Estimation is the process of calculating the approximate cost of an engineering project before work begins. It requires thorough knowledge of construction procedures, materials, labor costs, and the skills of experience. An estimate should be within 5-10% of the actual final cost if there are no unexpected issues. Developing an accurate estimate involves taking quantities from drawings, creating a bill of quantities, and analyzing costs of materials, labor, and other components through a rate analysis. Site conditions, availability of resources, and quality of labor can all impact total construction costs.
Estimation is the process of calculating the approximate cost of an engineering project before work begins. It requires thorough knowledge of construction procedures, materials, labor costs, and the skills of experience. An estimate should be within 5-10% of the actual final cost if there are no unexpected issues. Developing an accurate estimate involves taking quantities from drawings, creating a bill of quantities, and analyzing costs of materials, labor, and other components through a rate analysis. Site conditions, availability of resources, and quality of labor can all impact total construction costs.
Estimation is the process of calculating the approximate cost of an engineering project before work begins. It requires thorough knowledge of construction procedures, materials, labor costs, and the skills of experience. An estimate should be within 5-10% of the actual final cost if there are no unexpected issues. Developing an accurate estimate involves taking quantities from drawings, creating a bill of quantities, and analyzing costs of materials, labor, and other components through a rate analysis. Site conditions, availability of resources, and quality of labor can all impact total construction costs.
Estimation is the process of calculating the approximate cost of an engineering project before work begins. It requires thorough knowledge of construction procedures, materials, labor costs, and the skills of experience. An estimate should be within 5-10% of the actual final cost if there are no unexpected issues. Developing an accurate estimate involves taking quantities from drawings, creating a bill of quantities, and analyzing costs of materials, labor, and other components through a rate analysis. Site conditions, availability of resources, and quality of labor can all impact total construction costs.
Estimation is the scientific way of working out the
approximate cost of an engineering project before execution of the work.
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. Estimate
An estimate of the cost of a construction job is the
probable cost of that job as computed from plans and specifications. For a good estimate the, actual cost of the proposed work after completion should not differ by more then 5 to 10 % from its approximate cost estimate, provided there are no unusual, unforeseen circumstances. Project Estimate Flow Chart
Design Quantity Project
Drawings Sheets BOQs Estimate
Rate Analysis Definitions Quantity Sheets (Take Off Sheets) The quantity of material in a project, determined from the drawings. It records the amount and unit of measure. Definitions BOQs (Bill of Quantities) Provides an extensive and itemized trade list, including a description and quantity, of each of the components or items required for a construction project. Definitions Rate Analysis It entails a systematic review for predicting cost of materials, labor, support services, and facilities needed for performing any activity Cost Estimation The construction documents include working drawings, technical specifications, conditions of contract and other documents relevant to the bidding process. These documents actually define the scope of the work. The ability of the cost estimator to visualize all of the components of a project using these documents is a prime ingredient to prepare successful estimates. After verifying the integrity and correctness of the construction documents, quantity take off (QTO) is performed to determine the amount of different materials that will be purchased from the market. In addition to material costs other direct and indirect cost components are estimated and added together including the profit considerations to arrive at the total bid amount. Construction Cost
There are various type of costs associated with a project
based on phases of a project life cycle. Some of these include: Designing costs Construction costs Operation & Maintenance costs (O&M) Disposal Costs Construction cost estimation is primarily concerned with the determination of costs associated with the construction phase of a project lifecycle. Cost Components
Components of Costs Specific to a Construction Project.
Home office overhead /
indirect overhead costs
Job overhead / general conditions /
direct overhead costs. Can range from 15-40% of the total project cost.
Total Cost= Direct Cost+ Indirect Cost
Site Conditions Affecting The Overall Cost 1. Each type of work requires a different method of construction. Construction may be of an ordinary house or office and it may also be of a Dam, Tunnel, Multistory building, Airport, Bridge, or a Road, already in operation. Each of these works requires totally different construction techniques, type of machinery, and formwork. 2. Quality of labor and labor output varies in different localities. 3.Weather conditions greatly affect the output and, hence, the overall cost. 4. Ground conditions vary and change the method of construction. For example, excavation may be dry, wet, hard, soft, shallow or deep requiring different efforts. Site Conditions Affecting The Overall Cost
5. The work may be in open ground such as fields or it may be in
congested areas such as near or on the public roads, necessitating extensive watching, lightening, and controlling efforts, etc. 6. The source of availability of a sufficient supply of materials of good quality is also a factor. 7. The availability of construction machinery also affects the method of construction. 8. Access to the site must be reasonable. If the access is poor, temporary roads may be constructed. Essential Qualities Of A Good Estimator
Before preparing the estimate, the estimator should visit the site and make a study of conditions, there. For example, if the construction of a large building is planned, the estimator or his representative should visit the site and: Note the location of the proposed building. Get all data available regarding the soil. Make a sketch of the site showing all important details. Obtain information concerning light, power, and water. Secure information concerning banking facilities. Note conditions of streets leading to railway yards and to material dealers, and Investigate general efficiency of local workman. Practice in Pakistan Schedule of Rates
Market Rate System (MRS)
Military Engineering Services (MES) Public Works Department (PWD) National Highway Authority (NHA)
