Quantisurv Modules

Part 2: Introduction to Basic Concepts of Quantity Surveying
2.1 Basic Concepts of Quantity Survey
Read and study the following lecture notes.
Definition of Quantity Survey
Quantity survey is a schedule of quantities of all the items of work in a building. At the
conceptual stage such estimation is done on the basis of conceptual drawings or in case of
any non-availability of such drawings, it is done on thumb-rule basis utilizing expertise and
experience of specialist. At the execution stage the quantities are calculated based on the
construction drawings.
In general, we can describe quantity survey as follows:
1. Description and preparation of the bill of quantities and its items required for the
tender.
2. Preparation of the site material, material types, and material distribution
Accuracy, thoroughness, and ability to reconcile quantity and cost at every point of time are
the important qualities of a Good Quantity Surveyor.
Data Required for the Preparation of an Estimate or Quantity Survey
Drawings
Complete and fully dimensioned drawings (i.e. plans, elevations, sections and other details)
of the building or work in question are required.
Specifications
Detailed specifications, giving the nature, quality and class of work, materials to be used,
quality of the material, their proportions, and method of preparation are required.
Rates
The rates of various of work, materials to be used in the construction, wages of different
categories of labor (skilled or unskilled) and cost of transportation charges should be
available for preparing an estimate of work cost.
Actual Finished Work
Quantities can be calculated from the actual work done in the project site.
The quantities mainly can be calculated as:
 Quantity = Length × Width × (Height or Thickness),

 Quantity = Area of cross-section × Length,
 Quantity = Length × Width,
 Quantity = Length.
 Quantity = Number of Units.
 Quantity = Weight.
Importance of Quantity Survey
1. Quantity survey is essential to estimate before the construction starts the probable cost of
construction for the complete work. The construction cost includes cost of materials, cost of
transportation, cost of labor, cost of scaffolding, cost of tools and plants, establishment and
supervision charges, cost of water, taxes, and reasonable profit of the contractor, etc. The
estimate is required in inviting tenders for the works and to arrange contract for a complete
project.
2. Quantity survey is required to estimate the quantities of the various materials required
and the labor involved for satisfactory completion of a construction project.
3. It is also useful to check the works done by contractors during and after the execution.
Also, the payment to the contractor is done according to the actual measurements of the
completed part of each item of work.
4. A complete quantity survey or estimate is useful to provide useful advice to clients on:
(i) Valuation of properties (land and building) for sale, purchase and mortgage etc.
(ii) Fixation of standard rent.
(iii) For insurance and claim for damages in a building.
(iv) For the process of resolving disputes by referring to a third party.
Types of Estimates and Quantity Survey
Preliminary or Approximate Estimate
This is to find out an approximate cost in a short time. It is used to give an idea of the cost
of a proposed project. This estimate helps the client or sanctioning authority to make
decision of the administrative approval.
The approximate cost is prepared from the comparison with similar works. The
approximate cost can be found by using methods that depends on the area or cubic content
of a building and then multiplying this by an estimated rate for the unit of the area or cubic
content. Approximate quantities of materials and labor required per m2 of the area for a
proposed building also can be found.
Detailed Estimate
After getting the administrative approval, this estimate is prepared in detail prior to inviting
of tenders. The whole project is divided into sub-works, and the quantities of each sub-
work are calculated separately. The dimensions of the required work are taken from the
drawings of the project.
Quantity Estimates
This is a complete estimate of quantities for all items during project implementation.
Revised Estimate
Prepared if the estimate exceeded by 5% due to the rates being found insufficient or due to
some other reason.
Maintenance Estimate
Estimating required quantities and cost of work to maintain a structure (road, building,
etc.)
Quantity Survey Items and methods
Quantity surveying and the estimated quantities of materials required on a project are
normally determined by professional surveyor or engineer.
The estimated quantities are provided to the interested bidders on a project to provide their
prices. In this method of bidding, the contractors are all bidding on the same quantities. The
estimators of contractors spend time developing the unit price of the different items in a
project. To win the bid, contractors will work on keeping the cost of purchasing and
installing the materials as low as possible.
As the project is built, the actual quantities are checked against the estimated quantities. For
example, if the estimated quantity of concrete for a wall is 23 m3, but the actual installed
concrete is 26 m3, then the contractor would be paid for the additional 3m3.
When there is a large difference between the estimated and actual quantities, an adjustment
to the unit price can be made. Small adjustments are usually made at the same unit as the
contractor bid. Large errors may require that the unit price be renegotiated.
If the contractor is aware of potential changes between the estimated quantities and those
that will be required in the project, the contractor may price his or her bid to take advantage
of this situation. For example, if the contractor is aware that the filling material in the
project will be changed from excavated soil to base-course, then he can provide low unit
price for filling with excavated soil (say P70/m3) and high unit price for the base-course
(say P210/m3). If the back-fill quantities were assumed to be 2000 m3 of soil and 100 m3
of base-course, so the assumed total price as in the bid will be P161,000.00. But if the
quantities were changed to 100 m3 of soil and 2000 m3 of base-course, then the new price
of the actual work because of this change will be P427,000.00, which will provide more
profit to the contractor.
Powerpoint
Powerpoint T
Templates
emplates
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Introduction to Quantity
Surveying
Powerpoint Templates
QUANTITY SURVEY???
Introduction
 Once a construction project is completed or depending on the form of
contract upon completion of certain parts of the work, the contractor must
be paid for appropriately completed works.
 This would then require that the actual works done be somehow
estimated or measured for payment purposes.
 On the other hand to estimate how much a civil engineering project may
cost, the actual quantities of materials, labor, equipment etc. that is needed
for the construction work must be calculated at the beginning of the
work.
 Such work of calculating the amount of materials and other
incidentals necessary for the realization of the work is called quantity
surveying.
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QUANTITY SURVEY???
Introduction Cont.
 Quantity surveying is a term or processes used in the construction
industry to take measurements of civil works, prepare
specifications, and estimate the cost of works either for each trade of
work or for the whole project.
 The term “surveying” means to inspect, study, review, investigate,
asses, and hence “to measure” therefore the term “quantity
surveying” means “quantity measuring” as applied to civil
engineering projects.
 Quantity surveying is the application of standard methods of
measurement to quantify the amount of various items in a
construction project, for the undertaking of valuation, and certifying
payments.
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QUANTITY SURVEY???
Introduction Cont.
 The following tasks are covered in quantity surveying.
1. Preparation of Specification
2. Taking measurements of civil works (Taking off quantities and
preparing BOQ)
3. Preparation of approximate (preliminary) cost estimate at the
very early stage of the project
4. Preparation of detail cost estimate at different stages (taking as
built measurements and preparing payment certificates or
approval of payment certificates prepared by taking
measurements)
5. Valuation of property
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QUANTITY SURVEY???
Pur pose of Quantity Sur veying
 The purpose of quantity surveying hence the preparation of Bill of
quantities is:
i. Assist the client to have an accurate estimate of the volume of
work as well as the required budget.
ii. To assist in the accurate preparation of tenders, by providing
uniform measurement of quantities.
iii. To give an accurate checklist of work accomplished
iv. To assist in the certification of payments
v. To give insight into the required variation work amounts.
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ESTIMATE???
a. to judge tentatively or approximately the value, worth,
or significance of
b. to determine roughly the size, extent, or nature of
c. to produce a statement of the approximate cost of
Merriam - Webster
“It is a valuation based on opinion or roughly made from imperfect

