Construction Estimating Services-Cost Estimator Company-Estimating Company

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Communicate with your Clients!!

Construction can be overwhelming and very scary to your clients.It’s a good thing when they ask questions and it’s in the your best interest to devote the necessary time to listen. Yes, listen!!

We all have two ears and one mouth; there must be a reason for some higher authority using that design.

By just talking things through you’ll be surprised what avenues it may lead to.

Many times a better design or a new method will be the result. New materials are always hitting the industry so there may be an opportunity to explore them.

And guess what, you may even develop a friendship. What could be better?

Let’s face it, once a project begins, you are married to each other for a certain period. Keeping a harmonious relationship is imperative. The best way to succeed is always through communication and a good atmosphere.

Just imagine what a nightmare it could be if a month into the project things begin to go sideways with the relationship. Animosity takes over and will affect every portion the job. Working or dealing with an anger person or situation just exacerbates the problem.

Attendance becomes erratic. Subcontractors don’t want to work in a hostile environment. Who would? Workmanship begins to go south very quick and I bet we can guess what’s next. Yup, the money problems!!!

Unfortunately, if the project hits that stage you better brace yourself for some misery.

Ok enough with the bad vibe talk; I am beginning to itch.!!

How can you give yourself a good chance for a successful project?

Well first, during the estimating process, make sure you have taken a realistic approach to all the related costs for the project.

With today’s hustle and bustle, many contractors find it too mundane or can’t devote the required time to properly think out and develop a responsible estimate.

The good news, there is a viable solution to consider, Outsource Estimating!

Chianelli Estimating is a freelance estimating company who is ready to assist you.We are a state of the art estimating company who provides personalized service with old fashion values.

Getting off on the right foot, with a solid estimate, will help you communicate with your clients. It will give you the confidence in knowing you’ve taken a realistic approach to the actual project cost and you won’t have to rely on change orders; which many times is a catalyst for points of contention.

Remember:

A happy client = a happy project

A happy project = is a successful project!

Keep to line of commination open and you’ll be a Happy Contractor.

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Tired of Doing It All?

Feel like you’re drowning in stress?

No time for Estimating?

Are you missing opportunities because you can’t get to them?

Beginning to feel helpless?

STOP!!

At times we’re all guilty of taking on too much.

Step back, take a breath, smell the air, admire the clouds.

Spend time with your family. Do something special for yourself.

This will help you refocus and give you an opportunity to clear the fog.

No one is an island.

Managing a business is difficult at best, however trying to be the boss, a tradesmen, salesman, accountant, admin, project manager and estimator can be overwhelming; as well as unproductive.

Wearing too many hats, in the long run, will limit your growth.

This is where Chianelli Estimating can be an integral tool for Freelance Estimating solutions to help alleviate one aspect of the many demands placed upon you.

Let’s face it, estimating and quantity take-off consumes large blocks of precious time which requires complete concentration.

Chianelli Estimating is dedicated to assisting our clients with the utmost professionalism, using industry leading software and digital takeoff tools such as: Sage Estimating, eTake-off, eBridge, Planswift and RS Means for worksheet development.

Many clients want us to do the heavy lifting and provide them with quantity take-off only and they input their own pricing. This drastically reduces the amount of time they would have spent quantifying all the parts and pieces but still allows them the comfort of using their normal company price structure; while others desire a more comprehensive package. Either way our mission is to be there when you need us for a bit of help.

Consider using our outsource estimating assistance.

It just may be the answer to melt that stress away.

Remember no one says “I wish I worked more and spent less time with my family” as their last words.

Ahhh, doesn’t that feel better already?

Time to Exhale!!!

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Construction Estimating Departments

First and foremost contractors need to understand that a successful construction estimating department takes a serious commitment and a large investment to operate properly.

Construction estimators are the nucleus of your construction business, greatly impacting it’s success or failure.  

Upper echelon estimators are not easy to find and you will need to pay them well. This is an area not to scrimp on. Typically, good estimators are paid at least the same base salary you are paying your best project managers. Don’t get fancy by offering a lower salary, tied in with performance incentives. This short armed approach will not be desirable to a professional estimator and will be counter productive in achieving your goal. 

Don’t expect your senior estimator to do anything else, but estimate. Estimators are not hired to be project managers, accounts receivable collectors or marketers. 

Make your estimator as comfortable as possible. Provide enough lay-down space, good lighting, file and rack storage for the multitude of plans they will be working on. 

By their very nature, senior estimators are extremely detailed people, analytically driven, and require a peaceful environment to maintain the high level of concentration needed to avoid mistakes. 

Construction estimating requires accurate record keeping, the filing of contact information, material quotes, subcontractor quotes, etc.; along with tracking the time spent estimating each job. The estimator is expected to disseminate the means and methods used to arrive at the estimate logic for the project build out.

Provide computerized, digital estimating systems to maximize productivity. If possible, coordinate systems that your estimator may prefer or is familiar and comfortable with, for a seamless transition. If you already have a system in place that your estimator has not used, provide the necessary training to minimize the learning curve.    

Good Estimating Departments take a large investment from the contractor to perform at high levels and maximizing their return on investment.

For those contractors not ready to commit financially or mentally in developing a top tier estimating department, they should consider hiring a professional estimating company. The key is finding a comfortable fit with a freelance or outsource estimating company to achieve all the benefits of an estimating department without the financial investment required.  

 

 

 

 

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Quantity Take-offs by Construction Estimating Services can benefit Builders & General Contractors

Is there a last minute bid opportunity that you need of assistance with?

