Replies

1. 
   fmanello | Aug 30, 2002 07:47pm | #1

   What part of the country are you in? What type and size of project to you plan to take on.  I am an estimator for a general contractor specializing in high-end residential and light commercial.  I may be able to help you out in those areas.  Let me know if I can help.

1. 
   romeoraft | Aug 30, 2002 10:42pm | #3

   I am in the Bay area. Working mostly small remodel and renovation work. But I would like to work my way into custom homes. I have requests for the work but don't want to take too big a job too soon. Thanks for the offer!

1. 
   Beachbuilder | Aug 31, 2002 06:51am | #4

   You may find it helpful to purchase some contractors pricing guides such as those published by R.S. Means, or any of the others available. At least they help you to know if you're in the ballpark, but be forewarned that the "ballpark" can vary widely.

   Experience is the best teacher. Your crew(s) also matter, and that again is a learning experience. Time is what usually kills newer estimators, they don't allow enough in the bids. And don't make the mistake of not marking up materials, or at least allowing for the time it takes to chase parts and pieces, and charging for that time. Don't try to go by new construction guides for remodeling work. Think of taking an exterior door out and replacing it with a new unit as opposed to just hanging a new door in a new opening. You'll learn to add a bit for the unknown factors that you may encounter. Be sure to include wording in your contracts that makes all parties aware that your bid is based upon what you could see, and that conditions may exist that will alter the time and cost required to finish the project. Allow for a fair amount of waste. If something measures out at 320 sqft don't assume that 10 4x8 sheets are going to cover it. I have set up an Excel spreadsheet with prices of most commonly used materials, and I update it regularly. You need to have an accurate idea of what materials are going to cost, and remember to add for small items like fasteners and caulk, it all adds up.

   You'll get more and more comforable with experience. You'll also come up with a balance of crew talents that works for you and the work that you're doing. I use fewer general laborers to serve my carpenters than most, but it works well for me. Keep fairly detailed job breakdowns so you have evidence other than gut feelings of which craftsman does what the best and fastest. Competent estimating is extremely important, but so is management of human resources and time in general, and it all needs to work well together to achieve real success.

   One last bit of advice, never try to justify a bid.

1. 
   romeoraft | Aug 31, 2002 09:11pm | #5

   Thanks for that reply. I am in the process of taking a class on estimating and have many friends in the field. But it seems that when it gets down to me doing the actual estimate, my confidence level drops through the floor. As far as developing and excellent crew, well that will be another topic for dicussion. I am always interested in how good contractors find great carpenters.

   thanks again

1. 
   Piffin | Aug 31, 2002 09:21pm | #6

   On that Q it comes down to "Be the kind of builder yopu would want to work for" or apply the golden ruleExcellence is its own reward!

2. 
   romeoraft | Aug 31, 2002 09:41pm | #7

   I would like to be the kind of builder thats gets articles published in FHB!!!

3. 
   nigelUsa | Sep 01, 2002 01:50am | #8

   The "off the roof back flip" lowered the standard, so don't be hard on your self!

4. 
   romeoraft | Sep 01, 2002 02:36am | #9

   I wonder if he qualifies for workers comp if the flip don't work out so well?

5. 
   Piffin | Sep 01, 2002 06:18pm | #10

   It qulifies him to flip pages in his overdrawn bank acount...Excellence is its own reward!

6. 
   nigelUsa | Sep 01, 2002 08:11pm | #11

   Had it been on my job, I would have fired his #### in an instant! But I'm sure he has done other dumb stuff before and would have been canned way before this.

2. 
   BossHog | Aug 30, 2002 08:14pm | #2

   Have you tried searching the archives here? Estimating has been discussed, argued, and beaten to death many, many times here. There's probably a wealth of information there, but it takes some time to dig up.

   Here's to our wives and girlfriends.
   May they never meet!