Whether you’re insulating piping, ductwork or walls and ceilings, a mechanical insulation estimator can save your company hours of work. These digital tools can perform a digital takeoff, calculate linear feet or square footage, and produce a detailed, easy-to-read report.
They can also cut your estimating time, eliminate costly extension errors, and speed up the development of base bids and alternates. They come with a database of productivity factors that can be customized for specific product applications and construction environments.
Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu allows users to work with construction documents efficiently, maximizing productivity and minimizing risk. The program uses the power of the PDF format to store much more information than a traditional document, allowing you to easily search and organize markups, notes, drawings, 3D data and more. In addition to facilitating markup and takeoff, the software is also a great tool for collaboration and project management.
The streamlined workflow of Bluebeam Revu has helped many estimators streamline the design review process and save time. With the ability to compare documents and view them in the same window, it is easier than ever to identify changes. It is also possible to create custom page regions and set prefixes and suffixes for faster searching. Other features, such as the Count Tool and VisualSearch, allow you to capture precise measurement data.
For those who have yet to use the software, a training course is a great way to learn the basics and get started on your next project. The courses are a mix of videos, PDF activities, software simulations and quizzes that teach you how to use the system.
There are also three subscription plans that offer varying levels of functionality and services for small, medium and large-sized AECO projects. These plans combine Bluebeam cloud capabilities with the Revu software, allowing you to track RFIs, upload templates and share files with project partners.
Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is a business suite for remodeling pros that helps manage the entire project cycle. Its new tools help contractors attract and convert leads, create accurate estimates and communicate with clients all in one place. The suite also handles billing and payment scheduling. For pros that work on retainer, it can be used to track progress and apply payments as the work is completed.
Houzz is the leading platform for home renovation and design, with millions of homeowners, designers and builders looking to find inspiration and hire professionals. The site features a vast database of photos, products and project ideas. Professionals can upload portfolio photos of their work to the site, and then search for potential clients based on the type of project they need. They can then contact the lead through the site’s messaging system.
Pros can also use the site’s client dashboard to grow their client list and automate the process of sending follow-up messages to qualified prospects. They can also quickly create a new estimate by selecting from preloaded templates that include labor and material costs specific to their ZIP code. Pros can even create a custom template to reuse for future projects.
Houzz Pro also offers a number of other tools to help them improve their efficiency and profitability, including a 3D floor planner that allows them to quickly create 2D and 3D visuals for their clients. These visuals are helpful for homeowners who have trouble envisioning the final result, so they can make more informed decisions and get their projects moving faster.
Pipe Calculator
The Pipe Volume Calculator is a great tool for anyone who works with pipes. It can help you determine the volume and flow rate of a pipe, as well as its density. It’s easy to use, and it can save you a lot of time and effort. You can also find other online tools, such as a common pipe dimensions chart.
To calculate the volume of a pipe, simply input the length of the pipe and its inner diameter. The calculator will then give you the results in either gallons or cubic inches. You can also choose between metric or imperial units. The calculator can also convert the input units to the desired output unit, which makes it even easier to use.
This calculator uses the formula for calculating the internal volume of a cylinder: Pi (3.14) squared over 4 times the diameter of the pipe D, multiplied by the length of the pipe L. This will give you the approximate volume of the pipe, but you should note that the calculation is not completely accurate.
The Pipe on Supports Calculator from DIPRA is a free web-based tool for designing and specifying Ductile iron pipelines. It is based on the equations and procedures found in DIPRA technical publications. It helps you determine support dimensions, class of pipe and required restraint length for both below ground and above ground installations.
Key Estimator
Designed specifically for mechanical insulation contractors, Key Estimator is the state-of-the-art management tool that allows you to bid faster and smarter. It’s loaded with a database of productivity factors that you can easily modify and use to calculate labor and material estimates by section or total job, and it’s ready to go right out of the box. This system has been used by insulation contractors for more than 15 years and has been continuously improved and adapted to keep pace with changes in the computer industry and mechanical insulation industry.
In order to prepare a reliable estimate, you need to first understand the project’s scope and requirements. You can do this by reviewing the plans and specifications and evaluating the structural needs of the project. It is also important to consider any pre-fabrication work that may be done to reduce the amount of direct hours required.
After you have a good understanding of the project, it’s time to start preparing the take-off. You can do this manually with a tape measure, or by using a digitizer or a stylus to transfer the quantities from project blueprints onto your computer screen. With these tools, you can perform the take-off at least three times faster and much more accurately than when you do it manually. It’s also easier to see your take-off on your screen, so you can double-check that you haven’t missed any items.