Selecting the appropriate estimator for a construction project is among the most important decisions you are likely to make. A good estimator can give adequate cost estimates that can be used to set cost control lines, mobilize funds, and generally manage the project. However, a bad estimate will only bring very bad news in the later stages as one can imagine huge cost overruns. In this article, you will learn how to identify your criteria for estimating and how to properly hire an estimator.
Determining the Construction Estimators Job Description
In its essence, a Construction Estimator creates the most specific cost estimates of most construction aspects. This starts from the drawing board when ideas and concepts are being done on paper. The estimator needs to cooperate with the architect, engineer, and construction manager to define the scope of work. They then employ history data, today’s prices, and an estimate program to develop an accurate cost analysis.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Identifying all materials required in the project and the cost of procuring all of them.
- Identification of equipment special to the project and cost estimates.
- Determining the required number of employees and salaries for every craft.
- Establishing the cost and time for each of the activities for each individual.
- Budgeting all the project costs.
- Handling fluctuations in the costs as the design progresses.
- Submitting data that can be used to bid for a contract and financing.
A proper cost estimate is relevant for every team member, who should be aware of the costs to make correct decisions.
Types of Construction Estimators
Specialism in construction estimating is a broad category with personnel of diverse backgrounds and skills. As you start your search, some of the main types of estimators you will encounter include:
Freelance CAD Drafters
Construction workers employ CAD software to create complex construction designs or blueprints and rough estimates that Freelance CAD Drafter can build upon. They may lack some costing data or even simple cost estimation abilities.
Trade Estimators
Subcontractors who handle the expenses and methods for a particular trade such as electrical work, plumbing, concrete work, and the like.
General Cost Estimators
Sub-estimators who are experienced in all trades and who may be able to complete an estimate but not necessarily with great detail for each trade.
MEP Estimation Services
MEP Estimation Services builders give estimates on only mechanical electrical and plumbing systems. It is an area where they have significant expertise and experience with these complex project fields.
Variety of the experience available dictates that the right estimator must be selected. Depending on the specific details of a particular project you may need trade-specific depth or simply general knowledge.
Estimator Five Characteristics
As you evaluate prospective estimators, keep these top attributes in mind:
Construction Expertise
Looking for estimators that can comprehend construction concepts, rules, and rates, including the costs of the materials and what workers require for their wages. They take drawings to reality by preparing actual and detailed budget estimates.
Familiarity with Software Tools
A complete quantified estimate should be developed using software tools such as Bluebeam, Stack, MC2, Sage Timberline, and others. Advanced technology also has certain advantages such as increasing efficiency and standard of work.
Attention to Detail
The analysis of project documents to obtain comprehensive cost data. Mathematical prowess to calculate accurate amounts of the materials required and the number of man-hours required to accomplish the task. The sections on the reasons for exclusion, assumptions made, and the handling of overtime rates.
Communication Skills
Clarifying the scope and requirements to the design team and offering the most transparent and accurate estimates. Describing costs and how value engineering may impact them beneficially or not to owners.
Local Knowledge
You have estimated costs in your city or state, where costs encounter codes, labor climate, material dealers, and subcontractors. Recent market data.
To be specific, the following estimator attributes are prioritized: By focusing on these estimator attributes, you can whittle down the list of candidates more suitable for your project.
Where To Find Construction Estimators
Understanding that the way you have to estimate your project is the critical aspect, where do you look for the right talent? Some options include:
General Contractor’s Estimating Team
First, select a general contractor during the design phase; this will enable their estimators to engage with your architects. They own the overall budget For example, if a product is to be advertised through the Internet, it will be the marketing department’s responsibility to ensure that it gets done through the available Internet facilities and they will be held responsible for the expenses that are incurred.
Independent Estimating Consultants
Those who are just involved in the estimation work and have expansive experience cutting across various projects.
Freelance Estimators
There is a good number of freelance estimators who may offer more options for flexibility and customization of your wants.
Estimating Firms
Companies with a steady estimating department and additional estimating power for large and complex construction projects.
Trade Contractors
Other fields like electrical, mechanical, or plumbing contractors also have skilled estimators for the costs of the system.
Checking References for Performance
When it comes to candidates who may be fit to work as estimators, go through their references to determine their level of performance. Key questions to ask contacts from previous clients include:
- As a result, how much of the estimator’s total budget estimate was correct at the start of the project?
- Was there a tendency toward higher overall costs during the construction phase compared to the initial planning costs? By how much?
- To what extent did you feel that the estimator was willing to offer additional information and address concerns?
- Were there discussions or issues concerning scope holes or lack of information in the estimate?
- As a person who wrote the estimator, did you point out problems that may influence costs?
It is a set question, and the answer might be – yes, I would recommend this firm/individual as my estimator again; or no, I would not recommend this firm/individual as my estimator again.
Understanding these performance details makes it easier to avoid the risks involved and select the estimator who is dependable on delivering those budgets and is good at communicating.
Defining the project goals and outcomes
As a knowledgeable construction project estimator, the next process is to ensure you agree with the deliverable expectations. Be specific about what you require in terms of:
Estimate Detail Level
General contractors’ cost estimates expect to see broken down unit costs by every project component element such as site work, foundations, structural, exterior and interior finish, mechanical and electrical systems, IT infrastructure, security system, fire protection equipment, specialty systems, general conditions, contingencies, fees, etc.
Schedule Milestones
The following guidelines can be adopted: It is recommended that the estimated checkpoints should be pre-specified based on the design phases such as the conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documents phase.
Estimate Format
You should state how the estimated details should be presented in terms of the form of the software files, printed reports, formal or otherwise, etc.
Communication Plan
Specify coverage, scope, purpose, need, and frequency for the following: meetings to discuss estimates and issues, meetings to address the differences, and ensure that all assumptions are understood. Ensure the response times for the Q&A on the budget are a bit longer.
Bid Process Involvement
If the plan is to bid it out, decide what assistance you need from the estimator in the comparison of bids and the integration of the contractors’ feedback on the estimate.
When communicating deliverables, it is important to describe expectations in detail so that both you and your estimator for construction colleagues start the process on the same page.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct MEP Estimating Services for construction coupled with an emphasis on estimation accuracy gets your project budgeting off to a sound start. By utilizing the tips outlined in this guide, readers will be able to effectively match the right estimators to the project details, assess their past performance, and know what should be expected of the estimate. To invest here is to come to the reality of clearly defined decisions about design and money through a successful build.
