In the dynamic world of construction, estimators might just be the quirkiest of the bunch. Often considered the wizards behind the curtain, they are the few who spend their days amidst the quiet of the office rather than the bustling construction site. Here are tips we’ve learned from veteran estimators that will help turn your estimating into a mission-critical, difference maker for your construction company.
Embrace Your Unique Role
Recognize that as an estimator, you’re uniquely positioned within your company. You are one of the few who translate abstract figures and drawings into concrete numbers that will dictate the project’s blueprint. Embrace this role with pride and precision.
Takeoffs: A Treasure Hunt for Precision and Profit
Think of takeoffs less as a routine task and more as an adventurous treasure hunt. As estimators, you are navigating a sea of details and specifications. It’s your keen eye that spots the hidden gems and potential pitfalls.
When marking up plans for takeoff, always be on the lookout for two key opportunities:
- Maximizing Profit Margins: Identify areas where the specs call for high-cost materials where less expensive alternatives could suffice. These are your hidden treasures, opportunities to increase margins without compromising quality. Perhaps a project specification suggests a premium material where a standard one would do just as well. Recognizing and capitalizing on these instances can significantly enhance your bid’s competitiveness and profitability.
- Minimizing Errors: Just as important is your vigilance against potential errors. Mistakes in takeoff can erode margins just as quickly as they are built. Every measurement, every quantity needs to be double-checked. Think of each plan as a map that might have its share of misprints or tricky corners. Your job is to navigate these challenges without falling prey to costly errors.
Equipped with these insights, prepare for your handoff meeting with the project management team. This isn’t just about passing along your findings—it’s about delivering a map that leads directly to project success. Ensure that every line drawn and every number calculated carries the potential to enhance the project’s outcome and solidify the trust placed in your estimations.
Help your vendors get back to you ASAP
When preparing to request quotes from your vendors, break out subsets of documents tailored to each vendor’s needs. Use color coding on your markups to clarify exactly what you expect from each vendor. This not only simplifies their task but ensures you get precisely what you need without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Collaborate and Consult with Experts in the Field
Foster regular communication between the guys in the field or shop. Estimators are more likely to be manning a PC than a forklift, but technology can bridge the gap between the office and the site. Share documents frequently. Gut-check your assumptions, and let the team in the field help avoid a miscalculation or uncover an opportunity. Use technology to make sure you are collaborating with them as frequently as possible. There’s no need to be on site, to tap into their knowledge.
Document and be ready to defend your stance
Document your process and make sure your work is easy to share and reference. You can do your part to make handoff meetings run smoothly by choosing tools that make it easy to bring in collaborators. There’s a productive competitiveness between pre-construction and construction teams, where each team checks the other’s work but sometimes it can devolve to finger pointing. Back up your work, keep it organized and you’ll be ready to defend your position should you need to.
Continuously Refine Your Process
The world of construction is always evolving, and so should your estimating techniques. Stay curious and adaptable, always seeking new knowledge and tools that could enhance your accuracy and efficiency.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have these tips inspired you to refine your estimating practices? Maybe you’ve discovered a few tricks of your own on this treasure hunt. Share your experiences and let us know how ActiveDraft can better serve you as you seek out those game-changing parts of every bid.
