Reference
Bid Intake Expectations
For Xtrata reps. What we need from you on every submission, and what you can expect back from LÏEF in turnaround and accuracy.
Two variables drive every turnaround
1. Stage of the plan set
Every bid carries a margin of error tied to plan completeness. As plans evolve, the MoE tightens — a firm fixed bid is only possible against an approved/permitted set.
We always reserve the right to rebid the final approved set. Permitting triggers changes between every stage — our number must reflect what's actually being built.
2. Residential vs. commercial
Residential (flat-lot)
ADU, SFR, custom home
LÏEF self-performs ~80% of scope. Fast turnaround — typically 1 week from a complete intake.
Commercial
Multi-trade, specialty scopes
Specialty trades require outsourcing. Subs on pre-CD plans give budgetary numbers only — firm pricing lands when plans are approved. The more specialty trades, the longer the turnaround.
What we need from Xtrata on every submission
- 01Plan set — clearly labeled with stage (schematic / DD / 65% DD / 95% DD / CD / permit-issued).
- 02Project summary — scope, location, owner / GC / architect, target timeline, site constraints.
- 03Xtrata material quote — the total material number you've quoted the client.
- 04Cost-per-unit breakdown of Xtrata material — this is the part that's most often missing. Slab screw $/LF, block $/SF, SABScrete $/SF, etc. Lets us plug your actual material rates into our estimate line-by-line instead of anchoring conservatively.
- 05Xtrata scope assumptions — what's covered, what's excluded, what's client-furnished.
- 06Client-side point of contact — so we can go direct if a takeoff question comes up.
Incomplete intakes push turnaround back. If the cost-per-unit breakdown is missing, we'll reply to request it before starting the takeoff rather than absorbing the ambiguity.