Tender Estimates

What is a Tender Estimate?

A Tender Estimate is an independent cost assessment prepared specifically for the tender and procurement stage of a project, designed primarily for builders to work out their pricing and allowances when preparing a bid. It's based on the full set of tender documentation, including architectural drawings, engineering plans, specifications and schedules, and completed engineering documentation and finalised specifications are required before this estimate can be carried out. For builders, a Tender Estimate provides a reliable cross-check against your own pricing before submitting a bid; for owners and project managers, it offers an independent benchmark to evaluate incoming tender submissions and identify any significant variances.

This estimate involves a full quantity take-off, with a comprehensive trade-by-trade cost breakdown in BOQ style. While it's not a full bill of quantities, meaning it won't itemise every nail or amount of glue, it does provide detailed material quantities, such as the linear metres of skirting required, along with itemised figures for the builder's profit margin, overheads and labour. In-house labour is priced the same way a subcontractor would be, so labour allowances are clearly visible, and PC items can be either standard allowances or client-supplied quoted prices.

Pricing uses averaged data for the client's location, with the option to substitute the client's own trade quotations or rates, typically actioned as a revision after initial delivery at no extra charge. Our Tender Estimates are prepared by our Australian team using current market rates, with no offshore systems or automated pricing tools, giving you a figure you can rely on.