New to the game

[Artisan]

After drawing plans for years now, I am getting a shot at an estimating position with the company I work for. They are training me on Timberline next week and then I'm off to the estimating. I have no previous experience with estimating except for various quanity takeoffs on a few of the houses. The area that is worrying me is the actual job cost areas and putting together budgets. I don't have that experience yet. The terminolgy is also another factor that seems to be lacking on my part. I guess I am just wanting to do well at the position. We are going to a PO issuing system that many other large builders use now. Does anyone have any advice for me or recommend anything for me to read or look out for?

[tooltroll]

Well, this is just me, not a company, but I found that when I first got into it (about 20 yrs. ago) I was ALWAYS underestimating time, and losing my shirt thereby. I wanted to be a nice guy (and get the work) so I was trying to make the estimate as attractive as possible. With experience, I've found that things take about 50% longer than I originally thought. I also learned to tack on 10%-15% extra for materials- things I either overlooked, or little extras I can throw in for "free" for good PR. The guy who pays $5000 on a $5000 estimate is happier than the guy who pays $4000 on a $3000 estimate, even though the work is the same. (The guy who pays $3000 on a $3000 estimate is ecstatic, but the guy who did the work is probably eating beans out of the can...)

[Rich]

You'll find, when you go to the PO system, how much stuff doesn't get accounted for in different systems. You should print PO's at the beginning of the job - then it's very easy to track additional costs. Anything written as a job PO is additional costs that weren't accounted for in the original estimate. It won't take long to get the estimates in line with actual construction costs.

[Tykster]

Artisan, Congratulations on your promotion.....What i would like to say is, You have some experience at your new job but not alot...Let your original Estimater know, " Hey Roger, you know Im thrilled about this job youve given me, All im askin is just a little support, a few walk threws and some advice when and where I need it..." Reason I say that is because estimating is where you or your company can be most cost effective. Later down the road you dont want to wonder why, how or where the money went... Just ask questions.. nothing wrong in that....better to ask than look a fool later....NOT SAYIN YOUR A FOOL because your an estimater now...haha Hey good luck man....