Estimate Verification Policy
Every estimate we deliver has passed through a structured, multi-level verification process. Here is how we ensure accuracy.
Our 8-Point QA Verification Checklist
Quantity Takeoff Verification
All quantity takeoffs are independently verified by a second estimator. Conduit, wire, cable, device, and equipment quantities are re-measured from the drawings and compared to the original takeoff. Discrepancies exceeding 3% trigger a full re-measure.
Unit Cost Verification
Each unit cost is verified against current supplier pricing, RSMeans data, or historical project buyout results. Costs exceeding $5,000 per line item require a minimum of two supplier quotes. Material costs are tagged with quote validity dates.
Labor Productivity Validation
Labor productivity factors are selected from the NECA Manual of Labor Units (MLU) current edition, adjusted for project-specific conditions (building type, location, schedule constraints, market conditions). Each labor adjustment is documented with the rationale.
Scope Gap Analysis
Specifications and drawings are cross-referenced line by line to identify items shown on one but not the other. Common gaps include: fire alarm devices shown on life safety plans but not quantified, equipment connections shown in mechanical sections but not in division 26, and control wiring not accounted for in the distribution section.
Waste & Overage Factor Review
Waste factors are applied per material type per industry standards: 10% for conduit, 15% for wire and cable, 5% for fixtures and devices, 3% for switchgear and equipment. Factors are verified against project-specific conditions such as building geometry complexity and installation constraints.
Escalation & Market Adjustment
Material escalation provisions are applied per category based on current market trends, Commodity Futures Trading Commission data for copper and steel, and manufacturer lead times. Every escalation line item includes the basis, percentage, and duration of coverage.
Math & Calculation Audit
All estimate math is independently verified using a secondary calculation platform. Extensions, subtotals, markup applications, tax calculations, and grand totals are run through a separate spreadsheet to catch formula errors, rounding discrepancies, and transposition errors.
Final Deliverable Review
The complete estimate package (summary, detailed takeoff, assumptions, exclusions, alternates, and qualifications) is reviewed by the QA reviewer before client delivery. This includes verifying CSI MasterFormat section alignment, checking all page numbers, and confirming that all specification sections have been addressed.
Verification Tiers
| Tier | Estimate Value | Verification Level | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Under $500K | Single QA review (6 of 8 points) | 3-5 business days |
| Enhanced | $500K-$2M | Full QA review (all 8 points) | 5-7 business days |
| Premium | $2M-$10M+ | Dual independent QA + peer review | 7-10 business days |
Post-Delivery Support
All estimates include 30 days of post-delivery support for clarification questions, bid-day adjustments, and subcontractor scope clarifications. We retain all estimate files, supplier quotes, and backup documentation for a minimum of 3 years from the date of estimate delivery.