or incomplete data, a calculation not professedly exact, an
appraisement; also a statement, as by a builder, in regard to the
cost of certain work.”
Max B. Fajardo
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“Estimating is the most important of the practical aspects of

construction management and the subject deserve a closest
attention of one aspiring to a career in the profession. It is
comparatively simple subject to understand, however, as it
bring one up against practical work, methods and
procedure, knowledge of it cannot be acquired without close
application.”
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Purpose of Estimating
To give a reasonably accurate idea of the cost

An estimate is necessary to give the owner a reasonably accurate idea of the cost to
help him decide whether the work can be undertaken as proposed or needs to be
curtailed or abandoned, depending upon the availability of funds and prospective
direct and indirect benefits. For government works proper sanction has to be
obtained for allocating the required amount. Works are often let out on a lump sum
basis, in which case the Estimator must be in a position to know exactly how much
expenditure he is going to incur on them
1. Estimating Materials
2. Estimating Labor
3. Estimating Equipment
4. Estimating Time
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Types of Construction Estimates
1. Estimates for Conceptual Planning
Based on very general parameters of facility size,

anticipated quality of construction and use of facility.
Conceptual Estimate – is prepared based from only a

conceptual description of the project.
-Is done before plans, specifications and other
project details have been developed.
- ±15 – 20 % accurate
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2. Estimates for Feasibility
Using preliminary design information and after project

scope is completely defined.
An estimate of project cost that is prepared before

complete construction documents are available.
±15 – 20 % accurate
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3. Estimate During Engineering and Design
Based on schematic level design documents, it is probable

that major quantities can be quantified, concrete, steel based
from type of construction.
The designer and owner may use the estimate to evaluate

expected total project cost but for the purpose of reviewing
design cost drivers and performing value engineering
Value Engineering – a evaluation of a project objective

function for the purpose of bettering the objectives in terms
of cost and functional parameters
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4. Estimates for Construction
Itemized cost computation based on complete set of contract documents

(incl. plans and specifications)
Bid estimate submitted to the owner either for competitive bidding or

negotiation consists of direct construction cost including field supervision,
plus a mark-up to cover general overhead and profits. The direct cost of
construction for bid estimates is usually derived from a combination of the
following approaches.
•Subcontractor quotations
•Quantity takeoffs
•Construction procedures.
5% accuracy
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5.Control Estimates.
For monitoring the project during construction, a control estimate is

derived from available information to establish:
Budget estimate for financing

Budgeted cost after contracting but prior to construction
Estimated cost to completion during the progress of construction.
6.Estimate for Change Order
Performed on the project site in response to an owner – directed

change in the project.
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Estimating Techniques
Approximate Estimates
An approximate estimate is an approximate or rough estimate prepared
to obtain an approximate cost in a short time. For certain purposes the
use of such methods is justified.
Detailed Estimate
A detailed estimate of the cost of a project is prepared by determining the
quantities and costs of every thing that a contractor is required to provide
and do for the satisfactory completion of the work. It is the best and most
reliable form of estimate. A detailed estimate may be prepared in the
following two ways
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Qualification of an Quantity Surveyor
1. A thorough understanding of architectural drawings.

