Goodson's Bids Guide

A simple click-by-click guide for takeoff, estimating, BOM, and proposals.

Start here

Goodson's Bids is like a smart measuring table for construction plans.

First you choose how the job starts: count from drawings, or use Design Build when drawings are not finished. Then you check the numbers, price the job, build a BOM, and make proposal documents.

The Big Idea

TakeoffFind things on drawings and count or measure them.
Design BuildStart from device counts and project requirements when drawings are not complete.
Review LedgerCheck the list before it becomes money.
EstimatingAdd prices, labor, BOM, and proposal details.
AccuracyCompare the app's numbers to a trusted answer key.

How To Use It

  1. Open the app. Go to http://127.0.0.1:8765/. If it is not open, run npm start from D:\Estimating\GoodsonsBids.
  2. Click Takeoff. This is where you load drawings. Use it to count symbols, add pins, measure cable, and export results.
  3. Use Design Build when plans are not complete. Turn on the Design Build switch, enter device counts, check the review gates, and build a starter ledger.
  4. Load the plans. Use the takeoff tool to load the PDF plan set. Check that the pages look right before counting.
  5. Count and measure. Use automatic counting when it helps. Add or fix pins by hand when the app misses something.
  6. Export the takeoff. Save the takeoff as CSV, XLSX, or JSON. This is the list that moves into the next step.
  7. Click Review Ledger. Import the file you exported. The app will show item, quantity, unit, review status, risk, source, method, price, and warnings.
  8. Check the warnings. If a row says needs-review, missing source, high risk, or has warnings, look at the drawing again.
  9. Mark reviewed only when you trust it. Do not mark a row reviewed just because the computer found it. Mark it reviewed after a person checks it.
  10. Download Bidder CSV. This file is made for the estimating side. It carries quantities plus proof information like source and warnings.
  11. Click Estimating. Use the reviewed ledger as your pricing source. Open legacy TotalBidder only when you need the older pricing screen.
  12. Use Accuracy when you have an answer key. If someone has already counted the job correctly, import that as ground truth. The app will show what matched, what was missing, and what was extra.

What Each Button Means

DashboardThe home screen. It shows the full workflow.
TakeoffWhere plans are counted and measured.
Design Build switchChanges the workflow to requirements, device counts, and standards-guided checks.
Build Design LedgerMakes a starter BOM list from your Division 27 and 28 counts.
Review LedgerWhere you check the count list before pricing.
Download Bidder CSVMakes the file you upload into Estimating.
Download Audit JSONSaves a proof record for later review.
Mark All ReviewedMarks every row reviewed. Use carefully.
EstimatingWhere prices, BOM, labor, and proposals happen.
AccuracyTests the app's takeoff against a trusted answer.

Important Rule

The app can auto count, but automatic does not mean perfect. Always review the important rows before you send a bid. A clean proposal with a bad count is still a bad bid.

Quick Practice

  1. Go to Review Ledger.Click Load Sample.
  2. Look at the rows.Notice one row needs review and has a warning.
  3. Go to Accuracy.Click Load Benchmark Sample, then Compare Ledger.
  4. Read the results.The app shows what matched, what missed, and what was extra.