A plumbing estimator calculates the cost of a plumbing project, including labor and materials, by researching project scope, visiting the site, contacting vendors and contractors, and preparing a detailed estimate for the client. The goal is to provide a competitive estimate that secures a contract of employment for the employer.
A plumbing estimator gathers information about a plumbing project and the contractor or contractor costs to show customers how expensive the project will be. Much of the work is research-based, but since the estimator must submit the estimate in writing and keep track of all the data used to construct it, excellent organization, writing, and presentation skills are required. The estimator’s goal is always to provide a competitive estimate that secures a contract of employment for your employer.
As the job title implies, the most important duty a plumbing estimator has is to calculate how much a plumbing project will cost to complete, including labor and materials. Good estimators know the field well enough to understand what a rough estimate of prices should look like, but a truly accurate estimate of expenses is not possible without project-specific research.
The survey has at least four parts. First, the plumbing estimator reviews the project scope by reading proposals and other documentation and attending pre-bid meetings. This data reveals the exact amount and type of acceptable plumbing material. It also shows when the project is due to be completed, which can affect labor costs if the project is under severe time constraints.
After knowing the basic needs of the project, the estimator goes to the project site, if necessary, performing a physical audit of the work area. On-site investigation helps the estimator visualize how the work needs to proceed and identify potential issues or special considerations that may require additional or different materials. It can also show the plumbing estimator which routes to the work area might be most efficient, which ties in completion time and safe transportation of project materials.
Armed with information about the project and project location, the plumbing estimator contacts specific vendors and contractors who provide goods or services. He may initially do this over the phone, but eventually he usually asks for written quotes from suppliers and contractors as proof of the final estimate he calculates. Depending on the types of materials needed and the plumbing involvement, sorting through vendors can be extremely time consuming, but estimators often establish networks and partnerships with good companies that speed up the data collection process.
Once the estimator has current quotes, it tries to figure out how much similar projects cost. The goal is to see if the lowest price he can offer is competitive given the current market. If the estimate is not very competitive, he will go back to the project documentation and discuss ways to reduce costs.
Using all of the information collected during the research phase, the project estimator prepares a formal, detailed estimate for the client. He sends the estimate according to the client’s deadline, filing a copy in his own records for reference. If the customer has any questions about the estimate, the estimator is responsible for answering the customer’s questions.
If the client accepts the estimator’s numbers, it will serve as a liaison between the client and previously contacted suppliers and contractors. He reviews the formal scope submitted by vendors and contractors, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that scopes comply with the project contract. It is also the estimator’s responsibility to prepare an overall work schedule and labor charts.
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