2. A sound knowledge of building materials, construction
methods and customs prevailing in the trade.
3. A fund of information collected or gained through experience in
construction work, relating to materials required, hourly output
of workers and equipment, overhead expenses and costs of all
kinds.
4. An understanding of a good method of preparing an estimate.
5. A systematic and orderly mind.
6. Ability to do careful and accurate calculations.
7. Ability to collect, classify and evaluate data that would be
useful in estimating.
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Data Required for Preparing an Estimate
1. Plans, sections and other

relevant details of the
work.
2. Specifications indicating
the exact nature and class
of materials to be used.
3. The rates at which the

different items of work are
carried out.
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Steps in Preparing Estimates
1 . Taking out quantities

- Measurements are taken off from the drawings and entered on measurement
sheet or dimension paper. The measurements to be taken out would depend upon
the unit of measurement.
2. Squaring out
- Working out volumes, areas, etc. and casting up their total in recognized units.
3. Abstracting
- In the third step all the items along with the net results obtained in the second
step are transferred from measurement sheets to specially ruled sheets having
rate column ready for pricing.
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Work Breakdown Structure
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)– provide a common
hierarchical framework for summarizing information and for the
quantitative reporting to customers (client/owner) and management.
Purpose of Work Breakdown Structure
1.Provide an organized manner of collecting project cost data in

a standard format for estimating, cost reporting and cost tracking
2. Provide a checklist for categorizing cost
3.Provide a means to maintain historical cost data in a standard
format.
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Basics for Preparation of Estimates
Review Contract Documents
Thoroughly examine the constructions documents
Drawings and Specifications
General Conditions – part of the contract documents that defines the

rights, responsibilities and relationships of all parties to the construction
contract.
It is appropriate to make notes of anything that can affect construction

duration and the cost to perform the work or add indirect and overhead cost to
the work
Prebid Conference – a meeting held prior to bid opening for the purpose of
explaining the project and answering questions that bidders have with respect to
the contract documents and the work.
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Planning The Work
Thoroughly understand the scope of work and the project environment.
A detailed review enables the estimator to formulate a construction sequence

and duration.
A site visit is strongly recommended to enable the estimator to relate the

physical site characteristics to the available design parameters and details.
Quantities
Quantity Take-off – must be as accurate as possible and should be based on all

available engineering and design data.
Quantities should be shown in standard units of measure and should be

consistent with the design units.
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Types of Cost
Direct Cost – all cost elements that can be associated with a specific item of
project work e.g. cost of labor, cost of materials, cost of equipment
Indirect Cost – cost that cannot be attributed to a single task of construction

work e.g. overhead, profit, and bonds.
Profit – amount of money, if any that a contractor retains after completing a

project and paying all cost for materials, labor and overhead.
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Productivity and Price Resources
Historical production and cost data from similar past work are excellent
resources of when adequate details have been saved and adjustments to
project specifics can be defined.
Development of Specific Task
Developed task descriptions must describe the scope and material

requirement.
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Unit Cost
Labor Unit Cost – cost based on a defined crew that performs the task
at an assigned production rate.
Equipment Unit Cost
Material Unit Cost – developed using vendor quotes , historical cost

commercial pricing sources and component calculations.
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Cost and Pricing
cost for each task is developed by summing up the direct cost elements
for labor, equipment, materials, supplies and subcontractors.
Indirect cost and other markups associated with each task or work item
should be identified and considered properly.
When using historical pricing, adjustment must be made for location,

work methodology, quantity of work, and other dissimilarities that affect
prices.
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Supporting Documents
Should always remain mindful of the documentation necessary to

support the estimates.
Narratives of Contract Cost – contains discussion, considerations

and the developed construction plan.
Project Narrative
Construction Schedule
Equipment and Material Utilization
Labor Discussion and Utilization
 Estimate Backup Data – backup documentation

Quotations
Drawing and Sketches
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Reference:
Introduction to Estimates by Engr. Cyrus D. Esguerra

http://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/05_Cost_Estimation.html
http://www.misronet.com/estimating.htm
Construction Management Fundamentals by Knutson, Schenayder,
Fiori, Mayo
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Discussion Materials:
Part 1: Definition of Key Terms
Read and study lecture notes:
ADVERTISMENT or INVITATION TO BID refers to the notice published by the

