You need to check that the Building Estimator that you are employing has experience in the field of estimating that you want assistance with. The current building market seen a lot of out of work estimators start up estimating businesses because they can get work as an estimator. Think about that for a minute, if nobody else will employ them as a building estimator you should seriously consider if you should as well.
Here are Some Key Questions to ask:
- What Estimating Software Do You Use ?
If the answer is I have my own system or I just use excel you need to seriously reconsider using this estimator. Professional Building Estimators use Professional Building Estimating Software such as Databuild or Buildsoft. We personally prefer to use Databuild.
- Do You Provide a Full Bill of Quantities ?
If the answer is no we use budgets or something like “we can save you money doing budgets in excel” or you dont need a full bill of quantities then be careful. Professional Building Estimators will provide a fully priced bill of quantities detailing every nut and bolt and all labour broken down into a format that a builder would use to purchase the materials and subcontract the labour.
Check out our example estimates here – https://www.speedyestimating.com.au/example
- Where do you get your price list from ?
This is an important question, You need to be sure the Building Estimator is actively sourcing their own pricing and getting feedback from their clients.
- Do You Own a Rawlinsons Construction Guide.
This is an important question to ask, anybody who is serious about estimating will own a recent Rawlinsons Handbook.
- Do you hold a builders licence
Another good test to determine the level of experience and understanding of onsite issues. The director of Speedy Systems holds a current builders licence and builds a number of speculative homes each year.