Estimate properties

• Source and Lead # or Project #

  Estimates can be created for both leads and projects. However, this selection cannot be changed manually after the estimate is created.

• Estimate #

  Within a lead or project, estimates are numbered sequentially using the format 001, 002, 003, and so on. Sage Construction Management automatically populates this field, but you can edit it manually.

• Estimate Title

  If multiple estimates exist for a lead or project, each estimate must have a unique title, such as Base Bid, Alt 1, or Alt 2.

• Size & Units

  The estimate size typically represents the structure size. For example, if the structure is 3,000 square feet, enter 3000 for the size and SF for the units. If the size is unknown or not applicable, enter 1 for the size and LS for the units.

• Reviewer (User)

  The reviewer or estimating user is responsible for reviewing the final estimate before the proposal is sent.

• Review Due Date

  The date by which the final estimate must be reviewed. This date helps ensure that the estimate is approved on time before the proposal is sent.

• Date Reviewed

  The date on which the assigned reviewer or estimating user reviewed and approved the final estimate.

It's recommended to import the prospect or customer rather than enter this information manually. The options displayed in the dialog by default include firms available in the lead or project directory. Selecting a contact is also recommended if the estimate proposal will be sent by email.

• Code Type

  Estimates are organized into sections that can be entered manually, imported, or created dynamically when items are added from a cost database. When sections are created dynamically, the coding structure used to classify cost database items must be selected in the Code Type field. Typically, this is the master cost code structure, as both cost database items and estimate sections use the same system.

• Code Level

  The recommended setting is Lowest. Master cost codes can be defined across multiple tiers, such as division, major, minor, and subminor. Cost database items can reference any of these levels. Selecting the lowest ensures that the correct cost code is applied when estimate sections are created dynamically.

If the selected code type or level does not match how cost database items are classified, an unc – Unclassified section is created.

Learn more about cost codes.

Locations are estimate‑specific and can be used to categorize line items in a manner similar to cost codes. When the Enable Locations option is selected, the Locations tab becomes available in the estimate, allowing locations to be added manually or imported from another estimate.

Examples of locations:

• Residential: Kitchen, Family Room, Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom, Second Bedroom, Third Bedroom

• Commercial: Lobby, Break Room, Room 102, Room 202, Floor 1 Hallway, Floor 1 Bathrooms

If you import estimates using a Microsoft Excel file and the file includes location data, the Enable Locations option is automatically selected on the Estimate Property Details page.

• Default Database

  The default database is used when adding cost database items to an estimate. Local refers to your organization’s own cost database. RSMeans cost databases are also available for an additional charge and, like the local database, can be set as the default after purchase.

  RSMeans is a widely used construction cost database that provides standardized cost data for materials, labor, equipment, transportation, and storage. Sage Construction Management Estimating supports the integration of RSMeans data, allowing RSMeans line items to be directly added to estimates. RSMeans databases include more than 90,000 cost items and incorporate over 1,000 geographic location factors across North America to support localized pricing. RSMeans databases are available as an add‑on to your account. To inquire about licensing and availability, contact sales.

• RS Means State, City, and Zip/Postal Code

  When a RSMeans database is selected, you can specify a city, state, and ZIP code to apply localized pricing instead of the national average.

Learn more about the RS Means City Cost Index (CCI).

Default and location‑based labor and equipment rates can be configured in the cost database. Location‑based rates are useful for contractors working across multiple cities or counties with varying rate structures. The lead or project address determines the applicable location.

Learn more about labor and equipment locations.

Both the Proposal Date and the Valid Thru date can be displayed on estimate proposals using bookmarks.

RFP packages are used to request and collect subcontractor or supplier pricing for estimate line items. At a certain point in the bidding process, pricing must be locked to prevent external vendors from making further changes through the TeamLink portal.

Locking prices is important after a proposal has been sent to the prospect or client. When prices are locked globally, all RFP packages associated with the estimate are locked at the same time. Alternatively, individual RFP packages can be locked separately from the Bid Management view.

The overall status is useful when multiple estimates exist for a job, such as a Base Bid and alternates, and only selected estimates are awarded due to budget constraints. This scenario is common for government projects.

All data within an estimate can be locked to prevent further changes, including cost codes, locations, line items, markups, and other estimate components.

Drawings and specifications do not need to be linked on the Estimate Property Details page. A more common use case is to upload the completed proposal to this section in DOC, DOCX, or PDF format.

This section typically lists vendor quotes from RFP packages submitted through the TeamLink portal in PDF format.

This section records when the estimate proposal was emailed to the client or prospect. It does not include vendor bid invitations for RFP packages.