Estimation and specifications

RAFAL MAHDI

University of Diyala
College of Engineering
Department of Architecture
Building Estimation
It is processed by predicting the probable cost of a project by calculating
material quantity and their costing with help of market rates before
undertaking any construction project.
the importance of construction cost estimating
• Construction cost estimating has a vital role to play in any construction
project.
Ultimately, an accurate cost estimate will prevent the builder from losing
money and help the customer avoid overpaying.
• A knowledge of overall cost allows for plans to be adapted before they’re put
into action. It’s every project planner’s worst nightmare to be halfway
through a project, only to realize that the budget doesn’t stretch to finish it.
• Any project can benefit from construction cost estimating, from building
new structures to remodeling efforts.
• No matter the project size, due to the risks involved, a significant concern for
both builders and clients is the financial impact of cost overruns and failing
to complete a project.
• Therefore, it is in both parties’ best interest to spend time researching and
estimating project expenditures before proceeding. Clients who are
considering extensive projects often look for multiple cost estimates,
including those prepared by contractors and those assessed by independent
estimators.
the benefits from construction cost estimating

-The answer could change from project to project, but typically it’s the project
owner and contractors.

- Project managers use cost estimates to allocate their budget, while contractors
utilize cost estimates to decide whether or not to bid on a
potential project.

- Estimates are generally prepared with both architects and engineers’ input to
ensure that a project follows both scope requirements and budget allotment.

- A fundamental component of earned value management, cost estimates are a

project-management technique that tracks a project’s performance against the
total time and cost estimate
Take off In construction estimating.

• ‘Take off’ or ‘material take off’ is an integral part of the cost estimation process.

• This process allows the contractors to assess the necessary labor requirements
and cost of materials before they bid on the project.

• The larger the project, the more critical the take off process.

• Not only beneficial to understand the cost of a project, but it also trickles down to
the actual labor itself to ensure it runs smoothly.

• The costs of all physical materials required to complete the project should be
considered in this stage to ensure an accurate as possible estimation.
the components that help create an accurate cost estimate

The construction cost estimating process consists of several phases,

However, within these phases, there are several components that a cost estimate
will rely upon that include:

• The quality of the project plan

• The level to which the estimator defines a project
• The experience and skill of the estimator
• The quality of the tools and procedures the estimator utilizes

The cost estimation of a project may fall to one individual or a team depending on
the type, scope, and size of a project; additionally, estimators may hold several
different positions.
• Contractors and subcontractors may prepare cost estimates in some
construction projects, although this isn’t the best practice.

• In other instances, the construction salesperson may be responsible

for drawing up an estimate.

• Architectural firms may have in-house estimators. These are generally

individuals who take on the estimator’s function in addition to their
primary role. However, it has become more common to see qualified
independent estimators handle estimates against which one
corroborates the general contractor’s estimates.

• For contractors, accurate cost estimates win jobs.

• Most customers want to spend the minimum amount of money they

can for a project that still meets the specified standards and
parameters.

• In a competitive bidding scenario, the time and effort you spend

preparing the estimate is an invaluable investment, as a reasonable
estimate can ultimately lead to winning a bid. If urgency is a project
factor, how quickly you prepare a bid can also be a differentiator.
The Estimator

A building estimator or cost estimator is an individual that quantifies the

materials, labor, and equipment needed to complete a construction project.

What Does The Construction Cost Estimator’s Job

Entail?
• As you may have guessed, the cost estimator is pivotal to the cost-
estimation process. This individual is generally familiar with design and
construction and skilled at navigating the various expenses associated
with construction projects and must possess both skill and training.

• Similar to construction estimators are commercial construction

estimators. While they share apparent similarities, commercial
construction estimators are specifically skilled in, as the name suggests,
commercial construction.

• According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics,

there were 213,500 cost estimators in the country in 2014, with
employment opportunities anticipated to grow by nine percent over the
next decade. Many of these estimators work in the construction industry.
Types Of Construction Cost Estimate Systems

To ensure a cost estimate’s accuracy, a well-defined project plan must be in place

first.

