The Smarter Way to Win and Begin: A Checklist for Contractors

In short:

• See how to organize your needs to build a smarter bidding plan.
• Save this preconstruction checklist to target projects, subs, risk, and collaboration.
• Analyze bid outcomes and use ConstructConnect's free guides to help boost your profits.

Winning a bid isn't just about luck or submitting the lowest number. It’s about leveraging experience alongside the right technology. But no matter what technology you use, you still need a solid plan.

To help you bring it all together faster, we’ve compiled a quick-start checklist for what to do immediately after identifying a potential job.

Here’s Your Preconstruction Project Checklist

Here’s an image you can download or print out, so that you can have this checklist handy any time you need it. Click the image to see a larger version.

Now, let’s dive into what’s on this list.

What are the Steps in the Project Checklist?

To get the most out of these steps, we recommend combining ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence and On-Screen Takeoff® with Takeoff Boost™. When you bundle these two, you’re leveraging 30+ years of innovation with cutting-edge technology.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Target the right project: Use advanced filters in Project Intelligence to find work that fits your strengths. Then, use On-Screen Takeoff with Takeoff Boost to kick off a rapid, competitive bid.
• Find your subcontractors: Define the scope of work early. If you need coverage, search our extensive network of professionals to find the right partners.
• Manage risk: Spot potential cost drivers and keep an eye on local market conditions. Start discussions with subs early for better pricing.
• Collaborate: Align goals with your project manager, assign clear roles, and schedule regular status meetings.
• Analyze the results: Win or lose, hold a post-bid analysis. Document lessons learned to reduce future mistakes. On many public projects, Project Intelligence can show you the lowest three bids to see where you stand.

Get the Full Guide and Learn More Ways to Save

This checklist is just the starting point. For more strategies on optimizing your entire workflow, download The Contractor’s Guide to Generating Profitable Leads and Estimates. This free guide offers expanded insights and helpful information to ensure you aren't just bidding but doing it efficiently.

It is the third installment of ConstructConnect's The Contractor's Guide to... series. You can visit this page to download the guide, as well as the other two in the series:

• The Contractor’s Guide to Adopting Software with Ease
• The Contractor’s Guide to Finding Better Projects, Faster