Owner or the invitation issued to prospective bidders, giving information as to the nature of
the proposed project, conditions for the issuance of Contract documents, date of bidding,
and information that would give the Contractor a general idea of the magnitude and extent
of the project.
BID is the tender, or proposal, or quotation, or offer of a bidder to perform the work
described in the Contract which in form and substance complies with Instruction to
Bidders.
BID DOCUMENTS collectively refer to all documents provided or made available to

prospective bidders which include the Invitation to Bid and a copy of the Contract which
the winning bidders would be required to sign with the Owner.
BID BOND refers to any acceptable form of bond accompanying the Bid submitted by the
bidder as a guarantee that the bidder will enter into the Contract with the Owner for the
construction of the Work, if the Contract is awarded to him.
BID BULLETIN is a document containing additional information on Bid Documents

issued to bidders before date of bidding.
CONTRACT is the term used to describe the Agreement and the Contract Documents.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are the documents attached to the Agreement identified

therein as Contract Documents, including all additions, deletions and modifications
incorporated therein. These generally include the following documents:
a. Special Provisions or Conditions

b. General Conditions
c. Specifications
d. Drawings
e. Other Bid Documents
DRAWINGS are graphical presentations of the Work. They include all supplementary
details and shop drawings.
GUARANTEE BOND is the approved form of security furnished by the Contractor and
his Surety as a guarantee of the quality of the materials provided, the equipment installed,
and the workmanship performed by the Contractor.
INSTRUCTION TO BIDDERS refers to the list of instructions regarding the manner bids
are to be prepared and the conditions for the award of the Contract.
PAYMENT BOND is the approved form of security furnished by the Contractor and his
Surety as a guarantee of good faith on the part of the Contractor to faithfully comply with
the Contract in respect of its obligations arising therefrom to its workers, subcontractors,
and suppliers .
PERFORMANCE BOND is the approved form of security furnished by the Contactor and
his Surety as a guarantee of good faith on the part of the Contractor to execute the Work in
accordance with the Contract.
SCHEDULE OF MATERIALS AND FINISHES is an outline specification enumerating

the type of trade names of materials required to be used by the Contractor for the Work.
SPECIFICATIONS are the written or printed description of the work to be done

describing qualities of the material to be used, the equipment to be installed and the mode
of construction.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS OR CONDITIONS are instructions which are issued prior to

bidding to supplement and/or modify the Drawings, Specifications, and/or General
Conditions of the Contract.
SUPPLEMENTARY SPECIFICATIONS refer to additional information which may be

issued as an addition to or amendment of the provisions of the Specifications.
Part 2: Interpretation of Bid Documents
In case of conflict between the provisions of the Agreement or of any Contract Document,
or between the provisions of one of the Contract Documents and the provisions of another
Contract Document, or in case of discrepancy, defective description, error or omission in
the Contract, the following rules shall be followed:
RULE 1: The Agreement and the Contract Documents shall be taken as mutually
explanatory of one another. The various provisions of the Contract shall be interpreted
together, attributing to the doubtful ones that sense which may result from all of them taken
jointly.
RULE 2: The provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines on the interpretation of
contracts and of the Rules of Court on the Interpretation of Documents shall be applied.
RULE 3: Where the conflict between or among the provisions of the Agreement and/or the
Contract Documents cannot be resolved by Rules 1 and 2, it shall be understood that:
(a) the Detailed Drawings shall prevail over the General Drawings;
(b) words and figures shall prevail over the Drawings;
(c) words shall prevail over figures in Contract Documents;
(d) written dimensions shall prevail over measured dimensions.
RULE 4: Where the conflict cannot be resolved by applying Rule 3 or where Rule 3 does
not apply, the conflict shall be resolved by giving precedence to the Agreement or to
provisions of a Contract Document higher in order of priority among the various documents
which comprise the Contract. The order of priority among these documents shall be as
follows:
(a) Agreement as modified by Notice of Award of Contract, if such be the case, and the
Contractor’s conformity thereto:
(b) Instruction to Bidders and any amendment thereto:
(c) Addenda to Bid Documents;
(d) Specifications;
(e) Drawings;
(f) Special Conditions of Contract;
(g) General Conditions of Contract;
(h) Other Contract Documents; and
(i) Other documents forming part of the Contract attached thereto or incorporated
therein by reference.
Where the order of precedence is modified in the Agreement, such modified order of
precedence shall be followed; however, the mere listing of Contract Documents in the
Agreement or any Contract Document shall not be interpreted as establishing an order of
precedence among them.
RULE 5: Where there is discrepancy, defective description, error or omission in any

Contract Document, the Contract Documents shall be interpreted as being complementary
to each other. Thus, what is called for in one Contract Document, although not mentioned
in another Contract Document where it should have been mentioned, shall be deemed to be
called for by the Contract.
RULE 6: The apparent silence of the Drawings, Specifications or any other Contract
Document as to any detail, or the lack of detailed description concerning any part of the
work, shall be understood to mean that good and accepted construction practice in
accordance with the usage or custom of the place shall be followed.
RULE 7: Rules 1 to 6 shall yield to specific rules of interpretation in this document or in

