re: Estimating Time

Visit any of the professional woodworking websites and count the number of posts on this subject!

Time management is just as important to the hobbyist as it is to the professional. If I take too long to complete a project, I lose money. If a hobbyist takes too long to complete a project, frustration sets in. Either way, we all have a finite amount of time to complete a project and the goal is to get it done in a timely fashion so we can move on to the next project.

Before we moved into our current shop, I was functioning in essentially a 2 car garage. Whenever I estimated a project, I had to include set up and tear down times into the timeline. When you have limited space you have to remember to factor in the time it takes complete one operation (sawing the pieces) and then set up for the next operation (assembly). Invariably, you tear down the table saw and set up to start assembly only to realize you needed one more piece cut. Spending that extra amount of time planning out and drawing your project really pays off.

Whenever I start a new bid, I have a spreadsheet that lists almost all the possible steps I will take in constructing and completing the project. I mentally complete each step, including any set up or tear down involved, to determine the amount of time I believe will be sufficient. Once I have a total amount of time calculated, I add a “fudge”: factor of between 10% and 50% depending on the complexity of the project. It has taken practice, but these days we generally complete projects in less time than estimated.