When applied properly, these systems can regularly perform tasks at a higher level than any human could. Through automation and organization, a CRM can enhance productivity for each and every one of your employees.

How can a website possibly be your most valuable hire? Here’s how:

The cost of a robust CRM is innately offset by the massive value it brings to the table.

• A CRM system partially assumes the role of a sales manager. The system will not only facilitate your lead/ opportunity management, but it will also assist in managing your sales team internally. In addition, data analysis tools allow you to track key metrics—such as conversion rate—for each salesperson.
• A CRM performs many functions that are similar to your sales support staff, helping to track quotes, order material and schedule appointments or installations.
• Any CRM should take some of the workload from your administrative assistants by inherently organizing all sales/order documentation. CRMs should always reduce the need for paper documentation, ensuring that more of your workflow is tracked electronically.
• A CRM is a good platform to standardize your best practices and ensure that your new employees follow the pre-defined workflow and SOPs.
• It can be your job scheduler and dispatcher as well. A CRM should track each of your jobs on a unified company calendar, helping to coordinate your installation crews across many projects. For each project, the system will send documentation to your installers, including work orders, cut sheets, and shop drawings. When an installation is completed, the system automatically informs the billing department that it’s time to invoice.
• A CRM has the ability to automate a large portion of your billing process. By syncing your data over to accounting systems such as Quickbooks, C.F. Data-Structure, and Xero accounting, the system can be your billing department representative.
• By tracking purchase orders, deliveries, and outstanding bills, the CRM can be your purchaser.

A CRM system works as hard as your multi-talented staff at a rate that is impossible for humans to match. These programs are working 24/7, 365 days a year. No weekends, no overtime, no paid or unpaid vacations. For this hire, you will never need to pay insurance benefits, payroll taxes, or match their 401k contributions. Truth be told, the cost of a robust CRM is innately offset by the massive value it brings to the table. This value is enhanced even further by pursuing a CRM that is made for your specific industry sector.

Results from recent surveys we conducted uncovered the top three business challenges
of most flooring businesses: 1. Growing sales revenue and profitability; 2. Acquiring and training talent; and 3. Providing better customer service with enhanced operational efficiencies.

CRM systems have been there to help businesses meet these challenges, especially in growing businesses with new talent hires.oviding a comprehensive takeoff, design, and estimating software solution with advanced features. For more information, visit our website at https://measuresquare.com/stone-takeoff-estimating-software/

You often bid on commercial projects with multiple units if you are in stone/countertop, tile, and flooring contracting trades. Preparing accurate quotes to beat timelines can be a daunting process as there are too many variables and steps to get it right. 

Challenges Of Stone Takeoff Estimating Process

Your PMs and estimators normally go through a 3-step takeoff estimating process: (1) takeoff product/area from plans, (2) count slab/product usages, (3) create a quote based on required breakdown by the clients. The devil is in the details of each step, here are a few challenges that your PMs/estimators likely encounter in every bid.

1. Product/area takeoff for larger projects is hard to track.
2. Counting slab usages and layouts manually take days and hours.
3. Creating quotes based on different breakdown types is very time-consuming and error-prone.

General Takeoff Estimating Software Is NOT SUFFICIENT For The Stone/Tile Trade

General takeoff estimating software for construction trades has existed for years, systems like AutoCAD, PlanSwift, BlueBeam have been deployed for product/area takeoffs for stone/countertop and tile projects by the trade contractors, distributors, and fabricators to streamline the estimating process. 

However, available takeoff software does not track the inherent unique stone product structure (such as countertop/splash/lam and edge finishes), making it hard to group them for the subsequent step quote breakdowns. General takeoff software does not provide any tools for slab optimization, leaving a gap for PMs/estimators to count manually and leave money on the table.

Excel Spreadsheets CANNOT Handle Price Quote Breakdowns Efficiently

Most PMs/estimators use Excel spreadsheets to track and calculate the project costs; it takes hours of time to create another each variation of a price breakdown that a customer may require. Here is an example.

