The Advantages of Choosing a Smaller Building Contractor for Your Project

Introduction

When it comes to embarking on a construction project, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right contractor. While larger firms may seem like the obvious choice, there are significant benefits to considering smaller building contractors for your project. In this article, we'll explore the advantages that come with opting for a smaller, more personalized approach to construction.

Personalized Attention

Smaller building contractors often handle fewer projects simultaneously, allowing them to devote more time and attention to each individual client. This means that your project won't be lost in a sea of others, and you'll receive a higher level of personalized service. Communication is typically more direct and responsive, ensuring that your specific needs and concerns are addressed promptly.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Smaller contractors tend to be more agile and flexible in responding to changes or unexpected developments during the construction process. They have the ability to adjust quickly to evolving project requirements, making them better equipped to handle unforeseen challenges without causing significant delays or disruptions.

Local Knowledge and Relationships

Smaller contractors often have deep roots within their local communities. This can be a valuable asset, as they may have established relationships with local suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities. This network can lead to smoother procurement processes, potentially lower costs, and a better understanding of local building codes and regulations.

Cost-Efficiency

While it may be tempting to assume that larger firms benefit from economies of scale, smaller contractors often have lower overhead costs. This can translate into more competitive pricing for their services. Additionally, their ability to adapt and find creative solutions can result in cost savings throughout the project's lifespan.

Attention to Detail

Smaller building contractors are often characterized by a hands-on, detail-oriented approach to their work. With fewer projects on their plate, they can afford to pay closer attention to the finer points of construction. This meticulousness can lead to a higher quality finished product that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Stronger Sense of Ownership

With smaller firms, the individuals overseeing your project are often the same ones responsible for its success. This sense of ownership and accountability can lead to a higher level of dedication and commitment to delivering a top-notch outcome. You're more likely to have direct access to decision-makers who are personally invested in the project's success.

Cultivated Expertise

Smaller contractors often specialize in specific types of projects or niches within the construction industry. This means they may have honed their expertise in particular areas, offering a level of specialization that can be advantageous for projects with unique or specialized requirements.

Conclusion

While larger building contractors certainly have their merits, it's essential not to overlook the numerous benefits that come with opting for a smaller, more personalized approach. From tailored attention to cost-efficiency and local expertise, smaller contractors can offer a distinct advantage in ensuring your construction project is a success. When selecting a contractor, be sure to consider the specific needs and dynamics of your project to determine which approach is the best fit.

What does a building consultant contribute during your project?

 A building consultant offers valuable expertise and guidance throughout various stages of a construction project. Their role is to provide professional advice and assistance to help ensure that the project runs smoothly, efficiently, and meets all relevant regulations and standards. Here are some of the key services and benefits that a building consultant can offer to your project:

Site Evaluation and Selection: Building consultants can help you assess potential building sites, considering factors like accessibility, zoning regulations, environmental impact, and suitability for your specific needs.

Feasibility Studies: They can conduct feasibility studies to analyze the viability of a project, taking into account factors such as budget constraints, timelines, and potential challenges.

Regulatory Compliance: Building consultants are well-versed in local building codes, zoning regulations, and other legal requirements. They can ensure that your project complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

Design and Planning Assistance: They can work with architects and designers to develop a project plan that aligns with your objectives, budget, and timeline.

Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Building consultants can provide accurate cost estimates for the entire project, including materials, labor, permits, and other expenses. This helps you establish a realistic budget and manage costs effectively.

Contractor Selection and Management: They can assist in the selection of contractors, subcontractors, and other professionals involved in the project. They can also oversee the construction process to ensure quality and adherence to the project plan.

Risk Management: Building consultants can identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. This can include strategies for dealing with unforeseen challenges that may arise during construction.

Quality Assurance and Inspections: They can conduct regular inspections to ensure that construction work meets the required quality standards and specifications.

Project Documentation and Reporting: Building consultants maintain detailed records of the project's progress, expenses, and any changes made along the way. This documentation is crucial for transparency and accountability.

Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: In the event of unexpected issues or setbacks, a building consultant can use their expertise to find practical solutions and keep the project on track.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: They can advise on sustainable building practices and energy-efficient design elements, helping you reduce environmental impact and potentially save on long-term operating costs.

