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Plumbing Estimating Services That Win Bids

The estimating company plumbing contractors trust to price every fixture, every run, and every hour, and win the job with profit still in it.

Many of our clients report winning more bids and increasing their profit margins after working with us.

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Art Graves, Clearwater Construction: 10 Years with Astra

Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractor. $1.15M+ won in three years.

You Don't Need a Full-Time Estimator.

You Need a Full-Time Estimating Company.

With 25+ years in the plumbing estimating field, we know what it takes to create winning bids. Our team has worked with contractors across the country and helped them win the projects that grow a company. Every project is different, which is why our services are tailored to your needs: a full estimate, a takeoff, or just an extra set of eyes on your proposal.

When you work with us you get clear, regular communication. You are updated at every step, so you can stay focused on running your crews instead of chasing numbers.

Overview of Plumbing Estimating Services

Discover an insightful overview of plumbing estimating services that ensures accurate quotes and boosts your project success.

Plumbing estimating services are essential for contractors who want to win bids and make a profit. These services help contractors understand the costs of materials, labor, and other expenses before they submit a proposal. Knowing these details gives you an edge when bidding on projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Plumbing estimating services help contractors understand costs.
  • They cover materials, labor, and other expenses.
  • Using these services can help you win more bids.
  • Accurate estimates save time and effort.
  • They can boost your profit margins.

For more in-depth insights on estimating services across various trades, you may explore our dedicated HVAC estimating options.

Plumbing plans laid out for estimating
overview of plumbing estimating services

What is Plumbing Estimating?

Plumbing estimating is the process of calculating the costs involved in plumbing projects. This includes figuring out how much materials and labor will cost. Accurate estimates are vital. They help contractors decide whether to bid on a project and how much to charge.

Why Plumbing Estimates Matter

When you know the costs of a job, you can make informed decisions. You can bid competitively and reduce the risk of losing money. An estimate shows a client that you understand the project. It also builds trust, which is essential for winning bids.

Steps in the Estimating Process

  1. Review Plans and Specs: First, you look at the project plans and specifications. This helps you understand what needs to be done.
  2. Quantity Takeoff: Next, you count the materials needed. This is called a quantity takeoff.
  3. Estimate Material Costs: After the takeoff, you calculate how much materials will cost based on current prices.
  4. Labor Costs: You then estimate labor costs. This includes the hours needed to complete the job.
  5. Overhead and Profit: Lastly, you include overhead costs and the profit you want to make.
Step in Estimating ProcessDescriptionImportance
Review Plans and SpecsAnalyze the project specifications for accuracy.Ensures understanding of project scope.
Quantity TakeoffIdentify and count all materials required.Accurate material count prevents shortages.
Estimate Material CostsCalculate costs based on current market prices.Helps maintain budget accuracy.
Labor CostsEstimate required labor hours.Ensures enough manpower is allocated.
Overhead and ProfitFactor in additional costs and desired profits.Essential for overall financial health.
Marked-up plumbing drawings during the estimating process

When to Outsource your Plumbing Estimating

Estimating plumbing work is detail work: pipe runs, fixtures, waste and supply systems, and labor that varies job to job. Plans are sometimes incomplete, material prices move, and you are never the only one bidding. Outsourcing your estimating puts a full team on that problem while you stay on the work that pays.

Common Challenges in Plumbing Estimating

Estimating plumbing jobs can be tricky. Here are some challenges you might face.

Incomplete Information

Sometimes, project plans may not have all the details. This can lead to errors in your estimate. Always ask for clarification if something is unclear.

Changing Prices

Material prices can change quickly. If you don’t account for this, you could end up underbidding a project.

Competition

You are not the only one bidding on jobs. Many contractors want the same projects. To stand out, your estimates must be accurate and competitive.

  • Be Detailed: Ensure all calculations are precise.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly check for price fluctuations in materials.
  • Understand the Market: Know what competitors are bidding.
  • Clarify Plans: Always confirm project details with clients.
Plumbing rough-in drawings

See Our Sample Bids (330) 633-7300

Plumbing Estimating Service Packages

Need a full plumbing estimate, a takeoff, or certain tasks only? There is a package built for it.

