There are so many programs for construction companies, but sometimes the answer to a person's problems can be solved with a simple construction estimating spreadsheet. There are many different types of spreadsheets available, but the most commonly used are Excel spreadsheets. These spreadsheets are simple to learn to use and easy to update for each new project.
There are many different construction estimating worksheet templates available, so a person needs to determine which one will meet his or her current needs.
List of Construction Estimating Spreadsheet Templates
Anyone who has an entry-level job will find that this basic template works great for their needs. This model basically includes company information, a description of the work, the estimated cost and whether or not this price includes materials and labor. This template does not include many details, so a different template may be needed for larger projects or projects that require a lot of detail. There's also a downside to this model: it doesn't add up a person's totals. Therefore, mistakes are common as people have to do the calculations themselves.
2. Construction Proposal Contract Template
This is another basic template that allows construction companies to list the works being carried out, as well as the materials used in a given project. The cost of all this work can be included, line by line, or at the end. The disadvantage of using this template is that costs are not added automatically and therefore need to be done manually by the person filling out the template.
3. Job Quote Template
This model breaks down items into labor and materials, as well as any applicable discounts and tax amounts. A person can also include a signature box with terms and conditions, so this template can easily be used as a signed contract. The good news about this model is that the line items are automatically added up at the end.
4. Different cost models
There are times when customers want the costs of different items to be divided into indirect costs and indirect costs. Indirect costs are considered insurance fees, license fees, and legal fees, while soft costs are any labor, materials, and equipment. This is an excellent option when surprises are not welcome at the end of a project.
5. Estimation and Budget Template
This template goes a little more in-depth, as it offers checklists for both budgeting and estimating, as well as a way to track the difference between the two costs and payments. Each row has its own description, and the columns that follow include the name of the supplier or subcontractor, the estimated labor and materials costs, as well as the estimated total cost and actual cost.
6. Construction Budget Template
Construction companies love to see where their money goes and how to plug any leaks to allow them to earn more on each project they undertake. Each row has its own description, and the columns include labor hours and rates and the units and cost per unit of materials. The fixed cost column allows workers and customers to see whether they are on budget or over or under the projected cost. This model is good to have because it allows companies to look at past projects to see where overruns arose so that the same mistakes are not made again. The best part of this template is that the computer program does all the calculations, so there is no need to do them manually with the possibility of errors.
7. Bid tabulation spreadsheet template
When it comes time to bid on a project, there are many bid items and it can be difficult to keep track of them all. This model allows a company to see different estimates side by side, which makes it much easier to compare to get the best deal. As the program does the math, there is no chance of errors and choosing the wrong company due to the use of inadequate information.
8. Construction Estimation Template
Each project has specific needs and this is where this template can come in handy. While there are designated job spaces in this model, they can easily be changed to suit the requirements of the job in question. Instead of forgetting to budget for certain jobs, a company can easily add these charges using this form.
Completing These Construction Estimating Worksheet Templates
Completing this construction with estimating spreadsheet templates is quite simple. Although a person must first choose the model they want to use, the rest is pretty much the same regardless of the model chosen.
First, all job line items need to be added to the template. Once completed, a unit cost must be applied to each of these line items. Once all this information has been filled in, it is time for the person to calculate their numbers.
It's also necessary for people to double-check to make sure they didn't leave any information or line items out, because that can skew the numbers in a not-so-good way. At this time, it is best to have a second person verify the information and then a standard marking can be applied to the total number.
It is important to note that many of these spreadsheets are not created specifically for the construction industry. Therefore, each of the templates may be missing a key point when a construction company uses it.
However, all of these models are generally easier to use than the more expensive estimating programs and other construction programs out there. And because these templates are easy to use, no extensive training is required for someone to fill them out correctly.
There is no rhyme or reason when it comes to construction companies choosing one estimating spreadsheet template over another. Some like to keep things simple, while others want a more detailed look at how much they are spending and earning. Therefore, as long as a company uses an estimating spreadsheet template, it will be ahead of companies that are still trying to claw their way to success.