Therefore, it’s customary to create multiple estimates during the pre-

design/design phases. As the project level of definition increases, the cost
estimates subsequently become more accurate.

According to The American Society of Professional Estimators, a five-tiered system

is used to classify estimates; throughout each level, the estimate grows
increasingly detailed and reliable. Below, a breakdown of the five-level system:

Level 1: Order of Magnitude Estimate

Formulated before the project design has commenced, an order of magnitude
estimate is only utilized to determine a construction project’s overall feasibility.
Level 2: Schematic Design Estimate
This phase refers to an estimate produced in line with schematic design.

Level 3: Design Development Estimate

This estimate is made during the design development phase.

Level 4: Construction Document Estimate

This refers to an estimate based on the construction drawings and specifications.

Level 5: Bid Estimate

Based on the information found in construction documents, this is an estimate
prepared by the contractor. The bid estimate is the basis of the bid price offered to
the customer.

The straightforward way to estimate costs

A simplified system of classifying estimates entails only three main categories:

• Design estimates
• Bid estimates
• Control estimates
Design Estimates
Prepared during a project’s pre-design/design phases, design estimates begin
with an order of magnitude estimate (also known as a screening estimate) to
determine which type of construction methods and types are most viable.
The next phase is the preliminary estimate (also referred to as the conceptual
estimate) based upon the schematic design.
Finally, the last of the design estimates is the engineer’s estimate, based on the
construction documents. A basic template can provide an initial assessment of
project expenditures.

Bid Estimates
When bidding to construct a project, contractors conduct an extensive amount of
research to prepare bid estimates. This data is drawn from various sources to
prepare the estimate, including direct costs, supervision costs, subcontractor
quotes, and quantity takeoffs.

Control Estimates
This estimate is prepared after a contractor agreement is signed off, but before
construction commences and serves as a baseline by which the project’s actual
construction costs are assessed and controlled. The control estimate also enables
contractors to plan to satisfy upcoming expenses while determining the project’s
cost to completion.
What is Bill of Quantities (BOQ)
Bill of Quantities also referred to as BOQ, is a document formulated in the
construction industry to specify materials, labors, and their cost. It
serves as a communication tool between client, consultant & the
contractor. It is usually prepared by a cost consultant or a surveyor.
Primarily there are two types of BOQs

Basic Format for preparing BOQ

The main sections included in the bill of quantities are Form of Tender,
Information, Requirements, Pricing schedule, Provisional sums, and Day
works. For the preparation of BOQ, 5 main components are to be
considered which are as follows:

• Item Description
• Unit
• Quantity
• Rate per unit
• Total Amount
Calculation of materials for Reinforced Concrete Construction
For example :

Estimating the quantity of materials for concrete post or column can also be done
In' two simple ways: ‘ By Volume Method A reinforced concrete square column Is
5.00 meters long with a cross sectional dimensions of 16 by 16 inches. Determine
the quantity of cement, sand and gravel using class A concrete.

SOLUTION:
1. Convert first all measurements from inches to meter. , 16
inches =0 .40 meter (See Table 1-1)

2. Solve the cross 'sectional area of the column ..

Area: 0.40 x 0.40 = 0.16sq. m.

3. Find the volume of the column.

v = .16 x 5. meters
V = .80 cu. m.

4. Refer to Table 1-2, using 40 kg. cement class "A" concrete, multiply:
Cement: .80 x 9.0 = 7.2 say 8 bags
Sand: .80 x .50 = 0.4 say 0.5 cu. m.
Gravel: .80 x 1.0 = 0.8 say 1.0 cu. m.
References

 EngineeringCivil.org

 D M Umen. Is a standard needed for estimating building design and

construction cost? Cost Engineering

 Estimate by max fajardopdf

 https://proest.com/