Construction contractors rely on accurate estimates to not only determine costs, but to win more jobs for their business. In fact, it ensures that projects run smoothly and stay within budget. Unfortunately, many contractors don’t understand how to estimate construction jobs accurately and efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll break down the estimating process step-by-step. From key details to pricing, leave no stone unturned when putting together an estimate. And with new technology, you can streamline the entire process.
What are Construction Estimates?
Creating a construction estimate is the process of assessing and calculating a project’s costs. This includes both direct and indirect costs, such as materials, labor, and any other expenses that might arise.
In general, the estimate serves as a financial blueprint for the project. It helps you prepare your budget for the job and helps the customer determine if your business is the right fit for their needs.
Construction estimates are vital during the sales process. They help customers understand the financial scope of their projects. Moreover, accurate estimates build trust between contractors and customers. They also prevent misunderstandings about costs and project scope.
Estimates provide a clear picture of the project. They outline all necessary resources and their associated costs. This helps in planning and resource allocation. Additionally, it ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.
It’s important to understand how to estimate construction jobs for profitability. By predicting costs accurately, contractors can avoid underbidding. Underbidding often leads to financial losses. Conversely, overbidding can make contractors lose out on work to competitors.
It’s clear that estimates are essential for any construction business, big or small. Specifically, they serve as a roadmap for project execution. They also play a key role in customer communication and financial planning.
Key Details to Include in a Construction Estimate
For every estimate, there are key line items that you must include. These items provide the full scope of the work, from the materials needed to subcontractors, equipment, and the overall timeline.
For example, the key details to include in a construction estimate are:
- Branding and Contact Information: Include your company branding and contact information to provide clarity to the customer.
- Materials: List all required materials for the job with quantities for each item. Ensure you have up-to-date pricing from suppliers and factor in price fluctuations to prevent budget overruns.
- Labor Costs: Determine the number of workers needed for the job and estimate the number of hours for each task. Include wages or salaries and consider additional costs such as benefits and insurance.
- Equipment and Tools: Identify all necessary equipment and associated costs, such as rental rates, maintenance, and transportation costs.
- Subcontractor Fees: Identify tasks that require subcontractor work and include these fees in the estimate.
- Overhead and Profit Margins: Overhead costs include office expenses, utilities, and administrative costs. Calculate your total overhead costs and determine a reasonable profit margin. Add these to your total project cost.
- Project Timeline: Considering the scope of the project, outline a projected timeline that includes contingency plans based on potential delays.
As you can see, estimates ensure that your business stays sustainable. That’s why it’s so critical to have a professional team that knows how to estimate construction jobs with confidence.
It’s also important to consider that construction projects often encounter unexpected issues. Contingency funds help manage these unforeseen costs.
Make sure to assess the project’s risk level. Therefore, you can allocate a percentage of the total cost as contingency funds. Never forget to include this in your estimate.
How to Estimate Construction Jobs with Software
Sales software can greatly enhance the accuracy of your estimates. In addition, you can quickly turn your estimates into proposals in just a few clicks to save time and prevent errors. This can lead to a signed contract faster than ever before.
- Automation: Sales software automates pricing calculations. This reduces human error and saves time for your estimator.
- Supplier Integrations: Many sales software solutions integrate with supplier databases. This ensures that your material prices are up to date. You can also order materials directly through the software and track your shipments.
- Customization: You can customize templates to fit specific project needs. This ensures that all relevant details are covered during the process.
- Efficiency: Sales software speeds up the estimating process. This allows you to focus on selling the job with quick and accurate estimates.
Generating precise estimates is one of the many benefits of sales software. Furthermore, you can manage your leads, automate tasks, collaborate with subcontractors, and manage every step of every project.
The benefits and features continue to maximize the operations of construction companies across the nation. However, it all starts with great documentation and accurate estimates. So, let’s learn how to estimate construction jobs from one step to the next!
8 Steps to Create Accurate Construction Estimates
Every construction company goes about their sales and estimating process a bit differently. However, there are many key steps that everyone must consider. From materials and labor to equipment and subcontractors, you don’t want to forget important elements that have a direct impact on the job.
