Fire protection systems are getting more automated by the day. If you are a contractor looking to provide efficient and timely fire protection quotes, here are some tips that will save you time and unforeseen costs and create more accurate fire protection estimates:
1. Project Consideration
Before estimating, you need to assess whether the project size and scope are a good fit with your experience. Have you done projects of a similar nature? Are you able to allocate resources and crew efficiently, especially with other ongoing projects?
Keep the scope of the project in mind when developing any estimates. The type of building, for example, will play a role as it will determine the complexity of the fire alarm system, the required fire codes, etc. Being familiar with the rules will help with your estimates.
2. Scrutinise the Specifications
If there is any doubt regarding the project specifications, it is important to consult the architect, engineer or project manager in charge. If you are refitting an existing fire alarm system, check if there are any current structural issues you need to be aware of.
3. Take-Off Methods
When preparing estimates, your take-off methodology is key. Unfortunately, many contractors still abide by the paper and pen method to keep track of material costs. Despite this being a widely used method, you may want to employ the use of fire estimation software that takes the hassle out of manual entries.
ePlumbing Estimators use one of the best software, Groundplan, for faster take-offs and estimations.
4. Close the Loopholes
Every aspect of the project is important to get a fair estimate, none more so than labour costs. Contractors usually don’t anticipate extended project timelines or difficult site conditions, which could lead to losing out on revenue and spending more time on a project than estimated.
When considering labour costs on a fire protection estimate, look for aspects of the project that might add time. For example, drilling through concrete, into steel, or difficult access to an area all adds to labour time.
5. Be Confident in Your Estimate
Providing estimates can be time-consuming, especially for large fire protection estimates. There are many numbers to look at and revisions to make.
Take time to go over your estimate, take a break and go over your work again at a later stage to review for mistakes with a clear mind. You can also ask someone else to double-check your work.
If you’re using digital estimating software from ePlumbing Estimators, double-checking your figures is made quite simple.
6. Follow the Format
Estimates come in various formats depending on the scale and scope of the project. Large commercial projects require specific formats and are often provided by the company requesting the estimate. It’s advisable to stick to their template as they can easily follow it and compare with other bids.
If you think you can provide valuable inset, make sure to voice this to the client, it can help you stand out above competing bids.
7. Follow Up on Your Estimate
After submission, reach out to the client to check on the status of your bid. Even if you are unsuccessful, request feedback to improve on your next estimate.
ePlumbing Estimators is Here To Help
By hiring ePlumbing Estimators to handle your fire protection estimate needs, you and your team can focus on what you do best while leaving the tiresome calculations and estimates to us.
Feel free to contact us at +614 0706 5181 or complete the online form on our website. Learn why so many plumbing contractors in Australia and New Zealand consider us the best.