Hey everyone! I am currently a pipefitter with 3 years of experience. I love the work but know I’d like to make a switch for the betterment of my family. I’ve been looking at various courses online. Do you guys have any recommendations for someone with no estimating experience? Not looking for any handouts or jobs, just some guidance.

Hi everyone,

I've been learning how to use PlanSwift, Bluebeam Revu, and CostX. I understand the software navigation and basic tools, but since I don't have professional estimating experience yet, I've mostly been relying on AI, online articles, and documentation to learn estimating principles and workflows.

At the moment, my biggest challenge is finding good practice materials. I don't have access to real project drawings or estimate templates, so it's difficult to build practical experience.

Would anyone be willing to point me in the right direction? I'm looking for things like:

• Sample residential or commercial drawing sets that I can practice takeoffs on
• Sample BOQs, estimate templates, or bid packages
• Any advice on how you learned estimating when you were starting out

I'm genuinely eager to learn and would really appreciate any guidance or resources you can share.

Thank you!

Recently have started estimating larger electrical projects(at least for me). We have been putting together a lot of bids lately and am worried I am going to piss off my suppliers with the amount of jobs I am throwing at them.

I’m relatively new to estimating, just starting to come out of the field. Is there a better way to get pricing on large gear/equipment assemblies then just sending your list to your supplier?

I recently started to use Claude and have been very impressed with it's capabilities. Now I am wondering how best to use it in our estimating and project management rolls. I would appreciate any comments on other's experience with AI. Please let me know what has or has not worked for you. Thanks!