Construction Estimating Services-Cost Estimator Company-Estimating Company

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Old Fashioned Know How + Technology = Success

Is the technology of construction estimating the only road to take in the Future?

It seems as though more and more programs to estimate all facets of a construction are being created. These programs’ claim to fame is that they are the way of the future.

Be sure to remember that any program, no matter how detailed or comprehensive it is, it cannot be the only ‘answer’ unless the person behind the keyboard has the understanding and the ‘know how’ to operate the program properly. Making the estimating program work for you requires that the individual you choose to do your estimating has the ability to bring the program to life. Every project is different and unique, which simply means that any specific software must be tailored to dovetail with all types of projects or plans.  Boilerplate programs need to fit your projects. If a contractor performs any type specialty construction, the person behind the software must know how to manipulate the program in order to make an estimate accurate and complete

Did you ever try to create your own Website? Even if you have all the correct information and you have made the site look great, it may never be seen by your target population. This is an excellent example of why you need to get a website professional to work behind the scenes in order to make your website a success!

So, will technology be the ‘end all and be all” for construction estimating? I simply cannot be.

If you are looking for the right construction estimator for your company, outsource estimator or in-house,  looking toward the future of technology software is a good thing, but do not let go of some of the basic facts:

  • A construction estimator must know and understand the operation of the software in order to meet your specialty needs for your project.
  • An estimator must have extensive field experience in order to have a clear understanding of all facets of the job being done, to include the scheduling of the project, coordinating sub-contractors, material solicitation and distribution, pricing comparisons, etc.
  • Estimators must know the fundamentals of construction math and the art of reading detailed plans.
  • A construction estimator should be able to understand how specifications are written and how to interpret any project description.
  • Estimators need to have a clear grasp on mark-up values; what the market will bear, etc.
  • An estimator should be able to maintain excellent relationship skills in order to keep positive contacts with architects, contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, homeowners, whoever is necessary to make the job flow effortlessly to its completion.

Sure, a person can operate software, if taught exactly how, but; there are no seminars or tutorials that cover the human characteristics of a good construction estimator. There are no known manufactured replacements for solid, field construction experience, managerial experience, construction managers, or superintendent experience.

Estimating is and art. So, when you are looking for the right person, or construction estimating service that will meet your construction estimating needs, look beyond the software!

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Who Knew?

Blogs are usually about information geared toward the industry, how to help folks who may be struggling with new concepts, or ways of doing business. But when I think of all the ways to assist my clients or prospective clients, I can’t help but take a step back and look at the earlier history of my own construction story. It may even resemble a part of your own journey in this business.

Our family business started in the 1900’s, as you can probably tell by that really old fashioned black & white photo in my website! Back then, business was up front and personal, your word was your bond… and clients knew exactly what you were going to build and how you would build it. Your reputation depended upon how well you completed the job. Your business was on the line because ‘word of mouth’ spread quickly through your community and town.

I continued that construction business tradition in the mid- 1970’s. How good your business was, was still deeply rooted in your ‘word’ and reputation. As technology started taking hold of many aspects of running a prosperous business, with advertising, etc., word of mouth moved a lot faster. Now, well you know where I’m going with that…

As always changes in operations means investments in new technology to run a successful business. Any company that wants to stay alive in the future must change with the times. Doing so is not always as easy as it sounds. It Costs, and costs BIG!

From a long history and true understanding of construction, Chianelli Estimating was created in order to help the companies that found it was not that easy to make the transition to computer estimating systems and that the cost was purely out of reach.

Today outsource estimating services for the construction industry can save a smaller company from drowning in the day-to-day management and overwhelming tasks of being in the field and the office every day. Large companies struggle to keep the flow of bidding projects steady, even when they have an estimating department of their own. Having and outsource estimator on hand is like having a silent partner when you need them, and they are in your corner, helping you get the job done!

Looking back, who knew that this industry would evolve to what it is today and that technology, would play such a crucial part of its future. When I bought my first computer in1978, there were directions on how to plug it in!!

Who Knew?

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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.