2This affordable, real-world guide to success in construction estimating is loaded with tips, checklists, worksheets, data tables, and step-by-step tutorials to help you navigate every step of the estimating process. The text focuses on "how-to" essentials, with on-the-spot answers, visual examples and a strong focus on key factors affecting profit, such as marketing, bid planning, drawing review, scope planning, quantity take-off, pricing, quote evaluation, cost summary, and bid closing for all trades and divisions. Drawing on extensive experience in the industry, the author provides practical solutions for the unprecedented challenges that construction professionals face today, including fierce competition, material price volatility, skilled labor shortages, and strict regulations. He also illuminates the relationship between estimating and project management, with coverage of overhead expenses, value engineering, turnover meeting, and change order pricing.