When you are preparing an estimate for a project that is not 100% designed – documentation is the key to a successful estimate. You as the estimator have to document what you have included in the estimate so when it comes down to the estimate resolution meeting you can fully explain what you have in the estimate. One of the best ways to document is to draw on the drawings the locations of the items included in the estimate. If there is any disagreement over the estimate you can point to what you have done on the drawings. You can also include any data sheets of items that you used. When there are changes in design you can compare them to what you have already done and update the estimate accordingly instead of wondering what you included and have to do the entire estimate over.
Mike Rowe