Project Closeout and Handover: Building consultants can assist in the final stages of the project, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed, inspections are passed, and the project is handed over to the client smoothly.

Overall, a building consultant plays a crucial role in facilitating the successful completion of a construction project by providing specialized knowledge, experience, and oversight. Their involvement can help minimize risks, control costs, and ensure that the final result meets your expectations and complies with all relevant standards and regulations.

What are the benefits of using a building consultant?

 Building or renovating a property can be a complex and daunting task. From design and planning to construction and compliance with local regulations, there are numerous elements to consider. This is where a building consultant can be invaluable. A building consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and guidance throughout the entire process of a construction project. In this article, we'll explore the many benefits of using a building consultant.

1. Expertise and Knowledge

Building consultants are typically highly trained professionals with extensive knowledge of the construction industry. They are familiar with building codes, regulations, and industry best practices. This expertise can be instrumental in ensuring that your project meets all legal requirements and is built to the highest standards of quality.

2. Cost-Efficiency

While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a building consultant can actually save you money in the long run. They can help you make informed decisions about design, materials, and construction methods, which can lead to cost savings. Additionally, their knowledge of the market and industry can help you identify cost-effective solutions and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Project Management

A building consultant can act as a project manager, overseeing every aspect of the construction process. They can help you select and manage contractors, coordinate schedules, and ensure that the project stays on track and within budget. This can alleviate a significant amount of stress and responsibility from the property owner.

4. Design and Planning Assistance

From conceptualizing the initial design to creating detailed plans, a building consultant can provide valuable input and advice. They can help you optimize the layout, select appropriate materials, and ensure that the design aligns with your vision and objectives.

5. Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the maze of building codes, permits, and regulations can be overwhelming for a property owner. A building consultant is well-versed in local building codes and regulations, ensuring that your project complies with all necessary requirements. This can prevent costly delays and potential legal issues down the line.

6. Quality Control

One of the primary roles of a building consultant is to monitor the construction process to ensure that it meets the highest standards of quality. They can conduct regular inspections, identify any issues or deviations from the plans, and work with the contractors to rectify them promptly.

7. Risk Mitigation

Construction projects inherently come with risks, ranging from design flaws to unforeseen site conditions. A building consultant can help identify and mitigate these risks, reducing the likelihood of costly setbacks or disputes.

8. Time Savings

A building consultant can help streamline the construction process, potentially saving a significant amount of time. Their expertise in project management, knowledge of efficient construction methods, and ability to troubleshoot issues can all contribute to a more streamlined and timely completion of your project.

In conclusion, hiring a building consultant can be a wise investment for any construction project. Their expertise, industry knowledge, and ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes can help ensure that your project is completed efficiently, to the highest quality standards, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. If you're embarking on a construction project, consider enlisting the services of a building consultant to maximize your chances of success.

Effective Home Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide to Preserving Your Home's Value

 Introduction:

A well-maintained home not only provides comfort and security but also retains its value over time. Implementing effective home maintenance practices is crucial for ensuring that your property remains in excellent condition and minimizes the risk of costly repairs down the line. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of home maintenance and provide valuable tips to help you preserve your home's value. From regular inspections to preventive measures, we'll cover it all.

