Featured Service: Estimating

Before the first piece of equipment breaks ground, and even long before the bid stage in sitework and utility projects, Brubacher’s estimating team ensures the agreed-upon scope and sequence are accounted for, setting the stage to drive quality results and, ultimately, a successful project.

At Brubacher, an uncommonly comprehensive estimating process is integral to how the company delivers value to clients. Combining decades of expertise with leading technology and tools, our estimating team provides accurate, transparent, and client-centered construction cost assessments that guide projects from concept to completion. At the heart of our approach to estimating is  the way we work to establish trust through collaborative interaction between the owner, our role as the site contractor, and the design engineer during the estimating process—and even before. This approach creates a positive synergy, which produces benefits for project owners that are apparent throughout every stage.

In our Insight Paper, Change Orders Are Not Inevitable, President Keith Brubacher noted, “When collaboration starts early in the process, the client receives the best value with the least amount of unanticipated cost changes.” Aligning with Brubacher’s goal of fostering strong client relationships built on transparency and reliability, ‘early’ often starts with business development months or sometimes years before a project becomes actionable.

As Allan D., Director of Estimating and Project Management, explained, “Accurate estimating and building the client relationship begins in the sales process long before we respond to a bid request. It’s about understanding the client’s vision. Brubacher is known for providing Insight. On Site., and we are going above and beyond to help clients eliminate stress and reduce risk from the moment a project is proposed, or we decide to submit a proposal.”

In the way that every step in Brubacher’s estimating process is designed to ensure clarity of scope, an accurate cost, and alignment with client goals, it requires daily effort. Each day, Brubacher’s estimating team screens incoming requests for construction bids, selecting opportunities that align with the company’s expertise as a trusted land clearing, underground utility, earthwork, and paving contractor. Projects are chosen based on scope, size, and strategic fit, ensuring Brubacher can deliver exceptional results for the prospective client partner.

From there, the team moves into the takeoff and quantification phase, measuring and calculating all materials, labor, equipment, and other resources needed. This is where Brubacher’s expertise based on experience in civil construction, site development, and earthmoving cost estimation truly shines. Our team’s specialization in the Mid-Atlantic region also contributes to accurate estimates as we know the soil and topography, as well as the codes and guidelines of many municipalities in our local communities because we have worked here for generations.

A Collaborative Construction Approach to Overcoming Challenges and Adding Value

At its core, Brubacher’s approach to estimating prioritizes collaborative construction. As noted, our estimators work closely with clients and outside engineers while also seeking input from our internal project teams to ensure that challenges like incomplete project information or evolving designs are addressed proactively. By submitting thoughtful RFIs (Requests for Information) and offering budgetary placeholders during the bid process, Brubacher’s estimators reduce uncertainty and build trust with partners.

“Our goal is always to avoid surprises for our clients. We aim to provide clarity and solutions, even in the face of incomplete information,” Allan noted.

One key aspect of Brubacher’s estimating process is the creation of clear and detailed scope narratives (also known as “Special Notes”) for each project. These narrative documents provide a well-designed list of discussion points that help prevent surprises and minimize assumptions by clients. By outlining each project’s scope, potential risks, and any unique considerations, Brubacher’s estimators ensure mutual understanding between all parties involved.

This collaborative spirit is also evident in Brubacher’s value engineering work, which identifies opportunities to balance cost and quality. As an example, the estimating team recently helped a client overcome a $2M funding gap on a multi-phase project. By re-phasing portions of the work, the team presented a way to align costs with the client’s immediate budget while preserving the project’s quality without compromising its long-term goals. Allan shared, “It’s always rewarding to work alongside clients to find creative solutions to make their vision a reality.”

 A Team Effort in Laying the Groundwork for Quality Results

Behind Brubacher’s estimating success is a dedicated team of 12 professionals, including estimators, assistant estimators, and the team’s coordinator, Juliana R. Additionally, long-time Brubacher Project Manager Josh S. has recently taken on the role of Chief Estimator, bringing a broad range of diverse hands-on experience to lead an already robust group. His extensive knowledge will further integrate the estimating and project management functions, which work hand-in-hand.

There is no question that the estimating team’s commitment to precision, collaboration, and client satisfaction ensures that every project is planned and executed with excellence, contributing to Brubacher’s reputation as a leading excavation contractor that uses our experience and process to build trust with clients. By combining advanced technology, industry expertise, and a client-centered approach, our uncommonly refreshing estimating team provides the clarity and accuracy needed to bring impactful construction projects to life with minimal change orders and no surprises.

Have a project in mind? We invite you to reach out to our team to get started with the estimating process. Whether you require comprehensive preconstruction services for excavation or other site development work, Brubacher is ready to support your goals.