In my years in the construction industry, I’ve encountered clients who, unfortunately, have developed a distrust of builders, whether due to past negative experiences or the industry’s perceived reputation. While most builders I’ve worked with are honest and reliable, there are occasional cases where some offer misleading or incomplete pricing. Their goal is to secure the job with an attractively low estimate, only to later, demand additional costs once the work is underway and under contract. While these situations are rare, they do happen.
The Importance of Transparent Pricing in Project Planning
Choosing the lowest quote might seem like the best financial decision, but it isn’t always the right one. My clients need clarity on what has been accounted for, what’s included in the estimate, and just as importantly, what is not included. This is where transparent pricing plays a crucial role in procurement and construction.
Why I Don’t Use the ‘Price Per Square Metre’ Approach
Some builders or estimators, at the early stages of pricing a project (i.e. planning stage with little information), rely on a general ‘price per square metre or square foot’ method, but I believe this approach is far too vague. It often fails to reflect the true cost of the work and can lead to significant budget miscalculations. Instead, I take a structured approach:
● Carefully reviewing all available construction drawings
● Creating a detailed construction work schedule
● Applying industry-standard rates to generate an accurate estimate
By doing this, my clients receive a comprehensive breakdown of guide costs, allowing them to:
✔ See exactly what has been accounted for
✔ Compare estimates side-by-side with other quotes
✔ Identify any missing elements or unrealistic pricing in competing estimates
Giving Clients Control Over Their Budget
I always aim to provide my clients with detailed, transparent estimates, including specific allowances for finishes and materials. Rather than dictating costs for items like tiles, flooring, or fixtures, I prefer to include budgeted allowances (e.g., “Supply wall tiles allowing £30/m²”). This method gives clients the flexibility to choose their preferred finishes while maintaining full control over their budget. These allowances are tailored based on the project scope, procurement strategy, and the client’s budget.
Conclusion
A well-documented and transparent pricing strategy ensures that clients are fully informed before committing to a construction project. By offering clear, itemised breakdowns rather than generic estimates, I help my clients make confident decisions, minimise unexpected costs, and ensure their project planning stays on track. If you value a transparent and structured approach to pricing, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to assist in ensuring your project is accurately budgeted from the start.