How Do I Prepare Project Estimates From a Standard Cost Table?
To prepare project estimates from a standard cost table, keep a table of unit costs for materials, labor and services, build each estimate by selecting items and quantities, let formulas calculate the totals and margin, and save each version sent to the client.
In Jestor, cost tables, estimates and projects are connected, so approved estimates become project budgets.
Why do estimates vary so much between estimators?
Estimates are often built in personal spreadsheets with different prices and formulas. Two estimators can price the same job very differently.
Outdated costs lead to underpriced jobs, and margins disappear during execution.
Rebuilding every estimate from scratch also takes time.
What problems does a standard cost table solve?
- Inconsistent prices between estimators
- Outdated unit costs
- Calculation errors in spreadsheets
- No record of estimate versions
- Estimates not connected to project budgets
How do I build estimates in Jestor?
- Create a cost table with item, unit, material cost and labor cost.
- Create an estimate linked to the client and project.
- Add estimate lines with items and quantities from the cost table.
- Calculate totals and margin with formula fields.
- Save versions and convert the approved one into the project budget.
| Estimate component | Source |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cost table × quantity |
| Labor | Cost table × quantity |
| Subcontractors | Bids received |
| Margin | Percentage set by the company |
How do I keep the cost table up to date?
Update unit costs when suppliers change prices or new bids arrive.
New estimates use the current values, while past estimates keep the values they were sent with.
Why use Jestor for construction estimates?
- Standard costs: every estimator uses the same table.
- Formula totals: no spreadsheet errors.
- Version history: each estimate version recorded.
- Budget link: approved estimates become project budgets.
Comparing estimates with actual costs after each project shows which items are usually underestimated, improving future pricing.
Estimate templates for common job types also save time. A kitchen or bathroom renovation can start from a standard list of items, which the estimator adjusts to the specific project.
This is how you prepare project estimates from a standard cost table with speed and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can estimates be converted into budgets?
Yes. An automation can create budget lines from the approved estimate.
Can I get free setup help?
Yes. The Jestor team helps at no cost at jestor.com.
Do old estimates change when costs are updated?
Not if you store the calculated values on each estimate when it is sent.
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