Jim Baty, CFA Technical Director

It's another busy day at the office, and the phone is ringing off the hook. While you're excited business is hopping, all the calls have been for job estimates. It may be tempting to simply spit out a number based on a couple of details to get this item off your desk, but it could end up being a costly mistake.

A proper estimate is critical to maintaining a strong relationship with your client, whether it be a homeowner or a builder. Taking the time to learn more details about the project, client's desires, soil conditions and several other factors will ensure an accurate estimate for a concrete foundation project.

Getting started
Technological advancements have certainly helped the estimating process in recent years, but it is important to maintain a human connection to develop an accurate estimate. When an estimate is requested, the first step is to learn more about the project you are quoting. Many savvy concrete foundation firms have established a pre-bid questionnaire to elicit basic information about the project including governing jurisdiction, anticipated start and completion dates, condition of the lot, as well as estimates of wall elevations from the existing ground.

"The pre-bid questionnaire helps us assess the start time for the project as well as the services they want our firm to perform," says Amber Lange, estimator for Lavy Concrete Construction, Inc. in Piqua, Ohio. "If it is possible, we arrange to meet the owner or builder at the jobsite to ensure that we can build what they want on the lot they have."

It also is beneficial to meet with the owner or builder to discuss the project's vision. One of the most common mistakes made during the estimating process is assuming that you know what the customer wants. For the estimate to be accurate, it is essential to learn about both the lot and the owner's needs.