The construction estimating process.
From client enquiry to priced submission, a structured estimating process helps ensure nothing is missed. This guide covers the key stages and what to prepare at each step.
Articles in this guide
A complete 14-step estimating workflow covering drawing intake, scope breakdowns, quantity take-offs, labor build-ups, material pricing, preliminaries, missing information, and audit revisions.
Information needed before estimating
Essential client inputs, drawings, specifications, and site information required.
How to read construction drawings
Interpreting scales, plans, elevations, sections, and structural details.
Drawing register & revision control
Tracking issue dates, revision letters, and scope changes.
Scope of works breakdown
Structuring trade packages and work breakdown structures (WBS).
Taking off construction quantities
Rules of measurement, dimension sheets, and deduction calculations.
Measurement units and rounding
Standard UK units (m, m², m³, kg, nr, item) and rounding rules.
Building up labour rates
Hourly rates, NI, pension, holiday pay, and effective cost per hour.
Labour productivity and gang rates
Outputs per day, gang composition, and site productivity factors.
Material pricing, waste & pack sizes
Supplier quotes, waste percentages, delivery charges, and minimum order quantities.
Plant, tools and equipment allowances
Hire rates, fuel, transport, consumable tools, and standing time.
Subcontractor quotation comparison
Comparing scopes, exclusions, attendances, and rate normalization.
Preliminaries and site overheads
Scaffolding, skips, welfare, insurance, supervision, and site setup costs.
Missing information & provisional allowances
Handling unconfirmed design details, provisional sums, and assumptions.
Estimate revisions & version control
Tracking estimate iterations, price changes, and client decision audit trails.
Free tools for your process
Use the Construction Estimator to build a detailed estimate from quantities, or the Simple Works Estimator for smaller projects.