A construction or building estimator is a professional who quantifies the materials, labor, time, and equipment necessary for the completion of a construction project. They give you an idea of how much time and money you may need to accomplish the job. If you are planning on building a house or an establishment for business, it is best to get one to avoid wasting your resources on the task.
If you have a contractor or a builder, they normally include the estimate with the bid for the job. However, there are instances wherein you would need professionals from different company to work together on the construction. Getting a freelance construction estimator may be a good decision for you, long as you know what to look for and expect from one.
Check your rate. Most people opt for a freelancer because they come cheap. Do not be so excited and quote a price as if you are already well established. You may start your rate a little lower, and go higher up as you gain experience and confidence on your own job.
But cheap does not always mean that they are good. If you have a couple of estimator bidding on the job, you may want to check on their portfolios. This way you can evaluate how they work based on their previous projects.
Be available. The reason why they hired you is due to the fact that you are available. You do not answer to a boss, so the questions from your clients and possible customers goes directly to you. And of course they have to be answered by you in a timely manner.
They are at most available. Even with other work at hand, you can be assured they would be there. Your contact would be them directly. You do not have to go through secretaries and other people to get your questions answered.
Inquire about payment terms. Since they are free, they also have flexible payment options. After you have discussed with them the fees they would require for the whole project, inquire how they want to be paid. A written agreement can be waived if you are confident enough, but it would be best to have something in writing since you do not have a company to turn to if your worker does not show up.
Set your expectations. It would be best if you tell your estimator on the get go what you expect from them you have to be honest with them, particularly about budget, so they can also make adjustments on their own without compromising the whole plan. Be clear as to your goals, and never be afraid to ask questions and to clarify things.
At the end of the day, to be a good freelancer, you have to know how you expect your own freelancer worker to be. Define your idea of a good freelance worker. Then be an embodiment of that idea. Good things will surely follow.
If you have a contractor or a builder, they normally include the estimate with the bid for the job. However, there are instances wherein you would need professionals from different company to work together on the construction. Getting a freelance construction estimator may be a good decision for you, long as you know what to look for and expect from one.
Check your rate. Most people opt for a freelancer because they come cheap. Do not be so excited and quote a price as if you are already well established. You may start your rate a little lower, and go higher up as you gain experience and confidence on your own job.
But cheap does not always mean that they are good. If you have a couple of estimator bidding on the job, you may want to check on their portfolios. This way you can evaluate how they work based on their previous projects.
Be available. The reason why they hired you is due to the fact that you are available. You do not answer to a boss, so the questions from your clients and possible customers goes directly to you. And of course they have to be answered by you in a timely manner.
They are at most available. Even with other work at hand, you can be assured they would be there. Your contact would be them directly. You do not have to go through secretaries and other people to get your questions answered.
Inquire about payment terms. Since they are free, they also have flexible payment options. After you have discussed with them the fees they would require for the whole project, inquire how they want to be paid. A written agreement can be waived if you are confident enough, but it would be best to have something in writing since you do not have a company to turn to if your worker does not show up.
Set your expectations. It would be best if you tell your estimator on the get go what you expect from them you have to be honest with them, particularly about budget, so they can also make adjustments on their own without compromising the whole plan. Be clear as to your goals, and never be afraid to ask questions and to clarify things.
At the end of the day, to be a good freelancer, you have to know how you expect your own freelancer worker to be. Define your idea of a good freelance worker. Then be an embodiment of that idea. Good things will surely follow.
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