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Estimating


How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Construction Estimating

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Construction Estimating

Posted: July 21, 2023 | Estimating

Construction estimating is a crucial process that involves predicting the total cost of a construction project. It’s important to get it right, as inaccurate estimates can result in project delays, cost overruns, and even legal disputes. Unfortunately, there are several common pitfalls that construction estimators can fall into, which can lead to inaccurate cost predictions. 

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Defining Construction Cost Estimating Today

Defining Construction Cost Estimating Today

Posted: June 26, 2023 | Estimating

The Oxford English Dictionary defines estimating as “roughly calculating or judging the value, number, quantity, or extent of.” A judgment about future costs is necessary so we can make decisions throughout the construction process. We call this construction cost estimating. Budgetary estimates are generally qualified as opinions of probable cost; until then, an estimate is merely a judgment or opinion.

A better definition of construction cost estimating can be explained by the estimating process itself. Second to actually building the project to arrive at a real cost is to mentally build it before it is built. Estimating a project price is not calculator and unit price cost data (these are tools), but much more — the process.

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Evolving Estimating Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Era

Evolving Estimating Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Era

Posted: March 3, 2023 | Estimating

In early 2020, as the COVID 19 pandemic erased any concept of normalcy on every continent, in every country, and in every kind of business and profession, the world wondered what normalcy would look like on the other side of the pandemic. This was certainly true in the design and construction industries, as architects, engineers, contractors, planners, estimators, and construction managers were left to wonder. Projects were halted, workforces diminished, and supply chains were interrupted — if not broken completely. Those of us in these fields watched with uncertainty where things would land one day when mankind had the upper hand on the dreaded Coronavirus.

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Innovative Ways to Bid Highly Confidential Projects

Innovative Ways to Bid Highly Confidential Projects

Posted: August 12, 2022 | Estimating

Imagine a project so highly confidential that you need to limit the number of subcontractors viewing the project, while still satisfying the owner’s desire to obtain at least three solid bids per trade. You also need to bid the project in Phases, 75% CD Bid Set, and then 100% CD Bid Set. The following is an example of such a dilemma that one of our general contractor customers had last month. They not only succeeded in the above requirements, but they did so with less extra effort than a standard project.

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Just Trust Me

Just Trust Me

Posted: July 8, 2022 | Estimating

For construction contractors and the owner representatives that work with them this discussion of trust is very relevant. This is particularly true in the current crazy marketplace of materials inflation, worker shortages and supply chain challenges. The team construction efforts that have a strong partnering component thrive when founded in trust. When the trust fades so do the business relationships

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