BuildingConnected Guide: How to Find & Win Construction Bids [2025]

What is BuildingConnected?

BuildingConnected (now part of Autodesk Construction Cloud) is the largest online construction bidding network in the United States. It connects general contractors with subcontractors, allowing GCs to invite subs to bid on projects and subs to discover new project opportunities.

Think of it as the "LinkedIn" of construction bidding. General contractors post projects, invite qualified subcontractors, and manage the entire bidding process digitally. Subcontractors create profiles showcasing their work, get invited to bid, download plans, and submit proposals all through one platform.

Cost & Subscription Plans

BuildingConnected operates on a freemium model:

Setting Up Your Profile

Your profile is your digital storefront. GCs review profiles when deciding who to invite to bid. Take time to complete it professionally.

Step 1: Create Your Account

1. Go to buildingconnected.com
2. Click "Sign Up" or "Get Started"
3. Choose "Subcontractor/Trade Contractor"
4. Enter your business email (not personal)
5. Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete Company Information

This section appears to GCs when they search for subcontractors:

• Company Name: Legal business name
• License Number: Your contractor license (critical - many GCs filter by this)
• Trade Classifications: Select all trades you perform (Roofing, Waterproofing, Sheet Metal, etc.)
• Service Area: Counties/regions you work in (be realistic about travel distance)
• Company Size: Annual revenue range and employee count
• Years in Business: Established date
• Insurance: GL limits, WC, Auto (GCs often filter by minimum insurance)
• Bonding Capacity: Maximum project size you can bond

Step 3: Add Project Photos & Description

Upload 5-10 high-quality photos of completed projects. Include:

• Commercial roofing projects (if targeting commercial)
• Before/after photos
• Different roof types you specialize in (TPO, EPDM, metal, etc.)
• Complex details showing craftsmanship

Write a professional company description (200-300 words) highlighting:

• Your specialties and differentiators
• Years of experience
• Notable projects or clients
• Certifications (GAF Master Elite, Tremco Approved, etc.)
• Safety record

Step 4: Upload Documents

Have these ready to upload (GCs often request them):

• Certificate of Insurance (COI) - must be current
• Contractor License (copy)
• W-9 form
• Company capability statement or brochure
• Safety program documentation
• Financial statements (for large projects)

Finding Projects in Your Area

Method 1: Bid Invitations (Most Common)

Most projects come from GCs inviting you to bid:

1. Email Notification: You receive email when invited to bid on a project
2. Review Project Details: Click link to view project location, scope, timeline, and plans
3. Accept or Decline: Respond to invitation (declining is fine if project doesn't fit)
4. Download Plans: If interested, download plans and specifications
5. Submit Bid: Upload your proposal before deadline

Method 2: Project Search (Proactive)

Search for projects you weren't invited to:

1. Click "Projects" in main navigation
2. Set filters:
   • Location: Your service area (city, county, radius)
   • Trade: Roofing, waterproofing, sheet metal
   • Project Type: New construction, renovation, tenant improvement
   • Bid Date: Projects bidding in next 2-4 weeks
   • Project Size: Estimated cost range
3. Review results and click projects that fit your capabilities
4. Click "Request to Bid" if you weren't invited
5. GC reviews your profile and may invite you or share additional details

Method 3: Networking Features

Build relationships with GCs on the platform:

• Follow GCs: Get notified when they post new projects
• Prequalification Requests: Some GCs send prequalification questionnaires - complete them promptly
• Preferred Subcontractor Lists: Work to get added to GC preferred lists for automatic invitations

Downloading Plans & Specs

Understanding Plan Sets

Projects typically include:

• Architectural Plans: Full plan set in PDF format
• Specifications: Written requirements (CSI format)
• Addenda: Changes or clarifications issued during bidding
• Bid Forms: Required forms for bid submission
• Scope Documents: Specific scope breakdown for your trade

Download Best Practices

1. Download All Documents: Don't just download architectural plans - get specs, addenda, and bid forms
2. Check for Updates: Check back 2-3 days before bid deadline for addenda
3. Organize Files: Create project folder with all documents
4. Note Drawing Dates: Ensure you have the latest revision
5. Read Entire Scope: Don't estimate from title sheet only - read full scope in Division 07

Submitting Bids

Bid Submission Process

1. Complete Your Estimate: Prepare proposal using your standard process
2. Upload Proposal: Click "Submit Bid" on project page
3. Enter Bid Amount: Enter total price (and alternates if requested)
4. Upload Documents: Attach PDF proposal, scope clarifications, and any required forms
5. Add Notes: Include clarifications, exclusions, or assumptions
6. Submit Before Deadline: Bids submitted late are typically rejected

What to Include in Your Bid Package

• Cover Letter: Brief introduction and summary
• Scope of Work: Detailed breakdown of what's included
• Price Breakdown: Line-item pricing if requested, lump sum if not
• Exclusions: What's NOT included (critical)
• Qualifications: Any assumptions or clarifications
• Schedule: Estimated duration and start date
• Warranty Information: Material and labor warranties
• Required Certificates: Insurance, license, bonds if pre-award

After Bid Submission

What happens after you submit:

1. GC Reviews Bids: Usually within 1-3 days of deadline
2. Questions/Negotiations: GC may request clarifications or scope adjustments
3. Award or No Award: You're notified if you won or lost
4. Feedback: Some GCs provide pricing feedback (rare but valuable)

Pro Tips for Success

1. Set Up Email Alerts

Configure alerts for your trade and service area so you never miss opportunities. Set alerts for:

• New project invitations
• Projects matching your search criteria
• Addenda on projects you're bidding
• Messages from GCs

2. Respond Quickly

When invited to bid, respond within 24 hours (accept or decline). GCs notice responsiveness and invite fast responders more often.

3. Build Relationships

After completing a project successfully:

• Ask GC to add you to their preferred subcontractor list
• Request a reference or rating on your profile
• Follow their company page for future opportunities

4. Track Your Metrics

BuildingConnected Pro provides analytics. Track:

• Bid invitation rate (how often you're invited)
• Response rate (how often you respond)
• Win rate (bids won vs. bids submitted)
• Average project size

Use this data to improve your profile and bidding strategy.

5. Keep Profile Updated

Update quarterly:

• Certificate of Insurance (when renewed)
• License (if number changes or you add states)
• Project photos (add recent high-quality work)
• Service area (if you expand)
• Bonding capacity (if it increases)

6. Use Message Feature Professionally

When messaging GCs through the platform:

• Be professional and concise
• Ask specific questions about scope
• Don't ask questions answered in the plans
• Respond to messages within 24 hours
• All communication is tracked - GCs see your responsiveness

7. Understand GC Bid Shopping

Be aware that some GCs use BuildingConnected to "bid shop" (share your pricing with competitors to drive prices down). Protect yourself:

• Submit bids close to deadline (not days early)
• Include clear exclusions and qualifications
• Build relationships with ethical GCs
• Don't provide detailed pricing breakdowns unless required

8. Alternatives to BuildingConnected

Don't rely on one platform. Also consider:

• Dodge Construction Network: Commercial bid opportunities
• PlanHub: Similar to BuildingConnected
• iSqFt: Regional bid network
• BidClerk: Government and public work
• ConstructConnect: Project leads and plans