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Modern GBQ Grace Building Quote Pty Ltd
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How it works

Quantities first. Prices attached. Builders compared blind.

Modern GBQ follows the same steps a professional estimator would, and shows you every one.

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Poster: Quantities first, prices attached, builders compared blind, in three steps

1. The Grace Estimation Method (GEM)

GEM is the estimating method Sam Grace developed over decades of designing, pricing and building homes. You describe the project once. GEM computes the engineered quantities: concrete, reinforcement, walls, roofing, finishes and more. Every line keeps its working, so nothing is an unexplained lump sum. The method is Sam Grace’s own; what you see is the result and the working behind it.

2. How every line gets its price

Labour is priced from trade labour rates, and the material’s waste allowance is added. The basis of every figure is recorded.

  1. 1

    Supplier offer

    A current, published price from a named supplier, valid today in your market.

  2. 2

    Market price

    A recent, dated market price with its source, when no supplier offer applies.

  3. 3

    Item rate

    An indicative rate for that item when no supplier offer or market price applies.

  4. 4

    Category average

    An average for that category when there is no item rate.

  5. 5

    Not priced

    Shown clearly, so you always know what is still missing.

3. Three levels of detail

Upgrade a Ballpark to the next level without losing its history. Every re-price creates a new version.

Ballpark

Early budgeting from your description and a finish level. Minutes, not days.

Design

Refined as the drawings firm up and finishes are chosen.

Detailed

An approved scope builders can price like for like.

4. The builder round

  1. 1

    Invite

    Your approved estimate goes to a shortlist of builders you invite from the builder directory. The directory lists only builders the Modern GBQ team has verified, so every builder is checked before anyone is asked to price.

  2. 2

    Respond

    Each builder accepts, sends a revised proposal, requests a discussion or declines, with written notes on programme and qualifications.

  3. 3

    Compare blind

    You see Builder A, B and C: numbers, programme and notes before names.

  4. 4

    Select

    You choose who to talk to. Your contract and payments are directly with that builder.

5. Fair rules, fixed in the platform

  • Two rounds per quote, with a five-day cooling period before a second round.
  • Written reasons for any withdrawal.
  • Every builder starts at a 5.00 rating. Only declining after being selected lowers it.
  • Builders see your suburb, never your name, street address or contact details.
  • Modern GBQ processes no payments for building work and holds no funds.

See it on your own project.

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