How to Set Up a Construction Estimating Room

Most building and construction companies will need some way of calculating potential costs for customers. For some companies, this might be done on a PC program or by an over-the-phone quote; but, if you really want to discuss and debate costs with the team and with the clients, you will need an estimating room. These rooms might have a large screen or projector for showing costs and a meeting table for discussion and signing contracts.

Instructions

1

Clean and clear out the area you are looking to turn into an estimating room. Starting with a clean slate is a good way to visualize the room and find the relevant power sockets.

2

Set up a meeting table with enough chairs for an average-sized meeting. Think about how many people will need to be at the table at once -- if you deal with larger company clients then you may need enough room for 10 or 12 team members. Set up a space for five or six if you only liaise with families on home construction. Ensure the meeting desk is big enough to lay out large blueprints, and there is enough space for employees to gather and move around it.

3

Plug in and set up at least one PC unit for the room. Construction companies should use some form of cost-estimating software or spreadsheet program. These programs can help turn blueprints and ideas into direct quotes that can save manpower, money and time. Connect the PCs to an Internet connection for communication and a printer and scanner for administration. Some of the more popular estimating software programs include the To-Scale Plan Center and Bid4Build Enterprise Edition (v3.5.1).

4

Integrate your PC system and your meeting table by installing a projector or large-screen monitor. This will allow customers and employees to view the PC screen on a larger scale, which can be helpful for explaining blueprints and cost quotes to several people at once.

5

Make a break-out point for your construction models to be displayed. Ensure there is enough space around the model for customers and clients to walk around. Also, avoid placing the break-out point near a door or traffic point because the model may get knocked over or damaged.

6

Decorate the room by hanging up pictures and placing indoor plants -- repaint the walls, as well, if the existing colors are dull or uninspiring. According to the AllBusiness website, try to strike a balance between making the room comfortable for employees and keeping the workplace professional.