Tendering for builders

Tendering process

Tendering or bidding for a project is a common practice among builders and contractors. The process for some can be daunting, awkward and time consuming. It is important that builders tender for projects that they can manage and are right for their company size. Over the years, tenders have become more complex. Larger government contracts include a PQQ process (pre-qualification process). This comprises of questionnaires, sending insurance details, memberships or bodies that the builder or contractor is associated with, and details of similar contracts and/or references.

Pricing a project requires a lot of thought. Overheads must to be accounted for, preliminaries for the general set up of the site and contingency figures are just some of the things that a builder must think about. Typically, a builder or contractor will send plans to a Quantity Surveyor to price the job for them. However, they can be extremely expensive, and their turnaround period can range from 2 to 3 weeks. Their reports are long winded and hard to follow. Rates would be mashed together, and this leaves the typical builder scratching his head wondering if the rate per m2 for block work includes the correct number of blocks, sand, cement and labour rate.

Over the years, builder’s have ended up attempting to price projects themselves. Spending hours at home or in an office in the evening trying to quantify materials and get prices back from suppliers. As a result, mistakes can be made, and items missed from the plan.

The Alternative

When DJ Build Estimations first started a few years ago, our target market was solely Self Builders. However, over the years we have realised that our reports are perfect for contractors, builders and even tradesmen! Our layout follows the natural progression of the works. Each phase is broken down to show what all materials are required, plant/machinery needed, and the labour tasks involved. Builders would advise us of their rates per hour for their men and we do the rest! The only thing they have to do themselves is include their own profit and overheads at the end.

Therefore, the tendering process becomes much less daunting, more streamlined and reports are back in a quick turnaround period. To see how simple the process is, send us in a plan or give us a call to discuss in more detail!