-- OK. Let me try. Some fundamental steps, that will work in most cases:
- Accuracy requirement wished (plus/minus 15% ? 30%? 50%?) - Decide which.
- List as detailed as possible all cost factors (mainly rigging, work, transport,depsit cost or gain, environmental,local requirements, cost to overcome time limits, tool or equipment renting, power and light, cleaning, derigging etc. etc.)
- Use excel, and as detailed as possible guesstimate each post as 'cheapest, absolutely not under' and 'worst case, could cost as much as'. Detailling according to accuracy level required.
- Add sum of both columns, divide by two.
- Add 10-20% for unforeseen.
- Check if result seems reasonable.
This has been working well for me both in work situations for larger projects, and privately.