Episode 9: The Secret to Accurate Estimates and Fewer Errors
What if your estimates weren’t just faster, but smarter, more accurate, and always connected to the bigger picture?
In this episode of Hard Hats & Hi Tech, we explore the day-to-day reality of digital estimating with someone who’s made it work at every level.
Our host Bernardita Calzon chats with Matthew Miles, an experienced estimator at Melrose in Queensland, Australia. With a background in both consultancy and construction, Matthew shares how RIB CostX has transformed his work, eliminating time-consuming manual tasks, reducing risk, and giving his team more confidence in every number they present.
From his favourite feature (the subcontractor comparison workbook) to how CostX Viewer helps different departments collaborate in real-time, Matthew offers up practical insights and honest advice on building smarter processes, not just faster ones.
What you’ll learn:
- How switching from manual measurement to digital tools reduces time and risk
- Why live-linked data (like measurement and quotes) gives you a competitive edge
- How CostX supports accurate cost forecasting across the full project lifecycle
- Tips for building internal benchmarks from historical project data
- Why collaboration works better when everyone has visibility
- What new users should expect from the learning curve, and how to get started with confidence