I. The Importance of Home Maintenance

A. Enhancing home value and curb appeal

B. Preventing costly repairs and extending the lifespan of your home

C. Ensuring a safe and healthy living environment

II. Establishing a Home Maintenance Schedule

A. Creating a maintenance checklist

B. Identifying seasonal tasks

C. Utilizing technology and apps for reminders

III. Exterior Maintenance

A. Roof and gutter maintenance

B. Inspecting and maintaining siding and exterior walls

C. Landscaping and yard maintenance

D. Pool and deck maintenance

IV. Interior Maintenance

A. HVAC system maintenance

B. Plumbing and water system checks

C. Electrical system maintenance

D. Ensuring optimal insulation and energy efficiency

E. Regular cleaning and organizing tips

V. Structural Maintenance

A. Inspecting foundation and basement

B. Monitoring and addressing cracks and leaks

C. Checking and maintaining windows and doors

D. Attic maintenance and insulation

VI. Preventive Measures for Common Issues

A. Pest control and prevention

B. Mold and moisture prevention

C. Fire safety measures

D. Regular maintenance of appliances and equipment

VII. Financial Planning for Home Maintenance

A. Budgeting for routine maintenance

B. Setting up an emergency fund for unexpected repairs

C. Evaluating insurance coverage options

VIII. DIY vs. Professional Assistance

A. Assessing your skills and capabilities

B. Knowing when to hire professionals

C. Finding reputable contractors and service providers

IX. Home Maintenance for Different Seasons

A. Spring: Cleaning and outdoor preparation

B. Summer: HVAC and outdoor maintenance

C. Fall: Preparing for colder weather

D. Winter: Snow and ice removal and indoor maintenance

Conclusion:

Maintaining a home is an ongoing process that requires dedication and attention to detail. By implementing effective home maintenance practices, you can protect your investment, ensure the safety and comfort of your family, and avoid costly repairs. From regular inspections to preventive measures, this guide has provided you with comprehensive tips and strategies to help you preserve your home's value. Remember, a well-maintained home not only brings you joy but also safeguards your financial well-being in the long run.

Garage construction plan ideas

Garage construction has taken off over the past few years. Many people that have homes have decided that they want to build onto it in one way, shape, or form. And a lot of these people have determined that a new garage would give them what they are looking for.

When you are looking to take on a garage construction project, you will first need to start out with a plan of the new structure. You can find a garage construction plan in a number of different places.

Deciding whether or not you are going to take on the garage construction project yourself is an important step as far as coming up with a plan is concerned. If you are going to build your own garage, you are going to have to draw up your own plans. But on the opposite end of things, if you are going to hire a contractor to take on your garage construction project, they will be able to supply you with a number of different plans.

But regardless of who is going to be doing the actual building, make sure that you have a detailed plan so that your project follows along as it is supposed to. Never make the mistake of thinking that you will simply build as the project goes along. Even though this may work out in the end, more times than not you will end up missing out on something that you need.

Finding a garage construction plan that suits your needs should be easy. The first thing that you will need to do is determine how much space you have, as well as how big you want your new garage to be. The good thing is that your options are endless. You could opt for a single car garage that offers nothing more than basic shelter, or you could decide to build a multi car unit with a storage space on top. This decision will be based on size as well as necessity.

Also, price is always a determining factor in any garage construction project. Obviously, the smaller the garage the less you will have to pay. And remember, by doing the job yourself you can save a lot of money on labor.

A garage construction project may be all you need to take the look and functionality of your home to the next level.

Thinking of building a swimming pool?

Today the choices in new swimming pool construction can be overwhelming the only limitations are budget and the size of the area you have for the pool. Pools have become more and more an extension of ones personality it used to be a swimming pool was a cement rectangle with a tile border and cement coping surrounding the entire pool a shallow end a deep end and maybe a diving board and a slide. Well today’s swimming pools are nothing like that some seem to have been taken right from some secluded tropical island in the south pacific complete with a hot tub, waterfall and lush vegetation.

There are three basic choices when it comes to swimming pool construction today concrete, fiberglass and vinyl. Concrete also known as Shotcrete or Gunite construction is typically the most expensive and also the most customizable and longest lasting form of construction today. A concrete pool can be built in almost ant shape you mat desire looking for a star shape or maybe you need a custom shape to go around a natural obstacle well with concrete this is not a problem.

Fiberglass pools are probably the most popular type of in ground pools on the market today they are much less expensive than a concrete pool and require much less time to install. Fiberglass pools are made of site and are delivered in one piece to your location typically an in ground fiberglass pool can be installed in one day. It will take more time to set up the filter, heater and construct the coping around the pool but the overall construction time frame is far less than with a custom concert pool it is not impossible to have a fiberglass pool installed, the coping made and landscaped an in use in a weeks time.

The third type of in ground pool is a vinyl pool typically a steel shell that is the form of the pool is installed in the ground and a vinyl blanket or covering is spread over the steel form creating the pool. These types of pools have been on the decline with the advent of the one piece fiberglass pools but some advantages of the vinyl pool are size and cost typically a vinyl pool is larger than a fiberglass pool the drawbacks are the vinyl liner can be punctured causing a leak in the pool the leak can be patched once you find the leak.

