After you call into the office and provide us with general project details, the next important step is to meet with your estimator. This initial site visit is the first step in turning your ideas into a plan. It’s an opportunity to discuss your goals and possibilities, explore ideas, and get a better understanding of what your project may involve.

Knowing what to expect can help you feel prepared and make the most of your time with your estimator. Here’s what to expect:

A Walkthrough of the Existing Space

Whether you have a residential, commercial, or repair project, our estimators like to be on site to get eyes on the project. They’ll be able to evaluate the existing conditions, any challenges, or potential concerns. They will also take measurements and photos as needed. This information helps provide a more accurate construction estimate based on the specific needs of your project.

Talk Through Your Vision

The more information you have, the more accurate your construction estimate will be. Be sure to share what you want the space to look and feel like, your must-haves, nice-to-haves, how you want the space to function, lifestyle considerations, and any inspiration photos or sketches.

Discuss Your Budget

Discussing your budget can feel uncomfortable for some, but sharing a budget range will help our estimators understand your expectations. A budget can influence the scope, materials, finishes, and overall project size. It’s better to have an honest conversation early so that our estimators can work through your priorities and adjust as needed. This conversation also helps ensure the construction estimate aligns with your goals as closely as possible.

Reviewing Potential Options

After your discussion, your estimator will provide different approaches and discuss what will be possible with the existing structure. Depending on your project, there may be multiple ways to accomplish your goals while considering your priorities and budget. These conversations help shape the scope of work included in your construction estimate.

How to Prepare for Your Meeting

If you go into your meeting prepared, it will set our estimators up to provide you with a more accurate construction estimate and give you the ability to share your expectations more clearly. Here are a few things to have ready for your initial site visit:

• Gather inspiration photos.
• Make a list of must-haves.
• Think about your ideal timeline.
• Know your budget range.
• Write down questions you have.
• Have information about previous projects prepared, if applicable.

Questions to Ask Your Estimator

As you think of questions prior to your meeting, write them down and have them ready. We want to make sure we leave this meeting with your questions answered. Here are a few to get you started:

• What challenges do you see with this project?
• What factors could affect the final cost?
• What are the next steps in this process?
• What should I expect during construction?

What Happens After the Meeting?

After your initial site visit, your estimator will work diligently to develop pricing and a scope of work based on your discussion and the measurements, photos, and notes that were taken. You will then receive your construction estimate and discuss the next steps with your estimator.

Looking to have your project done with BLM Construction? Contact us here.