Modified Complete

Where you select exactly the services you need from the Complete package list.

  • For contractors who only need certain tasks or portions of the estimate completed
  • Where you can select exactly the services you need from the Complete Package list

Assist Take-Off

For contractors who only need certain tasks or portions of the estimate completed. Detailed material counts from your plans, ready for your pricing.

  • We first submit fixture, gear, equipment, and material counts for quoted Items to you for your vendors to quote
  • Next, Labor hours for each and every item is calculated
  • Also, system material pricing on each item is finalized
  • We give you a detailed estimate of all labor and material needed
  • Finally, you finish the bid by adding in vendor quotes, labor rates, final markup and submit your proposal to your bidders

Astra Complete

Full-package with a detailed estimate and us representing your company to the GC. From complete bids and detailed material counts to executing a high-level proposal that gives you the best chance of winning.

  • Astra provides you with a complete and detailed estimate
  • 1 - We track down all the GC's bidding the project
  • 2- We call and build relationships with GC's representing your company
  • 3 - We submit fixture, gear, equipment, and material counts for quoted Items to directly to your vendors
  • 4 - We review and closeout the complete bid with your company
  • 5 - We prepare a bid proposal with all includes and excludes of your estimate
  • 6 - We submit your bid estimate to all bidding GC's from the bidders list
  • 7 - We call for bid results and track the estimates progress
  • In conclusion, we then help negotiate the win for your company

Most contractors running crews of ten or fewer choose Astra Complete, because they are already wearing every hat in the building. In fact, 98 percent of our customers choose the Complete package. Assist Take-Off fits shops with an in-house estimator who just needs the counts.

Estimating Software We Use

We use industry-leading software to give you the best odds of winning your bid.

FastEST estimating softwareQuoteSoft estimating softwareQuickPen estimating software

How our Plumbing Estimating Services Work

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What Our Clients Say

They Bring Us Results

“Mark has done a great job estimating our projects. If you are in a jam or need help with your estimating, then give them a call. We continue to use them because they bring us results.”

Kevin Skelton

President of KPS Plumbing Company

Well Within Range of Our Own Numbers

“Provided accurate HVAC estimation. We tested them on several projects and they were well within range of our own. I would highly recommend using them in future projects.”

Andrew Radder

A Professional Estimating Service

“Astra has been a great help to our company. They can turn around projects fast and the estimates are very detailed and accurate. I would recommend Astra to any contractor who is looking for a professional estimating service. We continue to use Astra on an as needed basis and have been extremely pleased with their work. Try them out and I am sure you will find that it is well worth it.”

Lou Tadiello

Two Seasons Heating & Cooling

Helped Us Win an $8 Million Project

“Astra helped us get a project for over 8 Million dollars. I would definitely recommend them!”

Robert Nickerson

N&T Mechanical Contractors

Over $1.15 Million Won in Three Years

“From the very first job, we have always made money with the jobs that you have estimated for us.”

“At the beginning I was skeptical. I didn't think it would work... I can honestly say, from the very first job, we have always made money with the jobs that you have estimated for us... When we were trying to bid jobs in-house, we were probably twenty to one. So winning one in four makes it well worthwhile... I can take what would have been twenty, thirty, forty hours and turn it into a two to three hour review and submit a bid... There is no way I could hire a mechanical estimator, a plumbing estimator, and an HVAC or electrical estimator and be able to afford it at the stage we are right now... There is no way that we could be where we are today without what you guys have done. And now I would not be without it.”

  • $1.15M+ Won in 3 Years
  • 1-in-4.2 Win Ratio
  • 10-Year Astra Client

Art Graves

Clearwater Construction (Livonia, Michigan)

Great Addition to my Company

“We have bid three projects to date and have won all three totaling over $675,087.00 in revenue for my company. I have nothing but great things to say about you and your services. Your team is always professional, always fair and a great addition to my company as a second look on my projects to help me gauge where my bids should be. I highly recommend your services and I have more jobs I will be sending your way to help me bid.”

