How Directional Boring Contractors Can Create Accurate Bids and Estimates
- Nate Jones
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Directional boring contractors face unique challenges when pricing projects — from unpredictable soil conditions and equipment costs to regulatory requirements and subcontractor coordination. With tight margins and high-value machinery involved, creating accurate bids and estimates is essential for winning contracts, maintaining profitability, and avoiding costly overruns.
In this blog, we’ll explore proven strategies for directional boring contractors to create accurate bids and estimates — and how Contractor Back Office supports them with estimating tools, CRM integration, and financial planning. Plus, we’ll highlight how Excavating Insurance Partners protects your business with tailored coverage for heavy equipment and job site risks.
Why Accurate Bidding Matters in Directional Boring
Directional boring, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), is a trenchless method used to install underground utilities with minimal surface disruption. Because each project varies in scope, terrain, and technical complexity, estimating costs requires precision and experience. Inaccurate bids can lead to underpricing, lost profits, or even project failure.
Explore this guide to directional boring cost factors to understand what drives pricing in HDD projects.
Key Strategies for Accurate Bids and Estimates
Conduct Site Assessments to Create Accurate Bids
Before submitting a bid, contractors should perform detailed site evaluations. This includes analyzing soil conditions, water tables, access points, and existing utilities. Soil type — whether sandy, clay, or rocky — directly affects drilling speed, equipment wear, and material needs.
Learn more in this underground utility estimating guide that outlines how site conditions impact cost.
Use Estimating Software for Directional Boring Projects
Manual spreadsheets can’t handle the complexity of directional boring projects. Estimating software like HCSS HeavyBid allows contractors to break down costs by labor, equipment, materials, and subcontractors.
Automate takeoffs and cost calculations
Create scope-aligned proposals
Track historical data for better forecasting
Explore HCSS’s underground utility estimating tools for more insights.
Include Equipment Costs in Your Bids and Estimates
Directional boring rigs, drill heads, and support vehicles represent major cost centers. Estimators should factor in:
Equipment rental or depreciation
Fuel and lubrication costs
Maintenance schedules and downtime risks
Including these variables ensures your bid reflects true operational costs.
Plan Labor Costs for Directional Boring Estimates
Labor costs vary based on crew size, skill level, and project duration. Estimators should:
Use local wage data and union rates
Plan for overtime and shift work
Include training and safety compliance costs
Accurate labor forecasting helps avoid budget overruns and ensures compliance with labor laws.
Account for Permits and Regulations in Bids
Directional boring often requires environmental permits, traffic control plans, and utility coordination. These costs should be included in your bid to avoid surprises later.
Permit fees and inspection costs
Utility location and coordination
Environmental mitigation measures
Explore this civil engineering cost estimation guide for more regulatory insights.
Use Historical Data to Improve Bidding Accuracy
Reviewing past projects helps refine estimates. Contractors should maintain a database of completed jobs, including:
Actual vs. estimated costs
Crew productivity rates
Equipment performance metrics
This data improves future accuracy and supports competitive pricing.
Add Contingency Buffers to Your Estimates
No two boring projects are alike. Estimators should include contingency allowances for:
Unexpected soil conditions
Weather delays
Equipment breakdowns
A 5–10% contingency buffer can protect your margins and reduce risk.
Collaborate with Subcontractors for Bid Accuracy
If your bid includes subcontracted services (e.g., pit excavation, carrier pipe installation), get quotes early and confirm scope alignment. Miscommunication can lead to change orders and cost overruns.
How Contractor Back Office Supports Estimating Success
Contractor Back Office helps directional boring contractors streamline their estimating process with:
Bid and estimate assistance using proven templates and cost databases
CRM integration to track client inquiries and proposal status
Bookkeeping and invoicing tools to align estimates with actual costs
Phone support to manage client communication and scheduling
We help contractors build accurate, professional bids that win jobs and protect profits.
Protect Your Projects with Excavating Insurance Partners
Directional boring contractors face risks ranging from equipment damage to job site injuries. Excavating Insurance Partners offers specialized coverage, including:
General liability insurance for property damage and third-party claims
Heavy equipment insurance for drills, boring rigs, and support tools
Workers’ compensation to protect crews and meet compliance requirements
Visit Excavating Insurance Partners to explore coverage options tailored to your business.
Conclusion
Accurate bids and estimates are the foundation of a profitable directional boring business. By combining site analysis, specialized software, and historical data, contractors can price projects confidently and competitively. With support from Contractor Back Office and protection from Excavating Insurance Partners, you’ll be equipped to win more work and manage it with precision.
