---
tags:
  - topic/estimating
  - topic/software
  - type/encyclopedia-entry
title: Construction Estimating Software
---
# Construction Estimating Software

%%
## TALK

This note is for describing _existing_, _conventional_
construction estimating software and patterns.

## TODO

Remove philosophy.

%%

## Why Not Excel?

### "Spreadsheet Syndrome"

Organizations are often hesitant to use excel for complex calculations due to:

* perceived risk of programming errors
* belief that specialized software is inherently superior

#### Rebuttal

* Estimating software is doing very simple math under the hood.
* Commercial software is not without risk of bugs.
* Existing implementations hardly qualify as specialized.

The idea that specialized software ought to be preferred over monolith spreadsheets is well-founded,
however, it is the case with construction estimating software
that the proprietary options are functionally identical to a particularly involved workbook,
except that they can not be modified to fit new use-cases.

### Material Pricing

Apps generally assume users will utilize material pricing services like Supplier Xchange for precise pricing.

## A Minimal Implementation

1. Resolve Takeoffs
2. Extend Items
3. Labor Extension

Suppose a minimal

```json
[
	{
		"type": "takeoff",
		"attributes": {
			"length": 20
		},
		"assemblies": [
			{
				"item": "EMT Conduit",
				"factor": 1
			},
			{
				"item": "EMT Connector",
				"factor": 1
			},
		]
	}
]
```

```json
{
	"attributes": {
	},
	"products": [
		{
			"manufacturer": ""
		}
	]
}
```

## Innovative Concepts

* [[estimating-as-code]]
* [[optimal-estimating-patterns]]
* [[estimating-dimensionality]]
