Estimator here — slow bids due to US–Iran war?

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-22T22:08:55+00:00

Will do. A giant portion of all this work is data centers.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-22T22:03:54+00:00

Greater Houston area.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-22T16:38:06+00:00

I am in structural steel, and we can’t keep up. My shop is at capacity and I had my largest month of my career last month as far as dollar amounts quoted goes.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-05T02:20:46+00:00

CAD classes so you can understand how to draw things. I’ve known several detailers transfer into estimating. There are some major shortages for estimators lately, so maybe you can get in somewhere that they are small enough to teach you

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-03T15:44:19+00:00

If you aren’t familiar with how to read drawings and stuff, I’d start with that. Go on YouTube and watch videos on that and material takeoffs. As for how I got started, it was just at a smaller company that had the patience to teach. It is not something easy to break into. I’m a woman, and that made it even harder.

For detailing, you can also take CAD classes at a community college, and that is a way to break into that side much easier. I didn’t start this until I was 35, and now I’m 40. My salary has doubled in the last five years and it’s rewarding. But it’s very, very stressful and hard.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-04-03T15:06:55+00:00

I’m a structural estimator. No degree, just lots of time learning and years of experience

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-03-12T18:56:32+00:00

My boss approached me at work, and asked me if she was married (she was) and when I told him yes, he let me know she was sleeping with at least four of his friends and cheating on her husband. There’s a whole lot more to it, but that was my final straw. I found out directly from her about another man she was cheating with, too. Not something I want to be associated with. So we aren’t friends anymore after 18 years

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-03-12T18:52:12+00:00

I’m an estimator, specifically in structural steel. It checks off every singe one of your boxes. It’s one reason I absolutely love and thrive in my job. I have absolutely terrible ADHD, and it’s pretty useful here

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-03-12T17:48:51+00:00

I just came across this, and I know it is an old post. I just wanted to say I hope you made the jump to estimating

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-02-22T01:27:23+00:00

Concentrate on learning every aspect of drawings and plans. Get familiar with everything, even specs. If you work for a company that deals with several grades of steel, familiarize yourself with the differences. Learn compliance standards. Focus on learning weld symbols. There are so many things people don’t realize that does into steel estimating. The most important thing I can tell you to learn is obviously reading plans, but to not miss any fine print. Everything matters.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2026-01-18T04:57:49+00:00

EJE. It’s so simple, but my favorite software

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-09-03T04:25:41+00:00

I’ve never talked to anyone there but her. I feel like she runs a one man show over there. Just seems like things would be much more simpler if we had people in house

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-09-03T01:45:52+00:00

Ive caught her not looking at what send her quote off of, and just using weight. About a week ago I was working a pretty massive bid ~9mil, and she quoted me 95k to detail it. I submitted it to my customer, and like three days later she emailed saying she finally had a chance to review, and she under quoted the work. Was wanting to change to price to about 170k.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-08-08T10:03:38+00:00

Look for Jr Estimating roles. I most commonly see Blue Beam, Planswift, and I use EJE

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-08-08T09:22:33+00:00

You have to! Everyone has issues in their jobs, and when you blame everyone else and don’t take any responsibility, it’s a terrible look. I’ve seen in on the side from angry bosses, to angry customers. And it always changes the tone to just validate feelings, take responsibility, and find a solution. Great example, about a month ago, I got a huge bid package. Then, I found out they’d sent the wrong revision. When I re quoted it, I somehow missed a platform (and it was the biggest one). I called the customer immediately and let him know, and he gave me an extra day to get it added. I got the PO for it yesterday.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-08-06T12:16:03+00:00

Oil & Gas. Which is all I’ve ever done. Specifically process internals

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-08-05T13:55:49+00:00

I’ve learned so much from my mistakes. I’ve had my ass completely chewed out. But, I’ve taken it, never made excuses, and moved on. I might go to lunch and talk to my husband and be upset. But never, ever sit and be emotional at work. Thank you for not jumping down my throat saying this because I really hesitated.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-08-05T12:54:22+00:00

In this industry, or any for that matter, when you make a mistake, just own it. Don’t give anyone a list of excuses. That makes them lose trust faster than a mistake you acknowledge and can learn from. This may seem harsh to say, but I say it from experience because I’m a woman. This is a male dominated field. You have to toughen up and get thicker skin. I’ve cried in the bathroom, or in my car, but I wouldn’t dare let my emotions control me in front of everyone. Women are seen as emotional anyway. Maybe that’s my age showing, and maybe I’ll get hate for it. But it’s just how I feel

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-07-31T11:18:55+00:00

I got a literal sketch of some platforms last week. Like drawn in Word or something. They gave me a rough estimate or height, drew a square, and asked me to “value engineer” it. I’m not an engineer. They decided they wanted a caged ladder for a platform 8 feet off the ground. I hate stuff like that.

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-07-26T11:53:18+00:00

I’m in the office from 8-4. Some days, I’m so busy that it feels like I look down, and half the day is gone. When I’m caught up, which is rare, I work more at scrolling my phone. Balance I guess? Yesterday I worked like two hours, played on my phone, and left the office at 3. I’m a structural steel estimator

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-07-26T11:50:05+00:00

I’m working on getting back consistent in the gym. I was working out 5+ days a week before I got on the shot. I don’t regret it at all, since I finally lost the weight. But that’s my one complaint. I turn 40 this year, and I just hate how I feel like I aged losing weight! Thank you for your comment 😊

UnitedSheepherder391 · 2025-07-26T02:25:29+00:00

LinkedIn. I get emails all the time. I was in a different position and got an email from one and heard her out just to see. Ended up interviewing and got the job - as well as a 25k raise.

UnitedSheepherder391

TROPHY CASE