Estimating Formats Csi Masterformat

Republic of the Philippines
Nueva Ecija University of Science and

Technology College of Engineering
Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija
PCS 1- CONSTRUCTION COST

ENGINEERING
Topic 3: ESTIMATING FORMATS

&
Topic 4: C.S.I MASTERFORMATS
Prepared by:
Agliba, Via B.
Benemerito, Katrin Joy V.
Ocampo, Rachelle S.
Tagarro, Royanie Krissy J.
CE- 4A
Submitted to:
Engr. Ronald Danan
Course Instructor
Topic 3: ESTIMATING FORMATS
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATION
 Construction estimating is the process of anticipating the expense of building a physical
structure. This step is essential, and one of the most crucial in the construction process.
Estimators need to be as accurate as possible because profit margins (the livelihood of
contractors) are impacted if any estimated direct and indirect costs for the project are
off by even the slight amount.
 Project owners use cost estimates to determine a project's scope and feasibility and to
allocate budgets.
ESTIMATING FORMATS
Two most commonly used formats:
Master Format
often referred to as CSI Master Format, currently provides WBS into 16 trade/materials
based divisional categories (in the process of being expanded to 49 divisions)
Uniformat
represents WBS costs according to a hierarchy of system elements, and is supported
through various organizations, e.g. the U.S. General Services Administration and CSI.
Although different in their system headings, each provides a hierarchical WBS by
systems.
ESTIMATING METHODS
1. Detailed Estimate- The detailed estimate

includes determination of the quantities and costs
of everything that is required to complete the
project.
2. Assembly Estimating- In assembly estimating,

rather than bidding each of the individual components
of the project, the estimator bids the components in
groups known as assemblies.
3. Square-Foot Estimates- are prepared by multiplying

the square footage of a building by a cost per square foot
and then adjusting the price to compensate for
differences in the building heights, length of the building
perimeters, and other building components.
4. Parametric Estimates- use equations that express

the statistical relationship between building
parameters and the cost of the building.
5. Model Estimating- estimating uses computer models to prepare an estimate based

on a number of questions answered by the estimator.
6. Project Comparison Estimates- are prepared by comparing the cost of a proposed

project to a completed project.
THREE TYPES OF ESTIMATES
• Preliminary Estimates
Early in the planning stages, both building owners and designers must agree on an
anticipated cost of the project at bid award. Preliminary Estimates are employed in the early
planning phases of a proposed project to match an owner's needs, expressed as written
programmatic requirements, with budget constraints in order to establish its overall scope
(size) and quality expectations. The WBS recommended at this stage is a systems-based
format, where elements of the building (e.g. exterior closure) are the method of
categorization. Estimate comparisons at this stage are especially valuable in evaluating the
feasibility of strategic alternatives being considered to satisfy current and projected space
requirements (e.g. new construction versus renovation, or lease space). As the design is not
fully developed at this stage, a design contingency is typically included, typically between
10–15%. Issues which need to be identified at this juncture include method of procurement
being considered, location market factors, specific site constraints or challenges, proposed
phasing plans, and start and finish dates. It is recommended that a formal risk analysis be
carried out at every stage in the design, but particularly in the planning stage when
proactive steps can be taken to mitigate identified risks.
• Intermediate Estimates.
After proceeding with a preferred course of action, Intermediate Estimates are
employed at various stages of project design development to maintain accountability for
initial budget projections and as a means of evaluating competing alternative construction
assemblies, systems, and materials. On large projects it is common practice for an owner to
employ a construction manager or professional estimator to continually update project
estimates and provide feedback on budget impacts of decisions on major design elements.
The estimates will typically still be in a Uniformat systems WBS , however a
summary/conversion may also be provided in CSI MasterFormat. The risk assessment
should be updated and a contingency factor calculated depending on the outcome of the
risk analysis. As the design progresses and risks are mitigated, the design contingency can
typically be reduced.
Many owners employ Earned Value Analysis cost management practices as the design
progresses, to determine if the project is on track according to both schedule and budget.
This can be as straightforward as tracking costs across building systems (e.g. the mechanical
system) or can be more mathematically based to forecast the final outcome of the project.
• Final Estimates.
As the design is completed a detailed pre-bid estimate can be prepared. At this stage the
design contingency would typically be reduced to zero: however, in some instances, there
will still be risk surrounding the project, which would make it prudent to still include a small
bidding contingency. The estimate should be organized in the same WBS as required of the
bidders, which typically is CSI MasterFormat. This then allows for a comparison of the final
estimate with the bids received and can aid in negotiating with the lowest bidder. In
addition, having the final estimate and bids in the same format facilitates developing cost
databases for use in planning future projects. This typically means taking a CSI bid and re-
sorting the data into a Uniformat WBS.
IMPORTANCE OF USING ESTIMATING FORMATS
Using standard estimating formats for cost estimating and cost management:
• Ensures a uniform cost-control framework throughout the various stages of project

