The Importance of Accurate Construction Estimates for Your Job Site

5 Elements of Construction Estimates

As with any type of estimate, a construction estimate must take into account the specific needs of the project at hand. Several elements must be considered when putting together a construction estimate, including:

1. The scope of work: This refers to the overall size and scope of the project, as well as any special considerations that need to be taken into account.
2. The schedule: This includes the timeline for the project, as well as any milestones that need to be met. Making sure project management is a part of your process is very important. 
3. The budget and direct cost: This is perhaps the most important element of the project estimate, as it will determine how much money needs to be set aside for the cost of construction.
4. The risks: There are always risks associated with any construction project, and these need to be taken into account when estimating the costs.
5. The resources: This includes both the materials construction professionals will need for the project, as well as the labor required to complete it.

By taking all of these elements into account, you can be sure that your construction estimate is as accurate as possible.

Why it’s Crucial to Prepare Accurate Construction Estimates

Taking the time to prepare thorough and accurate cost estimates is  critical. Estimates involve a number of variables and aren’t easy to calculate. The process can be complicated and time-consuming.

However, taking the time to prepare a thorough and accurate estimate is critical. An estimate that is too high will make your bid less competitive, while estimating too low can take a toll on your profits and the growth of your business.

5 Common Errors in the Construction Industry

There are many common errors that can occur in the construction industry, such as:

1. There are many common errors that can occur in the construction industry, such as:

• Topography, and whether grading or drainage is an issue
• The design phase and the integration of design development of the project
• Whether existing structures have to be demolished or removed from the premises
• Proximity to supply centers and sources of labor
• Access to the site, and whether the roads/access routes can handle heavy vehicle traffic

2. Overlooking less-obvious costs: Indirect costs and overhead costs like permits, cost of database, unit cost, change orders, and inspection fees are frequently left out of estimates, and these can add up to thousands of dollars. There are also less-obvious project costs like material costs for  temporary power, dumpsters, and site prep. Even forgetting to add tax to your materials estimate can cost you plenty. Your best bet to avoid commonly overlooked costs is a good construction checklist and detailed plans and specifications. These are available as paper forms, but mobile apps make construction estimating more accurate and efficient. Some mobile job estimators, for instance, will do the math for you, so you don’t have to tally countless rows of services and materials — and risk leaving off something important. And unlike complicated estimating tools that you have to purchase and install on your computer, apps are much less expensive and easier to get up and running, and ideal for reluctant and savvy technology users alike.
3. Job site surprises: Even if you visit the project site beforehand, some surprises are bound to crop up. Sometimes water or insect damage or structural issues aren’t apparent until you’ve started the job. While there’s no way to totally avoid these unwelcome surprises, your construction bid should include both the probable scope of work as well as a reasonable pricing structure for the unknown portions — for example: X dollars for each linear foot of floor joist that needs replacement, or X dollars to install a sump pump if conditions require one. The idea is to list specific prices for specific conditions rather than having an open-ended time-and-materials contract.
4. Underestimating labor costs: Labor rates are one of the most difficult costs to estimate. For one thing, you need to consider not only how many labor hours and workers the job requires, but also the workers’ experience and whether subcontractors or other construction management will be needed. And, since hourly rates for construction workers vary throughout the country, you’ll need to verify current wage rates and fringe benefits for the building trades involved through local union offices, other contractors, supply yards, and other reliable sources. Don’t forget to include possible overtime rates.
5. Not checking your numbers: Even if you’re sure you’ve got the right rates, measurements, taxes, etc., you should check and double-check your numbers before submitting your estimate. Common mistakes in this area include:

• Math errors. Again, mobile construction apps can lower your risk of making a mistake. At the very least, use a calculator or have the calculations checked by another person.
• Measurement errors. Taking the wrong measurements and dimensions from plans, drawings, and specs results in corresponding mistakes in the cost of materials. Consider using an app to calculate measurements, and have another person check your work.
• Using incorrect units of measure (for example, square feet instead of square yards) can result in substantial cost increases or decreases.

Enhance Your Construction Estimates with GoCanvas

Technologies like mobile construction apps can assist in the construction cost estimating process by tracking the description of work and doing the calculations for you, among other things. GoCanvas can help propel your construction business with the help of our mobile tools.