Who We Are: Cost Estimation and Bidding
The Cost and Bidding Department at Gómez Platero is essential for ensuring the viability and clarity of every project. Its main objective is to provide precise and transparent estimates, enabling clients to make informed and confident decisions regarding their projects.
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Client support throughout the development of their project is one of the fundamental responsibilities of the Cost and Bidding team, providing backing and building trust at every stage of the process.
According to Architect Marianela Siqueira, head of the team: “Our goal is to respond with precision in order to assess the economic viability of a project, regardless of the stage it is in. Our role is to accompany the client so that, as a decision-maker, they have the peace of mind that their investment is supported.” Siqueira emphasizes that “the firm’s strength lies in providing architectural services with high standards, which implies ongoing support for the client in every aspect.”
The team fulfills three main functions: preparing estimates, carrying out bids for projects that do not require project management, and, in larger-scale projects, breaking down and comprehensively managing the cost operation. For example, when quoting a building, an initial estimate is first made and, after the development of the executive project, those estimates are validated by requesting quotes from companies in the market. If the offers received fall within the estimated range, the process is considered successful.
Estimates are made from the earliest stages, even with sketches, to ensure the economic viability of each proposal. Initially, the team works together with the preliminary design area to define a target budget and, subsequently, provides the client with a feasibility outline with an estimated amount. This information gives the client a clear starting point, allowing them to make informed decisions, such as continuing, modifying, or adjusting the project according to their needs and possibilities.
“Communication with all the areas involved is essential for the success of our work. Each team provides valuable information that allows us to precisely define the elements of the quotation and access key data, such as the quantification of areas and materials, to offer truly accurate estimates,” Siqueira explains.
If the project moves forward, the next step is to prepare the bidding phase, where a document is drawn up detailing deadlines and scope, and all necessary graphic and written documentation is sent. Then, a comparative analysis of the offers received is carried out, and based on this, a report is prepared and delivered to the client so they can select the most suitable construction company for the project. As a final stage, the department prepares the necessary documentation for submission to the relevant public authorities.
The value of the team: experience and dynamic structure
With experience managing over 100 projects annually, the Cost and Bidding team works on an average of three cost estimates per week.
The team’s structure is dynamic and flexible, with clearly defined roles. It includes two senior specialists in both bidding and estimating, and two collaborators who support both areas as needed. This organization allows the team to adapt to workload peaks and maintain quality at every stage of the process.
“The reason the team is made up entirely of architects and not, for example, accountants, is that to do this job it is essential to understand the architectural schemes and construction challenges of each project, which are crucial for achieving precise and realistic estimates,” Siqueira explains.
Each new member receives a training manual to review before starting, thus ensuring standardized procedures and quick integration into the team. Although each project has its particularities, the approaches are clearly defined and documented.
Technology and processes: precision and continuous improvement
The department also relies on advanced technological tools, such as artificial intelligence and sophisticated documentation systems. All bids are mapped along with the calculations, which facilitates deviation analysis and the updating of indicators.
Despite the complexity of the work, the department stands out for its experience, the strength of its team, and the continuous improvement of its processes. Client support, transparency, and precision in estimates are the pillars that guarantee quality and trust in every project.
