Preliminary Estimate

Are you somewhere between 30% and 90% complete with your sketching plans? Or annoyed while creating estimates from sketching drawings that aren’t complete? Or do you require a speedy preliminary estimate to see if the project fits your client’s spending plan? Or are your suppliers taking their time to quote prices? In order to examine the viability of your project and move forward with your clients successfully, we can help by offering quick and detailed preliminary estimates with square footage costs

With 15 years of expertise in the AEC sector and a portfolio of private, public, residential, and commercial projects, Backus Estimating can guarantee the most trustworthy and logically sound preliminary estimates based on the assumptions from the previous projects. Using expert estimating software and our own created databases, RS Means and Craftsmen, we calculate per square foot or square meter costs for completed projects as well as superstructures. The bill of material is performed as accurately as possible thanks to our location-based database and connections with regional suppliers.

How Does A Preliminary Estimate Help?

Prior to the creation of comprehensive drawing designs, a preliminary estimate, also known as a conceptual estimate, is used to forecast the project cost and examine the economic viability of the building project. It aids owners, builders, developers, and contractors in choosing how to allocate resources, establish a preliminary budget, and weigh various early design options.

Preliminary cost estimates are made early in the project, before the real design and construction, therefore they are primarily based on historical data of previous projects that have been adapted for time, location, size, and generated using engineering ideas.

At different points in the project’s lifecycle, preliminary cost estimates might take many different forms. The degree to which these projections are accurate

Rough Order Magnitude Estimate

A rough order magnitude estimate, or ROM, is the initial estimation made during the life of the project. It is used to assess the project’s viability, which helps in project allocation and selection. It is accurate between -50% and +50%.

Budget Estimate

When the project enters the planning stage, the budget estimate is created utilizing the data and plans from previous projects. Each line description includes a breakdown of the expenditures for the key projects’ components, including labor and material costs. The range of its accuracy is between -10% and +25% of the real cost.

Ballpark Estimate

To help clients understand the breadth of the job, contractors will generate a ballpark estimate. This will allow owners to make decisions based on their budget. The accuracy of the estimate is within 20% of the real cost and is based on preliminary drawings and specifications.

Definitive Estimate

A complete itemized description of the project’s components can be found in a definitive estimate, sometimes referred to as a digital cost estimate. It is created utilizing carefully thought out project designs, and its accuracy ranges from -5% to +15%.

How Can Our Preliminary Estimate Benefit You?

You can use our estimates to evaluate the upfront costs to support in:

  • Keeping within a budget and obtaining loans
  • Establishing a budget cap for architects and designers’ projects
  • Estimating the likely volume and expense of the materials and labor.
  • Preparing for the next stage.
  • Deciding on and interacting with contractors and subcontractors

How Can You Provide Your Prospective Clients With A Preliminary Estimate?

Because we base our preliminary cost estimates on floor space, it is simple for your clients and architects to understand and analyze the data.

Our list of materials includes:

  • The project’s entire area (in square feet or square meters)
  • linear measurements of each construction, such as walls, in feet or meters.
  • Rooms, floors, etc. in each unit, etc.

What Is Included In Our Preliminary Estimate?

The estimate consists of a breakdown of the quantities, taking into account the following divisions:

 

  • Preliminaries
  • Substructures (footings, foundations, etc.)
  • Superstructures ( brickwork, walls, sidings, roofs, staircase, floors, doors, windows)
  • External/Internal finishes (flooring, drywall, painting, etc.)
  • Fittings
  • Mechanical (HVAC systems, ductwork, etc.)
  • Plumbing (pipes, drains, fixtures, etc.)
  • Electrical (cable, conduit, lighting, etc.)
  • Labor
  • Man Hours
  • Contingency
  • Project Schedule

How Do We Prepare A Preliminary Estimate?

  • To examine the project scope and create an estimate plan, our estimators first review and assess the data.
  • Data from previous initiatives with a similar scope is then gathered.
  • Regarding time, place, and size, the changes are made. Additionally, a contingency is used.
  • There is a detailed list of all the specs, modifications, and assumptions.

What Elements Help Produce Accurate Preliminary Estimate?

  • We make assumptions and modifications regarding the project’s timing, location, nature, and size while preparing a bill of materials based on data from past projects.
  • Since these estimates are made two or more years before construction, we adjust the project cost to reflect the commencement of construction. As a result, future costs must be taken into account. A time index is used to update it, which takes into account relative inflation or deflation over time as a result of things like labor rates, material costs, interest rates, etc.
  • The estimated project cost is assessed in light of the project’s location because labor and material costs vary across the nation. We use our location index to national average cost for this purpose in order to adapt the bill of materials for a specific region or the closest capital city.
  • The nature and scale of the project have an impact on the project cost as well. The size factor, which compares the planned building area to the usual building area, is used in this situation.
  • The quality of the fundamental building materials (such as brick veneer, CMU, frames, etc.) is also taken into account.

Here Is What You Get When You Outsource Your Estimates To Us!

  • Precise and trustworthy estimates
  • Budget-friendly estimates (check rates here)
  • 24- to 48-hour turnaround times are quick.
  • Monthly takeoff packages at a discount
  • Expert estimators with American estimator organizations like AACE & AIQS certification and round-the-clock client service

We Would Love To Assist You With Your Upcoming Estimate!

1. Contact Us:

 

  • 9 Leisure Shore Ct Manvel, TX 77578
  • ask@backusestimating.com
  • +1 (817) 500-4356

2. Get a Quote:

 

You will get a quote consisting of the invoice, turnaround time, and delivery date. Then you can pay via credit card or debit card or PayPal.

 

3. Get estimate:

 

You will receive your estimate on EXCEL sheets in either our format or one that you supply.