With that said, let’s dive into the eight most important steps to cover when creating a construction estimate. Therefore, you can streamline your process to prevent errors and win more jobs.
1. Input Project Details
Start by entering all relevant project details. This includes the project name, location, and customer information. Accurate project details ensure that the estimate is tailored to the specific job.
You also want to include your branding and contact information, traditionally at the top of the estimate. This provides brand awareness and clear contact information for key stakeholders.
2. List Required Materials
Input a detailed list of the required materials for the job. The more detail the better, such as specific product names, quantities of each material, and current prices.
First and foremost, this helps to build trust with the customer. Additionally, it gives your production crews clarity of the materials needed for the job.
3. Estimate Labor Costs
Enter the number of workers necessary for the job and pay rates for the labor. And don’t forget to include the estimated number of hours for each task.
This will become a factor in the project timeline down the line. Moreover, it gives the customer a clearer picture of the scope of the work.
4. Add Equipment and Tools
List all necessary equipment and tools. Some you may already have at your disposal, while others you may need to purchase, upgrade, or rent.
Include rental or purchase costs, as well as maintenance and transportation fees. Ensure that all equipment-related expenses are covered before the job begins. Without the right tools, you’re likely to face common construction issues and delays that cut into your margins.
5. Include Subcontractor Fees
Many, if not most, construction jobs require subcontractor work. Therefore, input any subcontractor needs and fees.
Obtain quotes from potential subcontractors, or those you regularly work with, and include these in your estimate. Ensure that all subcontractor-related costs are accounted for in the estimate.
6. Calculate Overhead and Profit Margins
Enter your overhead costs and desired profit margins. With the right software, you can automatically add these to your total project cost.
This ensures that your business remains profitable for each project. It protects your business and creates a sustainable culture that leads to more success down the road.
7. Add Contingency Funds
You also need to prepare for unexpected expenses in a construction job. As a result, allocate a percentage of the total cost as contingency funds.
You want your estimate to be realistic. This will prevent surprises in the timeline and unexpected costs for your business. As we all know, no project goes 100% according to plan.
8. Review and Finalize
Always review the estimate for accuracy before submitting your proposal to the customer. Ensure that all details are correct, and nothing is omitted.
Finalize the estimate and prepare it for presentation. This is another area where software can make all the difference. CRM solutions can turn your estimates into professional and modern proposals that resonate with customers in today’s market.
Streamline Your Estimating Process with Leap SalesPro
Leap SalesPro is an in-home sales software designed for contractors to streamline their documentation and sales process. From estimates and contracts to financing and payments, Leap SalesPro is user-friendly and packed with features that enhance efficiency.
With advanced estimating tools and templates, you can automate calculations and reduce human error. Leap SalesPro also provides partner integrations with industry leading suppliers to ensure you can order materials on time and on budget.
With customizable templates, you can tailor these templates to fit specific project needs and quickly turn them into proposals. The software converts estimates into professional proposals with ease. This speeds up the sales process and impresses customers.
Once your proposal is approved and the job is won, you can generate contracts fast and collect digital signatures. This ensures a smooth transition from estimation to project execution.
Lastly, Leap SalesPro gives you a level of accuracy unlike any other in-home sales app. Manage your appointments and present your services in a modern and professional manner. And better yet, you can access Leap SalesPro on the go, whether you’re in the office, in the field, or at home. It’s the best solution for construction contractors, whether you’re a national franchise or a small business.
Win More Construction Jobs with Leap
Leap is the total package for construction contractors looking to maximize their sales operations and widen their margins. For contractors, speed, accuracy, and efficiency are the names of the game. And Leap does the heavy lifting for you to bring every project together in one, easy-to-use application.
Leap also prides itself in partnering with many of the industry’s leading integrations to provide further value to your tech stack. From imaging technology and measurement tools to suppliers and manufacturers, Leap’s partners can transform the way you do business and push your profits forward.
You now have a comprehensive overview of how to estimate construction jobs to drive success and profitability. Now, it’s time to put these insights into practice and enhance your business’s efficiency and customer satisfaction. Fill out the form below and schedule a quick demo to learn how Leap SalesPro can elevate your construction business!