development.
• Defines a proper level of detail to set expectations for the estimating effort.
• Serves as a checklist to ensure complete coverage of project scope.
• Provides for a standardized historical database or library.
TYPES OF ESTIMATING FORMATS
a) Space Type Estimates

This format, used primarily for new construction projects, applies space-type unit costs to
planned space needs, resulting in a set of space-related construction costs. These costs may
be adjusted by adding known costs for special requirements defined through other
estimating formats. The sum of space-type costs and special-requirement costs equals an
Estimated Construction Cost (ECC) for the project.
b) Uniformat Estimates
Uniformat estimating applies unit-cost data to building-system and component site
elements. This “systems” approach uses a hierarchical structure of cost elements, beginning
at Level 1 with basic systems, such as Substructure, Exterior Enclosure, and Interior
Construction, 7 general requirements and principles section 1.3 and proceeding to
successively more detailed subdivisions of these systems at Levels 2-5. The resulting levels
of detail not only serve to structure cost information but also facilitate estimates to
whatever level of detail the design team can provide as the project is developed through
the design submission phases. For example, by the final concept design phase, the design
team and estimator may have Level 4 information on Substructure, but only Level 2 detail
for Interior Construction. Although the construction industry uses several variations on the
Uniformat concept, GSA requires that cost estimators use its particular version, for
consistency in use and maintenance of GSA’s cost databases.
c) Master Format Estimates

Master Format, a product of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), is the most
widely used standard for organizing building-project specifications and detailed cost
estimating data in the U.S. It is used particularly when drawings and specifications are
sufficiently detailed to allow material and equipment quantity take offs, and it is typically
aligned with a general contractor’s approach to preparing a bid. It is the master list of titles
and numbers used to organize specifications and other project information for most
commercial building design and construction projects in North America.
Topic 4: CSI MASTERFORMAT
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE (CSI)

Founded in 1948, CSI is a national not-for-profit association of more than 7,000
members dedicated to improving the communication of construction information
throughout continuous development and transformation of standards and formats,
education and certification of professionals to improve project delivery processes.
CSI members work tirelessly to effectively communicate the designers’ vision,
the material producers’ solutions and the constructors’ techniques to create
outstanding facilities that meet facility owners’ objectives.
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is the organization that publishes

