About

I chose to focus on estimating for a few reasons.  Chief among them was that it’s a position that’s hard to fill in most companies.  Job security and advancement is easier as a result.  Unique to this job is a higher vantage point over the company and its place in the market.  Bids are generally over in a few weeks which keeps things from getting boring.

The reasons few of my colleagues pursue estimating comes down to a few misconceptions.  The first is that it’s the builders version of  accounting – perceived as a lonely and quiet life among the charts and plans.  The second is that it’s not engaged in the construction process.  Lots of the appeal of the construction industry is the sense that individual effort brought a plan into reality.  The teamwork and camaraderie present among tradesman seems conspicuously absent at the estimators desk.  Finally, I think the last reason is that it’s daunting to be responsible for setting the price of something that’s never been done.

The good news for folks in estimating is that it’s much more social than advertised.  An estimator’s phone is constantly ringing.  Taking the opportunity to build relationships with the bidders creates a positive atmosphere and encourages everyone to do their best.  It can be too much of a good thing which is why it’s common to arrive at their voicemail when you’re calling with a question.  A strong rapport with the bidders can be invaluable.  Subcontractors have much more exposure to what’s going on in the market and they’re often eager to share their knowledge.  Learning from these experts is a priceless opportunity that’s often overlooked. More on this in a bit.

I decided to start this blog  because I noticed that estimating has applications in many arenas.  Over the last few years I’ve helped estimate in fields ranging from software development to blacksmithing!  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it’s not about knowing what everything costs, it’s about knowing how to figure that out.  I believe the very first step to knowledge is to seek it, the second is to retain it, and the third is to pass it on.

I hope to share some insights into how estimating is done and hopefully have some fun doing it.  My experience is mostly commercial construction, but I’ll try to make everything as generally applicable as I can.  There are many aspects of business that all markets share yet it’s remarkable that one of the most consistent is the failure to recognize that estimating is the very first step to a successful project.  So if you’re frustrated that work isn’t profitable, or exasperated that there’s never enough time to get the job done, this blog will be worth your time.

Thanks for reading!

Anton Takken