the Contract.
Part 3: Steps in Reviewing Bid Documents

STEP 1: Bid Documents The documents should be examined for completeness of plans
and specifications, and for the probable accuracy that an estimate will yield from the
information being furnished. For example, sometimes contract documents are sent out for
bid when they are only partly complete and the owner does not seriously intend to award a
contract at that stage but merely wishes to ascertain whether construction cost will be
acceptable.
Step 2: Preparation of the Top Sheet. This is usually based on an examination of the
specifications table of contents. If there are no specifications, then the contractor should
use as a guide top sheets (summary sheets showing each trade) from previous estimates for
jobs of a similar nature, or checklists.
Step 3: Subcontractor Prices. Decide on which trades subbids will be obtained, and solicit
prices from subcontractors and suppliers in those trades. These requests for prices should be
made by postcard, telephone, or personal visit. Decide on which trades work will be done
by the contractor’s own forces, and prepare a detailed estimate of labor and material for
those trades.
Step 4: Pricing. Use either unit prices arrived at from the contractor’s own past records,
estimates made by the members of the contractor’s organization, or various reference books
that list typical unit prices Spreadsheets of unit prices for various types of work on different
structures may be maintained by a contractor. These can be updated electronically with new
wage and material costs, depending on the program used, so that prices can be applied
nearly automatically.
Step 5: Hidden Costs. Carefully examine the general conditions of the contract and visit
the site, to have a full knowledge of all the possible hidden costs, such as special insurance
requirements, portions of site not yet available, and complicated logistics.
Final Steps. Receive prices for materials and subcontracts. Review the estimate and
carefully note exclusions and exceptions in each subcontract bid and in material quotations.
Fill in with allowances or budgets those items or trades for which no prices are available.
 Decide on the mark-up. This is an evaluation that should be made by the contractor,
weighing factors such as the amount of extras that may be expected, the reputation
of the owner, the need for work on the part of the general contractor, and the
contractor’s overhead.
 Finally, and most importantly, the estimate must be submitted in the form requested
by the owner. The form must be filled in completely, without any qualifying
language or exceptions, and must be submitted at the time and place specified in the
invitation to bid. Sample table below shows part of an estimate and bid summary
produced for a multi-storey apartment building by a computer.
Preparation of estimates is facilitated by standardization of forms. These are used for
recording construction methods, equipment, and procedures that the estimator proposes as
best adapted to the various items of work; to record calculations of the estimated cost of
performing the work; and to summarize the estimated cost of the project. It is unnecessary
and impractical to provide detailed printed forms for all types of work. A few simple forms
are all that are needed. The mechanical makeup of an estimate must be simple because
conditions usually require that it be prepared in a short time—sometimes only two or three
days when the estimator would like to have a month. These conditions do not change; it
will always be necessary to make estimates quickly.
Lesson Two
Review of Bid Documents
BID DOCUMENTS AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
* The difference between bid and contract documents.
• The bid document applies to before the contract is
signed, whereas the contract document applies to
after the contract agreement is signed by the owner
and contractor .
*The bid documents consist of :
- The invitation to bid .
- Bid forms.
- Drawings.
- Specifications.
- Requirements of bonds and insurance.
- Addenda.
Bid Documents 2
* Why we need to bid documents?
The contractor used it in prepare an estimate and
submit a bid.
- It’s legal documents for construction and completion
of the project.
* Who write a bid documents?

Architect or Engineer.
Bid Documents 3
• Contract Requirements:
1) Competitive contract.
2) Negotiated.
In most municipal, state, and federal projects are awarded by

competitive bidding.
-- Competitive bidding involves :

_ Advertisement for bids in public media.
_ Bid opening is performed in the open public.
_ Contractor performs a detailed estimate and submits a bid
price accordance with the contract documents.
Bid Documents 4
_ The owner and engineer perform the evaluation of bids at
later date.
_ Most governments award contract to the lowest bidder,
provided all conditions of the contract have been met.
_ Private owners are not required to award the contract to
the lowest bidder but may select to the contractor
deemed most desirable for the project.
-- Negotiated contracts : Award of the contract is made to

the contractor the owner feels can provide the best total
performance , which may or may not be lowest initial cost.
Bid Documents 5
• Arrangement of contract documents:
1) Legal matters:
- Bid forms.
- Bond requirements.
- Insurance requirements.
- General condition.
- Supplementary conditions of the contract.
Bid Documents 6
2) Technical matters :
- Plans (drawings).
- Specifications that describe the material,
workmanship, and methods of construction that are
required to build the project.
* where conflicts exist between the drawings and

written specifications, it is common practice that the
written specifications govern.
Bid Documents 7
• Building Construction Specifications:
It’s defined :
1) The quality of material.
2) Performance rating of equipment.
3) Level of workmanship.
4) Warranty requirements.
• Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Master
format organizes project information into major
divisions.
Bid Documents 8
A list of the CSI numbers and titles includes:
0-Introductory Information Bidding and Contracting

Requirements.
1-General Requirements.
2-Site Construction.
3-Concrete.
4-Masonry.
5-Metals.
6-Wood and Plastics.
7-Thermal and Moisture Protection.
8-Doors and Windows………………
Bid Documents 9
• Heavy/Highway Specifications:
1-General Provisions.
2-Excavation and Embankment.
3-Base Courses.
4-Surfaces Courses: bituminous, concrete pave’s.
5-Structures:steel,concrete bridges.
6-Materials:aggregate,asphalt.
7-Traffic Control: signals, signs.
8-Incidental Construction: guard rails, fences.
Bid Documents 10
Bidding requirements
• The information contained in this section of the contract
documents is extremely important to the estimating team . typical
information in the bidding requirements includes:
Bid Documents 11
Bid solicitation
• The bidding solicitation some times called the invitation to bid
contain the time that bids must be submitted . the estimator
must establish a plan to complete all work to meet the deadline
of the bid date , other wise the bid will be disqualified. The bid
solicitation also gives the name and address of the owner and
design organization with instructions on how to obtain the bid
documents.
Bid Documents 12
instruction to bidders
• The instruction to bidders section describes vital information that is
required to submit a bid. For example that may appear in the
instruction to is a statement that the contractor must make a
provision during execution of the contract document to allow the
owner to take advantage of the owner's contract documents to allow
the owner to take advantage of the owner's tax exempt status for
materials and equipment purchased for the project.
Bid Documents 13
Information Available to Bidders
• The information available to bidders section may include such items