Joe Dowd

Dowd's Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

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(330) 633-7300 See More Testimonials

Get Your Project Priced

Tell us a little about your project. An estimator will get back to you fast.

No estimate is ever shared with another contractor. Every project is on a first come first serve basis.

Speak with an Estimator (330) 633-7300

How our Plumbing Estimating Services Work

Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? Estimating is only 20 percent of winning a bid in the competitive open bid market. Most contractors, and most estimating firms, focus all their energy on that 20 percent. We built our whole service around the other 80: choosing the right jobs, building relationships with the GCs, tracking results, and negotiating the win. You pay for the estimating. The rest comes with it, because it is how we keep you winning, and winning is how we keep you as a customer.

  1. Numbers Analysis. Before we price anything, we work from your numbers: your overhead, your breakeven point, your labor rate and burden, your profit target. If you do not know those rates, we show you how to find them. A bid built on someone else's numbers is a guess wearing a suit.
  2. Project Qualification. We help you choose jobs you can actually win AND make money on. Example: if your breakeven is 55 dollars an hour and the market history on a project type shows it goes at 45, we will call you and tell you not to bid it, because you would be upside down before the first day of work. The next job, where the market allows 65, is the one worth your bid.
  3. Relationship Building. We track down the full bidders list so your bid reaches every GC bidding the project, then we call each one, as your company, to build the relationship and make you their new favorite. We win more second-place jobs than first because of these relationships.
  4. Professional Estimating. Every estimate is taken off piece by piece, so your company can job cost against it and know exactly where the money is. Scope letter with includes and excludes, quoted items to your suppliers, everything reviewed with you before bid day. Your letterhead, your name. No one ever knows you bid with an outside estimating company.
  5. Results and Bid Tracking. We call for bid results and track them so patterns form, then we work the negotiation for you, with your approval on every number. We get bid results about 80 percent of the time. Most contractors never find out why they lost. Our customers do.

No estimate is ever shared with another contractor. Every project is on a first come first serve basis.

Types of Plumbing Estimates

There are different types of plumbing estimates you can use based on the project’s needs.

Ballpark Estimates

These estimates give a rough idea of costs. They are not detailed but can help you decide if a project is worth pursuing.

Detailed Estimates

This type includes a breakdown of every cost. It shows materials, labor, and other expenses clearly. Detailed estimates are more accurate and help you win bids.

Unit Cost Estimates

Unit cost estimates focus on the cost of specific units of work. For example, how much to install one toilet or one sink. This helps in projects where many similar tasks are needed.

Factors Influencing Plumbing Estimates

Several factors affect how you prepare your plumbing estimates. Understanding these can improve your estimating skills.

Project Size and Complexity

Larger projects with many details will take more time to estimate than smaller ones. Complex jobs may require special materials or techniques, which can raise costs.

Location

The location of the project plays a role in costs. Tallmadge, Ohio, may have different labor rates and material costs compared to other areas. Always consider local prices when estimating.

Material Prices

Material costs can change. Prices for pipes, fixtures, and other supplies can increase or decrease over time. Keeping track of current prices is key to accurate estimates.

Labor Costs

Labor costs can vary based on experience and availability. Always check the going rate for plumbers in your area when estimating.

Speak with an Estimator Now

Tools for Plumbing Estimating

There are tools that can help you with plumbing estimating. Using the right software can make the process easier.

Estimating Software

There are various estimating software options available. These programs can help you track costs and create detailed estimates quickly. They can also store past estimates for reference.

Mobile Apps

Some apps allow you to estimate jobs on the go. This is helpful for contractors who need to provide quick estimates while meeting clients.

Spreadsheets

Using spreadsheets is another way to estimate. They are simple and can be customized to fit your needs. However, they require more manual work compared to specialized software.

How to Ensure Fair and Competitive Estimates

You want your estimates to be fair and competitive. Here are ways to achieve this.

Research Competitors

Look at what your competitors are charging. This can help you set your prices without going too high or too low.

Review Previous Jobs

Check your past estimates and bids. This can give you insight into what worked and what didn’t, allowing you to improve future estimates.

