Goal: organize the job before you measure anything.

• Scope intake checklist (project type, delivery, alternates, due date)
• Sheet index walkthrough (what pages matter most for this trade)
• Spec sections to pull first and highlight
• RFI triggers and scope gaps list (start it now)

Goal: build a takeoff that can be checked and repeated.

• Takeoff structure by area/system (levels, zones, rooms)
• Units and rules: EA/LF/SF/CY, typicals, waste factors
• Assemblies where applicable (include fittings/accessories logic)
• Common misses checklist (supports, penetrations, demo, patch)

Goal: turn quantities into labor hours you can defend.

• Labor categories (install, demo, support, testing/startup)
• Productivity factors: access, height, congestion, phasing, OT
• Labor recap format (item → rate → hours → notes)
• Risk handling: allowances vs contingency (use consistently)

Goal: price consistently and keep your bid organized.

• Material buckets: major items, rough-in, trim, misc
• Subquotes handling: scope check, leveling, carry numbers
• Freight/tax/escalation/lead time notes
• Quote log and vendor checklist (who/when/what included)

Goal: assemble a bid-ready estimate that reads clean.

• Estimate structure: base bid + alternates + unit prices
• Overhead/profit logic (simple, repeatable approach)
• Inclusions/exclusions language (trade-specific)
• Risk review: scope gaps, spec conflicts, addenda handling

Goal: package your work so it’s easy to award and defend.

• Deliverables checklist (what you submit + file naming)
• Clarifications: assumptions, allowances, exclusions, alternates
• Internal archive: QTO export + recap + notes for future projects
• Post-bid follow-up checkpoints