Building Estimates, BOQs, SOWs, Tenders since 2006

By completing tenders on behalf of our clients, we save them countless hours that would otherwise be spent measuring plans, sourcing costs, and preparing documents. Our streamlined process allows builders and architects to focus on running their sites and managing their teams, while we handle the estimating work quickly and accurately. On average, we can save clients several days per tender—time that can be better used to win more work or deliver existing projects more efficiently.Add an answer to this item.

We have a dedicated measurement centre in Lahore as well as remote surveyors in the UK and Australia giving Buildersmates the huge advantage of nearly 24 hour delivery. Specialisation means no mistakes as the centres are not involved with costing and our remote surveyors receive reformatted cost sheets.

Simple. We are investing in early stage costing and ensuring that you win new contracts and exceed client expectations.  We can then  focus further on working with you in later stage project  development. Most importantly we have reduced overheads with remote workers and a dedicated measurement centre which means that we can deliver faster and cheaper than our competitors.

NRM2 (New Rules of Measurement 2) is an international standard set of rules published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), designed to provide a uniform basis for measuring and preparing bills of quantities for construction projects. NRM2 focuses specifically on the detailed breakdown of construction works, enabling clear communication between all parties involved in the procurement process.

Our surveyors study your building plans to understand what needs to be built, then break the work down into parts like walls, floors, and roofs. They measure how much of each part is needed and list it in a clear format, usually using rules like NRM2. This is then adapted to suit the tender form issued by the architect. This list, called a bill of quantities, shows what work will be done and how much of it, so you can give accurate prices and compete for new projects accurately.

All you have to do is to send your plans to our centralised email address (either to suerveydept@buildersmates.com or CLICK any button on this website and attach your plans for review by our team. Our sureyors will examine your documentation in detail and send you a quotation for the work you would like to be carried out. We operate a Pro Forma invoicing system which automatically books your allocation. Then team then complete your project within your allocatedtime frame and send it back to you. 

A pro forma invoice is a document that looks like a real invoice but is sent before a sale is final. It shows you what our services will cost. It's often used to give a clear idea of the total price before the order is confirmed and allows us to initially allocate your project so that we can meet our proposed deadlines. It is not a demand for payment, but more like a price quote in invoice format.

We know it is important to always have accurate regional and trade labour costs because wages can vary widely depending on location and the type of work. These records are updated monthly as well individually per client. Using up-to-date local rates ensures that cost estimates are realistic and competitive, helping to avoid underpricing or overpricing a project. Accurate labour costs also support better budgeting, reduce the risk of unexpected expenses.

We normally produce a complete BOQ within 5 working days. If a tender completion is required then another 24 hours is requested for completion after approval by you of the final BOQ. Basic estimates are delivered in 48 hours.

 Yes, we have surveyors and administrators in the UK, Australia, USA and Canada as well our Quantities Office in Lahore and administrative centre in Gibraltar. We only receipt surveyors with costing experience and direct building experience in each country.

Our surveyors write a schedule of works by listing all the tasks needed to complete a construction project, step by step. They use the building plans you provide and talk to the in house design team to understand what work needs to be done. Then they break the job into clear sections, like groundwork, walls, roofing, and finishes, and describe what needs to happen in each. This helps you and your clients know exactly what is expected and when, making the project easier to plan and price.

With the huge volume of work we undertake we do not publish a telephone number. Instead, upon your first order we appoint you an online personal account manager who in turn gives you access to personal manager who will be a senior account manager or a Managing Partner. You will have a direct line to your manager who will manage your account directly.

We recruit throughout the UK, Australia, USA and Canada. We are looking for remote workers who are QS, experienced estimators and most importantly retired builders with significant experience who are able to translate plans and specifications into real time costs and projections. 

Since 2020 we have actively invested in SME Builders, thoughout COVD we offered deferred payments on all estimates and BOQs to protect opportunity. We also diversified as an online business with domicile in Gibraltar to exclude VAT and give greater opportunity to start ups and those businesses operating under the tax threshold.

Buildersmates use several common software tools to make our work faster and more accurate. The popular program is PlanSwift, which allows users to measure directly from digital building plans and quickly calculate material and labour quantities. We also use CostX, Bluebeam, Revu, and Sage Estimating, which help with takeoffs, cost estimating, and project management. These tools save time, reduce errors, and help us produce detailed, professional reports for builders and clients.

Buildersmates use regional data to produce accurate estimates and bills of quantities (BOQs) by referencing local material prices, labour rates, and construction methods. This ensures our cost estimates reflect real market conditions in the specific area where the project will take place. Regional data helps account for factors like transport costs, availability of skilled labour, and weather-related construction challenges. By using this information, we create realistic and reliable cost plans that help avoid budget overruns and ensure fair pricing.

Buildersmates require real time experience.  A diploma or degree in construction, quantity surveying, or a related field is a great idea. Courses in math, construction technology, and project management are useful. Realtime hands on experience a builder or project manager are preferred. As we operate a dedicated measurement centre the focus is on real time cost and building experience. As we only recruit in local regions we are looking at motivated individuals with corporate focus wanting to work remotely.

AI can help speed up calculations and analyze data, but it will never replace the value of hands-on experience in building estimating. Experienced estimators understand the real-world challenges of construction, like site conditions, weather impacts, and how trades actually work together—things AI can’t fully predict. Human judgment, intuition, and knowledge gained on the job are essential for spotting risks, making practical decisions, and producing reliable estimates that truly reflect how projects are built.

Buildersmates work across the UK, Australia, USA, and Canada. We follow international and regional standards to ensure accuracy and consistency. In the UK, we use the RICS standard NRM2; in Australia, we follow AIQS guidelines which is now leaning towards NRM2 as an international standard; in the USA, we use CSI MasterFormat and ASTM standards; and in Canada we apply CIQS practices. These standards guide how we measure, classify, and price construction work, helping us create reliable estimates and BOQs that align with local expectations while maintaining global best practices.