This is just the basics in what is available in today’s market in pools and hot tubs you may want to consider a landscape architect when designing your pool area you may also want to visit a home show to see what is best for your needs.

How to estimate your home building cost

There are many factors that go into home building costs and it can be huge task to even come out with an estimate.

The quickest way to estimate home building costs is to find similar houses in the area that has the same overall look and size of one that you want to build. Then take the selling price, minus the cost of the land and you will have a rough and quick estimate of the construction cost. This is, of course not an exact science, but by following this basic rule you will be able to get a rough estimate.

If the house that you are comparing with was built a few years ago, then you should factor in the depreciation cost due to increase in the cost of labor and materials at between 2 to 5% per annum.

Home building costs can be further influenced by the interior feature of the home. Let’s say you want a completely furnished basement and the house than you are using as a reference does not. You should factor this into the cost estimate. A little here and there can add up to thousands of dollars.

Another way is to seek the help of a construction company. If you show them the type of house that you are interested in they should be able to respond to you with a quick estimate. Usually, due to expertise and experience, their estimate can be quite close to the actual building cost.

What if the house that you plan to build is different from what is available in your vicinity? Here is a tip. Go online and type in the terms ‘home plans’ or ‘house plans’. You will find many sites that offer thousands of house plans. You can search by type, size, number of rooms etc and for a small price you can download the blueprint. Then ask your friendly construction company to give you an estimate.

Yet another way is to use home building kits. Again go online and type in ‘home building kits’. There are many companies offering home building kits than contains everything (except labor) that you need to build a house. Then ask your construction company to quote for labor charges. Labor charges constitute a significant portion of the cost of building your own home and if you have the expertise, using a home building kit and building it yourself can reduce your estimate significantly.

No matter how precise or detail oriented you are in the planning stages, you must keep in that there may be an unexpected cost overrun. It is a safe practice to put away about 10 or even 15 % for contingency to ensure that you have the money to cover any overrun.

Home building costs can often be very difficult to pinpoint. But if you use some of the methods described above, and by being precise and detail oriented, you will be able to come up with a very close estimate on your home building costs.

Need to refinish you hardwood floor?

Refinishing hardwood floors is something that you can do yourself without paying professionals high amounts of money to do it for you. However, you do need to have time to spend on your refinishing project to make sure that you end up with the effect you want to achieve. Many places that rent equipment have the heavy-duty sander that you need for the refinishing job. To start to refinish hardwood floors, you first have to move all the furniture and take up any rugs or mats that you have on the wood floors. You also need to wear a dust mask so that you won’t breathe in the dust when refinishing hardwood floors.

Older wood floors can be restored to their former glory when you find out how to refinish hardwood floors. There are many books you can buy on the subject of refinishing hardwood floors and you can also get valuable information when you search online. You do need to have a heavy- duty sander that you move gently back and forth over the wood floors. It is best to move in a straight line with the pattern of the hardwood boards instead of going across, especially if the hardwood has a bevelled edge with small grooves. You also have to be mindful not to apply more pressure in one place that in another because you could take gouges out of the floor.

Once you have the initial finish sanded off, you have to sweep or vacuum up the dust and give the floor a light washing. This is an important part of refinishing hardwood floors because the least little bit of dust and dirt will show up when you apply the stain and finish. In the information you have about how to refinish wood floors, you will find out that you should only use a damp mop to wash up the floor. Excess water, especially on the sanded hardwood, will cause stains in the floor.

When you dry the floor, then you are ready for the next stage of refinishing hardwood floors. You can choose to stain the wood floor in different colors suited to the type of wood. You may want to leave the wood in its natural color, but when you read about how to refinish hardwood floors, you will also learn about the need for a protective coating. The polyurethane coating adds protection to the floor. You can choose a coating that will give you a gleaming floor or one that has a low lustre. When refinishing wood floors, it is essential that the first coat is dry before you apply another coat. The more coats you put on, the shinier your floors will be.

Refinishing wood floors is a time-consuming project. However, it does not mean that you have to move out of the home until you complete the refinishing. The coatings for refinishing hardwood floors do not have any strong fumes that may be dangerous for anyone with respiratory problems. The only thing you have to remember is not to walk on the floor until the finish is dry. If you do, your refinishing project will have your footprints all over it – in more ways than one.

Are you planning a kitchen remodeling or renovation project?

