Insight
ReadDo You Need An In-House Estimator Or Extra Support?
The choice between an in-house estimator and outside support starts with the work you need covered. A salary and a quoted fee alone do not show which route gives better value.
Practical commercial guidance
Insights
Clear explanations of cost, contract, payment and delivery issues encountered across construction projects.
Insight
ReadThe Lowest Quote May Not Price The Same Job
Two quotes can price different work even when their totals look close. Check the scope and terms first, then compare the cost of each offer on the same basis.
Insight
ReadDid You Price The Site Costs For The Whole Job?
Preliminaries are the costs of setting up, running and closing the site. A flat percentage may miss the staff, welfare or access needed for the planned time and scope.
Insight
ReadDo Your Tender Terms Make The Price Clear?
A tender qualification should make your offer clear. A vague term such as 'reasonable access' can leave both sides with different views of what the price covers.
Insight
ReadShould You Spend Time On This Tender?
A large tender is not always a good use of the bid team's time. The choice should weigh the chance of winning against the cost, cash and risk of delivering the work.
Insight
ReadFive Signs Your Bid Team Needs More Help
Extra estimating support works best when it fills a clear gap. Check whether the team needs time, a new skill or a better process before choosing what to outsource.
Insight
ReadA Better Tender Starts With A Plan Back From The Due Date
A tender deadline is the end of a process, not the date to start checking the price. Work back from it so the team has time to settle gaps before sign-off.
Insight
ReadCan Someone Check Your Payment Claim Without Chasing You?
A payment claim is easier to check when each amount links to work and a date. Use the agreed breakdown so the other party can follow progress, changes and the sum now sought.
Insight
ReadA Change On Site Needs More Than A Quote
A variation needs more than a trade quote. Show the change in work, the instruction or event behind it and the rate basis the contract requires.
Insight
ReadYour Change Price Is Still Not Agreed. What Is The Real Gap?
A change price may stay open because the two sides are discussing different points. Find whether the gap is the instruction, scope, quantity, rate or time effect before resending the total.