6 Things to Be Aware of When You Get Estimates for a Building Job
Admin • October 2, 2018
Getting an estimate is an important step in the process of having a building constructed for your company. The more you know about what construction estimates entail, the less likely you will be to deal with inefficiencies and frustrations as your project progresses.
Know what to expect from and how to prepare for construction estimates. The following are six things you should be aware of when you get estimates for a building job.
1. Dealing With the Consequences of Inexact Plans
You should have a completed plan for the proposed structure drawn out before construction companies calculate an estimate to maximize the accuracy of any estimates you get. Merely having a basic drawing of the envisioned structure is likely to create problems and compromise estimate accuracy.
Without a precise plan, you may end up making cumbersome and costly changes to the structure during its construction. You also may have trouble staying on schedule.
Ideally, you should settle on a detailed plan with all the dimensions and measurements determined before you get estimates. This will make things easier for both you and your contractor.
2. Calculating Material Costs
Your building plans should clearly indicate what materials you want to use for each building component. Purchasing your building materials will account for one of the greatest expenses of your project.
Your plans should detail what materials each building component will be made from. You need to analyze your material options before seeking your estimate and decide upon the most cost-effective materials for your walls, roof, flooring, and other building components.
3. Covering the Cost of Labor
Labor costs are also going to be one of the most significant costs of your building project. Your contractor might have to hire out for specialty labor or artisans in addition to using laborers already on your contractor's regular staff.
You should discuss which labor tasks, if any, your contractor will subcontract out. Any work that your contractor needs to hire a subcontractor for may increase the expense of your project.
4. Being Aware of Equipment Needs
Your contractor may need to rent equipment to handle the job and will definitely need to power and maintain equipment as the job goes on.
You will, therefore, want to discuss equipment needs of the project with contractors who present estimates to you. You also want to try to work with a contractor who owns a wide range of equipment to minimize equipment rental costs.
5. Figuring Out Additional Service Costs
In addition to the cost of construction, your contractor will also account for other non-construction costs as part of your project in estimates.
You are probably going to need to acquire certain building permits so that the building does not violate any building codes or municipality rules. You also may need to account for other costs like shipping, storage, and utility costs for a comprehensive cost estimate.
6. Dealing With the Unknown
No matter how much precision and research you and your contractor put into your estimate, you will always have to deal with some uncertainty. One of the most common factors that could delay your schedule or increase costs is inclement weather events. Bad weather can complicate construction or even damage existing construction before the project is complete.
Getting an accurate estimate is important for staying on budget to complete your project. Discuss any potential hazards and cost increases to minimize the potential for expensive surprises down the road.
If you want an estimate on a construction job for your company, contact us today at United Constructors of Texas
to inquire about the building services we provide.
If you're going into the coffee shop business, or you want to remodel your current café to attract more customers, consider the following design trends.
If you are considering an office renovation, there are some special considerations to think about. Read this blog to learn more about these considerations.
To help you know when your older facilities are no longer adequate, consider these four indicators that the time has come to find your company a new home.
As you design your restaurant's layout, you will likely encounter many challenges. How can you over come them? Discover five you'll likely have to deal with.
Before you plan your window display or even order your product, you need to plan a retail store layout. Find tips for a successful layout in this article.
If you plan on converting a building into a day spa business, you need to consider some spa essentials. Read this blog for tips for your modifications.
Are you presented with a blank slate for your new office layout? A large, open space to design for yourself is both a wonderful gift and a great responsibility. How will you create a space that works for employees and others while building the right office experience? While many companies focus on the practicalities of cubicle or desk layout, space per person, and where to put the large equipment, you would do well to take some time to plan how you will use the layout to support your company's brand and personality. How can you do this? Follow these steps to success.
Make a great first impression with your restaurant design. Learn three surprising areas in your restaurant for promoting your brand.
Remodeling your business location is complicated. How can you make the best choice as to the timing? Use these five factors in deciding.
The first impression of your medical practice that most people have is from the waiting area. How can you make the best space so that your patients are more comfortable, confident, and relaxed? Here are five design tips.