Deciding to remodel your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make. The kitchen is where people spend most of their waking hours while at home. It is where they cook, eat, and gather with the family. It is also where they talk and share ideas about the latest trends and fashions. Consequently, it is not surprising that the kitchen would be on the top of the list of home improvement projects. Having an up to date, modern kitchen, allows people not only to function better with new cabinets and appliances, but also enables them to feel that they are indeed living in modern society.

Kitchen remodeling however can be a very messy and disruptive home improvement project. And the length of the disruption can take as long as a month or more, even when well planned out.

To mitigate the disruption of a kitchen renovation project, planning is absolutely essential. The first item to consider is whether you will do it yourself, or hire a general contractor. Regardless of what route, a homeowner needs to first sketch out some kitchen remodeling ideas to ensure the kitchen design and costs will meet their targeted functional requirements and budget. If a general contractor is to be hired these initial sketches will be helpful in communicating your kitchen remodeling plans and ideas.

During the planning phase, the homeowner should identify the main objectives of the future kitchen. They should research the latest products on the market including: cabinets, countertops, appliances, and flooring. If the kitchen is more than 5 years old, there are a lot of new products to choose from. For example, Silestone is quickly surpassing Granite and Corian, as the premier countertop surface as it is extremely hard, elegant in appearance, and comes in many colors. For cabinets, the trend appears to be towards lighter colors as they help the appearance of lightening and enlarging a room. In regards to appliances, the Stainless Steel look appears to be in. And for flooring, vinyl or wood is the trend. Tile looks nice, however, it can be unforgiving in a room where things tend to get dropped. In addition, if there is no radiant heating planned for the floor, tile has the tendency to feel cold on the feet.

It is also important to consider any structural changes to the existing kitchen area. Is a new kitchen island desired, or will walls or doorways need to be moved or installed?

When developing your kitchen remodeling plan, it is important to note that professional kitchen designers like to think of a triangle when starting a new kitchen design. The three points of the triangle include the Sink, Refrigerator, and Stove. Make sure your sketches consider this, as it will ensure a good functional kitchen. Also, consider adequate walking areas and space for an eating area, such as a table or center island, with applicable space included for chairs. I would suggest that the walking areas be wide enough for two people to walk through at the same time.

The sketches should also include dimensions, as these will be needed when meeting with the general contractor or kitchen designer. Finally, consider where the existing outlets and power for the stove are, and assess if additional outlets will be needed or old outlets relocated.

How to prevent water damage in the bathroom

The frequent use of water in the bathroom makes it extremely vulnerable for moist accumulation and potential water damage. By inspecting it regularly, you can reduce water related damages.

The following set of inspections is easy to perform and should be done once in every three months in order to keep your bathroom in good shape and to prevent potential water damages caused by the bathtub, the shower, pipe joints and plumbing, sinks, cabinets, and the toilet

Do not neglect performing these inspections and be thorough while performing them. Keep in mind that these simple inspections can save you a lot of money by providing early indications for water damage

Bathtub and Shower

The shower and bathtub require special attention and maintenance. Check the tiles and replace if cracked. Make sure that there is no missing grout between the tiles. Inspect and replace cracked caulking at joints where the walls meet the floor or the bathtub. Clogged drains and pipes problems will prevent the bathtub from drying and may indicate serious problems beneath the bathtub. Consult with a professional immediately to prevent structural damage. Pay attention to discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls as they may indicate an internal leak.

Plumbing

Signs for water damage are hard to detect since most pipes are installed inside the walls.

Pay special attention to flooring and walls moisture and stains as they may indicate an invisible plumbing problem. Check moisture levels in adjoining rooms as well.

Sinks and Cabinets

Sinks and cabinets are exposed to moisture and humidity daily and are often overlooked. Inspect regularly under the sink and on the countertop above it. Repair any drip in the trap as it may suggest drain problems. Look around the sink, slow draining pipes may indicate a blocked drain. Replace sink seals if they are cracked or loose.

The Toilet

The toilet is a vulnerable water junction. Check the water lines and search for leaks around the toilet seat, in the hose, and under the water tank. If you detect any signs of moisture on the floor around the toilet, check for leaks in the toilet rim and tank seals.

