Unit I Short answers

1. Define an estimate?
It is the probable cost of a building or a project. It is the calculation of the quantities of various items of
work and the expenses likely to be incurred on them. An estimate is a tool for planning and controlling
the construction activity of any project with respect to quality, time and finance.
2. List any four uses of an approximate estimate?
(a) It is used in making preliminary studies of various aspects of a project.
(b) From investment point of view, it gives an idea of the return the project would fetch after the
completion of work.
(c) It gives an idea of the rough cost that would be involved in the project so that the owner can make
financial arrangement.
(d) This estimate is used in fixing up the value of the project for the insurance requirement.
3. Describe the two activities involved in any construction activity?
The two activities involved in construction activity are quantity aspect and quality aspect. The quantity
aspect is the study of drawing, taking out quantities. The quality aspect is the writing of specification
for the project.
4. Identify any four type of approximate estimate?
(a) Plinth area rate method
(b) Cubic metre method
(c) Service unit method
(d) Typical bay method
5. Classify the three methods of taking out quantities?
(a) Long wall short wall or out to out and in to in method
(b) Centre line method
(c) Crossing method
6. Discuss the two purposes for which a detailed estimate is prepared?
(a) Execution process: Taking out quantities, calling of tender and awarding the work.
(b) Obtaining Technical sanction: The estimate is sent to the higher authorities for obtaining their
technical sanction for executing the project.
7. Discuss the components or factors of detailed estimate?
(a) Availability of local labour: Daily salary of local labour should be considered in detailed estimate.
(b) Availability of materials: The availability of material available locally should be considered in the
estimate.
(c) Location of site: Detail estimate should consider the transportation of men and materials if the
project is located at a remote place.
(d) Quantity of materials: For a large project, if the quantity of material required is more the same can
be procured at a lower rate.
8. Define a preliminary or rough cost estimate?
A preliminary or rough estimate as the name suggest is the rough probable cost of a building or project
which is based on the area of the proposed project
9. Define a revised estimate?
Revised estimate is the estimate which is prepared when the cost of the project is likely to exceed
during the execution of the project.
10. Discuss about Supplementary estimate?
During execution of a project if there is a necessity of adding more structures, an additional estimate is
prepared for obtaining sanction, this estimate is known as the supplementary estimate.
11. Explain annual repair and maintenance estimate?
In an existing building some of the works like painting, replacement of broken windows and doors, and
replacement of damaged water supply and sanitary fittings are to be done every year. The estimate
prepared for these works are termed as annual repairs and maintenance estimate.
12. Describe bill of quantities?
The calculation of quantities of individual items from the approved structural and architectural
drawings are known as bill of quantities.
13. List the qualities of a good estimator?
A good estimator should have
(a) Good knowledge of measurement and calculation
(b) Thorough knowledge of construction methods and procedures
(c) Ability to read and interrupt drawings accurately
(d) Accuracy in calculation
(e) Common sense, skill, foresight and good judgment and patience.
14. Summarize the tools a good estimator requires?
(a) A complete set of drawings
(b) Cost analysis of already completed works
(c) Detailed specification
(d) Labour wage records
(e) Price list of materials
(f) Schedule of rates
(g) Circulars on latest rules and bye laws
(h) Literature on latest materials available in the market
15. Identify the units of measurements for earth work, window shutters and plastering?
(a) Earth work Cubic metre
(b) Window shutters Square metre
(c) Plastering Square metre
16. Identify the units of measurements for marble flooring, door shutters, and steel reinforcement?
(a) Marble flooring Square metre
(b) Door shutters Square metre
(c) Steel reinforcement Kilo gram
17. Discuss the service unit method of estimation?
By this method the estimate is prepared based on the cost of corresponding service unit in a similar
recently constructed structures. For example the service unit for a school building is the number of
class rooms, for a hospital building it is the number of beds, for a water tank it is litre.
18. Define day work ?
It is the procedure by which the cost of an item is estimated based on the actual observation of
the cost of the labour and material involved in a particular item of work
19. What is lump sum amount?
While preparing an estimate, when the quantities of some of the items are not known, provision is
made in estimate for an approximate amount and this is known as lump sum amount.
20. Explain Special repair estimate?
In an existing building when there are major repair works to be undertaken like repairs to plastering,
leakage of roof, spalling of concrete etc. as estimate is prepared to undertake such repair works, and
this estimate is known as special repair estimate.