The True Cost of a “Free” Quote, why estimations are part of the cost of building.
Most people have never received a truly accurate, detailed, and transparent construction quotation. The reason is simple: most quotes are provided for free. When a contractor provides a free estimate, it is often little more than a “thumb-suck” based on outdated material prices and guesswork. This is a dangerous foundation for any project. It leads to last-minute decision-making, supply chain disruptions, and “hidden” costs that only surface once it’s too late. While 90% of the industry operates this way, it is a high-risk approach that almost guarantees missed deadlines, legal vulnerabilities, and compromised build quality.
Why Professional Estimation is a Worthy Investment
A comprehensive quotation is a feat of engineering in itself. At our firm, larger project quotes can require a full week of dedicated labor. You wouldn’t expect your architect to draw plans for free or your lawyer to draft a contract for free—the financial roadmap of your build is no different.
By paying for a professional Quantity Surveyor (QS) or Estimator’s report, you are investing in:
- Deep Technical Expertise: We bring 50 years of combined experience as builders, project managers, and estimators.
- Institutional Support: As members of the QS Institute, we utilize industry-standard tools, current legislation, and up-to-date pricing databases.
- Granular Detail: We don’t just guess labor; we break down every component. For a $100k project, we may source 60 different sub-quotes just to secure the best pricing for 20 line items.
- Risk Mitigation: We identify stock shortages and lock in material prices before the first nail is driven.
Protection for Your Pocket and Peace of Mind
A “fixed-price contract” is only as strong as the data behind it. If a contractor under-quotes, they will eventually look for ways to recoup that loss, whether by cutting corners, delaying your project to prioritize more profitable jobs, or hitting you with “unforeseen” variations.
A paid, detailed quotation protects you by:
- Eliminating the Unknown: You see exactly where every cent goes, providing a clear legal and financial baseline.
- Ensuring Smooth Execution: Because the materials are sourced and priced to the cent beforehand, the build moves faster and stays on rhythm.
- Providing Long-term Value: An accurate quote can save you tens of thousands of dollars by preventing the “compounding error” effect, where one bad calculation derails the entire build.
The Bottom Line
Respecting the estimation phase is the best way to ensure your project is a success. It is not an “extra cost”—it is the insurance policy that guarantees the price you are quoted is the price you actually pay.
