01 / Measured basis
Start with each measured quantity
Read each line with its description, quantity and unit. Check the drawing, schedule or other recorded reference so you can see which area or item the quantity describes. Make sure it matches the scope you intend to price.
A measured quantity is the estimate basis; it is not automatically a purchase order or a confirmed site quantity. Consider product format, roll width, cutting, offcuts, pack sizes and the stated wastage when deciding what to order for the project.
- Quantity and unit
- Read the number together with its unit, such as area, length or hours. Do not combine quantities with unlike units.
- Drawing and scope
- Use the item notes and drawing or schedule reference to locate the measured work, then check them against the tender information you are pricing.
02 / Cost detail
Read the components and rate-purpose subtotals
A saved estimate can show materials, labour, wastage-adjustment and preparation amounts alongside subtotals grouped by the purpose recorded on each rate. The purpose label tells you how the rate is classified; read the underlying work lines as well as the grouped subtotal.
Purpose labels can include Project costing, Pilot fee or Unclassified purpose. The estimate may also show a separate subtotal for lines without a saved purpose. Check those lines too: the separate label does not mean the amount is outside the saved estimate total.
- Materials
- Check the described product and the material amount against the measured quantity and rate basis shown.
- Labour
- Review the hours and labour amount against the installation method, access, sequencing and programme you expect on site.
- Wastage
- Check any separate wastage adjustment and its stated basis against the product, layout and cutting conditions for the work.
- Preparation
- Read preparation as its own allowance where shown. Check its described extent against the substrate information and specification.
03 / Scope and uncertainty
Resolve assumptions, exclusions and provisional items
Assumptions record the basis the estimate relies on where the supplied information leaves a detail open. Compare each one with the tender documents and what you know about the site; ask for clarification where it could change scope, quantities or cost.
Exclusions identify work the estimate does not include. If an excluded item belongs in your tender, decide how you will cover it before setting your bid. Do not treat silence in a line item as confirmation that the work has been allowed for.
A provisional line is identified as unconfirmed and should include a reason. Treat it as a point to verify or clarify. A saved quantity or amount does not turn provisional scope into confirmed site information.
04 / Version history
Use revision details to identify what changed
Saved revisions are dated versions of the estimate. Compare the latest saved version with the previous one and review each item marked added, removed or changed. The comparison can show changes to quantities, scope lines, drawing references, priced breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions and provisional reasons.
Check the previous and current values rather than relying on the total alone. A changed total tells you that the saved estimate moved; the item details help you locate where. The comparison covers saved versions only, so unsaved editor changes are not part of that history.
- Version and date
- Confirm which saved versions are being compared and when they were saved.
- Changed items
- Follow each added, removed or updated line back to the relevant drawing, scope note or pricing decision.