Top 8 items builders miss on their estimates

Let's face it, one of the biggest headaches is getting your estimates right. It can feel like no matter how many times you double-check, there’s always something that slips through the cracks. And those small misses can add up, eating into your profits and your sanity.

At HBXL Building Software, we know the common pitfalls that builders—especially those working long hours and often feeling like they're just scraping by—tend to overlook. So, let's dive into the top 8 items that often get missed on builders' estimates and how EstimatorXpress ensures you won’t miss them again.

1. Labour Costs: The Underestimation

Labour costs can make or break your budget. It’s easy to underestimate how long tasks will take, especially when you’re optimistic about your team’s efficiency. But remember, delays happen. Whether it's unexpected weather, a shortage of materials, or even just a slower-than-expected pace, labour costs can quickly spiral. EstimatorXpress takes labour costs into account to make sure you’re covered with a buffer to cover those unexpected moments, so you’re not left paying out of your pocket.

Learn how to edit your labour rates in the price book in EstimatorXpress here.

2. Material Price Fluctuations: The Unseen

With the market being as unpredictable as it is, the cost of materials can fluctuate significantly. One week, timber might be affordable, and the next, you’re finding that you are eating into your margins . Builders often make the mistake of using outdated prices when estimating. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest prices and include a contingency for potential increases.

HBXL’s EstimatorXpress uses Price Tracker+ to automatically update material prices. Both live data – and real human beings – are used to bring each new version of the Price Book together. As well as checking prices, discontinued products are removed and new variants added. To find out more about our monthly tracker, give this a read: https://buff.ly/2RJf0Hu. Or you are able to manually adjust prices based on your own suppliers and avoid those nasty surprises that eat into your profits. By being precise, you’ll also build a reputation for reliability and professionalism, leading to more business and better margins.

Learn how to edit your material prices in the price book in EstimatorXpress here.

3. Site Preparation and Clearance: The Forgotten First Step

This one is easy to overlook, especially if you’re eager to get started on construction. But site preparation—like clearing debris, levelling the ground, or even setting up temporary fencing—can take more time and money than anticipated. It's not the most glamorous part of the job, but it's essential and can be costly if not properly accounted for. EstimatorXpress takes everything into consideration so you can rely on the software to consider site toilets, days to clear site etc

4. Waste/Spoil Disposal: The Hidden Cost

Disposing of waste can be a significant expense that often gets missed in estimates. Whether it's old materials, excess concrete, or just general rubbish, getting rid of waste legally and safely isn’t cheap. It's not just about hiring a skip; it's also about the time it takes to sort and manage the waste. So, make sure you’ve got this covered. In each activity, EstimatorXpress considers the percentage of the skip that the activity will use to dispose of.

5. Site appraisal costs and Inspections: The Necessary

We all know that permits, surveys and inspections are part of the job, but they’re easy to forget when you're crunching numbers. These costs can vary greatly depending on your location and the scope of your project. Missing these in your estimate can result in unexpected expenses and delays. Make sure you're clear on what you need and how much they’ll cost. EstimatorXpress considers each cost you may face such as a site survey.

6. Specialist Trades: The Unplanned Addition

Most building projects to require specialist trades and subbies, like electricians, plumbers, or plasterers. These experts come with their own set of costs and schedules. If you don’t plan for them in your estimate, you might end up with unexpected delays and additional expenses. Always check whether your project will need specialist work and factor that into your budget. Subcontractor fees are taken into account with EstimatorXpress

7. Service charges

Service charges, such as gas supply costs and electric costs during commissioning, are often overlooked in construction estimates. These charges can arise from temporary connections, increased usage during final testing, or powering essential equipment on-site. Builders frequently miss these details, focusing on direct costs instead. EstimatorXpress helps by including features that allow for the precise estimation of all service charges, ensuring that these often-neglected costs are accounted for.

8. Inflationary Pressures

Inflationary pressures are often overlooked in construction estimates, leading to underestimated costs and reduced profit margins. Builders may focus on immediate costs or assume price stability, missing the potential for price increases over time. EstimatorXpress helps address this by offering dynamic pricing updates, inflation adjustment features, scenario planning, historical data analysis, and comprehensive reporting. These tools ensure accurate, up-to-date estimates that account for potential inflation, helping builders protect their profits and provide reliable quotes.

Apply Inflationary pressures with EstimatorXpress easily. Learn how with our Getting Started videos here.

Give it a whirl

So, there you have it, the top 8 items that builders commonly miss on their estimates. Getting these right can save you a lot of stress and ensure you're not cutting into your hard-earned profits. A good estimate isn’t just about being accurate; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. So next time you're putting together a quote, keep these points in mind. Your future self (and your bank balance) will thank you!

Take the guesswork and hours of estimating out of the game and get you back to what you do best. Try EstimatorXpress for free here.

To learn more about how to use EstimatorXpress have a look at our EstimatorXpress help videos, user guides, training and F&Qs.

Feel free to reach out and chat with our support team who are available 9 am-5 pm Monday - Friday at 0117 916 7898, or via the live web chat on your screen.