Be aware that hanging toilet bowl deodorants increases the chances for clogs.

The purpose of roofing underlay

 Undertile membrane, or underlay, is thick, waterproof plastic that is placed under the exterior roof.  The roofing underlay essentially works as a secondary roof.

We install underlay to:

• prevent dust accumulation, especially from wind
• reduce attic pressure (suction on the tiles caused by strong winds)

The regulations specify that it is mandatory to install underlay on:

• cement tile roofs with pitches between 17.5 and 26 degrees
• cement tile roofs with pitches greater than 45 degrees
• cement tile roofs with all tile pitches in coastal areas (within 30 km of the sea)

This is usually a critical upgrade when assessing most roof repairs.

Need a reliable contractor for your end of year renovations?

 We provide a cost-effective residential renovations and alterations service in all areas in Cape Town. We will also assist with remodelling your kitchen, bathroom, indoor or outdoor space. You may provide a few images or a short video in order to provide a preliminary quote.

Need a maintenance contractor?

 Landlords are reluctant to make the investment in a property maintenance company. They don’t see why they should pay someone else to do the work when they can just do it themselves.

Even though that makes sense sometimes, it usually makes more sense to call in the experts.

You may provide a few images or a short video in order to provide a preliminary quote.

Need a roof leak repaired?

 Need a cost effective waterproofing solution? We undertake roofing repairs, gutter cleaning, painting, ceiling repairs and waterproofing projects. We also do re-roofing of all roof sheets, repairs to all tiled roofs and slate roof repairs and refurbishments. Contact us for a reasonable quote.

Cost-effective Building Solutions

 Need a reliable contractor?

Efficient building systems for all projects including high-end residential projects in and around the Cape Town metropolis and Southern Suburbs area. Our services include: Structural Additions Interior Remodeling Exterior Remodeling Construction Management

Each project is under meticulous supervision and completed with professional workmanship.

Our vision is to build long term relationships with our suppliers, clients and professionals.

We seek to satisfy customers through developing a few typical performance objectives.

When customers value our cost-effective pricing the operation will place emphasis on its cost performance. If a customer insists on error-free services the operation will concentrate on its quality performance. When a customer emphasizes fast delivery we will make speed important within the operation important while an emphasis on reliability will make dependability important. When customers expect an innovative service, the operation must provide a high degree of flexibility in order to get its innovations to its customers before its rivals. If a wide range of services are demanded by customers, the operation will need to be flexible enough to provide the necessary variety without excessive cost.

How well we meet your requirements is determined by how well our operation excels at these performance objectives which will subsequently influence the competitive factors.

Allow us to maximize your precious renovation budget to achieve the best return when the time comes to sell.

We believe that our cost-effectiveness and personal touch are the two key values that have contributed to our success. We are definitely the unexplored market and key players in the industry and clients who wish to build meaningful relationships with the less traditional role player such as ourselves will be pleasantly surprised with our high levels of expertise.

You may provide a few images or a short video in order to provide a preliminary quote.

Why clients should not purchase the materials

 Once you have found the contractor you want to work with, and if you decided to supply the material for the project yourself, your next step will be to negotiate with material suppliers.

Firstly, you need to understand that the price you pay as a consumer is about 25 to 50 percent more than the price a contractor who regularly buys a particular product will pay.

Most manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of building-related products will have two very different price lists or pricing structures - one for members of the public and one for the trade clients.

The main difference is that trade clients tend to buy in large volumes.  They usually have accounts with the relevant manufacturers or suppliers and they probably buy from them regularly. Loyalty counts for a great deal, and suppliers often renew the bigger clients with favourable pricing.

The benefits of working with small contractors

 It is cheaper to work with smaller, less established contractors.  They are usually more open to negotiating prices, more flexible as they are building a reputation rather than relying on an established one.

Most new contractors are trying to build a reputation and rely heavily on word of mouth and are likely to go the extra mile to keep their clients happy.

Smaller contractors are more likely to take on smaller, lower-profit jobs than larger contractors.

Small contractors often have a smaller team which makes them more accountable.

Your decision to hire or not to hire a newer less established contractor should be based on your priorities such as pricing.

