Experienced in the trade. New to this remote workflow.
Remote estimating needs a dependable handoff: one current document set, measurable scope, visible assumptions and a named reviewer. This series is for estimators with relevant past experience who need to fit their work into a distributed team.
The six-part onboarding sequence
- Role and access: agree responsibilities, region, time zone, software, document permissions and reviewer.
- Project handoff: register drawings, specifications, addenda, scope boundaries and delivery requirements.
- Takeoff standards: keep units, measurement rules, marked plans, item codes and assumptions traceable.
- Remote coordination: use an RFI log, named owners, deadlines and clear version control.
- Estimate review: reconcile quantities, pricing sources, labour basis, exclusions and unresolved work.
- First 30 days: begin with supervised assignments, correct review findings and delegate only the scopes that have been demonstrated.
Day 1 to day 30
In the first week, finish a small supervised package and a revision exercise. In week two, repeat the process on a different scope and check that review findings are not recurring. In weeks three and four, agree a larger package only if the reviewer is satisfied with traceability, communication and trade judgement. Set the review and issue authority explicitly; time served is not automatic approval.
Three ways to deliver an estimate
App only, app plus human, or human only. The app currently provides a ballpark planning calculator. A detailed trade estimate requires the documents, scope, pricing and review agreed for that assignment. Human-service enquiries are scoped before availability or a price is confirmed.
Choose your trade
Each guide includes a tailored first-week checklist, sample assignment, scope checklist and estimate-review template.
Steel stud & drywall
Onboard around wall types, stud gauges, board layers, heights and finish levels.
First week, sample task and review →Ceilings & acoustics
Onboard around ceiling systems, grid, suspension, perimeter and coordination.
First week, sample task and review →Concrete & foundations
Onboard around excavation interfaces, concrete volumes, formwork and reinforcing scope.
First week, sample task and review →Framing & carpentry
Onboard around member sizes, spacing, openings, sheathing and connectors.
First week, sample task and review →Roofing
Onboard around roof geometry, assemblies, flashings, edges and penetrations.
First week, sample task and review →Electrical
Onboard around devices, circuits, distribution, pathways and equipment boundaries.
First week, sample task and review →Plumbing
Onboard around fixtures, pipe systems, sizes, fittings and service connections.
First week, sample task and review →HVAC & refrigeration
Onboard around equipment, ductwork, piping, insulation and controls interfaces.
First week, sample task and review →Earthworks & excavation
Onboard around measurement surfaces, excavation classes, haulage and access.
First week, sample task and review →Painting & finishes
Onboard around substrates, preparation, finish systems and access.
First week, sample task and review →Gas fitting
Onboard around pipe systems, appliances, testing and specialist scope.
First week, sample task and review →Finishing carpentry
Onboard around trim profiles, doors, hardware and millwork scope.
First week, sample task and review →Demolition
Onboard around removal boundaries, protection, disposal and retained work.
First week, sample task and review →Hardscaping
Onboard around paving assemblies, base preparation, drainage and edges.
First week, sample task and review →Tree care
Onboard around tree identification, access, removal and disposal boundaries.
First week, sample task and review →Drywall finishing
Onboard around board areas, finish levels, corners, joints and access.
First week, sample task and review →The minimum handoff record
Keep project code, document register, scope boundaries, quantity units, price-source dates, RFI owners, delivery date and reviewer together. For confidential documents, agree the permitted storage and sharing route before access is granted. Share redacted samples only where you have permission.