Honest review of A Revolution in Construction Estimating

by Terry Morrill (Author)

Updated at: 06/01/2025

In "A Revolution in Construction Estimating," Terry Morrill reveals a groundbreaking system that transforms how contractors approach job costing and profitability. Frustrated by inaccurate traditional methods like unit price and markup, Morrill developed the Gross Profit Estimating System (GPES) using AIMM Calculators. This innovative approach focuses on labor hours, accurately calculating costs and ensuring daily profitability tracking, even across 60-70 simultaneous projects. Morrill exposes the flaws in established estimating techniques and provides a practical, reliable alternative. By mastering GPES, contractors can eliminate guesswork, win more bids, avoid unprofitable jobs, and build a truly successful, sustainable business.

A Revolution in Construction Estimating: Achieve accurate and profitable results using new strategies and software to win jobs, dominate the competition and build a money making machine.

5 / 94 ratings

Review A Revolution in Construction Estimating

"A Revolution in Construction Estimating" by Terry Morrill isn't just another business book; it's a game-changer, especially for those in the construction industry. The friendly, accessible tone makes even complex financial concepts easy to grasp, a refreshing change from the often dry and jargon-filled texts in this field. Morrill's personal journey, starting with struggling to track profitability across just a handful of projects and culminating in managing sixty to seventy with ease, immediately establishes his credibility and makes the book relatable. He doesn't shy away from exposing the flaws in traditional unit price and markup methods, highlighting how they consistently lead to inaccurate pricing and lost profits.

The core of the book revolves around the AIMM (Am I Making Money?) Estimating System, and honestly, it's fascinating. The idea of focusing on "gross profit man-day" rather than traditional markups felt initially counter-intuitive, yet the more I read, the more sense it made. The book meticulously breaks down the "5 Vital Numbers" crucial for implementing AIMM, providing clear, step-by-step instructions and practical examples that make the system feel achievable, not intimidating. Even the included worksheets encourage hands-on application, making the learning process active and engaging.

What truly sets this book apart is its practicality. Morrill doesn't just present a theoretical framework; he offers concrete solutions and tools to improve profitability. The emphasis on accurate man-hour estimation, combined with a systematic approach to pricing, directly addresses the common pitfalls that plague many contractors. The book acknowledges the challenges involved in implementing new systems but offers the support and guidance needed to overcome them. Several reviewers mention the “aha!” moment they experienced – that sudden clarity that comes from understanding a previously confusing concept. This speaks volumes about Morrill's ability to effectively communicate complex ideas.

While some may find the initial shift in perspective required by the AIMM system challenging, the potential rewards are undeniable. The book emphasizes the importance of daily profit tracking, allowing contractors to immediately identify and address potential issues, rather than waiting until the end of the year for a potentially disastrous surprise. This proactive approach, coupled with the enhanced accuracy of cost estimations, promises increased efficiency, improved financial stability, and a significant competitive advantage.

Whether or not you fully adopt the AIMM method, the book offers invaluable insights into running a profitable construction business. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a clearer understanding of construction costing and a more robust approach to project estimation. Even seasoned professionals will likely find valuable takeaways, while those just starting out will gain an incredibly solid foundation for success. The clear explanations, combined with the author's relatable experiences, make this a genuinely helpful and inspiring read. Ultimately, "A Revolution in Construction Estimating" empowers contractors to take control of their financial futures and build a truly sustainable and successful business.