To explore new opportunities and contacts, I am currently working as a commercial estimator, and I would like to take a chance to share my experiences with this forum.
Through the years, I have realized that geographical factors are responsible for the huge differences in costs and bids of construction. I used to believe that the cost of a project would only depend on the size of the project. Nowadays it is clear to me that local materials, labor rates, and weather conditions have a great influence on the overall cost of a project. Have you ever observed some specific regional factors that have affected your estimates?
Using Commercial Estimation Services (https://commercial-estimating.com/) has made a significant impact on how I approach this issue. Such services are a game-changer in that they help to calculate the local variables, having the possibility to adjust the costs according to regional pricing trends, the availability of the materials, and the labor conditions. Consequently, my estimates are more accurate and suitable for each location. How do you include the differences with the area in the estimation process? Do you have a different approach for different areas? Let's exchange our ideas regarding how you cope with these obstacles!
Thanks for sharing your experience — I completely relate. Regional differences can really throw off estimates if not properly accounted for. I've found that even within the same state, labor availability or material sourcing can shift pricing dramatically.
Lately, I've been using RSMeans data and cross-checking it with local vendor quotes to fine-tune my estimates. I haven't tried commercial estimation services yet, but it sounds like a smart move — especially for larger or multi-location projects.
Curious — do you factor in things like permitting delays or regional subcontractor availability as well? Those seem to be creeping into my numbers more often lately. Would love to hear how others tackle that.