Here’s why you need to think ahead (not just job to job). Running a building company in today’s climate is no walk in the park. Material costs keep going up, as do labour rates and interest rates, and regulations might change or they might not. Then the clients blow hot and cold, and scrutinise their quotes more than ever. (I do wonder whether that’s down to the huge amount of advice available today via social media – and of course AI?)
The FMB and Chartered Institute of Building reported in September 2025 that the sector had picked up. None the less there are still many challenges. Their SME State of Trade Survey highlighted:
- 75% of builders reported that material prices had risen
- 67% of respondents had been affected by wage increases.
So how do you respond? If you’re only focused on the next job, you’ll be reacting to problems rather than avoiding them. Future-proofing is about putting systems in place so you’re not just surviving – you’re growing, you’re profitable, and you’re resilient. At HBXL we want to help you do well next year, the year after, and long into the future. And that’s whether you use the HBXL Estimating Service, our software tools or attend our funded/largely-funded training courses.
1. Quote on value not on price
This may seem like a big ask. But the thing is, if you’re always competing on price, you’re constantly in a ‘race to the bottom’. More professional, more transparent = more confidence from clients, fewer queries, more trust. And you’ll be in control of your future, not the other way round.
- Professional quotes and reports: There’ll be less pushback, and they’ll have the confidence you’ll do the job well – not cheaply. Build a reputation for getting it right – leading to repeat work, referrals, and possibly the ability to charge more.
- 3D models that help clients see what they’re buying: These smart visuals make it easier to win approval, catch misunderstandings, reduce the likelihood of profit-eating changes further down the line.
- Present in person: You stand a much better chance of winning the work based on your ‘value’ proposal. You can’t blame the client for going with someone £10K cheaper if they haven’t properly understood why you’re worth the extra money.
2. Keep all the profit for yourself – don’t spend it on the client
We’re not saying you’re greedy. But if you’ve secured the win with a decent profit margin, you want to hang onto it, all of it. You don’t want to start giving it away. This is about shoring up your business for the future. So you need to run the job efficiently, with paperwork that makes it possible.
- Accuracy & up-to-date costings: Using latest materials & labour rates to avoid nasty surprises when you call in your subbies.
- Scope creep avoidance: By providing detailed estimates and a set of 3D models – there’s no room for the client to expand the work without paying for it.
- Inflation-proof pricing: If you don’t start the job for another 9-12 months give the customer a now price and a future price.
- Reports for clarity: Be clear on what’s included, what’s not, where contingencies lie, where risk is. Cashflow, Build Programme and scheduling – all easier to plan when everyone sees where things stand.
3. Have an outsourced option for estimating
I’m bound to say this, but it’s true. Outsourcing your estimating whether it’s all of the time or occasionally, offers huge financial (and mental health) benefits.
- Use the knowledge and experience of a professional service: So you have the confidence to go after bigger, more profitable projects knowing trusted estimators have armed you with accurate numbers.
- Use the time saved: Less head scratching, fewer late nights wrestling with spreadsheets. You spend time where it matters: winning jobs, running builds, growing the team – and enjoying a life outside of work.
- Enjoy the support: It can be a lonely existence running a building company, with no one to share the number crunching with. A good estimator will share any concerns they have with the plans you provide. They spot things you might have missed. They’re there to discuss best outcomes.
How HBXL helps you compete on value
Given the economic picture, you need every advantage – especially if you want to win the bigger, more profitable projects. Here’s how working with HBXL can help you not just do OK, but fly.
- Detailed Costings: We factor in every detail, using award-winning estimating software and the latest material prices
- Experienced professionals: You’re getting knowledgeable people with a keen eye for spotting any issues
- Dedicated estimator: You’re assigned one estimator from start to finish
- Independent: We’re not tied to any one builders’ merchants
- Professional Presentation: Our quotes look the business and are easy for customers to understand
- 3D models: A complimentary set of 3D models of your estimated project, subject to suitability.
As one of our customers said recently:
“Fantastic Service provided by HBXL. Everything about my experience was First Class with HBXL. Estimator was excellent from start to finish. As a result our prospective client awarded us the contract!”
Long-term view: What you want for your building company
What does future success look like?
- Regular, well-priced jobs that leave you with healthy profit (not just breaking even).
- A pipeline of work that’s manageable, predictable, and aligned with what you’re good at.
- A ‘brand’ people trust – subcontractors, clients, suppliers.
- Financial resilience so when a shock comes (material spikes, a bad payer, regulatory change, etc.), you don’t scramble to pick up the pieces.
In short
As with everything you have a choice. You can stick with the status quo and leave the future to fate. But I’d say fortune favours the brave. Isn’t it time to review your business methods? What jobs you go after? How you quote for them? Letting HBXL do your estimates, 3D visuals and reports is more than outsourcing a task. It’s investing in your business set-up so you can scale, protect margins, and stay ahead of the volatility. With many companies struggling just to stay there, small improvements in accuracy, clarity and planning can make a big difference. HBXL could be part of the plan that helps your business thrive – not just today, but for years to come.
What next?
Send us your full set of plans, and we’ll get the fee (cost of doing the estimating) back to you promptly, along with a date for completion of the work. It’s free, with no obligation to proceed. What’s not to like?
You can call us on 0117 916 7894 to chat through your job, or upload your plans to the website or email them to estimatingservice@hbxl.co.uk and we can take it from there. As they say ‘the future looks bright’!