Need advice on estimating interior & exterior work before starting project

  • NoraSilas's Avatar
    Hello everyone, I am new here and wanted to share a small experience and ask for advice. I work in construction estimating and recently handling a renovation project that includes both interior and exterior work, so doing an accurate interior exterior takeoff is very important before starting. If measurements or scope are missed, the budget can increase later, which is similar to what happens with car repaint or repair when planning is not done properly. In this project, interior surfaces and exterior repainting are involved, and I want to avoid common estimating mistakes that lead to extra cost or delays. I know this forum mainly discusses vehicles, but planning, estimating, and maintenance logic feels quite similar, whether it's a building or a car. I would appreciate any general advice or experience on planning interior and exterior work properly to keep costs under control. Thank you.
  • 1 Reply

  • olduser's Avatar
    Experience matters, obviously damage needs to be repaired but the inexperienced often forget to ask why is the damage there? That's where experience comes in.
    Say water damaged plaster, where did the water come from and where did it go, what damage has it done behind the plaster and what damage wherever it went to, has this all been repaired if not will it involve the plaster?

    It is not just a matter of looking on the surface but the extras will be what the damage is hiding.