Find a Contractor Buyer's Guide
MCAA Logo
Member Login JOIN
NEWS
Join Us For The 75th Anniversary Midyear Meeting Sep 7-11 ↗

2013 Estimating Outlook Survey

Words: Dan KamysConstruction estimating software developer HCSS has released findings from its “2013 Heavy Civil/Infrastructure Estimating Survey,” offering insights to issues affecting the heavy/highway industry. HCSS received survey responses from 442 companies across the United States and Canada.

“The survey is particularly valuable, because of the wide range of HCSS’s contacts and their ability to draw on the experience of North American estimators engaged in all major aspects of construction,” says Michael Rae, president of HCSS Customer International Construction Services in Canada.

Highlights of the findings

  • More bidders per job and more competition. Forty percent of respondents stated an increase in the number of bidders on jobs in 2012 versus 2011
  • Companies must adapt to stay in business in today’s economy. One way companies are doing so is by expanding their scope outside of their normal specialties or bidding jobs outside of their normal geographic range. Fifty-three percent of respondents reported having to bid on work outside of their normal geography or specialty areas
  • Companies generally are optimistic for 2013. Only 3 percent of respondents said it will be difficult to stay in business in 2013, and 69 percent expect to make a small profit or even have a fairly good year.
“As far as our customers go, HCSS has not seen a significant drop in customers on annual software maintenance,” says Mike Rydin, HCSS president. “Although the survey was only of HCSS customers, it’s reassuring to see that only a few of those responding to the survey expect to have a hard time staying in business, given the current economy.”

Other highlights of the survey results include companies’ changes in private versus DOT bidding, and plans to expand workforce or to give raises to estimators and field workers. To download a free copy of the complete survey results, visit www.hcss.com/survey-estimating.
 0
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

Zach Everett
Read More
From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Keith Lolley
MAP Partner
Read More
Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Industry News
Read More
Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More