Create a Blank Estimate

Build detailed, accurate construction estimates from scratch using ConstructionOnline's powerful, cloud-based OnCost™ Estimating

BACKGROUND

ConstructionOnline's OnCost™ Estimating offers a user-friendly online interface where Company Users can easily & efficiently build comprehensive construction estimates to track project costs, margins, profits, and more. ConstructionOnline™ offers four convenient ways for Company Users to create new Estimates: create a blank Estimate, create from a Template, import from Excel, or create from Redline™ Takeoff. By creating a blank Estimate from scratch, users have the ability to build construction estimates with a customized, flexible estimate structure that best suits any construction project or business.

STEPS TO CREATE A BLANK ESTIMATE

1. Navigate to the desired Project via the Left Sidebar.
2. Select the Financials tab to automatically open the Estimating category.
3. Select the "Create Estimate" button to begin building a new Estimate from scratch. 
   
   
4. Within the Create New Estimate window, fill out the following information: 
   1. Name & Cost Codes
      1. Estimate Name: Enter the name you would like to give your project's Estimate. By default, the Estimate Name populates automatically as [PROJECT NAME] Estimate
      2. Cost Code List: The Cost Code list selected here will be the list applied to the project's Estimate. Cost Codes are a property of the Project Details and so, the Cost Code list designated for the Estimate must align with the Cost Code list designated for the Project. 
         1. If a Cost Code list has been assigned within the Project Details, that Cost Code list will automatically be applied to the new Estimate. 
         2. If a Cost Code list has not been assigned within the Project Details, you will be prompted to assign a Cost Code list when creating the new Estimate.
   2. Estimate Detail Level: Choose the level of detail the Estimate will have.
      1. Standard (3-Level) Estimate (Recommended)
         1. This Estimate structure consists of Categories, Subcategories, and Items. 
            
            ♦ NOTE: This is the recommended level of detail for new Estimates created in ConstructionOnline. Redline™ Takeoff Integration, Costbooks Items/Assemblies, & OnPoint™ Proposal Wizard are only available at this level. 
            
            
   3. Cost Calculation: Choose the method the Estimate will use to calculate Base Cost. 
      1. Standard Calculation (Recommended): Multiplies Quantity by Unit Cost to calculate Base Cost. 
         
         
   4. Tax Settings: Choose the Tax Calculation Method, Types, and Rates that will apply to the Estimate's Subcategories. 
      1. Calculation Method 
         1. Tax then Markup: This default option applies tax to base cost then adds markup. 
         2. Markup then Tax: This option adds markup to the base cost and then applies tax.
         3. Tax and Markup Separate: This option keeps tax and markup separate. 
      2. Show Tax Settings for
         1. United States
         2. Canada
         3. Australia
         4. United Kingdom
         5. Other
      3. Set Tax Rates within the Tax Table by clicking into any table cell to open the Edit Tax Type window where Tax Name, Tax (%), Subtypes, and Subtype Tax (%) can be set and additional Subtypes can be added. 
      4. Additional Tax Types can be added by selecting the green (+) Add Tax Type button below the Tax Type table. 
5. Finalize the Estimate settings by clicking the blue "Save" button to create the new blank Estimate. The new estimate will automatically open in OnCost™ Estimating for you to begin building out the Estimate Details, including Categories, Subcategories, Line Items, and more.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Estimates in ConstructionOnline™ must be saved within a Project or Opportunity. Estimate Templates may be saved independently within Company Templates or as an included element within a Project Template. 
• Each Project, Project Template, or Opportunity is limited to ONE single Estimate saved to the Project, Project Template, or Opportunity at a time. 
  
  • To create a new Estimate for a Project, Project Template, or Opportunity with an existing Estimate, you will need to delete the existing Estimate first. 
  • All current subscriptions to ConstructionOnline™ provide for an unlimited number of Opportunities, offering users flexible options for creating multiple estimates as needed during initial sales negotiations.

• Permissions: ConstructionOnline™ Company Users with Estimating permissions set to “Can Create, Edit, & Delete” can create an Estimate. 
  
  • ClientLink/TeamLink Access: ClientLink™ and TeamLink™ Users do not have access to any OnCost™ Estimating features within the Portal.

• Mobile App: Creating an Estimate is available through browser access to ConstructionOnline™ only. Estimates are presented in View-Only Mode on the ConstructionOnline™ Mobile App. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

• Frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding OnCost Estimating can be found in the FAQ: Estimating article. 
• If you need additional assistance, chat with a Specialist by clicking the orange Chat icon located in the bottom left corner or visit the UDA support page for additional options.