the MasterFormat.
CSI MASTERFORMAT
CSI MasterFormat is the standard used to provide synchronicity between
manufacturers and builders. The MasterFormat is used by manufacturers to ensure that
their products meet requirements such as size, weight, or material types.
Over the years, people within the building and construction manufacturing
industries have dubbed MasterFormat as “the Dewey Decimal System” of building and
construction.
The CSI MasterFormat is a series of coding systems, broken down and
categorized by sections referred to as Divisions.
More specifically, 50 Divisions in all to date. Up until 2004, there were only 16
Divisions (more about the divisions below).
HISTORY OF CSI
MASTERFORMAT
In the mid-20th century, sometime after World War II, different material types
and new products began hitting markets. Construction specifications began to develop,
attempting to usher standards into the growing list of building materials.
In 1963, CSI published a format for construction companies and manufacturers
to use, which enabled them to place orders or fabricate along with this numeric system
of standards. At the time, this format consisted of 16 total divisions. It wasn’t being
called the MasterFormat till around 1975.
Due to the rapid expansion of technology, building materials, and furnishings
installed into various buildings, CSI expanded their 16 Division formats to a 50 Division
format back in November of 2004. Some of these divisions work as placeholders- blank
in wait for the expansion.
ADVANTAGES OF CSI MASTERFORMAT

-The CSI MasterFormat is the standard maverick which helps everyone stay on budget,
develop timelines, meet deadlines and meet building owner’s requirements.
-The CSI MasterFormat is vital to achieve meaningful interoperability. It helps every

discipline involved in the design, building and operations of construction applications,
whether it’s a hospital or elementary school.
-The CSI MasterFormat is the standard maverick which helps everyone stay on budget,
develop timelines, meet deadlines and meet building owner’s requirements.
-The CSI MasterFormat is vital to achieve meaningful interoperability. It helps every

discipline involved in the design, building and operations of construction applications,
whether it’s a hospital or elementary school.
-The MasterFormat also helps contractors and architects work on additions in the future
and renovations. The data can be easily retrieved. And with the increased use of
building information modeling (BIM), the MasterFormat is a good fit. More and more,
modeling software systems are using MasterFormat’s format for BIM integration.
MASTERFORMAT REVISIONS
In 1963, the data organised into the CSI Format for Construction Specifications (the
precursor to MasterFormat) included 16 primary areas. The standard divided the data into
groups. These groups were then categorised into subgroups which were then broken down into
divisions.
Over the years, the standard has expanded, most significantly in 2004. Subsequent revisions of
the MasterFormat have been released in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.
I. MASTERFORMAT 1988 EDITION

Before November 2004, MasterFormat was composed of 16 Divisions:
Division 1 — General Requirements

Division 2 — Sitework
Division 3 — Concrete
Division 4 — Masonry
Division 5 — Metals
Division 6 — Wood and Plastics
Division 7 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 8 — Doors and Windows
Division 9 — Finishes
Division 10 — Specialties
Division 11 — Equipment
Division 12 — Furnishings
Division 13 — Special Construction
Division 14 — Conveying Systems
Division 15 — Mechanical (Ex. Plumbing and HVAC)
Division 16 — Electrical
II. MASTERFORMAT 1995 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 1988 except the:
Division 2 — Site Construction
III. MASTERFORMAT 2004 EDITION

Changed to 50 Divisions. All divisions were revised
IV. MASTERFORMAT 2010 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 2004, except the:
Division 46 — Water and Wastewater Equipment (added)
V. MASTERFORMAT 2012 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 2010.
VI. MASTERFORMAT 2014 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 2012, except the:
Division 40 — Process Interconnections (changed title)
VII. MASTERFORMAT 2016 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 2014.
VIII. MASTERFORMAT 2018 EDITION

Same as MasterFormat 2016
MASTERFORMAT DIVISIONS AND SUBGROUPS
The 2018 version of MasterFormat includes information regarding maintenance and repair
operations, recycling and other lifecycle activities based on the same format and numbering
structure as those used for construction specifications.
As of July 2020, this is the current structure of MasterFormat (based on the 2018 revision; the
most recent revision was published in late 2020).
several Divisions are not yet populated with any information. They have been reserved for
further expansion as different categories may arise. This is CSI’s solution for preparing for the
next wave of technological and material leaps.
PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS GROUP
Division 00 — Procurement and Contracting Requirements
SPECIFICATIONS GROUP
General Requirements Subgroup -

