Case Study: Estimating by the Stick

"Few small builders find unit pricing feasible. Here’s a look at how good records, good judgment, and a mental walk-through can yield an accurate estimate."

By Clayton DeKorne

Estimating by the Stick Case Study: ouldn't you love to have seen those other bids on that last project you estimated? Last spring, I had the opportunity to get a close look at three competing bids when I sat in on a meeting of builders here in Vermont. They met under the auspices of a local builder's group, which was planning to build and market an affordable, healthy, and energyefficient house. Each builder worked up his own estimate to help the group accurately price the completed project. Instead of presenting the bids in private to the client, the three builders discussed their bids openly — offering us the rare opportunity to dissect and compare the competing