Trade-Specific One-Stop Takeoff Estimating Software Is The Game Changer That Is 10x More Productive

The inception of the MeasureSquare Stone/Tile solution has changed the game of takeoff estimating for stone trades. Here is why:

1. Product/area takeoff is based on actual product assembly structure, for example, a countertop with splashes, lams and edge finishes details, so no guesswork along the project cycles. 
2. Counting slab usages and layout is integrated, and it is auto calculated based on the takeoff step, to save material usages with optimization ahead of time.
3. Creating quotes instantly based on different breakdown types, such as material types, specs, phases, floors, unit, etc., so sales reps can respond to client price requests fast to win the bids.

MeasureSquare is the official software partner of NTCA and NSI, and its stone takeoff solution has been adopted by leading stone contractors, distributions, manufacturers including DalTile, Kemna Tile, Spectrum Quartz, Hirsch Glass.

A Real Multi-Unit Project Example:

200 Unit Hyatt Regency Tower Project

200 unit Hyatt Regency Tower project, it takes about 10 hours to complete with MeasureSquare Stone, whereas it will take 3-5 days using a general software or by hand approach. 

Here are the key results (outcomes/screenshots/PDFs):

1. Product/area usages with product assembly structures
2. Automated slab counts and optimizations 
3. Pricing quotes with various breakdowns

Is there a fit between MeasureSquare Stone Solution and your business?

Learn if MeasureSquare Stone is the solution you need to win more bids. Contact  
Kathy Aumont, by phone at 626-683-9188 ext. 002 or email kathy@measuresquare.com and visit www.measuresquare.com to learn more about the Stone Takeoff Estimating Software.

He is also a member of Measure Square’s Advisory Board. He’s certainly been a valuable source of insight.

So here’s an interview we had with him:

Q: What were some of the lessons learned at Uber?
A: Culture eats strategy and it was very visible at Uber amongst the many teams that operated. There’s not just 1 culture at a company, there will always be micro cultures within different teams, functions and products which will lead to motivation (or demotivation) driving productivity for the specific team.

Leadership needs to have clear priorities for the rest of the business to align to and operate. Without having defined and rational goals for the business, teams will ultimately turn to each other, compete for resources and become more unproductive.

Customer obsession is key to understanding user needs, areas of opportunities and areas that are not in scope. We frequently talked to customers, rode with customers and visited their work whenever we could because that’s where a lot of the insights came from.

Q: You spent the past couple years at Stanley, where you focused on building their construction software division. So what are some of the interesting trends in the space?

A: Construction robotics is a very interesting opportunity that still has massive potential. Only a few companies are pioneering the space and really driving toward scale beyond a few pilots. I’m excited to see what other robotic opportunities are developed in addition to automating simple manual tasks which is already ground breaking.

Computer vision and 360 degree capture gained a lot of momentum last year with many companies raising subsequent rounds at higher valuations. These companies take 360 photos that are captured at a job site to maintain progress reporting and/or quality control by comparing actual build-to-the-3D-model overlay.

Wearables and IoT is a very interesting trend to monitor. In some of our previous attempts, getting the field to adopt an IoT device on their PPE or even on their phones could run into issues, such as consistent adoption, leadership buy-in, connectivity issues, or even unions. However, in the quest for the holy grail in matching productivity to estimating projects, getting the actual productivity has proved to be the bigger hurdle due to these issues. As some of their barriers break down, such as leadership buy-in turns into mandates from the top or improved connectivity, there can be a really interesting opportunity to marry both IoT and 360 degree progress capture to get an accurate productivity metric.

Q: How about the opportunities for construction software?
A: Construction AI being applied to construction workflows. Right now there’s a lot of software apps out there that solve common workflows like design, bidding, task management, reporting etc. However, the industry is just at the beginning of collecting the data it needs to move toward AI level prediction and/or automation for these common workflows. AI is already being used for the robotics piece but there’s still a lot of manual workflows that can benefit from machine learning and AI.

Note: Here’s an article about best practices to leverage construction technologies on a job site.

Q: You recently joined the Measure Square advisory board. Your thoughts about the company?

