Individuals who are considering building a new home or extending an existing property, can often find the whole process unnerving. Douglas Estimating Ltd are here to help. We can tailor a service that suits you and within your financial constraints. Below is a typical example of the service that we could provide…
Budget Stage…
Taking your Architects plans, we provide you with an estimate of the costs you are likely to incur during your project. This is often required by financial firms before agreeing to support your funding requirements.
Typically, the process includes the following stages:
The initial design stage provides an estimate based on planning drawings. Together we will discuss the options for your project that impact the cost. At this point you have two options. I can provide you with a low-cost fee estimate based on the size of your floor area or a more detailed fee estimate including cost breakdown of the key elements of the build. The latter is usually required by funding organisations.
Tender Stage…
Next, I work with your Architect or design team to create a document called a “Bill of Quantities” (BoQ) or a “Pricing Document” and issue it to potential building contractors. With this document they must provide an offer based on all the details of your build. I ensure tender responses are on a “like for like” basis. I prepare a comparison called a “tender analysis” so you can confidently select the most competitive contractor. Then, I provide the contract documents for signing.
Post-contract stage…
During construction, the contractor needs payments from you. Monthly, I compare the work carried out against the BoQ and ensure our Client does not overpay for work done. The post-contract service also records and assesses any changes to the works required. It ensures our Client is aware of the impacts to costs and schedule.
During construction, the contractor needs payments from you. Monthly, I compare the work carried out against the BoQ and ensure our Client does not overpay for work done. The post-contract service also records and assesses any changes to the works required. It ensures our Client is aware of the impacts to costs and schedule.
What we can offer…
Pre-Contract Services
Initial Client and Architect Meetings
Budgets / Appraisals on the Design Scope of Works
Budget Estimating
Cost Planning
Value Engineering (evaluating and highlighting possible cost savings)
Bills of Quantities
Pricing Documents
Builders Bills / Pricing instruction
Further Evaluation to Determine Potential Client Cost Savings
Advice on the Selection of Contractors
Pre-qualifying Contractors
Preparation of Tender and Contractual Documentation
Advice on Choosing the Correct Form of Contract
Evaluating and Reporting on Tender Returns
Report on Tender to Clients
Meeting Contractors to Assess Their Tender and Suitability for the Project
Assisting the Client and the Design Team on Choosing the Best Suited Contractor for the Project
Recording and Opening of Tender Returns
Finalising Final BOQ Contract and Contract Documentation
Post-Contract Services
Post Contract Meeting with Design Team, Client and Contractor
Monthly On-Site Meetings with Design Team and Contractor to Evaluate Current Progression
Monthly Meetings with Clients to Update and Explain Current Development Progression
Evaluating and Negotiating Monthly Contractors Payment Applications
Issuing Monthly Payment Recommendations to the Architect so that Interim Certificates are issued
Issuing Cost Reports on a Monthly Basis to Clients to Keep Them Informed of Current Progression
Evaluating and Negotiating with Contractor all Variations that can Arise On-Site
Negotiating and Finalising Contractors Final Account
