Build every estimate through the same sequence — assumptions before quantities, quantities before pricing — so the Estimate Standard’s required fields are never reconstructed after the fact.

Performed by

Estimator

Used in processes

• Estimate Preparation

Governing standards

• Estimate Standard

Procedure

1. 1Record assumptions before calculating anything.
2. 2Calculate quantities from the survey or requirements.
3. 3Price labor and materials separately.
4. 4Add subcontractor cost, contingency, and margin as distinct line items.
5. 5State exclusions and the validity period.
6. 6Check the total against the margin floor.

Decision / troubleshooting points

• Is the estimate below the margin floor? → Stop and route to the Sales Director before drafting a customer-facing figure.

Required evidence

• Assumptions, quantities, labor, materials, subcontractor cost, contingency, margin, exclusions, and validity period — each recorded as its own field.

Completion criteria

All Estimate Standard requirement fields are populated, and the estimate is either above the margin floor or has a recorded exception.

Escalation

When: Estimate is below the margin floor.

Involve: Sales Director

Future system assistance

• Calculate the margin automatically from entered cost fields.
• Block sending until every required field is populated.
• Auto-route below-floor estimates to the Sales Director.