Gone are the days of printed plans and manual measuring. With On-Screen Estimating tools, estimators now have the power to digitally extract quantities, analyze plans, and generate cost estimates faster and more accurately. Whether you’re working on a commercial build, residential project, or civil works, On-Screen estimating brings efficiency and precision to the forefront.
At True Bid Data, we use On-Screen estimating software to ensure that our clients receive accurate, actionable, and scalable estimates for every job, whether it’s a small renovation or a large infrastructure project.
What Is On-Screen Estimating?
On-Screen Estimating allows estimators to perform takeoffs directly from digital drawings—no more printing, measuring by hand, or re-entering data. Key features include:
- Digital measurement tools for length, area, and volume
- Quick clicks to extract quantities and adjust for scale
- Layered visibility for multiple trades and revisions
- Color-coded markups for easy scope identification
This tool turns your plans into data you can use immediately, improving efficiency, consistency, and clarity.
How True Bid Data Uses On-Screen Estimating
At True Bid Data, we leverage On-Screen Estimating software to quickly and accurately capture quantities, analyze plans, and structure estimates for every trade. Here’s how:
Efficient Takeoffs
- Measure walls, floors, ceilings, and openings
- Extract lengths and areas for MEP systems
- Identify and calculate material requirements by floor or zone
Real-Time Quantity Reporting
- Immediate access to quantity totals for fast review
- Color-coded markups by trade and system
- Customizable takeoff reports for internal and client use
Exportable, Actionable Data
- CSV and Excel-ready files for estimating software integration
- PDF markups and takeoff logs for contractor teams
- Easily shareable files for coordination with architects, engineers, and subs
On-Screen Estimating turns your drawings into organized data, ready to be priced, bid, or communicated with your team.
How On-Screen Estimating Adds Value Across Project Types
We use On-Screen Estimating across a variety of projects:
Commercial Projects
- Office buildings, retail spaces, and multifamily units
- Tenant improvements, core & shell work, and parking garages
- Full scope takeoffs including MEP and finishes
Residential Projects
- Custom homes, remodels, and additions
- Foundations, framing, and interior finishes
- Material tracking for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical
Civil & Infrastructure Projects
- Roadways, sidewalks, utilities, and site grading
- Storm water systems, drainage, and paving
- Earthwork and excavation quantities
Every takeoff is aligned with your project’s unique needs, ensuring that all materials, labor, and subcontractor scopes are covered.
Common Mistakes That On-Screen Estimating Helps You Avoid
Without On-Screen Estimating, you risk:
- Overlooking items during manual takeoff
- Using outdated plans or incorrect scale measurements
- Inconsistent quantities across different trades or drawings
- Wasted time on inaccurate manual calculations
On-Screen Estimating ensures everything is measured and tracked—eliminating manual errors and saving time.
Why On-Screen Estimating Improves Your Bid Strategy
On-Screen Estimating accelerates the bidding process by allowing you to:
- Deliver accurate estimates faster
- Improve quantity accuracy and cost transparency
- Provide clear, shareable documentation for clients and teams
- Reduce miscommunication between estimators, PMs, and clients
With On-Screen Estimating, you get speed without sacrificing quality, which is crucial in today’s competitive market.
What’s Included in Our On-Screen Estimating Service
When you partner with True Bid Data for On-Screen Estimating, you receive:
- Annotated PDFs with clear trade markups
- Excel and CSV-based quantity reports
- RSMeans and vendor-based pricing integration
- Quick revisions and project updates with version control
Every deliverable is formatted for easy integration into your existing workflow.
Win More Projects with On-Screen Estimating from True Bid Data
On-Screen Estimating is one of the best ways to ensure accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in your construction estimating. At True Bid Data, we make sure that your team can leverage this tool to:
- Speed up takeoffs without sacrificing precision
- Produce professional, clean estimating reports
- Get real-time results from digital plans
- Seamlessly collaborate with clients, architects, and subcontractors
Ready to get your estimates on-screen? Visit TrueBidData to see how our On-Screen Estimating services can help you reduce bid time and improve accuracy—every time.