Decide whether the project fits
Review location, trade, size, schedule, and required qualifications. Focus estimating time on work your company can execute well. Confirm the bid deadline and how questions should be submitted.
Break down your estimate
Account for labor, materials, equipment, subcontracted work, overhead, and project-specific risk. Clearly identify allowances or alternates rather than burying them in a single number.
State your assumptions
List what is included and excluded, which drawing revision you used, and how long the proposal remains valid. Explain dependencies and equipment lead times that could affect the schedule.
Keep a complete record
Save the submitted proposal and track subsequent addenda and clarifications. When the scope changes, issue a revised proposal with a clear version and date.
Put the next step into practice.
Explore the networkThis guide provides general project-planning information. Project requirements should be confirmed with the relevant professionals and authorities.