Get Feedback

After submitting bids, ask for feedback. Knowing why you won or lost a job can help you adjust your estimating process.

For additional resources on estimating work across various specialties, consider visiting our project center for guidance.

The Importance of Follow-Up

After you submit an estimate, follow-up is crucial. This keeps you in the client’s mind and shows your commitment.

Checking In

A simple check-in can go a long way. Ask if the client has questions about your estimate. This shows you care and can help seal the deal.

Building Relationships

Building relationships with clients and general contractors is key. A strong relationship can lead to more work in the future.

Mechanical room plumbing layout
Overview of Plumbing Estimating Services

Speak with an Estimator (330) 633-7300

The Future of Plumbing Estimating

As technology advances, plumbing estimating will change. Staying updated with new tools and methods is important.

Technology Integration

Integrating technology into your estimating process can save time. For example, using digital plans can help with accuracy.

Online Resources

Many online resources exist for plumbing contractors. Use these to learn new methods and stay informed about industry trends.

Type of EstimateDescriptionBest Use Case
Ballpark EstimatesRough cost estimation without details.Early decision-making on projects.
Detailed EstimatesComprehensive breakdown of all costs.Competitive bidding situations.
Unit Cost EstimatesFocuses on per unit pricing.Projects with repetitive tasks.

Plumbing Estimating FAQs

How fast can I get a plumbing estimate?

Most plumbing estimates can be prepared within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the job's complexity and our current first come first serve queue. The sooner you reach out, the quicker we can assist you.

How do I submit plans?

Upload your plans through our website or the Project Center and our estimators review everything quickly.

What types of estimates do you prepare?

Ballpark estimates when you are deciding whether a project is worth pursuing, detailed estimates with every cost broken out for bid day, and unit cost estimates for repetitive-scope work.

What does it cost?

It depends on the job and the size of the project. After we receive your plans we send a cost quote you can approve or deny before any work begins.

Which estimating package should I choose?

Certain tasks only: Modified Complete. Takeoff only: Assist Take-Off. Full solution: Astra Complete.

Do you work outside Ohio?

Yes. Our main office is in Tallmadge, Ohio, and our team of estimators is located all across America, serving plumbing contractors nationwide.

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How our Pricing Works

We Quote You the Hours

1 We quote you the amount of hours to complete the estimate based on the project and services you selected.

You Approve the Cost Quote

2 After reviewing and approving the hours quoted to complete the estimate, we start the estimating process.

Modified Complete

3 You can accept and we will then start the estimate or you can also pass on the project and choose a different one.

The first question everyone asks is what we cost per hour. We challenge that question, because the real measurement is not what an estimator costs per hour. It is what it costs you to win a job. A cheap estimator who wins you one job in fifteen is the most expensive estimator you can hire.

Here is how it works: you send the project, we quote you the hours to complete the estimate, and nothing starts until you approve. You never pay for overage hours unless we give you the reason, like a mid-bid addendum, and you approve them.

Any fool can win you an estimate. You can win jobs all day long and lose money on every one of them. Our job is winning you work, making sure you make money on the work we win you, and making it affordable. And we make it affordable because our win rates are what make it affordable: it is not what an estimator costs per hour, it is what it costs you to win a job.

How We Improve your Win Ratio: It All Starts with your Numbers

Most contractors price overhead as a percentage of the job. Ten percent for overhead, ten percent for profit, done. Here is the problem: overhead is not consumed by contract dollars. It is consumed by TIME. Your trucks, your insurance, your office, your software: they cost the same for every hour your crew works, whether the contract is big or small. Watch what that does to two real-world bids.

A Worked Example

Illustrative numbers, not a rate quote.

Line item Job A ($50,000 project)Job B ($200,000 project)
Job total $50,000 $200,000
Who supplies material + fixture package Owner You
Labor hours 1,000 1,000
Overhead by the 10% method $5,000 $20,000
Real overhead at $10 per hour × 1,000 hrs $10,000 $10,000
Result by the percentage method Short $5,000 — your 'profit' was overhead. You won a loser. Overpriced by $10,000 — you likely lose the bid.
Result by the hourly rate Priced right — you know this job can't carry your cost, so you pass or price it honestly. WIN: add $8,000 profit on top of your 10% and STILL come in $2,000 under the percentage bidders.