as referencing a subsurface exploration report that has been prepared
for the project , but is not shown in contract documents . the
information available to bidders may include information about the
project from a material testing laboratory .
Bid Documents 14
Bid forms
• The bid form defines the format that is required for submission of the
bid.
The format of the bid form impacts the assembly and summary of
costs in the final estimate . the owner may request the bid as lump
sum, unit prices based on predefined pay quantities in the bid
documents , or combination of both.
Bid Documents 15
• For construction project the work may priced by several method or
combination of the pricing method. The method selected depends on
distribution of risk between the owner and contractors.
Bid Documents 16
Bid form for lump-sum contracts
• for project where a complete set of plans and specification have
been prepared prior to construction and quantity of work is well
defined, the estimate is normally prepared for the purpose of
submitting a lump sum bid on the project. Building type project are
usually bid on a lump sum basis .
Bid Documents 17
• Its common practice for project to have one or more "alternates"
attached to the bid documents of lump sum contracts the alternate
may be to add or deduct a work item from the base of lump sum bid.
• A lump sum estimate must include the cost of all material, labor,
equipment, overhead, taxes, bonds and profit.
Bid Documents 18
Unit – Price contracts
- It is used for most heavy engineering constructions such as:

a. Earth works
b. Various kinds of pipelines
We use it because the precise quantities of materials may not be
known in advance of construction.
Total cost = actual quantity completed by the contractor X bid
price per unit
• So the actual cost of the project can be determined at the end of
the project based on the actual quantities that results at the
completion of the project.
• The cost per unit submitted in abed includes: furnishing of
materials, labor, equipment, supervision, insurances, taxes,
profit, and bonds as required for completely installing a unit.
Bid Documents 19
Negotiated work
• It is used when the owner wants to start construction at
the earliest possible date to benefit from an early
completion and use of the project.
• A representative of the owner works with the contractor

to evaluate alternatives to obtain a project configuration
that meets the needs of the owner, yet with a cost within
the owner’s allowable budget.
• The final contract agreement usually is a cost plus a fixed

fee with a guaranteed maximum amount. If the cost is
above or below the guaranteed maximum amount, then
the owner and the contractor agree to a splitting of the
difference.
Bid Documents 20
Addendum
• It is a change in the contract documents during
the bidding process, before a ward of the
contract.
• Addenda are issued to correct errors in the
contract documents or clarify an issue. May
concern addition to the work at the request of
the owner.
• The estimating team must be certain that the
costs of all addenda are included in the
estimate.
Bid Documents 21
Alternate
• It is an addition or subtraction to a base bid price for
substitutions requested by the owner during the
bidding process.
• Each alternate is listed and numbered separately in
the bid documents.
• For example:
An alternate No.1 may be add the parking lot.
An alternate No.2 may be deduct the sidewalks.
Bid Documents 22
Change order
• It is issued by the designer but signed by the owner

and contractor
• Making a change in the contract documents during

construction.
• Upon approval by the owner change orders become a

part of the contract documents.
Bid Documents 23
Warranties
• They are guarantees by the contractor that specific

components of the project will be free from defects
due to materials or workmanship for a specified
warranty period.
• They cover specific items, such as a roofing

warranty or an equipment warranty that are part of
the construction project.
• The type of warranty and warranty periods are

defined in the written specifications of the contract
documents.
Bid Documents 24
Bonds
• Bidders submit bonds as qualifications for
submitting a bid for a project.
• The contractor secures bonds from a bonding
company or a bank on behalf of the owner as
financial and legal protection for the owner.
25
Type of bonds
Three type of bonds are commonly
required in construction contracts (as
the book):
1. Bid bond.
2. Performance bond.
3. Payment bond.
26
Bid Bond
• It is ensure the owner that the contractor will sign
the contract for the bid amount, if the bidder refuses
or fails to sign the contract, the owner may retain the
bond or check as liquidated damages.
• Its amount equal to (5-20)% of the amount of the
bid.
27
Performance Bond
• It is ensure the owner that the contractor
will perform all work in accordance with the
contract documents.
• Performance bond last for the period of
construction of a project.
• Its amount 25,50,100% of the contract, but
the cost of the bond usually is based on:
1. Amount of the contract.
2. Duration of the project..
28
Payment Bond
or Material and Labor Payment Bond
• This bond is issued to ensure the owner

that all wages and bills for material will be
paid upon completion of the project.
29
Maintenance Bond is
not mentioned in this
book.
30
If the contractor:
default,
or fails to complete the project,
or fails to pay labor and material cost
the bond company or the bank agrees to fulfill the

