Western Exterior Service, Inc. (WES) regularly provides estimates to building owners, and there representatives.  There is generally no fee, when the estimate is intended for competitive bidding or contract negotiation. 

Estimating Services

Western Exterior Services, Inc. provides ‘Estimating Services’ in support of clients working to resolve construction issues.

Construction professionals who evaluate building problems and specify solutions often require estimating services.  Sometimes cost estimates are required by parties that might be, financially responsible for the damages; even if they are not in a position to award work on the project.  We also provide these services.

Such estimates are generally prepared based on a scope of work or summery specifications provided by a building-envelope consultant.  The extent of the work is determined by others; our task it to determine the cost.

Such estimates might be prepared;

• As a neutral party based on scope of work negotiated by consultants for both sides in an attempt to reach a settlement,
• In behalf of a building owner or owners association pursuing a claim for construction defects,
• In behalf of a developer or GC attempting to resolve a construction defect claim with the owners, and subsequently use the same estimate to subrogate the claim, or
• In behalf of a some other party who might have partial responsibility for a defect.

We believe that our client’s needs are best met when we focus on accurately estimating the scope that is provided, without regard as to whether it is being prepared for a plaintiff or a defendant.

Estimate Formats

WES 'estimates' or 'proposals' are prepared in a detailed narrative format that is intended to accurately communicate the extent of the work, as well as the cost.  Our documents are presented sequentially and communicate means-and-methods for achieving the repair.

This format is ideal for dispute resolution.  A clear and concise proposal can promote understanding between parties. 

Expert Evaluation

In some cases evaluation of estimates produced by others is required.  We also provide these services.

About Allowances

Sometimes the extent of damage cannot be determined until concealed conditions are uncovered.  Unknown conditions are generally addressed by allowances.  Allowances are intended to help establish budgets for funding of damage for which the extent is unknown, or simply to provide a contingency fund. 

When such work is encountered during construction, the actual cost of repairs is carefully tracked and the value is added to the contract by change order.  Allowance funds that remain at the end of the contract are  returned to the owner