As a custom home builder, you know accurate estimating is the foundation that sets the tone for your projects, ensuring you have the right margins to stay profitable and keep your clients happy.
But let’s face it—estimating isn’t easy. And for many builders, it’s not where their time is best spent.
So let’s dissect this: what exactly is estimating, and why does it matter?
Estimating is the backbone of every job you take on.
It goes well beyond throwing numbers at a project—it’s about knowing exactly what materials, labour, and time you need to get the job done.
Get it wrong, and you’re either eating into your profits or overcharging and risking the loss of the project.
At the core of it, accurate estimating protects your business, keeping your margins in check, helping you avoid unexpected costs, and allowing you to plan effectively. Yet…
Yet many builders rely on old-school methods like excel spreadsheets, leaving too much room for error.
Many Builders Rely on Old-School Methods Like Excel Spreadsheets, Leaving Too Much Room for Error
Relying on simple tools like Excel can work when you’re running a small number of simple jobs. But as your projects get bigger, the complexity grows.
Managing multiple projects, keeping track of different costs, and avoiding mistakes all get tougher. Spreadsheets weren’t built to handle that kind of complexity as your business scales.
As you juggle more variables—labour, materials, timelines, and changes—Excel becomes a breeding ground for errors. Missed data entries, formula mistakes, and outdated versions can lead to budget blowouts, scheduling issues, and costly delays.
What’s more, being so busy trying to manage everything can often lead to underbidding, which cuts into your profits. Or overbidding, which might lose you the project.
Truth is, estimating is a job in itself, and it takes time to do it right.
Instead of trying to do everything yourself, there’s a better option: outsource it to professionals who specialise in helping builders like you get accurate, detailed estimates that save time and boost margins.
Why 3D Models Make All the Difference
One of the biggest benefits we offer at V2E is our use of 3D modelling in the estimating process. Instead of relying on flat 2D drawings or rows of numbers on a spreadsheet, we take it a step further by visualising the entire project in 3D.
This means you can see exactly how your project will come together—before a shovel hits the dirt. It’s not just about getting an estimate; it’s about catching potential problems early, verifying everything fits, and avoiding expensive mistakes down the line.
3 Reasons 3D Modelling is a Game-Changer
- Precision and Clarity: With 3D models, you’re not just dealing with abstract numbers. You can see the actual layout, structure, and details of your build. This helps catch any issues early, making sure everything works as it should. It’s a visual way of confirming nothing’s been overlooked.
- Specialised Knowledge: Estimating isn’t something you can just wing. It takes experience and know-how to do it right. At V2E, we handle thousands of estimates each week across a variety of projects. This means we’ve seen just about every scenario out there—and we know how to estimate for them accurately.
- Streamlined Process: 3D models bring everything together in one place. You’ve got all the information—materials, costs, timelines—laid out clearly. It makes it easier to keep everyone on the same page, from the client to the contractors and ensures fewer mistakes along the way.
The Hidden Costs of Doing It All Yourself
If you’re still managing your estimates in-house, you might think you’re saving money by avoiding outsourcing. But the reality is, handling everything on your own can cost you more in the long run.
Think about it: every hour you spend on estimating is an hour not spent on what really moves your business forward— building, selling, and managing client relationships.
And when mistakes happen because you’re spread too thin, those errors can cost you thousands in rework, delays, and strained client relationships.
By outsourcing to experts, you eliminate these risks and free yourself up to focus on what you do best. Plus, with 3D models, you’re getting estimates that are far more reliable than anything you could create on your own.
Maximise Your Time, Maximise Your Margins
Outsourcing your estimating isn’t just about offloading a task—it’s about making your business more efficient and profitable. When your estimates are spot-on, you can price your projects correctly, improve your margins, and reduce stress.
And because 3D modelling gives you a clear, accurate picture of the project, you can identify cost savings, negotiate better rates, and avoid costly surprises. It’s a smart investment that pays off in higher profits and smoother projects.
Build Trust and Transparency with Clients
One of the biggest advantages of using 3D models is the transparency it offers your clients. Homeowners want to know exactly what they’re getting for their money, and they’re often wary of hidden costs and surprises. A 3D model shows them exactly how their home will look, which builds trust and reduces misunderstandings.
It’s a win-win: Your clients feel more confident about the process, and you avoid disputes and delays that could derail the project.
Focus on What You Do Best
At the end of the day, your strengths as a builder lie in managing construction and building relationships. That’s where your time is best spent—not buried in paperwork and numbers. By outsourcing your estimating to professionals who specialise in it, you can focus on growing your business, delivering quality homes, and keeping your clients happy.
Ready to win bigger jobs and save time on estimating?
Then you’ll love this free guide:
Estimating Breakthrough for Custom Builders
Grab it now to discover how to win bigger jobs at higher margins while reducing build time, boosting conversions, and saving hours on estimates.
Ready to learn more, book a Discovery Call now. Click here.