An accurate budget estimate begins with a clear, detailed Scope of Work. But how do you write a good scope?

A Scope of Work must be clear and complete for a construction project to succeed, and that means gathering a lot of data. But from where? Let’s explore a few sources of information that can help build a strong scope.

“I’m not trying to be an estimator” is a phrase you’ll likely hear if you spend even a few minutes discussing work with Elizabeth Battaglia.

Design work is tricky from a time perspective. Architects and design professionals create drawings and conceptual designs in the present and the structures are built in the future.

Architects, engineers and other design professionals juggle several coexisting responsibilities and desires. They want to design and build great, innovative facilities. They want to create reputations for doing thorough, efficient work. Most importantly, they want to maximize their available budget. But how?

While reflecting on past experiences is often a solid foundation for planning, old construction cost data is often outdated and inaccurate.

Developing accurate, thorough and defendable cost estimates on a consistent basis is an arduous and – sometimes – imposing undertaking.

In the past three years, only 31 percent of all projects came within 10 percent of their budgets.