How to prepare a detailed construction estimate

When preparing a bid, estimators create a general framework with cost recovery in mind.  Estimators should therefore have knowledge of the technologies involved in building the project,  which allows them to divide projects into individual pieces of work, namely physical subcomponents, systems, etc  These work packages will naturally consume resources generating costs that must be recovered from the client.

What are the steps followed to develop the estimate?

A chart of cost accounts acts as a guide or checklist as the estimator reviews the plans and specifications to highlight which cost centres are present in the contract being estimated.

The estimator should generally follow certain steps in developing the estimate:

Break the project into cost centres.

Estimate the quantities required for most cost centres that represent physical end items which is commonly called quantity takeoff.  For those cost centres that relate to nonphysical items determine an appropriate parameter for cost calculation, namely, the level of builder’s risk insurance required by the contract or the amounts of the required bonds.

Price development for physical work items may require an analysis of the production rates to be achieved based on resource analysis.  The estimate should therefore:

Assume work team composition to include number of workers, skilled and unskilled, and equipment required.

Estimate an hourly production rate based on the technology being used.

Make an estimate of the efficiency to be achieved on this job, considering site conditions and other factors.

Calculate the effective unit price.

Calculate the total price for each cost centre by multiplying the required quantity by the unit price.  This multiplication is called an extension and this process is called running the extensions.

How to estimate construction costs

 The key to a successful project and effective cost control is the development of a good estimate as the basis for bid submittal.

The estimate serves as a “flight plan” that is followed by the project team and becomes an essential tool in achieving a profit. If the flight plan is unrealistic or contains basic errors the contractor will certainly lose money. However, if the estimate is strategically calculated and reflects the costs that will be encountered in the field, the chances of a profitable job are greatly increased.

Estimating is essentially the process of looking into the future and attempting to predict project costs and resource requirements.  A consistent procedure or set of steps is therefore needed for preparing an estimate to minimize errors and achieve reliable results.

Types of estimates

The estimating method depends on the level of design detail that is available.  Before the commencement of design only the conceptual information is available.  A comprehensive unit such as a square foot of floor space or a cubic foot of usable space is used to characterize the facility being constructed.  The representative unit is then multiplied by a price per unit to obtain a gross estimate of the facility cost.  This conceptual estimate becomes useful in the schematic or budgetary phase when design details are not available.  However, the figures developed are of a limited use as soon as design data are available.

Once design details are available the designer maintains estimates of costs to keep the client informed of the general level of costs to be expected.  The production of the plans and specifications proceeds in two steps.  The first step is called preliminary design and offers the owner a pause in which to review construction before detail commences.  This usually takes place at 40% completion of the total design and extends the concept documentation.  This preliminary estimate is prepared by the architect or architect/engineer to reflect expected costs based on more definitive data.

After the preliminary design is approved by the owner, final or detail design is accomplished.  The detail design form part of the plans and specifications that are given to the contractor for bidding purposes.  At this stage the architect or engineer will produce a final engineer’s estimate indicating the total job cost minus markup.

The owner’s estimate is used to ensure that the design produced is within the owner’s financial resources to construct and establish a reference point in evaluating the bids submitted by the competing contractors.

The bid estimate takes place when the contractor prepares his estimate of the job’s cost to include a markup for profit.  This bid as well as the engineer’s estimate require a greater level of effort and a considerable number of estimate hours to prepare.

As the project proceeds from concept through preliminary design to final design and the bidding phase, the level of detail increases, allowing the development of a more accurate estimate.

What are the characteristics of a good supplier?

 It is doubtful whether an ideal supplier would always be readily available, however, it is necessary to have some idea of what would constitute a good supplier.

A good supplier generally honours promises, has a stable background, always supplies the quality as specified at a fair and competitive price and delivers the service at an agreed time. This supplier takes the initiative in suggesting better methods of service and constantly tries to develop new money-saving services to help buyers make purchases more economically.  An ideal supplier reacts quickly to varying unforeseen needs of the purchaser resulting from changing business circumstances, specification changes, maintenance problems and/or other requests.  Good suppliers warn the buyer in good time if normal delivery cannot be made and make alternative arrangements so that the purchasing enterprise's operations are not delayed. A good supplier will take the initiative and offer the purchasing enterprise the necessary technical support and other expertise if required.

A long tern relationship with this supplier may be a great advantage to both the purchasing enterprise and the supplier.