Cihan University Sulaimani

College of Engineering
Architectural Department

Lectures in Estimation & Specifications

BSc Architectural Engineering
Fifth Stage
First Semester

Baban A. Bapir
MSc Structural Engineering Academic Year 2019-2020
Course Outline
• Introduction to quantity estimation
• Duty of estimates and sources of errors
• Types of estimations
• Earthwork measurements
• Masonry units; Bricks, stone and concrete blocks
• Measuring mortar and concrete works
• Steel works
• Beam and column reinforcement
• Measuring interior and exterior finishing
• Cost estimation
• Preparing bill of quantities B.O.Q
• Typical B.O.Q Project
• Technical specifications
• Construction works and general requirements

References
1. “Estimating in Building Construction” By: Frank R. Dagostino (7th edition)
2. “Estimating Building Costs” By: Wayne J. Del Pico
3. “Estimating and Quantity Surveying By: G.Ranjith Kumar

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Chapter 1
Introduction to Estimation

Estimation is the scientific way of working out the approximate cost of an engineering
project before execution of the work. An estimate of the cost of a construction job is
the probable cost of that job as computed from plans and specifications.
¨ It is totally different from calculation of the exact cost after completion of the
project.
¨ Estimation requires a thorough Knowledge of the construction procedures and
cost of materials & labor in addition to the skill , experience, foresight and
good judgment.
¨ If the estimate is prepared carefully and correctly there will not be much
difference in the estimated cost and actual cost.
¨ For a good estimate the, actual cost of the proposed work after completion
should not differ by more than 5 to 10 % from its approximate cost estimate.

To estimate the cost of a project, for instance, you would probably first identify what
tasks must be completed. Second, you would try to measure in some way the size of
these tasks, which would help you with assessing the cost of the tasks. Estimating the
total quantity of materials to be used in any project can help the planning towards
economical construction and completion of the project on time.

This basic approach is exactly how an estimate is prepared for a construction project:

§ Identify the work items that must be completed to finish the project
§ Measure the size of these work items
§ Assess the likely cost of this work

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Specifications:
Technical information about the quality of materials and workmanship is not always
incorporated on the drawings themselves, because of a lack of space and the need to
maintain clarity. The specifications, or specs, gives the nature, quality and class of
materials, their proportion, method of execution and workmanship and the class of
labor required. The cost of the work varies with its specifications. The cement mortar
with 1:3 is more costlier than cement mortar with 1:6.

Estimates and Measurements:

Estimates is done by the following parts:
Þ Designer part: To estimate the total cost of the project
Þ Executed part (Contractor): to fill the B.O.Q and submit the tender
Measurement is done by the supervisor part with the progress of work to finish the
contractor with advances. Final measurement specifies the real cost of the project and
depended to pay.

Duty of Estimates:
1. Materials: measuring quantity and cost of each material, consisting price and
transporting insurance.
2. Labor: Measuring number of labors required for each task with their wages
and the periods during which they will be needed.
3. Equipment and plants
4. Overhead: Measuring other costs such as telephone, insurance, taxes, salaries
of the employees, etc.
5. Profit: As a percentage of total cost:
• 10% to 20% for small projects
• 7% to 10% for medium projects
• 5% to 7% for large projects

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Sources of errors in estimation:
1. Calculation errors
2. Item forgetting
3. Errors in counting time required for each item
4. Mistakes in counting the quantity or price of the items or in wages
5. Disregarding the cost of transportation or cost of some equipment
6. Not considering the cost of delaying
7. Not including the profit

Essential qualities of a good estimator

A good estimator of construction costs should possess the following capabilities:

1. The Estimator must have good knowledge regarding the important rules of
quantity surveying.
2. Must thoroughly understand the drawings of the structure, for which he is
going to prepare an estimate.
3. Ability to visualize all the steps during the process of construction.
4. Have a good knowledge of the details of construction work.
5. Be experienced in construction works.
6. Selection of a good method for preparing an estimate.
7. Ability to collect, classify and evaluate data relating to estimation.

Types of Estimates
There are different types of estimates in the construction industry, each serving a
different purpose. The two main types of estimates are:
1. Rough or Approximate estimate
2. Detailed Estimate

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1. Approximate Estimate
• Estimation of cost before construction from plans or architectural drawings of
the project scheme, when even detailed or structural design has not been
carried out, is called Rough cost estimate.

• The project owner may wish to know the approximate cost of the project
before making a decision to create it, and this kind of estimating is not always
sufficient for all bidding type.

• These estimates are used for obtaining administrative approval from the
concerning authorities.

• Sometimes, on the basis of rough cost estimates, a proposal may be dropped

altogether.

• To find rough cost of any project, this worked average unit cost is multiplied
with total quantity of the present work in the same units.

For example; If the cost of construction of 1 km. length of a highway is 140,000$. Then,
the cost of construction for 20 km is (140000*20 = 2,800,000$).

2. Detailed Estimate
Estimate every part of the building in a detail, and after estimating the price of
materials, equipment and workers' wages, and additional expenses, fixed estimate
profit.
This type needs to be done by contractors before bidding and Contracting for
important projects.

• The whole project is sub-divided into different items of work or activities. The
quantity for each item is then calculated separately from the drawings as accurately
as possible. The procedure is known as "taking out of quantities".

• The quantities for each item may be estimated and shown in the pattern which is
called "Bill of quantities"

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Main steps to be considered in a detailed estimate for a building construction:

a) Cleaning and preparing the work site for project planning.

b) Excavations for the foundations.
c) Lean concrete layer under the foundation of a 8 -10 cm thickness.
d) Placing the concrete for foundation.
e) Stone blocks or bricks under DPC.
f) Pour DPC of 10 cm thickness.
g) Walls building with clay brick or concrete block.
h) The wooden forms work.
i) Casting concrete for roofs and beams.
j) Finishing work: cement rendering, plastering with gypsum, floors tiling,
ceramic work, doors, windows, etc.
k) Tiling for floors.

Bill of quantities (B.O.Q)

A table is placed by the estimator for the activities that must be performed
sequentially, which is determined by the prices of the work (by Contractor) and
received acceptance by the owner. Below is a simplified table: