TAKEOFFS & ESTIMATING

We work with small, medium and large businesses, in all trades, right across Australia.

Whether you’re looking to exclusively outsource your estimating or simply manage overflow, TCA can ease the pressure to help you win more profitable work.

We can provide take offs, full estimates or even submit tenders on your behalf.

Builders

Builder – Residential

Builder – Commercial

Subcontractors

Balustrades

Blinds & Curtains

Blockwork & Brickwork

Carpentry

Ceilings & Partitions

Civil

Cladding

Concrete

Demolition

Electrical

Flooring

Formwork

Glazing

Joinery

Landscaping

Mechanical / HVAC

Metalwork

Painting

Plumbing

Precast Concrete

Rendering

Roller Doors/Shutters

Roofing

Structural Steel

Tiling

Waterproofing

Make Use of Estimating in Australia for Accurate Quoting

We offer accurate estimating for all kinds of construction and renovation projects. The size of the project is not essential, which means that all contractors now have access to reliable estimating in Australia. We also understand that many small builders and other related occupations may be unfamiliar with the benefits of engaging an estimator for local projects. We will expand on the four stages of project estimation and how you will subsequently reap the benefits of accurate quoting.

Stage 1: Gathering of Information

This stage is, in many ways, the most crucial step in the whole estimation services process and lays the foundation for an accurate estimate of the total cost of a project. Any neglect here will probably result in severe cost overruns during the construction phase and detrimental penalties. It is essential that the estimator establishes good communication with all the parties involved and can see the broader picture of the project.

The estimator works closely with the architect and the client to understand the intended scope and purpose of the project. It usually begins with a thorough perusal of the architectural and engineering drawings. Afterwards, there will be meetings with the relevant construction professionals to ensure they are on the same page as the estimator.
A site inspection ensures that the estimator can assess all the project’s environmental considerations, including compliance with environmental impact assessments, prevailing weather conditions, material storage and vehicle access requirements, and site security. Estimating in Perth may address overlooked factors, but in fact, contribute to the expense for the building contractor and must be factored into the overall costing estimate.
The project’s time frame is broadly determined, as well as any external factors that might delay the completion of the project. These factors include predictable seasonal rain, the possibility of archaeological finds, and relocating protected species before construction can continue.

Stage 2: Material Take-off

In many ways, this is the real essence of the estimation process, and it builds on the sound foundation laid during the first stage of the process. Therefore, it is evident that any neglect there will have compounded repercussions almost immediately for this stage of estimating in Sydney.

The estimator uses the detailed study of the building plans, site analysis and documented legal requirements to compile a list of all the material required for the project. Even for a simple task like a home renovation, this list will quickly grow to contain massive amounts of information. Anything that is used but not listed is not quoted for and equates to a loss for the contractor, and it can quickly happen with “negligible” items like sealants and pipe clamps.
The take-off must also include the expenses for cleaning and clearing the work site during and after completion of the job. It may not be possible to accurately calculate this cost, as the generation of debris is often beyond the control of the contractor and sub-contractors. Therefore, the objective of estimating in Brisbane is to formulate a reasonable cost based on all non-permanent earthworks done, structures erected, and the usual amount of wastage generated in the construction industry by skilled workers.
Time again plays a vital role in this stage. At this point, we convert the time issues identified in stage one into a monetary value. The availability of material from various suppliers are looked at, as sometimes it is necessary to accept a higher price by a supplier who has guaranteed stock than a lower price by another supplier who may or may not have stock at the time of the project.

Stage 3: Labour Requirements and Bid Analysis

The cost of the material has been calculated, including how much it will cost to deliver everything to the site and safely store it. The next stage entails figuring out how much the labour to turn the material into the outcome desired by the client, and the architect will cost. It is not an easy task and often involves careful negotiation with sub-contractors.

Often the primary contractor does not possess the skills necessary for certain aspects of the projects and must then sub-contract the work. These workers must understand the importance of the job and the time frame for successful completion. Any problems will have a knock-on effect and raise the cost of the project. Budgeting for possible events is an important consideration by the project estimator.
Understanding relevant local and national legislation relating to labour in the construction industry is key to accurate costing of the labour requirements for a project. The cost of possible overtime or additional workers to bring a stalled project back on time is a critical calculation of estimating in Melbourne to ensure the profitable outcome of the project.
The objective of the project for the building contractor is a monetary profit. The estimator uses the knowledge gained through years in the business to calculate a realistic profit margin for the contractor while at the same time ensuring the bid or quote is competitive and that the architect and client will choose to go with you.

Stage 4: Compile and Track

Stage 4 is the final stage in the whole process of accurately estimating the cost of any large or small construction project. Here we compile all the information gathered in the previous three stages into a comprehensive report. This detailed cost analysis not only forms the basis of any bid or quote but is often submitted verbatim, especially for governmental work, which dictates complete transparency.

It is often required of the estimator to compile the actual quote or bid document. This entails the additional creation of in-depth presentations with written reasons on the careful selection of materials or sub-contractors, especially where different options are available.
The job of the estimator is not over once the bid or quote is accepted. Now it becomes necessary for the estimator to stand firmly behind the numbers and for the project’s duration to ensure that it stays on budget. Should something happen that the estimator did not foresee, then adjustments must be made and the reasons for these unexpected expenses explained by the estimator in Brisbane.

TCA Estimating provides accurate material take-off and estimating calculations and reports for small and large projects. Our quoting services place competitive bidding in the hands of all building contractors and contribute to your company’s growth.