contract agreement.
31
Insurance
• The contractor must secured insurance, because
there are many risks involved in construction.
• The precise losses that are reimbursable from
insurance are based on predetermined losses
named in the insurance policy.
32
Types of Available Insurance for Construction
Projects
1. Basic Builder's Risk Insurance.
2. Public Liability and Property Damage
Insurance.
3. Workmen’s Compensation Insurance.
4. Contractor’s Equipment Floater.
33
Basic Builder's Risk Insurance
• General Builder's Risk which covers damages to the
project due fires, wind, and hail.
• Insurance is based on the estimated completed
value of the project, so the premium rate usually is
set at 60% of the complete value.
• Basic Builder's Risk Insurance varies with the type
and location of the structure.
34
Public Liability and Property Damage Insurance
• It protects the contractor against injuries to the
general public or public property due to actions of
the employees while performing works.
• The cost of this insurance depends on the type of
work and the safety record of the contractor.
• It is range from (2-8)% of the base cost of the labor.
35
Workmen’s Compensation Insurance
• To protect workers as a result of injury or death on a project.
• It provides medical expenses and payment of lost wages during the
period of injury.
• The cost can range from (10-30)% of the base cost of the labor,
depending on the type of work that is performed by each worker.
36
Contractor’s Equipment Floater
• It provides protection against loss or damages to equipment because
of fire, tornado, flood, perils of transportation, and theft.
• The cost varies with location, it is about $1.50 per $100.00 of
equipment value per year.
37
Building construction drawings
title sheet (This sheet contains the name of the project, owner,
designer, and other pertinent information related to the project).
Bid Documents 38
Title sheet
Bid Documents 39
index sheet (which provides a summary of all the remaining sheet in
the drawings, Its shows the list of drawing. For building type project, the
remaining sheets generally follow this arrangement: civil, architectural,
structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection. A letter
before the sheet number identifies each drawing. For example, the civil
drawing are number C1, C2, C3, etc.; the architectural drawings are
number as S1, S2, S3, etc).
Bid Documents 40
Index sheet
Bid Documents 41
Plans, elevations, and sections(he pictorial presentations used in
drawings are shown from several viewing angles).
plane views (Views looking vertically down on the object ).
elevation views (Views looking horizontally at an object ).
Bid Documents 42
Plane views
Bid Documents 43
perspective views (Views looking at an object
from a point that is not perpendicular to any face
of the object).
A section view (view of the object as seen by
passing a cutting plane through the object)
A detail (is an enlargement of a specific area of a
project. Connections of structural components are
generally sown as details).
Bid Documents 44
Detail drawing
Bid Documents 45
isometric or pictorial drawings (Some items in a project are difficult

to show by plan, elevation, or section view. Items such as the routing
of conduits for electrical or mechanical work are examples. It is a
common practice to show the routing in three-dimensional pictorial
drawings).
Bid Documents 46
Line Work:
Several types of line work that are used in preparing
drawings include:
• Thick lines-outline edges of objects (plans and elevations).
• Thin lines with short dashes-denote the centerline of an
object
• Phantom lines-show the path of moving parts
• Broken lines-denote the object is longer than shown
• Short dashed lines-denote edges on the object that cannot
be seen from the near side surface of the object
Bid Documents 47
• Scales
• Usually the type of scale used is identified at the bottom of
the page on the drawings. However, several different scale
may be used on a single sheet. Therefore, it is important to
be certain that the correct scale is used in determining the
quantities for estimating. Occasionally, a portion of the
drawing is shown without any scale. When this condition
exists, there should be a note that states the drawing is not
to scale. The estimator must also be cautious because
sometimes the drawings are reduced in size, such as a half-
size drawing, to permit easier handling during construction.
Bid Documents 48
• Scales
• Two types of scales are used in construction drawings, the architect’s scale
and the engineer’s scale. The architect’s scales that are commonly used for
plans and elevations include 1/32 in. = 1 ft and 1/16 in. = 1 ft. Complicated
areas often use the ¼ in. = 1 ft, or ½ in. = 1 ft on the architect’s scale. Special
applications that require high details are 1.5 in. = 1 ft, or 3 in. = 1 ft, or may
be drawn to a half or even a full scale.
• The engineer’s scale, graduated in tenths of an inch, is often used for civil,
structural, and mechanical drawings. The scales are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and
60. The higher numbers of 50 or 60 are used for large areas, such as site-
work or plot plans. Details of drawings often use the smaller numbers, such
as 10, 20, or 30. The 40 on the engineer’s scale is equivalent to the ¼ in. on
the architect’s scale.
Bid Documents 49
• Schedules
• To simplify the presentation of repetitious items (such as
footings, columns, doors, windows, room finishes, etc.) a
schedule is frequently used. A schedule is a tabular listing
of the repetitive items in the project. For example, a room
schedule is a tabular list of all rooms in the structure,
showing the type of floor covering, wall covering, and type
of ceiling. Likewise, a footing schedule is a listing of all
footings in the foundation, showing the diameter, depth,
type, size, and number of reinforcing bars. Thus, a schedule
is a concise and convenient method to show all common
types of items in one location.
Bid Documents 50
• Symbols and abbreviations
• Symbols are used on the drawings to identify the
types of materials and work required during
construction. Examples are valves, pumps, type of
welds, electrical outlets, etc. Abbreviations of
organization that produce technical information
and standards for materials and construction
procedures are frequently referenced in the
specifications of contract documents.
Bid Documents 51
Detail drawing
Bid Documents 52
DETAILED SPECIFICATION
• Specification -document attached with a tender form / contract agreement,

