How it differs from other estimates
An investor’s estimate is commissioned by whoever pays for the build, not whoever builds it. The contractor prepares their own, the kosztorys ofertowy, with their own prices and margin. After the work, a kosztorys powykonawczy is drawn up from the quantities actually done. The investor’s estimate comes first, and it’s the reference point for picking a contractor and negotiating.
In public procurement it’s used to set the contract value, and a separate regulation lays down how it’s prepared. For a private investor it’s useful for comparing offers, keeping the budget in check and showing the bank when you take out a construction loan. Ask your bank in advance what document it wants, as requirements vary.
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What the price depends on
The price of the estimate depends on the size of the project and how many trades it covers: just the building work, or plumbing, electrics and heating as well. Documentation makes a big difference. With a design and a bill of quantities (przedmiar robót), the estimator works from those. Without them, quantities have to be measured on site, which takes longer. Rates are in the table.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Investor cost estimate | 1000–2500 zł |
Indicative prices. Ranges for a typical scope. Fixings included, materials separate. Minimum order 300 zł.
A site visit for measuring, printing the design and paid price databases, if the estimate has to follow a specific publication, may be charged separately. This is agreed in the offer.
What goes into the estimate
The starting point is the bill of quantities: a list of every item of work with its quantity. Each item is matched with labour, material and plant rates from the KNR catalogues. Then prices go in, either regional averages from publications such as Sekocenbud or market prices if that’s what you agree. Finally overheads and profit are added, giving a cost broken down by section.
A good estimate is readable. You can see how much goes on the foundations and how much on the electrics. A contractor’s offer can then be compared line by line, and it soon becomes clear who is cheaper where, and why.
An estimate fixes prices as of the date it was made. Materials go up and designs change, so over time it needs updating.
How the work goes
- You send the design, the bill of quantities if there is one, and a description of the finish standard.
- The estimator reviews the documents and says whether there’s enough to go on or a site visit is needed.
- The bill of quantities is drawn up or checked, trade by trade.
- Items get KNR rates and prices, then overheads and profit are calculated.
- You receive the estimate broken down by section. The format (PDF, an estimating software file) is agreed up front.
- If you have questions about any item, the estimator explains it and corrects their own mistakes.
Common mistakes
- An estimate ordered without a design, by eye, then compared with detailed contractor offers.
- Whole sections left out, such as external services or landscaping, so the budget came out lower than reality.
- No description of the finish standard, so the estimator assumed an average one and you had something else in mind.
- Comparing only the totals without looking at quantities. A contractor’s offer may simply include less work.
- Using a year-old estimate without updating the prices.
What to prepare
- The design: the architectural part and, if available, the building services sections.
- The bill of quantities (przedmiar robót), if the designer produced one.
- A description of the standard: which windows, floors and finishes, and what you’ll do yourself.
- What the estimate is for: the bank, comparing contractors or budget control. That shapes its form.
- Contractors’ offers, if the estimate is meant to check them.
Frequently asked questions
Can an estimate be done without a design?
A rough one, yes, from measurements and a description of the work. It’s less accurate and usually not enough for a bank or a tender.
Why is it better than a contractor’s ballpark figure?
The estimate is itemised with quantities and rates. You can check it line by line, which you can’t do with a figure off the top of someone’s head.
Will the estimate work for a loan?
Banks often accept an investor’s estimate or ask you to fill in their own cost form. Ask your bank what format it needs and pass that on to the estimator.
How long does an estimate take?
It depends on the size of the project and the state of the documents. The estimator gives the timing in the offer.
How to order
Describe the project in the app, attach the design and say what the estimate is for. Estimators near you will send offers with their own price and timing. Compare them by reviews and pick one; only that person sees the site address.
You pay directly and the estimator issues the invoice. They stand behind their own work: if you find a calculation error or an item from the design that was missed, they’ll fix it. Design changes after the estimate is delivered, rising market prices and errors in the design documents themselves are not on them.
Put together cost estimates on KNR? Create a tradesperson profile and kosztorys inwestorski requests will come from your area. Every specialist here works for themselves and picks their own business form.
Order in the app
Describe the job, add photos and the address. Tradespeople send their own prices and dates, and you pick one of the offers.
Open the app