What should be included in project estimating beyond direct material costs?

For project estimating in the context of fire alarm systems, delivery time considerations are important to include because they impact the overall project timeline and resource allocation. When estimating a project, understanding how long it takes for materials to be delivered to the job site is essential for scheduling labor and ensuring that all parts are available when needed. Delays in delivery can lead to idle labor costs and extended project timelines, which affect the total project cost and client satisfaction. Effective planning for delivery times helps mitigate these risks and creates a more accurate estimate of labor and project duration.

While service contracts, risk management plans, and subcontractor fees are also relevant in project planning and budgeting, they do not directly address the timing aspects crucial for keeping a project on schedule. Accurate delivery time estimates can thus be seen as foundational to successful project execution and completion.