Estimation or Guesstimating

Two different painting companies send their representative to estimate a painting job. ? Both have a certain amount of pride in their work. Both think they are doing their best. ? The first estimator enters a room glances around, and jots down some notes, and takes about 2 minutes to enter a room and leave. This estimator then takes up to 15 minutes to walk through each room in the house. This person may or may not produce a professional estimate, often times the estimate is hand written of scrap paper. Of interest to another painter is that this estimator doesn't carry any measuring tools, or any other tools. I call this estimator the magician. This estimator impresses customers with the unbelievable way that the estimate is done. He is possibly making the client think of many years of experience that make this estimator have the eye that knows all. ? Estimator 2 knows that a quick approach to estimating can create lots of problems and possible many ways to lose money. Estimator 2 sees a room, measures the dimensions, counts the windows, doors, measures any woodwork or special features that go beyond the length and width. Sometimes this estimator brings a tape or an infrared measuring tool. I have used both and have settled on a measuring wheel by the Lufkin people that make tapes and other tools. This measuring wheel is the same price as a tape but mine has out lasted tapes by 4 times. This tool is great for those long walls inside and out that go far beyond tapes. This estimator may bring some duct tape, and maybe some lacquer thinner or "Goof-Off". Using a printed form to total the items in each room, estimator2 goes from room to room and does the same creating a tally, and making notes on anything that might add or subtract from the job. There is no magic here except the magic of a more precise estimate. Usually done on a pc, this estimate may require a second trip back to present the proposal, my preferred technique. ? Put these two paper estimates side by side, both of a 10 room house. One will be handwritten on a single sheet of paper. And the second may be a 14 page document printed by the pc with 2 or 3 color inks. ? The first estimate is usually a lump sum proposal, like $xxx to paint the house. Estimate 2 will be room by room with subtotals for each room, even closets with line items and quantities for every item to be painted. ? Some thoughts, estimate 1 by law has to paint the whole house for his lump sum. Estimate 2 provides a list, so that if something is later changed, it is easy to add or subtract. After this entire proposal is not lump sum but a list. The first thing that comes to mind is the amount of time difference. The big differences are the measuring, the second trip, and the entering of the data. Once you set up the templates on the pc it's as easy as just plugging the numbers, the pc does everything else, totals, subtotals etc. ? Time after time estimator 1 will miss items and give away work to finish the job. Estimator 2 will miss less and will make more money in the long run, just for not giving work away. If something is discovered that wasn't there estimator 1 will have a hard time trying to include the extra. ? Estimator 2 only has to count the items he charged for and show that he only charged for so and so, and he has an easy job proving that he should be paid for the additional items. ? Of course the proposal itself looks more professional. ? Which would you like to sign your name to?