Word of the Day!

Remodel:
-An instance of a modification or a redecorating
-To do over, to change appearance
-Updating or altering the functional utility of a building

I Know Times Are Tough!!! But......

I don't think this is the safest thing to be doing. I guess you do need to appreciate there determination. As long as your not behind them on the highway.

www.aspenridge.blogspot.com

What is it you ask. It is our company blog where homeowners can see daily progress on the remodels, new clients can get a glimpse into the craftsmanship we provide, and our employees can post pictures and discuss there projects. The Aspen Ridge Blog is up and coming still, some times it's hard to be in the field all day and still find time to keep it updated. We are working out all those kinks as we speak and with in a few weeks there should be a steady update of project info every few days. Check It Out!.... How knows, maybe your remodel will be featured on it next.

www.aspenridge.blogspot.com

What a day!!!!

Have you ever had that day where the phone doesn't stop ringing. I'm not saying it is a bad thing in anyway. Just sometimes you don't even get a chance to think. It can get overwhelming to point where you start to lose track of numbers and when you made what appointments. When I have days like this I just step back, take a deep breath and tell my self "Hard work pays off". I hope there are other companies out there that are having this same problem. I hope it's like this everyday from here on out. Summer is upon us and our customers are ready to upgrade, remodel, and renovate. It's a good time to be a remodeling contractor in Oregon. Well at least for us it is.

CFM what a great place....

For those of you that don't know what CFM stands for, its Contractors Furnishing Mart. CFM is a Floor and Wall coving suplier to the construction idustry. They have a huge show room in Tigard. The show room is open to the public as well as contractors. I have been using CFM for about 4 years know and it has made my estimating process a lot easyer. I can take homeowners to the show room or just have them set up an appoitment with one of the sales reps. there, and they can pick out and choose exactly what kind of Tile, Wood Flooring, Formica, even Carpet they want to use in the remodel. It allows me to give them that budget and the product they want to use. If your just thinking about a remodel or just wanted to spruce up your floor coverings you should check CFM out. There web site is http://www.cfmfloors.com/. You can also visit there showroom at>

14160 S.W. 72nd Ave, Suite 110

Tigard, Or 97224

Or if you would like to talk to my sales rep. just give her a call.

Mary Murphy

503-542-8924

The Role of an Estimator

The role of Estimator is a critical one. The ability to predict the cost of work that will be perfomed in the field and the indirect cost of that same project is paramount to being a successful Estimator. As an Estimator, you are responsible for the:

-The quanity of products and material being used
-The cost of products being used on the project
-Creating the scope of work
-The General Conditions cost of managing that project
-The application of the overhead (office cost, gas, medical, etc.) recovery to support the project
-Assist your Project Manager in balancing the budget sheet
-Setting the proposal language or “Terms and Conditions” for the written contract
-Selling the project to the consumer/homeowner

Assisting the Project Manager in initial sequencing of construction activities, outlining components such as labor, materials and equipment. They are responsible to ensure that the work environment is productive between the Project Manager, others and themselves. Finally, they are responsible for improving the Construction processes overall. They are to support that effort. Never forget that estimators make or lose money in the field. Our role is to support the field operations in the ways outlined. That is where our risk of loss and / or opportunity for gain resides.
Estimators are becoming more of the project team. This is in contrast to years ago where the take off and pricing was done in a relative vacuum and then presented to a senior manager usually the Chief Estimator for review and discussion. With the advent of increased competition and the design build concept, companies are making the estimator more a part of their on-going business process. Their tasks are more varied, such as helping to sell projects and interacting with the field including to verify effective construction techniques at the time of bid.