Estimator’s Edge

2025 March

Construction Delays: Counting the Costs

Upon reviewing the many topics that I have touched upon in this column over the years, it amazes me that I hadn’t yet raised the issue of scheduling delays and their attendant impacts.

January 2025

The Fog of Uncertainty

Having had the past privilege of shepherding a number of prospective estimators from time to time, I’ve experienced an amusing misconception among many of these “bidmeister” “want-to-bes.”

2024 December

Find the Cost

The 2024 hurricane season is finally ending, thank goodness.

2024 November

Luck of the Draw

Along with a welcome influx of neophyte “bidmeisters” gathering by my doorway as of late, I am greeted with a number of questions that could only be proposed by a such flock of interns and...

2024 October

Labor Shortage Reprised

A few months ago, I authored a two-part column on this page underscoring the concern of a growing labor shortage that has befallen troubled construction contractors of late.

2024 September

The Iron Triangle, Part 2

In my column last month, I introduced the concept of the “Iron Triangle.” This model in construction management consists of the elements of scope, budget and schedule.

2024 August

The Iron Triangle, Part 1

“Vince, you’ll never be a decent project manager unless you’re a successful estimator as well.”

2024 May

Labor: The Cloudy Component

I’m never at a loss for words when describing the difficulties confronting my estimating contemporaries in their daily endeavors.

2024 April

Compensation Fixation

When I say compensation, I’m not just referring to amount, but also the method of distribution.