimating, the details matter. Whether pricing a small building renovation or a large-scale project, having the right construction items and assemblies in your estimating toolkit can make all the difference. Specialty estimators understand that trade-specific items and assemblies are not only helpful but essential for creating accurate, efficient and competitive bids. Technology also plays a crucial
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A Powerful Pair: Syncing Accounting and Construction Estimating

For contractors, managing project costs, bids and finances with accuracy is essential for staying competitive in construction. However, keeping construction estimating and accounting data aligned can be a challenge, particularly when using separate systems that don’t seamlessly connect. This often leads to the time-consuming and error-prone task of manual data entry. According to JBKnowledge’s Construction Technology Report reveals that 53% of contractors
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Five Disadvantages of Manual Estimating

Estimating is one of the most important steps in the construction industry. This is because: Bids are based off estimating totals and determine whether a contractor is awarded the job. Estimates are used to help contractors determine cash flow and profitability. With that in mind it’s crucial that estimates are accurate. In the past, estimators performed estimates by hand. However,
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The Impact of Trade-Specific Estimating Software

In the fast-paced world of construction, accurate and efficient estimating can make or break a project. Whether you’re bidding for a smaller local project or a complex government job, having the right tools at your disposal is critical for success. While many general-purpose estimating software exist, the most effective systems are those specifically designed for the unique needs of particular
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A Peek Into McCormick

When looking for construction estimating and takeoff software, you need to look for a robust solution that provides cutting-edge solutions to address the unique challenges faced by construction professionals. McCormick Systems is the leading provider of commercial construction takeoff and estimating software for the electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades. We offer tools that can help streamline the process of measuring
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Building Strong Relationships with Construction Material Suppliers

In the world of construction estimating, material costs can make or break a project. Building strong relationships with construction material suppliers is essential for estimators to keep projects on time, on budget, and profitable. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, construction materials typically make up 40-60% of the total cost of a project. With fluctuating material prices and supply
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AI and Electrical Estimating: Current Trends and Future Possibilities Podcast Discussion

McCormick President Paul Wheaton appears on a recent episode of Today’s Electrical Estimating, a popular podcast hosted by Chris Trommer and Sal Huerta where they chat with leading electrical estimating experts to share industry insights and trade-specific tips. The focus of the episode revolves around AI, its current applications in estimating and all its potential future possibilities. Paul, Chris and
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How Has Technology Changed the Electrical Industry?

In today’s fast-paced construction industry, accurate and efficient estimating is crucial for success. Electrical estimating, in particular, requires precision and up-to-date industry knowledge to ensure projects are completed within budget and on time. Unfortunately, 91.5% of projects go over budget, over schedule or both, according to Strategy+Business publication. Fortunately, technological advancements have revolutionized the estimating process to make budgets more