18/12/2013
December 2013 Estimating Tip
TIP: Construction Plan now before you Estimate the Project
This is an important aspect of cost estimating as the construction plan of a project involves many different things. How the entire project works and fits into everything else will help you achieve a realistic estimate figure.
The five most known construction plan factors affecting the accuracy of your cost estimate are knowing:
1. Exactly what project your client wants to construct
2. How quickly your client wants it done
3. How many people will be working on this project
4. What materials you are to use build the project
5. How you are to measure the quantities and estimate the costs ……… plus there is more.
Understanding your client first is vital in delivering a successful estimate. Once you know their choice of home and the materials they wish to use, their timeframe to have it built, and an overall budget figure, you are on the way to progressing with them. Controlling the quality of construction drawings and specifications is vital if you are to know what to price for the client. Your new client will appreciate your full understanding of their situation and closing the sale will be easier for you.
Estimating the number and type of trades and consultants required are also important. Using effective construction planning you need to ask yourself, how long are they needed and how they will interact with each other on the project. Collating a project schedule will help you greatly with this.
Some construction plan predictions are awkward to take into account. Two examples are the increase of material and trade costs, and proposed local weather conditions. Your client and your business will benefit if you as a professional builder learn to forecast these variables. This will prove valuable when undertaking the initial construction planning of the project.
Make it a habit using a construction plan to precisely know what’s happening in your project. Getting it right early on in the piece will help everyone concerned, thanks to you. As the saying goes and very true… Failing to construction plan is planning to fail.