A: What I typically look for in a company is the leadership, the product, and the overall culture. I was really impressed by Measure Square’s team and leadership because of their humility but willingness to take feedback. For a company that knows its space so well inside and out, they were open and receptive to partnership opportunities, feedback on their product from customers and third parties as well as learning from other companies. Their product is simple to use and intuitive for their industry which also can be used in other trades as well. I particularly liked how they’ve digitized the flow from estimation to quoting all without having to print out more paper and email various documents just to get a job started. The team itself has a warm culture that’s inviting to anyone interested to learn about the business and what they do. What was particularly impressive was the speed of how quickly they can build or adjust a product based on some feedback. For a team that’s dispersed across the globe and for its size, it is truly unique and special.

I also like how Measure Square has been able to build a platform for different environments. The mobile app works great in the field, with integrations to popular laser distance measuring devices. You can also easily create estimates on site, which helps to drive sales.

Then there is Measure Square’s commercial software which allows for the design of complex and sophisticated projects from commercial construction to multi-family.

The company also continues to invest heavily in new products. For example, JobTracker is a powerful mobile app that tracks projects. A key benefit is the connection to Measure Square’s takeoff data. This means much less manual data entry!

So I’m excited to advise this amazing team and line of trusted products!

We know the hard work that goes into running a contracting business. For years, contractors have relied on manual methods like spreadsheets, notes, and hours of back-and-forth just to get an estimate out the door. It’s a process that reflects your dedication — but in today’s market, it’s also holding you back.

Clients expect speed. Competition is fierce. Material prices change daily. And while you’re buried in takeoffs and paperwork, your backlog grows, bids are delayed, and profitability slips.

That’s where Measure Square steps in. Our suite of tools — MeasureSquare 8 for takeoff estimating, MeasureSquare Mobile for on-site measuring and proposals, and MeasureSquare CRM for managing projects, teams, and workflows — is designed specifically for contractors and flooring professionals. Together, they save time, reduce errors, and help you win more work.

Win More Bids with MeasureSquare 8

MeasureSquare 8 is the market’s #1 flooring takeoff estimating software, built to help contractors land more work with precision and professionalism.

With MeasureSquare 8, you can:

• Estimate all types of flooring: carpet, hardwood, sheet vinyl, tile, and more.
• Measure floors, walls, and ceilings with accuracy.
• Generate reports, bid proposals, POs, and WOs in minutes instead of days.

It’s also built for scale. Import 100+ page plans in moments, use AI Takeoff to cut drawing time nearly in half, and handle multimillion-dollar commercial projects with confidence. The result? Faster bids, fewer errors, and a higher chance of winning jobs.

Close Deals Faster On-Site with MeasureSquare Mobile

When you’re on-site, speed and professionalism make the difference between winning and losing the job. MeasureSquare Mobile lets you measure, estimate, and quote in real time, right in the customer’s home or on the job site.

With MeasureSquare Mobile, you can:

• Measure & quote on-site in record time to close the sale.
• Provide pricing options and variations instantly.
• Generate seam diagrams, tile layouts, and 3D models automatically.
• Capture photos, notes, and client signatures on the spot to create professional proposals immediately.

Contractors using Mobile report closing up to 25% more shop-at-home business because they can impress customers with accurate 3D floorplans and proposals — all during the first visit. Projects sync seamlessly to the cloud, so you can collaborate with your team anywhere.

Manage Projects and Teams Efficiently with MeasureSquare CRM

MeasureSquare CRM brings your estimates, projects, and teams together in one platform. It allows you to:

• Track project progress and status in real time.
• Assign tasks, manage vendors, and maintain pricing databases online.
• Sync data with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.
• Ensure your team stays aligned from estimating to project completion.

With MeasureSquare CRM, nothing falls through the cracks — from initial takeoff to signed proposals to completed jobs — helping you increase efficiency, reduce errors, and maintain professionalism with every client.

The Bottom Line

The craftsmanship and hard work contractors have always put in doesn’t change. What can change is how efficiently you manage your business. With MeasureSquare 8, CRM, and Mobile, you can:

• Streamline estimating and bidding
• Manage projects and teams effectively
• Close on-site sales faster with professional proposals
• Increase profitability and reduce errors

Start your free 14-day trial today and see how Measure Square can help you win more bids and grow your business.

