Construction estimating services enable contractors to win more bids, create accurate estimates and grow their businesses. By focusing on their strengths, rather than wasting time installing software updates or struggling with complex tools, estimators can focus on their clients, building a strong business relationship that leads to loyalty and quality references.
What is the difference between BOQ and material take off?
A great construction estimate starts with understanding the vision and requirements of a project. Effectively conveying those ideas to a client is one thing; creating an estimate that aligns with them is another. Without a solid grasp of what a project will cost to build, it’s easy to operate on assumptions and misperceptions, which can lead to an over-optimistic or inaccurate estimate.
Once the scope of work is clear, an estimator will perform a quantity takeoff using drawings and specifications to establish a baseline for estimating materials and labor. While this can be done manually, most estimators use construction estimating software to speed up the process and ensure that each line item is accurately counted. Link : rockettakeoffs.com/
During this phase, an estimator will also identify indirect costs, which are expenses not directly related to the construction of a specific project but required for a contractor to conduct business. These include equipment maintenance and consumables, like electrical tapes, threading oils and bandsaw blades. Depending on the size of a project, an estimator may also calculate reimbursable costs.
Lastly, an estimator will add in the projected profit margin and a contingency. These figures represent a contractor’s fee for completing a project, as well as the amount set aside to cover unexpected expenses. Calculating these accurately enables a contractor to make money, which can be reinvested back into the business to continue growing it.