The Percentage Method: wins the wrong jobs and loses money on them.

Declining chart crashing into a broken dollar sign

The Hourly Rate: wins the right jobs with the profit still in them.

Win checked, lose unchecked

Labor is where all the risk is. Materials get quoted; labor gets estimated. That is why we recommend pricing overhead as an hourly rate, not a percentage: it stays consistent across every project size, and it lets you see instantly whether a job can carry your real cost of doing business.

It matters more than most contractors realize, because the overhead a market will bear changes with the project type.

Restaurants, retail, and national chains are brutally competitive: low market overhead, low average labor rates, and full of bidders who do not know their numbers.

Medical office buildings, office buildings, and hospitals allow for higher overhead and higher average labor rates with thinner competition.

Once we run your numbers analysis, we can tell you which types of projects your company can actually win AND make money on, and steer your bidding there. If you have options, go after the jobs where you are competitive, profitable, and likely to win. That is the whole game.

Want to know what your real overhead rate is? That conversation is free.

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Why Choose Astra for Plumbing Estimating

Choosing the right estimating partner can make or break your bid year. Our clients get a team that knows plumbing scope, communicates at every step, and welcomes questions on any estimate or the bidding process itself.

We have helped contractors win thousands of jobs across America, and we bring 40+ years of estimating experience to every bid. We do not just provide numbers; our estimators work directly with general contractors to give you the best chance of winning.

We are one of the largest independent estimating services in the country. Our estimators do one thing, estimating, 365 days a year, each in their own trade. They are not juggling project management, supplier orders, and payroll between takeoffs, which is exactly why in-house accuracy is so hard to match.

Talk to a Plumbing Estimating Expert Today

Speak with a Plumbing Estimator Now: (330) 633-7300

No estimate is ever shared with another contractor. Every project is on a first come first serve basis.

The Win Ratio Is the Whole Game

Most contractors come to us winning one job in every fifteen or twenty bids. Our goal path is simple: get you to one win in five bids quickly, then push toward two in five, and with bid tracking and relationships working, three in five.

Industry Standard

Before Astra: most contractors win 1 in 15 to 1 in 20 bids. That is a 5 to 7 percent win rate.

1 in 5 = 20%

our customers typically get here quickly

2 in 5 = 40%

where we push next

3 in 5 = 60%

where bid tracking and relationships take you

Winning 1 in 5 instead of 1 in 20 does not just mean more work. It means every dollar you spend bidding buys four times the revenue.

“Mark has done a great job estimating our projects. If you are in a jam or need help with your estimating, then give them a call. We continue to use them because they bring us results.”

Kevin Skelton President of KPS Plumbing Company

Speak with an Estimator Now

Conclusion

Plumbing estimating services are crucial for success in the plumbing industry. They help you understand costs and improve your chances of winning bids. By using accurate estimates, you can save time, make profits, and build strong relationships with clients.

Get Started with Plumbing Estimating

If you want to win more projects, consider using plumbing estimating services. They can help you craft accurate estimates and improve your business’s bottom line. Whether you are in Tallmadge, Ohio, or anywhere else, the right estimating strategy can make a big difference in your success.

Feel free to reach out to us for assistance with your plumbing estimating needs. With experience and dedication, we can help you navigate the estimating process and achieve your goals. Call us today to get started!

Call us at 330-633-7300 today!

Related Plumbing Estimating Topics

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Estimators, Not Salespeople

We are a professional estimating services company located in Tallmadge, Ohio. Over the past 25+ years we have worked with large and small Electric, Plumbing and HVAC Contractors Nationwide.

We are not your average estimating company. The clients we work with understand implementing successful strategies do not happen over night. Long term solutions require time, professional instruction and a client open to discovering new solutions that get real results.

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No estimate is ever shared with another contractor.
Every project is on a first come first serve basis.