Division 01 — General Requirements
Facility Construction Subgroup

Division 02 — Existing Conditions
Division 03 — Concrete
Division 04 — Masonry
Division 05 — Metals
Division 06 — Wood, Plastics and Composites
Division 07 — Thermal and Moisture Protection
Division 08 — Openings
Division 09 — Finishes
Division 10 — Specialities
Division 11 — Equipment
Division 12 — Furnishings
Division 13 — Special Construction
Division 14 — Conveying Equipment
Division 15 – Reserved for Future Expansion
Facility Services Subgroup

Division 21 — Fire Suppression
Division 22 — Plumbing
Division 23 — Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Division 25 — Integrated Automation
Division 26 — Electrical
Division 27 — Communications
Division 28 — Electronic Safety and Security
Site and Infrastructure Subgroup

Division 31 — Earthwork
Division 32 — Exterior Improvements
Division 33 — Utilities
Division 34 — Transportation
Division 35 — Waterway and Marine Construction
Process Equipment Subgroup

Division 40 — Process Interconnections
Division 41 — Material Processing and Handling Equipment
Division 42 — Process Heating, Cooling and Drying Equipment
Division 43 — Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification and Storage Equipment
Division 44 — Pollution and Waste Control Equipment
Division 45 — Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment
Division 46 — Water and Wastewater Equipment
Division 48 — Electrical Power Generation
WHAT THE MASTERFORMAT IS NOT

 MasterFormat is not to be confused with localized building codes. Building codes can
change from town to town, state to state, country to country. They are what has been
agreed upon within a community, rather than a far-reaching standard.
 Building codes do not conflict with the MasterFormat because they have little to do with
the relationship between the construction company and its vendors. However, they can
and do play off of each other depending on the situation.
 Unlike localized building codes, MasterFormat is recognized and used throughout the
United States and Canada as one set of standards that manufacturers build by and
construction companies prepare for.
 Does not establish trade jurisdiction
 Does not establish design disciplines

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Republic of the Philippines

Nueva Ecija University of Science and

PCS 1- CONSTRUCTION COST

Topic 3: ESTIMATING FORMATS

Topic 3: ESTIMATING FORMATS

1. Detailed Estimate- The detailed estimate

2. Assembly Estimating- In assembly estimating,

3. Square-Foot Estimates- are prepared by multiplying

4. Parametric Estimates- use equations that express

5. Model Estimating- estimating uses computer models to prepare an estimate based

6. Project Comparison Estimates- are prepared by comparing the cost of a proposed

THREE TYPES OF ESTIMATES

IMPORTANCE OF USING ESTIMATING FORMATS

• Ensures a uniform cost-control framework throughout the various stages of project

TYPES OF ESTIMATING FORMATS

a) Space Type Estimates

c) Master Format Estimates

Topic 4: CSI MASTERFORMAT

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE (CSI)

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is the organization that publishes

ADVANTAGES OF CSI MASTERFORMAT

-The CSI MasterFormat is vital to achieve meaningful interoperability. It helps every

-The CSI MasterFormat is vital to achieve meaningful interoperability. It helps every

I. MASTERFORMAT 1988 EDITION

Division 1 — General Requirements

II. MASTERFORMAT 1995 EDITION

III. MASTERFORMAT 2004 EDITION

IV. MASTERFORMAT 2010 EDITION

V. MASTERFORMAT 2012 EDITION

VI. MASTERFORMAT 2014 EDITION

VII. MASTERFORMAT 2016 EDITION

VIII. MASTERFORMAT 2018 EDITION

MASTERFORMAT DIVISIONS AND SUBGROUPS

PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS GROUP

Division 00 — Procurement and Contracting Requirements

General Requirements Subgroup -

Facility Construction Subgroup

Facility Services Subgroup

Site and Infrastructure Subgroup

Process Equipment Subgroup

WHAT THE MASTERFORMAT IS NOT

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