Estimating is a crucial part of running a plumbing business, but it can also be time-consuming and frustrating—especially when you’re juggling multiple quotes, site visits, and ongoing projects. The faster and more accurately you can complete estimates, the more jobs you can win without sacrificing profit.
If you often find yourself spending hours on estimates, here are some practical ways to speed up the process while maintaining accuracy.
1. Use Plumbing Estimating Software
Manual estimating can be slow and prone to errors. Investing in the right estimating software can dramatically cut down the time spent on calculations, takeoffs, and data entry.
Fast Takeoff Software Options
These tools help you measure and mark up plans quickly but require you to manually enter rates:
✅ Planswift – Good for fast takeoffs and integrates with Excel.
✅ Bluebeam Revu – Popular for its markup and collaboration features.
✅ CostX – Useful for builders and contractors who need quantity takeoffs.
✅ Cubit – Best for jobs involving lots of fixtures and fittings.
Plumbing-Specific Estimating Software
If you want a system that automatically applies rates to materials and labor, consider:
✅ Cavsoft – Includes a built-in library of rates and codes, but you’ll need to maintain your own pricing.
📌 Tip: If you already use Excel, integrating takeoff software like Planswift or Bluebeam can help eliminate double entry and speed things up.
Disclaimer: There are many estimating software options available, and features change over time. Make sure to research the latest updates before choosing one.
2. Create a Pricing Template in Excel
If you’re not ready to invest in software, a well-structured Excel template can still save time.
🔹 Pre-fill common materials, labor rates, and markup percentages.
🔹 Use formulas to auto-calculate totals, taxes, and profit margins.
🔹 Organize by job type (e.g., domestic, commercial, emergency repairs).
With a solid template, you’ll only need to adjust quantities instead of building estimates from scratch each time.
3. Keep a Library of Standard Rates
Plumbers often spend too much time looking up material and labor costs. Instead, maintain a pricing database with regularly updated rates.
✅ Common materials – Pipes, fittings, fixtures, adhesives, etc.
✅ Labor rates – Hourly rates for different job types.
✅ Subcontractor pricing – Excavation, concreting, electrical work.
✅ Overheads & markup – Keep a consistent formula to ensure profitability.
Time-Saving Tip: If you use Cavsoft, you can store these rates in the software for automated pricing during takeoffs.
4. Use Pre-Built Scope Templates
For recurring work (e.g., bathroom renovations, sewer connections), save standard scope descriptions so you don’t have to write them out every time.
🔹 Example Template for a Bathroom Rough-In:
✅ Install hot and cold water lines.
✅ Connect to existing mains.
✅ Install waste pipes to code.
✅ Pressure test all fittings.
Just copy, paste, and adjust quantities instead of starting from scratch.
5. Set a Time Limit for Estimates
Without a deadline, estimating can take longer than necessary. Set a clear time limit per estimate to stay focused.
🕒 Small residential jobs – 2-3 hours
🕒 Medium projects (e.g., multi-bathroom homes) – 4-6 hours
🕒 Large tenders (commercial/industrial) – 1-2 Days
The goal isn’t to rush—but to stay efficient and avoid overanalyzing every detail.
6. Use Templates for Client Communication
After preparing an estimate, you still need to format it, write a cover email, and send it out. Speed this up by creating:
✅ Email templates for quote submissions.
✅ Cover letter templates explaining your scope, inclusions, and terms.
✅ Follow-up email templates to check in with clients after a few days.
This ensures fast, professional communication without retyping the same information each time.
7. Delegate or Outsource Estimating
If you’re spending too much time on estimates and not enough on actual plumbing work, consider:
🔹 Hiring an in-house estimator – If your business is growing, having a dedicated estimator can free up your time.
🔹 Outsourcing to a professional estimating service – This can be a great option when you’re overloaded with quotes.
📌 Reminder: Outsourcing may cost money upfront, but it can increase your overall revenue if it allows you to focus on high-value work.
Final Thoughts
Faster estimates = more job opportunities without sacrificing accuracy. By implementing these strategies, you can cut estimating time in half while improving the quality of your quotes.
✅ Use estimating software or a well-built Excel template.
✅ Maintain a pricing library to avoid looking up rates repeatedly.
✅ Use standard scope templates for common jobs.
✅ Set realistic time limits to avoid overanalyzing.
✅ Automate emails and quote formatting.
✅ Consider delegating or outsourcing estimating work.
📌 SNZ Plumbing Estimating provides detailed, time-saving estimates for plumbers, so you can focus on winning jobs and running your business.