Residential Success Story
Case Study: Multi-Unit Residential Development – Dee Why, NSW
Project Overview
A returning client engaged us to provide a comprehensive plumbing estimate for a 16-unit residential development at 151-155 Pacific Parade, Dee Why, NSW 2099. The project consisted of a basement, ground floor, three levels, and a roof, covering essential plumbing services such as gas, hot and cold water, sewer, stormwater, and fire services.
Given Dee Why’s hilly terrain, we carefully considered the site conditions while ensuring the estimate reflected a realistic, practical, and competitive pricing structure. While rock excavation was to be handled by the builder, we factored in the location’s complexity when estimating underground plumbing works.
Scope of Work
Our estimate covered:
Water Supply
50mm master water meter, individual cold water meters, hot water plant, circulating pump, and hot water flow & return system.
Stormwater & Drainage
Pipes up to 225mm, stormwater pits, grates, filters, and fire collars.
Fire Services
150mm fire service connection, hydrant booster assembly, and fire hose reels.
Basement Works
Extensive copper pipe runs, ensuring all connections and fixtures were accounted for.
Challenges & Key Considerations
Extensive Copper Runs in the Basement
Ensuring nothing was overlooked, with all small details covered—fire collars, puddle flanges, water meters, ball lagging, and other essential components.
Material Pricing & Market Fluctuations
All material prices were kept up to date to prevent budget overruns later in the project.
Transparency & Client Communication
- We provided a clear breakdown of allowances and non-allowances, ensuring the client had all the necessary details to make an informed decision.
- Our estimate gave the client a stronger position for negotiations, helping them understand why our pricing reflected accuracy and quality, rather than just being the cheapest option.
Our Estimating Approach
- Detailed BOQ with precise material, labor, and plant cost breakdowns.
- Ensured compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia and all relevant industry standards.
- Accounted for practical site conditions, avoiding any underestimation that could lead to cost blowouts.
- Proactive client support, helping them understand how our pricing was structured and how it benefited them in project execution.
The Outcome
With a well-structured, transparent, and competitive estimate, our client submitted a successful tender and secured the job. The clarity in our allowances and cost breakdown helped them avoid unexpected cost escalations and provided a clear roadmap for execution.