Accurate building cost estimating can save both time and money, but I’ve noticed that many projects still face budget overruns because of some common mistakes. A few examples I’ve come across:
- Ignoring price fluctuations in materials like steel and lumber
- Underestimating labor hours for specialized tasks
- Forgetting to include permits, insurance, and overhead costs
- Not updating estimates when design changes happen
By keeping these points in mind, estimates can become far more reliable. I think sharing experiences and learning from others’ mistakes is one of the best ways to improve accuracy.
What challenges have you faced while preparing building cost estimates, and how do you avoid these pitfalls?