So let’s take a look at what information to include as well as tips for how to prepare a professional construction bid package.

What’s the Purpose of a Construction Bid Package?

A construction bid package is a document used to define the work for a project that you’re bidding on. Not only does it highlight all of the work you’re responsible for, but it also establishes the responsibilities of the project owner.

The final result of a construction bid package is a legally binding contract that allows you to officially submit your bid for the project.

What Should a Construction Bid Package Include?

While not every construction bid package is prepared the same, there are a few key sections that you should include in order to present a professional bid and give yourself the best chance of winning the job.

Basic Information

First and foremost, you need to include all of the essential basic information about your company and the project owner. Exactly how in-depth you go with the information is up to your discretion. At the bare minimum, you should have the name, address and signature of all parties. You should also include the name and address of the project itself.

Scope of Work

The scope of work provides a thorough but concise overview of the project, specifically highlighting the work that your company will be completing. There should be a detailed summary of the services you’ll be providing and, equally as important, the services and materials you won’t be providing. This helps set clear expectations and cover yourself legally.

Existing Conditions

In your bid proposal process, you’ll likely visit the worksite to make an assessment and note any existing conditions. These conditions may affect your bid estimate or require additional action to be taken at some point in the project. Make sure to include written documentation of these existing conditions in your bid package, highlighting what actions need to be taken and who is responsible for them.

Project Cost Breakdown

Along with a worksite assessment, you’ll complete a takeoff estimate during your bid proposal process. Using the information found in your takeoff estimate, provide a detailed cost breakdown for the project including all material, labor and other miscellaneous costs.

Payment Terms

Along with the cost breakdown, put the terms of payment into writing. Make sure to specify how the client is going to pay you and when you expect to receive the payment.

Clients usually make payments in installments, so you should clearly note each one. Also make sure to include the amount of money and the total percentage of the project cost that will be owed at each installment.

Other Important Information

If you’re working with subcontractors or other companies to complete the project, you should include as much information as possible about their teams. To cover your legal bases, list any permits and approvals necessary to complete your portion of the project.

These important pieces of information can help you avoid confusion or legal issues at any point throughout the project.

Work Schedule

To give your client a clear vision of the timeline, you should include a detailed schedule of all tasks that will be completed throughout the project’s duration. Make sure that this is more than just the beginning and end of the work.

Include different checkpoints or milestones that all build towards the final step – the project’s completion.

Formal Bid and Signatures

Once you clearly define the services you’ll complete, the cost and payment terms, and the timeline of your work, it’s time to make your formal bid and get both parties to sign off on it. This formal writing at the end of the document states your intent to provide services and the total bid estimate.

Once you’ve completed your formal bid, include sections at the bottom for both parties to sign.

Tips for a Professional Construction Bid Package

Now, you hopefully have a better understanding of what goes into a construction bid package. How can you take your bid package to the next level to stand out from the rest of the competition? Follow these tips to create a professional construction bid package and win more projects.

Use Language That’s Easy To Understand

While you may understand all the nuances and technicalities of your trade, the client is not likely an expert in your field – that’s why they’re hiring you!

You’re probably presenting your bid to a project owner who may not be able to understand the technical language of your trade. Keep it simple and try to craft your bid package in a way that anyone who watches can understand the main points in your presentation. If you cram your bid package with too many technicalities, the client might not understand your plan and you may risk losing the project.

Highlight Your Expertise

When you’re laying out the basic information for both parties at the beginning of your bid package, don’t be afraid to show off your accomplishments. Clients are looking for companies that have experience working on projects similar to the one they’re hiring for.

Any background information that highlights your years of operation or experience with similar construction projects should be listed.

Make a Professional Bid Package With Takeoff Estimating Software

Another way to ease the burden of creating bid packages is to use premade templates. Some takeoff estimating software, like MeasureSquare, includes features that can help you prepare professional bid packages for your construction projects. Leveraging these templates can help you organize your construction bid package in a way that makes your company an easy choice for your clients to make.

You can find the Measure Square tools here and there is a free trial to test out the software. We are always happy to answer any questions you have. You can reach us at 1-626-683-9188 (Monday thru Friday from 8am-5pm PST) or setup a demo.