Before any
job can begin, there are routine steps which normally take place... over a period
of time.
These
steps are necessary in order to take your idea... your vision... and turn
it into a reality.
They usually
start with an introductory
conversation. Whether in person, or by telephone, I use this
conversation to try to accomplish several things...
a) To get a basic idea of what kind of a project you have in mind.
b)
Next, to inquire about your anticipated time frame. In other words,
"When were you thinking you would like the project to start?"
c)
Depending on the scope of work, sometimes plans or drawings are necessary, so
I'll inquire if they're available. Drawing plans can be very time
consuming, and needs to be considered when estimating the hours required to
prepare for the job, as well as to prepare for any permit requirements. In addition, it's often
impossible to accurately estimate a job without the proper drawings.
d)
Finally, to get an idea how much money you have budgeted for the
project. I need to know if you are being realistic in your expectations.
That last
question is usually the tricky one. Some folks have no idea. Others don't want to
share that information because they're afraid if the number is unusually
high, every contractor they talk to is going to generate a price to take
advantage of their expectation.
The truth
is... more often than not, their expectation is usually low...
...and
although I can only speak for myself, I promise any estimate I write will be based purely on the specifications agreed on by
you, the Owner, in
combination with the requirements to do the job right,
and according to building code requirements.
The next
step requires making an appointment, to do an on-site inspection and
measure. If drawings are available, this is the time to do an initial
review.
It's
during this appointment time I like to spend considerable time listening to you
describe your vision of how the finished product will look, listing any product
choices you may have already made to be included for estimating and pricing
purposes.
Once this
step is completed, the actual estimating process begins.
Now,
before I go any further, there is something I should probably
explain.
Right
about now, many prospective clients will ask how much the job will
cost...
...and
I'll usually tell them "I can't say for sure at this time".
Why?
For two
reasons.
Number 1 -
Even though I can probably give you a ball park estimate based on past
experience, too many people take that number and cling to it. If the final
estimate comes in at a higher cost, the typical reaction is..."but you said it
would cost..."
Right
away, this becomes a stumbling block that effects the level of trust and
credibility that we have already started to build between us.
Number
2 - Eran Building & Remodeling Co. has never done the same job twice. Every
job is different in some respect. All are basically custom jobs, done to
your specifications. Every house has different plumbing requirements, or
different electrical requirements, or something else that makes it unique.
EB&R doesn't do a production line type of
job where every move, and every piece of material is duplicated over and over
again. The cost factors aren't repetitive from job to job.
As a
result, the final, proposal price, based on that estimate, is going to depend on
the specific requirements of your specific job.
Sure it
might be similar to another job, but there are always some differences which
will affect pricing.
Now that
we've cleared that up, we can start the estimating.
Every
contractor has his or her own methods for estimating. Some are very
accurate and possibly time consuming to complete, and others, perhaps not.
I'm not
going to find benefit, or fault with anyone else's methods. We all have to
work in the manner we feel most comfortable, and hopefully, is the most accurate.
I'm
personally most comfortable with building the job on paper, figuring the
materials requirements as close as possible, pricing the products you've
specified where applicable, and relying on the trade affiliates, or specialty
suppliers I work with, to properly estimate their respective portions of the
job, all taking into consideration prior specifications, and of course code
requirements.
All of
this can take considerable time. Whether it's 4 to 5 hours, 30 to 40 hours, or
more, depending on the size and scope of required work.
After the
estimating is finally complete, the next step is to write the "written
proposal / contract".
Once
again, accurate information is important. Every step of the job needs to
be spelled out, and specifications need to be noted so there aren't any
questions regarding what's included in the stated price.
This, my
friend, is what I refer to as "The Estimating
Process".
I hope it
will give you just a little insight into what's involved in generating the
estimate that you want. The one that's necessary to write the "written proposal
or contract", for that job you're thinking about having done.
If you're
in the Portage County or Summit County, Ohio area, please give me a call at
(330) 678-5787. If you prefer, you can also reach me using the "Contact"
page on this site. Either way, I'd like to hear about your ideas for your
upcoming project.