• Controls the quality of materials and works.
– What it contains
– Details on nature of work
– Materials involved
– Material specifications
– Work procedure & Workmanship – Method of mixing /
proportion
/ method of laying / preparation of base or surface/ compaction
/ finishing & curing etc.
– Tolerance permitted for materials & work
– Tools & plants
– Method of measurement
– Units for payment
– Purpose
– Cost of unit quantity
– Basis for Material Procurement schedule & Labour deployment , P& M
deployment & rate analysis
– Contractual –Change in Specs lead to change in cost w.r.t Tendered
cost .
– Acts as guide for supervising staff to execute work as per satisfaction
– Basis for verifying & checking the strength of material for work involved in
project.
– Useful for Arbitration & court cases
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
• Nature of work
• Gives description of work in a detailed manner
signifying type /category of work.
• At different levels places structures buildings
etc
• Eg. Masonry in ..., plaster…., Flooring...,
Cladding... Etc for the material used.
• Materials involved
• Lists out various materials which are used in work
specifying
– Name,
– Class or grade,
– Type,
– Category.
• Tolerances
– Gives limit measured from true level /dimension up to which
material / workmanship could be accepted.
– This is in reference to the provisions under standard I.S. Codes of
practice or other references as per contract.
• Material specification
Gives physical and chemical composition of the material, it’s
properties according to relevant standards and also extent of
performance required of material viz. Acceptable limits.
• Work procedure
Gives a detailed description of various steps involved in
execution of work including necessary pre-cautions as
required.
• Method of measurement
• Specifies mode of measurements for various kinds of
work.
• This is based on the procedures given in contract
/standard I.S. Codes and others as the case may be.
• METHOD OF PAYMENTS
• Specifies procedures /rules governing terms of payments, stages
of payments, and modus - operandi for payments of various kinds
of works.

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Part 2: Introduction to Basic Concepts of Quantity Surveying

2.1 Basic Concepts of Quantity Survey

Read and study the following lecture notes.

Definition of Quantity Survey

In general, we can describe quantity survey as follows:

Data Required for the Preparation of an Estimate or Quantity Survey

Actual Finished Work

The quantities mainly can be calculated as:

 Quantity = Length × Width × (Height or Thickness),

Importance of Quantity Survey

(ii) Fixation of standard rent.

(iii) For insurance and claim for damages in a building.

(iv) For the process of resolving disputes by referring to a third party.

Types of Estimates and Quantity Survey

Preliminary or Approximate Estimate

Quantity Survey Items and methods

“It is a valuation based on opinion or roughly made from imperfect

“Estimating is the most important of the practical aspects of

To give a reasonably accurate idea of the cost

Based on very general parameters of facility size,

Conceptual Estimate – is prepared based from only a

Using preliminary design information and after project

An estimate of project cost that is prepared before

Based on schematic level design documents, it is probable

The designer and owner may use the estimate to evaluate

Value Engineering – a evaluation of a project objective

Itemized cost computation based on complete set of contract documents

Bid estimate submitted to the owner either for competitive bidding or

For monitoring the project during construction, a control estimate is

Budget estimate for financing

6.Estimate for Change Order

Performed on the project site in response to an owner – directed

1. A thorough understanding of architectural drawings.

1. Plans, sections and other

3. The rates at which the

1 . Taking out quantities

Purpose of Work Breakdown Structure

1.Provide an organized manner of collecting project cost data in

Thoroughly examine the constructions documents

Drawings and Specifications

General Conditions – part of the contract documents that defines the

It is appropriate to make notes of anything that can affect construction

Thoroughly understand the scope of work and the project environment.

A detailed review enables the estimator to formulate a construction sequence

A site visit is strongly recommended to enable the estimator to relate the

Quantity Take-off – must be as accurate as possible and should be based on all

Quantities should be shown in standard units of measure and should be

Indirect Cost – cost that cannot be attributed to a single task of construction

Profit – amount of money, if any that a contractor retains after completing a

Productivity and Price Resources

Development of Specific Task

Developed task descriptions must describe the scope and material

Equipment Unit Cost

Material Unit Cost – developed using vendor quotes , historical cost

Cost and Pricing

When using historical pricing, adjustment must be made for location,

Should always remain mindful of the documentation necessary to

Narratives of Contract Cost – contains discussion, considerations

 Estimate Backup Data – backup documentation

Introduction to Estimates by Engr. Cyrus D. Esguerra

ADVERTISMENT or INVITATION TO BID refers to the notice published by the

BID DOCUMENTS collectively refer to all documents provided or made available to

BID BULLETIN is a document containing additional information on Bid Documents

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS are the documents attached to the Agreement identified