Construction Bid Planner
Learn how to use your Construction Bid Planner in Excel or Google Sheets. Follow the quick start steps below, or browse the FAQs and troubleshooting tips for more guidance.
Template Overview
Get to know how each tab works. Every sheet in your template has a clear purpose, from setup to the final outputs that keep your project organized.
Planner Tab
Purpose
This tab is where you build your entire bid.
🧱 Every section header, every line item, and every cost detail starts here.
Once your bid is organized on the Planner Tab, the spreadsheet automatically calculates subtotals, applies markups, and prepares items for the Estimate Tab.
Why It Works
Each row includes built in formulas, dropdowns, and consistent formatting.
🎯 You focus on the numbers, the template handles the structure.
💡 All final estimate values come from this tab. Think of it as the engine of the entire template.
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Set Project Details
📝 At the top, enter the project name, address, and preparer name.
These details appear automatically in your final estimate.
Define Each Line with a Type
Choose the Type for each row:
• ◯ creates a bold section header
• ◆ creates a standard line item
Use ◯ for major construction divisions such as General Conditions, Site Work, Concrete, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, or Finishes.
Use ◆ for the items inside each section.
Fill Out Item Details
For each ◆ line:
• Write a clear description
• Pick a category from the dropdown
• Select a unit of measure (Day, Each, LF, SF, etc.)
• Enter quantity and unit cost
➡️ The Subtotal calculates on its own.
Add Markup if Needed
💵 Want to add profit to a specific item?
Type a percentage in the Markup column.
The Total updates immediately.
Use the Print Column
✔️ Each row has a checkbox.
Check the box next to any item you want included on your Estimate Tab.
Only checked items appear in the final estimate.
Add New Rows Properly
When you need more space:
Insert a blank row
Copy an existing working row
Paste it into the blank row
Replace the placeholder text with your new item
📌 Copying ensures all formulas, formatting, and dropdowns stay intact.
Tips for Success
• 🔄 Always copy an existing row when adding new ones
• 🧩 Use ◯ headers to keep your bid well organized
• 👁 Hide unused rows instead of deleting them
• 📊 Keep all pricing edits on this tab so your estimate stays accurate
Estimate Tab
Purpose
This tab creates your client ready estimate. Everything you select from the Planner Tab appears here automatically with clean formatting.
Why It Works
The Estimate Tab is fully formula driven. It shows only the items you choose and updates instantly whenever the Planner Tab changes.
⚠️ Important: Never edit this tab directly. All changes should be made on the Planner Tab.
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Select Items on the Planner Tab
✔️ Check the box in the Print column for every line item you want included.
As soon as you check it, the item appears on the Estimate Tab.
Review the Estimate Layout
🔍 Look through the formatted estimate.
Your project name, address, and preparer info come directly from the Planner Tab.
💡 If something looks wrong, revisit the Planner Tab. It controls everything shown here.
Hide Empty Rows for a Clean PDF
If you notice blank rows between your last item and the totals:
• Click the row number
• Right click
• Select Hide
Hiding preserves the formulas.
Deleting them breaks the layout.
Update Project Information
📝 Need to change the project name or address?
Update those fields on the Planner Tab and the Estimate Tab updates automatically.
Check the Final Totals
💰 Review the subtotals, markup amounts, and final total.
Any tweaks you make on the Planner Tab appear here instantly.
Tips for Success
• 🛠 Edit only on the Planner Tab
• ✔️ Use the Print column to choose what shows on the estimate
• 👀 Hide unused rows rather than deleting
• 📤 Export to PDF when sending to your client
Termsheet Tab
Purpose
This tab gives you a simple place to outline the key terms for your project.
🗂 Payment terms, schedule expectations, inclusions, exclusions, and any notes you want the client to review before approving the estimate.
It works as a companion document to your bid and estimate.
Why It Works
The layout is clean and customizable.
✏️ You can edit the wording, add rows, remove rows, and tailor it to match the type of work you perform.
This tab is meant to support your estimate, not replace a formal contract if your project requires one.
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Enter Your Terms
Go through each section and fill it in with the details that apply to your project.
Common entries include:
• Payment terms
• Timeline expectations
• Scope notes
• Inclusions and exclusions
• Warranty or quality notes
• Any job specific clarifications
Customize as Needed
🧩 Because it is a spreadsheet, you can add more rows, change headings, rewrite language, or format it to match your standard proposal style.
Prepare for Delivery
Once your term sheet is complete, you can:
• Print it
• Export it as PDF
• Include it along with your estimate when sending a proposal
• Copy and paste text into another document if needed
If you use the same terms often, you can duplicate this tab and create multiple versions tailored to different types of clients.
Tips for Success
• 🧾 Keep the language simple and clear to prevent misunderstandings
• 🔄 Match your term sheet to the scope outlined in your Planner Tab and Estimate Tab
• 📁 Save a version that works well for your business and reuse it for future projects
Common Questions Answered Clearly
Still have questions? Here are clear answers to the most common ones.