Estimate Review Checklist
Estimate Review Checklist
Quick Summary
An estimate review checklist helps contractors catch mistakes before a proposal reaches the customer. Reviewing scope, quantities, pricing, exclusions, and assumptions can prevent missed costs and reduce change orders later. This checklist is useful for estimators, project managers, office managers, and business owners preparing construction bids and proposals.
When to Use This Checklist
- Before sending an estimate to a customer.
- After completing a takeoff or quantity review.
- Before submitting a bid.
- When reviewing large project proposals.
- Before management approval of pricing.
- When revising an estimate after scope changes.
- Prior to converting an estimate into a contract.
Before You Start
- Gather project plans, specifications, and scope documents.
- Review customer requirements and expectations.
- Confirm the latest drawings and revisions are being used.
- Gather supplier and subcontractor pricing.
- Review production rates and labor assumptions.
- Verify project location and site conditions.
- Confirm estimate deadlines and submission requirements.
Safety Checks
- Review project-specific safety requirements that may affect costs.
- Verify temporary protection or access requirements have been considered.
- Include required safety equipment costs when applicable.
- Review traffic control, barricade, or site access needs if applicable.
- Consider safety-related labor impacts on production rates.
- Document assumptions related to site safety conditions.
Tools, Equipment, and Materials
- Project plans and specifications.
- Quantity takeoffs.
- Supplier and vendor quotes.
- Subcontractor pricing.
- Labor rate information.
- Estimating software or worksheets.
- Scope of work and proposal template.
Estimate Review Checklist
- Verify customer name, project name, and project location.
- Confirm estimate scope matches customer requirements.
- Review quantity takeoffs for accuracy.
- Verify material quantities and pricing.
- Review labor hours and labor rates.
- Verify equipment costs and rental assumptions.
- Review subcontractor costs and quotes.
- Confirm allowances and contingency amounts if included.
- Review markup, overhead, and profit calculations.
- Check estimate calculations and totals.
- Review exclusions and scope limitations.
- Verify assumptions are clearly documented.
- Review schedule or duration assumptions.
- Confirm proposal language is complete and clear.
- Obtain internal review and approval before submission.
- Save final estimate version and supporting records.
Documentation Needed
- Project plans and specifications.
- Quantity takeoff worksheets.
- Supplier and subcontractor quotes.
- Estimate review notes.
- Approval records.
- Final estimate and proposal copy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated plans or specifications.
- Missing material quantities or labor hours.
- Failing to document estimate assumptions.
- Overlooking subcontractor or equipment costs.
- Submitting estimates without a second review.
- Leaving exclusions unclear or incomplete.
End-of-Day / Final Review
- Scope and pricing have been verified.
- Calculations and totals have been checked.
- Assumptions and exclusions are documented.
- Management approval has been obtained.
- Final estimate has been saved and backed up.
- Estimate is ready for customer submission.
Checklist Completion
Project / Job Name
Jobsite / Location
Completed By
Role / Title
Completed Date
Completed Time
Signature
Reviewed / Approved By, if needed
Notes / Follow-Up Items
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