01An estimate starts with a survey, not a price
Until an engineer has visited the site, any figure is a guess. On site we take measurements, check substrates and services, and photograph the details that affect the scope: screed, slabs, wall condition, power and water inlets.
The survey produces a bill of quantities: wall, floor and ceiling areas, electrical and plumbing points, and the demolition required.
02What the price consists of
- works — each line of the bill, with a unit and a rate;
- materials — rough and finish separately, with brand and quantity, including cutting waste;
- equipment, scaffolding, waste removal, delivery and lifting;
- site organisation: site manager, health and safety, temporary services;
- a contingency — as a separate line, not spread across items.
03Why estimates usually grow
Most often because something was missing from the original bill: hidden substrate defects, design changes during works, “as-built” items. Another reason is an estimate based on materials “of similar quality” with no brand, which later turn out to cost more.
We fix the price before the contract is signed. Any change is made only by an addendum the client sees and signs in advance.
04What to check before signing
- every item has a quantity and a unit;
- materials are named by brand, not “or equivalent”;
- demolition, waste removal and cleaning are included;
- the contingency is separate, with a rule for spending it;
- payment stages are tied to acceptance of works, not to dates.
05How we handle changes
If the client changes a decision or a hidden defect is found, we pause that area, photograph it, price a separate item and agree it before work starts. So the final sum always matches the signed documents.