A clear construction estimate gives the client a structured view of work, quantities, rates and the expected total. It also gives the contractor a baseline for planning and later comparison with actual costs.
The 101 platform includes estimate management in its English interface. The workflow below focuses on universal project data and avoids region-specific tax or statutory calculations. Add those items only when they have been checked for the project and jurisdiction.
Contents:
What to prepare
Collect the project scope, drawings, measurements, work breakdown, units and current rates. A reusable price list saves time when the same type of work appears across projects.
- Use one clear description for each work item.
- Keep units consistent, such as m, m², m³, kg, item or day.
- Separate labour, materials, equipment and subcontract work when the distinction helps approval and control.
- Record assumptions and exclusions before the estimate is shared.
Create or open the project
Open the relevant project in 101 or create a new one. Add a recognisable project name and the customer. The project becomes the shared container for estimates, reports, actual events, documents and communication.
Check that the correct company and project are selected before entering financial data. This keeps the estimate connected to the right customer and future project records.
Create the estimate
- Use the main create action and choose the estimate event.
- Select the customer and project.
- Select the appropriate cost item. The event requires a cost item, so create or configure one first when the list is empty.
- Add a clear description for the scope covered by this estimate.
- Set the planned date when it helps project planning.
For a large project, separate the estimate into logical work packages such as civil work, electrical, plumbing, finishes or a floor-by-floor breakdown. Each package remains easier to review and update.
Add work items and quantities
Open Positions and choose items from the project or company price list. Enter the quantity for each position and verify the unit and rate. Add a new position only when the required item is absent from the approved list.
| Field | What to check |
|---|---|
| Description | Specific work and location |
| Unit | Matches the measurement method |
| Quantity | Supported by drawing or site measurement |
| Rate | Current and approved for the estimate |
| Amount | Quantity multiplied by rate |
Review the total after every major work package. A quick intermediate check catches misplaced decimals, duplicated lines and missing quantities before they reach the client.
Review and share
- Confirm the customer, project and cost item.
- Check every unit, quantity and rate.
- Look for duplicate or missing positions.
- Confirm that assumptions, exclusions and validity are clear.
- Save and approve the estimate according to the team workflow.
- Create the client document and export or share the PDF.
A PDF gives the customer a stable version for discussion. Keep later changes as a new approved revision or a clearly recorded update, so the team can explain what changed.
Make the next estimate faster
Maintain a clean price list and group positions by work stage. Reuse proven work packages for recurring project types, then adjust quantities and project-specific rates. This reduces repetitive entry while preserving an auditable structure.
After approval, connect the estimate with the project schedule and actual events. A shared workspace helps the team compare planned quantities and rates with progress, payments and project records.
Estimate management is included in the current English 101 platform, available on phone and computer. The product overview is at 101-app.com/en.