What Goes into Accurate Construction Cost Estimation?


A construction project is a collaborative task. From the on-site workers, to civil engineers and architects as well as the owners and financers — the small details are what make up this herculean activity.

However, even with all of these complexities, cost estimation and material takeoffs are essential. Without a budgeted estimation, you may find that your project is quickly being derailed with extra costs. That will cause your profit margin to fall, which is something nobody wants.

Here are some recommendations for getting a final cost estimate that’s accurate.

Updated and Comprehensive Software

Construction cost estimation software is essentially designed for estimators or contractors to create an accurate prediction of the total costs for any given project. This also includes material requirements such as lumber takeoff or structural steel estimating. 

Software can be material specific, task oriented or comprehensively created for complete calculations and reporting. Reliability, customization features, compliance and compatibility are just some considerations to make before choosing to use one software.

Estimation Sans Agenda

In cases where a bid is involved or there are some kind of high stakes associated with the final result of an estimation process — your cost estimation may not turn out to be entirely accurate.

If you’re collaborating with a commercial and residential project estimation service, you should let them do what they do best. Trying to emphasize the circumstances around the final cost will only create pressure to deliver what you want to hear, not what the reality is.

Financial and Legal Advice

Construction projects aren’t divorced from the reality of finance and law. Not only are building standards legally binding on contractors and developers, but a construction site also needs to be built with safety standards set out by OSHA.

Legal and finance experts can help advise on aspects of construction that will affect cost, but that need to be considered by the estimation service.

Collaboration and Communication


With any team project, communication is key. Construction estimation is complex, as it incorporates the blueprints drawn by an architect, approved by the financer and local authorities, and has to account for different price points of each kind of takeoff they perform.

All of these complex segments of a construction estimate mean that any slight change or obstacle in the plan need to be clearly communicated and discussed. Without an open space for that kind of back-and-forth, trying to get an accurate cost estimate is hard to accomplish.



The Right Takeoffs and Estimation Service

There’s no alternative to hiring an experienced commercial and residential project estimation service. What you need to avoid are estimation teams that don’t employ software and technology and ones that aren’t transparent about the specific costs that go into the larger estimated values.

Remote Estimation is a firm that offers reliable estimation and takeoff services that have experience providing estimates for contractors, subcontractors, owners, suppliers, architects, engineers and more.

With their software packages, on-screen visual presentation of the numbers and experience in various states all over the country, Remote Estimation provides an excellent model for reliable estimation services. Contact them at +1 (630) 999-6501 for a consultation!

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