Do you have too many bids proposals to handle and not enough staff when a last minute “emergency” bid is due

Send your your blue prints to an experienced Construction Estimating Service

They can provide a quantity take-off or a complete estimate or for those emergency bid occasions.

Their quantity take-offs can be used to plug into your worksheets saving you valuable time.

Many Builders & General Contractors have benefited with reduced costs by outsourcing, alleviating the need of hiring a full time Estimator.

Using the construction estimator’s take-off spreadsheets can also be a valuable guideline for checking quantities as a comparative analysis to ensure no missed items occur.

Consideration is given to every division in order to provide you the details necessary for double checking self-performance work and to compare to your subcontractors proposals.

Experienced Estimating Companies use the latest technology in the estimating process which provides more accuracy and inefficiency with the estimate take-off. 

Construction Estimating Companies will be able to provide seasoned professionals with vast experience; which places confidence in the quantity take-offs needed for builders and general contractors.

The use of Freelance Estimators can aid in both temporary situations or for permanent use for your construction estimating.

Quantity takeoff and estimating services can help builders & general contractors with:

  • Pricing, project analysis and negotiations
  • Preparation & submission of bid proposals.
  • Procurement of Sub-Contractors
  • Processing and formalizing Sub-Contract documents 
  • Double checking sub-contractors estimates or change orders applications 
  • Evaluation of Sub-Contract work in progress 
  • Account substantiation of Schedule of Values and monthly Application for Payment
  • Variations in project costs
  • Design-Build guideline costs 
  • Value Engineering
  • Preparation Costs for Final Close-Out

Builders & General Contractors should look for well rounded estimating portfolios that includes experience in all categories of the construction industry such as: 

  • Commercial – New
  • Commercial – Renovations & Fit-outs
  • Historical Restorations
  • Residential – New – Single, Multi-Family & Complexes
  • Residential – Renovations & Remodeling – Single, Multi-Family & Complexes
  • Municipal
  • Governmental
  • Industrial
Builders & General Contractors can benefit by using a Construction Estimating Service and should consider using one to assist their company.


 

 

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Building a Construction Estimate

Residential Estimating and Commercial Estimating projects require a similar approach for the construction estimate.

 

Building a precise Construction Estimate has many components:

  • Accurate quantity take-offs
  • Proper crew sizing
  • Applicable labor rates
  • Production rates
  • Material costs
  • Subcontractor quotes
  • Equipment costs
  • Logistics and Environmental considerations
  • Eliminating emotional ties for a particular
  • Drawing from past experience
  • Using common sense and reality checks

These are all critical ingredients to estimating your construction projects.

 

It’s a challenge for most small and medium sized contractors to bid regularly job after job. 

Sometimes there’s just not enough time to get everything done. All too often, you’re overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do, whether or not its job related.

Why not consider using an experienced outsource estimating company as a solution?

  • The estimating is done by professionals who are strictly devoted to construction estimating and only construction estimating.
  • All component aspects are analyzed and fine-tuned individually for each project.  
  • You will have additional time to devote to running and growing your business; while your estimates and bid proposals continue on a regular basis.
  • When the estimate is near completion, it’s the perfect time to review all the estimate spreadsheets and related take-off data. The final adjustments can then be made by you as you feel necessary.

The best part is; you had the freedom to devote more time to your company while the estimate work was being done concurrently.

Letting professional estimators assist you with the construction estimating can be the answer to consistent bidding.

Consider outsource estimating.

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Tips for a Successful Project

  

Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

The Five “P’s”

It’s true; we reap what we sow.

It’s no accident when a construction project is built on time and within budget; without sacrificing quality workmanship or materials.

From the outset, construction estimating is the backbone for establishing a solid foundation for any project.  It all starts there.

We’ve all heard about the project from hell?

To avoid this scenario and improve your chances of success, it’s best to follow this principle: 

KISS = Keep it Simple Stupid

  • Take the time necessary to design a project within your budget.
  • Depending upon the project size, develop cost estimates at various stages of design to ensure the budget is realistic or design changes can be made early on. It is far better, and less expensive, to work out all the kinks in the design stage rather than once construction begins.Remember contractors love change orders.
  • Solicit reputable contractors to submit proposals broken down by areas of work or divisions and thoroughly review their proposals against your estimate for cost verification. Every proposal should be submitted with details. All proposals must be submitted on an apples for apples basis to establish fairness of proposals.
  • When going over bids, remember that the lowest bid is not always the best. Examine bids carefully to determine which contractor provides the best service, selects the highest quality materials for your project, is most experienced, and seems most capable of completing the project to meet your expectations, in the best timeline possible
  • Enter into a contract that is clear with all project criteria included; specifications, project drawings, materials, time lines, payment schedules, required inspections, project close-out procedures, etc.
  • Establish payment milestones that fairly represent work in place. Be aware for contractor front-loading costs that inflate actual work in place. REMEMBER – You have invested in that Construction Estimate for exactly this purpose. It will pay for itself over and over again.
  •  Progress meetings are the key to avoiding unnecessary project problems and regular communication is imperative. Remember, project success is a two-way street.
  • If a problem does arise and a disagreement develops between you and your contractor, stay calm so that tempers do not flare. Set a time for you and your contractor to get together, and go over the problem. Listen to your contractor’s side of things, and request they do the same for you. Don’t bury your head in the sand until the problem gets out of hand.
  • As the project approaches completion, ensure punch lists are developed and completed, officials have signed-off and all closeout documentation has been received and submitted to the necessary agencies.

Investing in a detailed pre-construction estimate provides extreme value and will be used for checks and balances throughout the  project.

There is never any guarantee that a construction project will run smoothly, however following these tips should help you toward that success.