🧾 Module 7: Creating the Final Demolition Estimate
🧱 Itemizing Labor, Materials, Equipment, Disposal
A complete demolition estimate should break down every major cost category to clearly show how the total was calculated.
- Labor: Include crew size, hours, and rates per task
- Materials: Include protection, fencing, temporary utilities, etc.
- Equipment: Itemize rental units, operators, and usage durations
- Disposal: Hauling, dumpsters, recycling, and tipping fees
🧾 Pro Tip: Group your costs under clear headers—this improves transparency and client trust.
🖨 Formatting Estimates for Client Presentation
Your estimate is not just a pricing tool—it’s a marketing tool. It should look professional and organized.
- Include your company name, logo, and contact info
- Use bold headers, bullet lists, and line item descriptions
- Use PDF format with locked cells or summary fields if sharing electronically
- Include notes explaining unusual line items, exclusions, or assumptions
📄 Clean formatting = client confidence.
📑 Aligning Scope with Bid Documents
Make sure your scope of work matches exactly what the bid documents request. Omissions or overlaps can hurt your chances of winning—or cost you money later.
- Use the same section names and sequence from the bid spec
- Highlight any exclusions or clarifications in a separate section
- Review addenda and RFI responses for scope changes
- Ensure demo scope matches what structural, civil, and MEP plans show
📌 Double-check scope before submitting—alignment avoids conflict.
🚫 Common Estimating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced estimators make errors that cost time and money. Recognizing the most common mistakes can protect your bottom line.
- Missing scope details (i.e., leaving out dump fees or temporary facilities)
- Not applying realistic productivity rates
- Underpricing disposal or neglecting permit costs
- Overlooking phasing or work-hour restrictions
- Copy-paste errors from other bids or spreadsheets
⚠️ Best Practice: Use a final checklist before you hit “Send.”