Construction Estimating FAQs Answers before you book the call.
How our dedicated, AI-enabled estimating teams work, which software and trades we cover, how fast you can start, and how we protect quality and confidentiality.
AI-enabled estimating
Is Bidding Enterprise AI-enabled?
Yes. Every team we build works with Build Intel, our AI-assisted estimating software, and Dexter, our AI co-estimator. Dexter reads drawings and specs and gives cited answers, AI-assisted takeoffs speed up quantities, and automated checks flag missing scope before a bid goes out. Your estimators stay in your software and formats, and people check every output.
Does AI replace the estimator?
No. AI drafts and checks; people decide. Your dedicated estimator reviews every quantity, rate and scope note the tools produce, and our QA and technical managers review the estimate before it reaches you. You review and approve the final bid. AI makes the work faster and more consistent, but it does not guarantee accuracy, which is why every output is human-verified.
Do we need to change our software to use your AI tools?
No. Your estimators keep working in the software and estimating formats you already use — Bluebeam, PlanSwift, Excel, STACK, or your own templates and bid forms. Build Intel and Dexter work alongside your tools, so you get the AI help without changing how your office estimates or how your finished bids look.
The model
What does Bidding Enterprise do?
Bidding Enterprise is an AI-enabled, full-service construction estimating company. We build dedicated estimating teams — full-time, part-time, or as-needed — that work as part of your in-house shop, in your software and templates. Teams handle takeoffs, pricing, scope writing, sub and supplier coordination, RFIs, proposals, and bid follow-up, backed by our QA and technical managers.
How is a dedicated team different from outsourcing a project?
A project vendor returns one takeoff and moves on. A dedicated team stays with you: the same estimators learn your historicals, templates, and win/loss patterns, so every bid gets sharper. Your team is exclusive to your company, works in your time zone and software, and is managed and quality-checked by us.
Who do you work with?
We work with specialty subcontractors, general contractors, building material suppliers, and developers across residential, commercial, multifamily, and public work. Each audience gets a team shaped around how it bids — takeoffs and proposals for subs, bid coordination and leveling for GCs, and material takeoffs for suppliers.
Software
What estimating software do your estimators use?
Whatever you already use. Our estimators work in any of 100+ estimating and takeoff tools — Bluebeam, PlanSwift, STACK, On-Screen Takeoff, and trade-specific programs are just examples — using your templates and cost data, so every deliverable drops straight into your bid process without conversion or rework on your side.
What are Build Intel and Dexter?
Build Intel is our AI-assisted estimating software, included with every team. Dexter, its co-estimator, reads drawings and specs and gives cited answers, supports takeoffs, runs sub and supplier outreach, levels scopes and quotes, and runs QC checks that flag missing scope and pricing outliers before a bid goes out.
Trades and coverage
Which trades and project types do you estimate?
We estimate 50+ trades across all 16 CSI divisions — concrete, site work, masonry, steel, framing, rebar, drywall, insulation, flooring, painting, exterior finishes, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roofing, and more. Project types include commercial, multifamily, residential, and public work such as schools, municipal, and DOT projects.
Where do you work?
Our teams have estimated projects in 45 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada and Australia. Because estimators work remotely inside your software, location is rarely a limit; we price to your local market, labor rates, and code requirements, and your team works in your time zone.
Getting started
How fast can we get started?
Most clients finish the free assessment and setup in about an hour, with their estimator typically on their bids in under 7 days. On that call we review your trade, software, templates, and the bids you're chasing, then map the team we'd build. From there your estimator starts learning your standards on live bids, with our QA team reviewing the work.
How long does an individual estimate take?
It depends on project size, scope, and the quality of the documents, so we agree on timelines bid by bid rather than promising a fixed turnaround. Because your team is dedicated to you and knows your bid calendar, work is planned around your due dates instead of waiting in a shared queue.
Can we start part-time and grow from there?
Yes. Many clients start with a part-time or as-needed estimator and move to full-time or a multi-person desk as their bid list grows. Your estimators stay dedicated to your company throughout, and we handle recruiting, training, and coverage, so capacity grows or shrinks without you adding headcount or overhead.
Quality and confidentiality
How do you make sure estimates are accurate?
Every estimator is backed by our QA and technical managers, who review work before it reaches you and keep standards consistent. Build Intel adds automated QC that flags missing scope and pricing outliers. Your estimator also learns from your own completed jobs, so unit rates and labor hours reflect how your crews actually perform.
Is our bid information kept confidential?
Your team is dedicated to your company and never shared, so your drawings, pricing, historicals, and templates are used only to build your bids. Estimators work inside the systems and accounts you provide, and we're happy to review any confidentiality requirements you have during the free assessment before work begins.
Will our estimator work in our time zone?
Yes. Your estimator works your hours, in your time zone, and uses your email domain, templates, and software, so they fit into your office like any other team member. That makes it easy to join bid-day calls, answer GC questions quickly, and coordinate with your project managers in real time.
Still have a question?
Ask us on a free 1-hour pre-construction assessment — we'll answer it against your trade, your software, and the bids you're chasing.
Qualified contractors get 15 days of free estimating — your dedicated estimator works your live bids at no cost, full-time, part-time, or as-needed.
Or reach us: Estimate@Biddingenterprise.com · 718-717-2729