How do you improve estimating accuracy on large construction projects?

[shemanalaric]

Hi everyone,

I was discussing project planning with a colleague recently, and one topic that came up was how difficult it can be to prepare accurate cost estimates, especially for larger or more complex construction projects.
Many companies still rely on spreadsheets, while others have started using construction project estimating software to organize material costs, labor, equipment, and project timelines. I’m curious about what people actually use in practice and whether it has made a noticeable difference.
For those who have worked on construction projects:
What is the biggest challenge when preparing estimates?
Have digital estimating tools reduced errors or saved time?
Do you still review estimates manually before submitting them?

I’m not looking for product recommendations—I’d just like to hear about real experiences and what has worked well for your teams. Looking forward to your insights!

[Author]

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