Design Change Comparisons

Ensuring Your Pricing Matches the Latest Design

Plumbing projects don’t always stay the same from the time you submit your initial tender to when the contract is finalized. Sometimes, designers update the plans, making changes that impact your scope of work. Additional items may be added, some may be removed, and material costs may have changed since you first quoted the job.

 

Before signing the contract, you need to be absolutely sure that your pricing covers everything in the latest version of the drawings. If you don’t, you could end up working at a loss or facing unexpected costs that eat into your profit.

The Problem: Design Changes Can Lead to Costly Oversights

When builders send you updated drawings before finalizing the contract, you need to carefully compare them against the original ones. But doing this on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating.

  • Design modifications aren’t always obvious. You may have quoted based on one set of drawings, but now there are new pipeline routes, additional fixtures, or updated specifications that change the scope of work.

  • Some changes aren’t even design-related. The drawings may be the same, but material prices have increased. If PVC, copper, or PEX pipe costs have gone up, your original pricing could now be outdated.

  • Your own costs might have changed. If you initially planned to use your own excavator but no longer have one, you’ll need to account for hiring it from Kennards Hire, Coates Hire, or another supplier.

  • Your labor rates may need adjusting. Maybe your initial hourly rate was too low, or your team structure has changed, requiring you to revise labor costs.

  • Missing changes can cost you later. If you don’t factor in the latest updates when finalizing your price, you could find yourself locked into a contract where you’re covering extra costs that should have been included in the price.

Overlooking any of these details could mean the difference between a profitable job and one that eats into your margins.

The Solution: A Thorough Comparison to Ensure Your Pricing is Accurate

Rather than spending hours trying to manually compare drawings and specifications, you need a clear and precise design change comparison that highlights exactly what’s different. With a professional cost analysis, you can:

  • Identify every change in the updated drawings. You’ll know exactly what has been added, removed, or modified—without spending hours figuring it out yourself.

  • Ensure your price reflects the latest scope. Whether new pipe runs have been introduced, additional fixtures are required, or specification updates affect your materials, your estimate will be fully aligned with the revised design.

  • Adjust for material price increases. If PVC, copper, or PEX pipe costs have risen, your estimate will reflect the latest rates, so you’re not left covering price hikes out of pocket.

  • Account for updated plant and labor costs. If you now need to hire an excavator or adjust your labor rates, these changes will be factored in, ensuring your pricing is accurate.

  • Avoid surprises when finalizing the contract. With a proper design change comparison, you’ll submit a price that’s both competitive and profitable, giving you confidence before you sign the contract.

Need a Design Change Comparison Before Finalizing Your Price?

If you’ve received updated drawings and need to make sure your pricing covers everything, don’t leave it to guesswork. Get a professional design change comparison that ensures your final price is 100% accurate.

 

📞 Call +61 451 404 645
📧 Email estimating@snzplumbingestimating.com.au

 

SNZ Plumbing Estimating provides expert cost analysis, helping you stay ahead of design updates and material price changes.