Estimating

Understanding geocoding and drive time

Learn how Gradeworks automatically calculates site locations and truck-adjusted travel times for accurate bid pricing.

Creating a bid

Walk through creating a bid from scratch — entering customer details, setting the site address, adding line items, and getting your first estimate out the door.

Understanding the bid lifecycle

Follow a bid from Draft through Submitted, Awarded, or Lost — understanding each status, what triggers transitions, and what happens to the data at each stage.

Importing bids from Excel

Import existing bids and line items from Excel or CSV files — map your columns, validate the data, and let Gradeworks geocode all site addresses in the background.

The formula system

Build dynamic line item calculations using formulas and variables — so quantities and costs update automatically when project dimensions change.

Material catalog and matching

Maintain a centralized material database with vendor pricing, and let Gradeworks automatically match materials to bid line items for accurate cost estimates.

Generating bid proposals

Turn your bid into a professional proposal document — customize formatting, add terms and conditions, generate a PDF, and send it directly to the customer.

Using bid templates

Create reusable bid templates for common job types — pre-loaded with standard line items, formulas, and variables so new bids start 80% complete.

The takeoff system

Measure quantities directly from uploaded plans and drawings — areas, lengths, and counts that flow automatically into bid line items.

Line items and cost codes

Structure your bids with detailed line items, assign cost codes for tracking, and use grouping and reordering to create clear, organized estimates.