Skip to main content
5MinuteEstimate
  • How it works
  • Samples
  • Pricing
  • Tools
  • Contact
  • Try on WhatsApp
Knowledge Centre

Construction estimating guides.

Practical, plain-English guides written for UK builders, contractors, and tradespeople. Each guide explains a method, document type, or project-specific approach to construction estimating.

Estimating fundamentals

Core methods: unit rates, approximate quantities, assembly-based estimating, cost per square metre, and more.

Estimate documents

Guide to every document type: estimates, quotes, tenders, bills of quantities, schedules, and more.

Estimating process

End-to-end estimating workflow: from enquiry and drawing review to pricing, submission, and handover.

Pricing & commercial

Overheads recovery, profit mark-ups, preliminaries build-ups, interim valuations, and final accounts.

Project types

Estimating guidance for extensions, loft conversions, refurbishments, new builds, and trade-specific works.

Regulations & market

Building control fees, Approved Documents, CDM 2015 allowances, material inflation, and market factors.

Tools & templates

Digital takeoff software, Excel spreadsheet templates, plan measures, and instant document generators.

Quick links & tools

Check our estimating glossary, meet our editorial authors, or try our free estimating tools.

5MinuteEstimate
Service How it works About Us Authors Sample PDFs Pricing Contact & Support
Tools All tools Construction Estimator Simple Works Estimator Budget Estimate Quotation
Resources Extension Estimator Loft Conversions Estimating Guides Sample Outputs
Legal Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions
© 2026 5MinuteEstimate Ltd (Co. Reg. 15894120). All rights reserved. Built for UK builders.