Estimating Help Offered

I read Bill Russell's letter in the June issue of CONTRACTOR ("Need to update estimating methods," Letters, pg. 26). Knowing Victor Ottaviano, and being a contributor to the plumbing sections of his estimating guides, I could assist him in guiding and updating his estimating program.

July 1, 2007

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — I read Bill Russell's letter in the June issue of CONTRACTOR ("Need to update estimating methods," Letters, pg. 26). Knowing Victor Ottaviano, and being a contributor to the plumbing sections of his estimating guides, I could assist him in guiding and updating his estimating program.

Might I suggest that his method of take-off, list and price is the best, most accurate job-useable system with the most valuable results. Computer systems are great for pricing, storage and memory, job costing and bookkeeping; but nothing will ever beat the "oldfashioned" hands-on estimating for our industry.

Stanley Schumsky
Licensed Plumber and Estimator (Retired)