Basic Estimating for Construction can be a snap

The first thing needed to perform basic estimating for construction is to inspect the site. It can be very helpful to draw a layout of each room that will be affected by the construction, including the dimensions. Don’t forget to draw the doors, windows, electric outlets, telephone jacks, and air conditioning ducts.

If you are bidding on repair work, be sure to note where the damage is located in your sketch and the dimensions of the affected area. This information can be particularly helpful to get an accurate cost if you do it as part of your basic estimating for construction.

A rule of basic estimating for construction is to have someone check your calculations. Make sure a second person checks your room dimensions, ceiling heights and locations of fixed items like windows and electrical outlets.

Checking for accuracy can keep you from having headaches during the construction process.

Sometimes not all the details have been determined for a project. In those cases, it is important to include a contractor’s cost allowance in your basic estimating for construction. This allowance, added to the price of the job, will help keep costs close to the estimated price.

Basic estimating for construction often requires research. Often, you must find out the cost of a particular kind of tile, paneling or cabinetry to make an accurate estimate. If the particular name brand hasn’t been decided upon, it is wise to choose a selection based on the project’s budget.
A high-dollar bathroom renovation is probably going to include a higher-end bathtub, rather than the least expensive model.

Work by subcontractors should also be included in basic estimating for construction. Be sure to contact any subcontractors well in advance to make sure you have their bids in a timely manner before you finalize your estimate. Contact at least three good subcontractors to get a good sampling of bids.

Lastly, you should include a standard charge for any change orders when you perform your basic estimating for construction. A standard charge for a change order can help the client determine if any particular change is worth the cost, and it also provides the contractor some financial compensation for redoing work.

 

Commercial construction estimating using software simplifies the estimating process.