Avoid These Costly Construction Project Bidding Mistakes at All Costs

Why Bidding Smarter Matters in Livermore

Livermore has been growing fast. Between new commercial developments, multifamily projects, and increased demand for high-performance buildings, the competition for construction contracts has ramped up especially among GCs and subs.

But here's the catch: as project scopes become more complex and timelines tighter, a single oversight in your bid can cost you tens of thousands or even cost you the job.



Let’s walk through the most common bidding pitfalls we’ve seen and help you steer clear of them on your next project.

Mistake #1: Not Fully Understanding the Scope

It’s not just what’s in the plans it’s also what’s missing

This one’s first for a reason. Too many bids are rushed out the door without a thorough review of the project scope.

We get it deadlines are tight. But skipping the deep dive into the drawings, specs, and addenda can lead to big issues, like:

• Missing exclusions
• Overlooking owner-supplied items
• Misinterpreting vague design details

Solution: Always perform a detailed scope review before you start pricing. Use a scope checklist and don’t be afraid to ask questions or issue RFIs before bidding. It’s better to clarify now than get stuck later.

Mistake #2: Inaccurate Takeoffs or Quantity Assumptions

When the Math Is Off, Everything Falls Apart

We’ve seen bids where takeoffs were done entirely by software with no manual verification and unfortunately, automation isn’t foolproof.

Even a small mistake in square footage, volume, or material quantity can snowball into thousands of dollars in unexpected costs once construction starts.

Solution: Use software for efficiency, but always have a second set of eyes to review your quantities especially for concrete, framing, MEP, and finish work. Better yet, have a trusted consultant cross-check it with experience-based insight.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Local Conditions and Regulations

Every City Has Quirks Livermore Included

We’ve worked on projects across the Bay Area, and we can tell you: Livermore has its own set of permit timelines, utility requirements, and local building code nuances.

Some common oversights include:

• Delays in PG&E coordination
• Underestimated dry utility fees
• Overlooking CALGreen and Title 24 compliance

Solution: Build in extra research time to understand jurisdiction-specific requirements. A permit that takes 4 weeks in Fremont might take 12 in Livermore. Plan and price accordingly.

Mistake #4: Submitting an Incomplete or Non-Compliant Bid

You Might Not Even Make It Past the First Review

We’ve seen strong teams lose jobs simply because they forgot to attach a required form or included outdated insurance certificates. Sometimes bids are disqualified before they’re even read.

Common culprits:

• Missing bid bonds
• Incorrect formatting
• Expired licenses or registrations

Solution: Create a bid submittal checklist. Have someone not involved in estimating review the final package with fresh eyes. A simple double-check can save your entire proposal.

Mistake #5: Underestimating Labor Costs or Availability

Labor Shortages Are Real and They Hit Hard Mid-Project

In the Bay Area, qualified labor is stretched thin. If you’re bidding with the assumption that you can find skilled trades on short notice or at pre-2020 rates, you’re setting yourself up for missed milestones and costly overtime.

Solution: Estimate with realistic wage rates and timelines. Factor in union holidays, current market conditions, and even travel time for crews if you’re working out of town.

Mistake #6: Poor Communication With Subcontractors

If They Miss Something, You Miss Something

GCs: If you’re compiling bids from subs without clear communication, scope gaps are almost guaranteed.

We've seen cases where two subs price the same scope, or worse, no one prices it at all leaving the GC exposed.

Solution: Reach out to key subs early. Confirm they understand what’s in their scope and what’s not. If you’re a sub, clarify all assumptions in your bid letter. Clear language now avoids disputes later.

Mistake #7: Bidding on Every Job Instead of the Right Jobs

More Bids ≠ More Wins

It’s tempting to chase every opportunity, especially during a slow season. But submitting half-baked or poorly aligned bids can hurt your reputation and tie up valuable estimating resources.

Solution: Be strategic. Choose bids that align with your team’s strengths, availability, and financial goals. It’s better to win five jobs you can deliver profitably than land ten that drain your resources.

How D&S Construction Helps You Avoid These Mistakes

We’re not just consultants we’re builders at heart. At D&S Construction, we’ve been on job sites, led crews, and sat in countless pre-bid meetings. That experience informs every bid review and planning session we do.

Here’s how we support GCs, developers, and subs in Livermore:

• Full bid review and leveling support
• Constructability analysis during precon
• Risk and contingency modeling
• GC–sub coordination assistance
• Permitting and utility coordination planning

Whether you're submitting your own bids or reviewing others, we help you spot the blind spots before they cost you.

Final Thoughts: Win Smarter, Not Just More

Bidding is where your project begins. Done right, it positions you to deliver efficiently, profitably, and with fewer surprises. Done wrong, it can derail a job before it even starts.



In a city like Livermore where competition is tight and margins are slimmer, avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between barely breaking even and walking away with a win.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Bid

If you're tired of second-guessing your numbers or dealing with change orders that could’ve been avoided, we’re here to help.



Schedule a bid strategy session with D&S Construction and let’s make sure your next proposal doesn’t just look good it wins.