PlanHub has become a go-to platform for contractors looking to connect with real construction projects across the U.S. It helps subs find bidding opportunities, communicate with general contractors (GCs), and submit proposals — all in one place.
If you’re new to PlanHub or want to bid more efficiently, this guide walks you through the process with clarity and practical detail.
What Is PlanHub Used For?
PlanHub is a cloud-based bidding network where contractors can:
- Discover real construction projects
- Access plans, drawings, and documents
- Communicate directly with GCs and suppliers
- Submit bids for commercial and residential work
- Speed up the estimation process
It’s widely used by trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, concrete, framing, carpentry, drywall, and more.
1. Create a Strong Contractor Profile
Before bidding, your profile represents your brand. Make sure it reflects professionalism and capability.
Include:
- Business name, location, and contact details
- Trades and services you offer
- Years of experience and past projects
- License and insurance details (if applicable)
- Work coverage area (cities/states you serve)
A complete profile significantly increases your chances of getting invited to bid.
2. Set Trade Preferences & Work Area
PlanHub lets you filter projects by:
- Trade category
- Project type (commercial, residential, multi-family, etc.)
- Location and travel radius
- Budget range (optional)
Set this wisely to avoid seeing irrelevant jobs that waste time.
3. Browse Projects or Respond to Invitations
There are two main ways to start bidding:
Option A — Browse Public Projects
- Go to the Projects tab
- Apply filters to match your trade and region
- Select a project to view details
Option B — Respond to GC Invitations
General contractors may invite you directly. These invitations appear in your dashboard.
Respond quickly — fast responses often get higher attention.
4. Study Project Details Carefully
Once open, project pages include:
- Scope of work
- Plans, blueprints, and specifications (PDFs, DWGs, etc.)
- Bid deadline
- Construction schedule
- Contact person
- Additional notes from the GC
Download everything before sending a bid. Many errors happen when estimators bid without reviewing all attachments.
5. Perform a Takeoff or Cost Estimate
Use your preferred method:
✔ Manual takeoff using PDF plans
✔ Digital takeoff software
✔ Internal pricing sheets
✔ Prebuilt cost databases
Include:
- Labor costs
- Material costs
- Equipment (if needed)
- Markups (profit + overhead)
- Permits and insurance considerations
If you need subcontractors or suppliers, request quotes early — don’t wait until the last day.
6. Ask Questions Before Finalizing
PlanHub includes a communication tool to contact the GC directly. Use it.
Ask smart questions like:
- Are there preferred materials or brands?
- Is a performance bond required?
- Will this project be phased?
- What’s the schedule and site access plan?
- Who covers cleanup and disposal?
This reduces misunderstandings and improves accuracy.
7. Submit Your Bid Properly
When you’re ready:
- Click Submit Bid
- Upload your bid document or proposal PDF
- Enter pricing clearly (follow the format requested by GC)
- Add clarifications if needed
- Double-check for accuracy
- Submit before the deadline
Most pros include:
- Total cost
- Cost breakdown (optional but increases trust)
- Timeline or estimated start date
- Inclusions/exclusions list
- Bid validity period (e.g., 30 days)
8. Track Your Bid Status
After submission, monitor:
- Bid viewed or not viewed
- GC messages or follow-up requests
- Updates on project timeline
- Whether you were shortlisted
If your bid wasn’t selected, you can still ask for feedback — many contractors improve their strategy this way.
9. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Bids
- Submit early (not last minute)
- Keep pricing realistic, not the cheapest or highest
- Communicate professionally
- Attach clean, organized proposal documents
- Start with smaller jobs to build credibility
- Follow up once, but don’t spam
Consistency matters more than sending the lowest number.
10. Common Bidding Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Bidding without reading full plans
❌ Missing scope details (leads to losses later)
❌ Ignoring addenda or updated documents
❌ Submitting unclear pricing
❌ Not asking questions
❌ Late submissions
Final Thoughts
Bidding on PlanHub can open the door to steady project flow if done the right way. Success doesn’t come from bidding on everything — it comes from bidding smart, pricing accurately, and building trust with general contractors.
Once you streamline your process, PlanHub becomes less about chasing jobs and more about choosing the right ones.