Estimates for Customer Funded Work
The Grounds and Building Maintenance Department strongly encourages its customers to request an estimate for billable work. This is especially true for jobs likely to take more than a few hours, when purchase of more than minor parts or supplies is necessary, or where you have identified a particular need but are unsure of the work required to meet this need.
Estimate Considerations
Our trades people will consult with you to discuss the job and consider the following criteria:
- Is this a fixed price service request?
Some services have established fixed prices that are adjusted occasionally for cost increases. For these services, you will be charged the established amount for the work. Infrequently we may need to revise a quotation during the course of a job if unforeseen circumstances are encountered that would significantly increase our costs. View a list of fixed price services. - Is this a time and materials service request?
Some services are best provided based on "time and materials" rather than as a quoted work. When the work is completed in this manner, you should discuss whatever cost parameters you have with the foreman or the service person. When these jobs are completed, you will be billed for the actual costs of labor, materials, and benefits. - Is this a practical or cost effective service request?
Our service people are encouraged to advise when the requested work is either not practical or cost effective. - Is a pre-manufactured item a better solution?
In some cases, your best choice may be to purchase a pre-manufactured item from a store or a catalog rather have us build it for you. Please do not hesitate to explore these options with the trades-people or supervisor before work begins. - Do some non-technical tasks need to be done to complete the service request?
In order to get a particular job done, some tasks may need to be performed that do not require trade-related knowledge. Examples include: moving furniture out of the way; taking pictures, posters, and other wall-mounted items down; shuttling a vehicle to the garage for service; and going to a store for parts or supplies. In an effort to conserve your department’s financial resources, you may wish to consider options other than asking the tradesperson to perform these tasks, such as using student help or even contributing some of your own “sweat equity”.
To Request an Estimate
Contact the Facilities Service Center or submit a an online service request. Please provide the following information:
- Your Name
- Building Name
- Room Number (where job is to be done)
- Description of work for which you are requesting an estimate (in general terms)
- Specify request for estimate before work begins
- GL Account number to which the work (not the estimate) will be charged
What Happens Next
You will be contacted by the appropriate trades group to schedule a consultation. Based on the consultation you will be given an estimate of the work. You may then decide whether or not to move forward.
