In construction, the success of a project often hinges on effective teamwork, particularly between estimators and project managers. These two roles are crucial to a company’s profitability, and how well they work together can make or break a project. Let’s dive into how estimators and project managers can collaborate to ensure a project’s success and avoid common pitfalls.
1. The Role of the Estimator
The estimator is responsible for determining the cost of a project during the bidding stage. They pour over blueprints, calculate production rates, and create a bid designed to win the project while ensuring the company turns a profit. It’s a complex job that requires not only technical knowledge but also a good understanding of the crew’s capabilities.
However, the estimator’s work doesn’t stop once the bid is won. It’s critical that they communicate all the details of their estimate to the project manager. As one experienced contractor points out, “You’ve got to be upfront with your project manager when you turn that job over to them. They need to know what your production rates are, what you’ve put into that project, and what’s expected.”
2. The Role of the Project Manager
Once the bid is awarded, the project manager steps in to oversee the execution of the job. They ensure that the project stays on budget, is completed on time, and meets the required quality standards. However, the project manager can only be as good as the estimate they are working from. If they don’t fully understand the estimator’s plan or if the bid wasn’t realistic, they are set up to fail.
As one contractor noted, “If you’re a project manager, you’ve got to know what the estimator has put into the project because at that point it becomes your responsibility to bring it in at or under budget.”
3. Involve the Project Manager Early
A common mistake companies make is keeping estimators and project managers siloed, only bringing them together after the bid has been won. But this is a recipe for misunderstandings. The key is early involvement. When project managers are brought into the bidding process, they can offer valuable insights based on their field experience.
“Let your project manager look at the drawings and the job you’re working on,” one contractor advises. “Ask them, ‘If you were to project manage this job, what kind of production rates would you need?’ This helps create a bid that your project manager feels comfortable with and ensures that they have the resources to bring the project in profitably.”
4. The Benefit of Dual Roles
In some companies, the roles of estimator and project manager are combined. This can eliminate the potential for miscommunication and finger-pointing. When the same person who estimates the project also manages it, they have full ownership of the job’s success. As one contractor put it, “When I estimate a project, I’m the one managing it too. I know what my crews can do, and that allows me to create a more realistic bid.”
This approach does have its challenges, as it requires someone with both field experience and strong organizational skills. However, it can streamline the process and improve accountability, reducing the likelihood of costly mistakes.
5. Communication Is Key
Whether your company separates or combines these roles, the most important factor in a project’s success is communication. Estimators and project managers must work as a team, sharing information openly and frequently. If there’s a breakdown in communication, it can lead to delays, budget overruns, and frustration on both sides.
“If you’re an estimator, don’t hand over a job that you know is going to be a problem without making sure your project manager is aware,” an experienced contractor warns. “Get them involved early, keep them in the loop, and make sure they understand what they’re walking into.”
6. The Value of Field Experience
For both estimators and project managers, field experience is invaluable. A project manager with years of hands-on experience understands what it takes to get a job done. Similarly, an estimator with field experience can create more accurate bids. As one contractor explained, “If you don’t know what it takes to get the job done, you shouldn’t be estimating.”
Field experience allows both roles to anticipate potential challenges, make informed decisions, and keep the project on track.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between estimators and project managers is a cornerstone of successful construction projects. By working together, sharing information, and getting involved early in the process, they can ensure that projects stay on budget and run smoothly.
For new contractors and companies, fostering this teamwork is crucial. Whether you’re structuring your team with separate roles or combining them into one, remember that communication, trust, and experience are the keys to winning bids and completing profitable jobs.