The ProfitDig Blog
Insights, strategies, and news for the modern contractor.
ProfitDig Summer Updates: Daily Diary, Bid Reconciliation, and Takeoff Enhancements
It has been a busy few weeks for the ProfitDig team since our major V3.5 release in June. We have been rolling out a steady stream of updates focused on giving you tighter control over your field operations, more flexibility in your bidding, and a smoother estimating experience. Here is a breakdown of the major […]
How to Handle Change Orders Before They Become Arguments
Change orders are part of the job. The scope shifts, the customer adds something, or you uncover something nobody saw coming underground. That’s construction. What doesn’t have to be part of the job is the argument that follows when nobody wrote anything down. Most change order disputes aren’t really about money. They’re about expectations that […]
How to Estimate Dirtwork: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Contractors
If you’ve been in the excavation or site prep business for any length of time, you know that dirtwork estimating is where bids are won and where margins are lost. Underestimate a cut and fill job and you’re eating the difference. Overestimate and you lose the contract to someone who did their homework. The good […]
How to Write a Solid Proposal That Gets You Hired
How to Write a Solid Proposal That Gets You Hired Writing a proposal that stands out can feel like trying to nail jelly to a wall, especially in today’s competitive contracting landscape. But if you take the time to get it right, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later. Let’s walk through exactly what […]
Understanding Your Budget: Bidding Basics for Contractors
Understanding Your Budget: Bidding Basics for Contractors When it comes to bidding on a new project, knowing your budget is non-negotiable. You might think of your quote or proposal as just a number, but it’s much more. It’s your working budget. This figure includes not just your raw costs but also your overhead and profit […]
Estimating Hours: Weather Delays and Your Bids
Estimating Hours: Weather Delays and Your Bids When it comes to estimating hours for a job, many factors come into play. One major factor that often gets overlooked is the weather. You might be thinking, “Yeah, I know it rains in the spring, but how much should I really factor that into my hours?” The […]
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Excavation Projects
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Excavation Projects Excavation work can be tricky. A lot can go wrong if you don’t pay close attention to details. From encroaching on property lines to running into utility conflicts, a small oversight can lead to big problems. Let’s walk through some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Know Your […]
Understanding Bonds in Your Construction Bids
Understanding Bonds in Your Construction Bids When you’re putting together your bids, it’s easy to overlook the details that can make or break your proposal. One of those details is understanding bonds. Bonds can seem complicated, but getting a handle on them is important. Let’s break it down so you can bid with confidence. What […]
Understanding Bid Expiration Dates: Protecting Your Pricing
Understanding Bid Expiration Dates: Protecting Your Pricing When it comes to bidding on construction jobs, one of the simplest yet most important aspects is getting the expiration date right on your proposals. This isn’t just fine print; it can make a significant difference in how your bid is perceived and what you can deliver. Let’s […]