INTRODUCTION TO

ESTIMATING
ENGR. KEVIN PAOLO V. ROBLES
 1.1 DEFINITION

Basic estimating is the analysis

of the work to be performed,
including the type of quantity of
the work, the type and size of the
equipment to be used during
construction, production rates of
labor and equipment to install
the work and other job site
conditions that are unique to the
project and that can impact time
and cost of construction.

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering

1.2 PURPOSE

• To apply proper unit cost to these items

to determine the forecast cost required
to complete the project in accordance
with the contract plans and
specifications.

• To determine the quantities of labor,

material and equipment for a given
project and to

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering

 1.3 TYPES OF ESTIMATES

FEASIBILITY STUDY PRELIMINARY DETAILED PROCUREMENT CONSTRUCTION

ENGINEERING ENGINEERING

INITIAL BID
RE - ESTIMATE RE - ESTIMATE
ESTIMATE ESTIMATE

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering

1.3 TYPES OF ESTIMATES
• Approximate Estimate

• Detailed Estimate

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.4 PREPARATION OF DETAILED ESTIMATE

1. Thorough review of contract documents

2. Thorough review of bidding and
contract documents
3. Thorough review of drawings and
technical specifications
4. Propose site visits
5. Material Quantity Take Off Preparation
6. Indirect Cost Preparation
7. Risk of Uncertainties is conducted
8. Profit is added to the estimate
MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.4 PREPARATION OF DETAILED ESTIMATE

1. Thorough review of contract documents

2. Thorough review of bidding and
contract documents
Factors that can influence the construction
3. Thorough review of drawings and cost :

technical specifications a. Available space for storage of materials

b. Control of traffic
4. Propose site visits c. Security
5. Material Quantity Take Off Preparation d. Existing underground and
aboveground utilities
6. Indirect Cost Preparation e. Zonal description of site
f. Local laws governing the site
7. Risk of Uncertainties is conducted
8. Profit is added to the estimate
THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles
MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.4 PREPARATION OF DETAILED ESTIMATE
What should we consider in Quantity Take
1. Thorough review of contract documents
Off:
2. Thorough review of bidding and
1. Know how the project is to be
contract documents constructed
2. Review the drawings, the material
3. Thorough review of drawings and quantities
3. Basis of costing is the unit costs from
technical specifications suppliers. Take note of delivery charges
and taxes.
4. Propose site visits
4. Calculate the quantity of work done
5. Material Quantity Take Off Preparation considering the available equipment
5. Quantity of Work considering the labor
6. Indirect Cost Preparation and manpower
6. Subcontracting
7. Risk of Uncertainties is conducted 7. Common error of estimate
8. Profit is added to the estimate
THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles
MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.5 FACTORS AFFECTING THE DECISION TO BID

1. The investment of time and money to prepare an estimate

2. The risk that may occur during construction.
3. Availability of Labor and Equipment
4. Current amount of work
5. Geographic Location
6. Complexity of the project
7. Owner and designer’s reputation
8. Potential of making a profit after the project is completed

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.6 ROLE OF AN ESTIMATOR
To be an estimator, an individual needs to go a step further. He or she must:

• Be able, to visualize the project

• Have enough construction experience productivity
• Have sufficient knowledge of labor operations and
• Be able to keep a database of information
• Be computer literate
• Be able to meet bid deadlines and still remain calm.
• Have good writing and presentation skills.

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
 1.7 THE ESTIMATING PROCESS

1. Standardization
2. Kick-off meeting
3. Estimating Work Plan
4. Thorough documentation
5. Well executed estimate review
6. Formulation of estimating team

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
1.7 THE ESTIMATING PROCESS
OBTAIN BID
INFORMATION

DECISION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE BID NO END

YES

KICKOFF MEETING AND

CREATION OF ESTIMATING TEAM

DEVELOP ESTIMATE WORK PLAN

UPDATE ESTABLISH
DATABASE PREPARE ESTIMATE STANDARDS
REALITY CHECK
(Based on Internal DOCUMENT ESTIMATE REVISE ESTIMATE
Review) (Based on External
Review)
ESTIMATE REVIEW ESTIMATE LESSONS
FEEDBACK LEARNED
ADJUST YES
ESTIMATE?
NO

PROJECT EXECUTION

PROJECT COMPLETION
1.6 THE ESTIMATING PROCESS

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering
1.6 THE ESTIMATING PROCESS

THEORY OF STRUCTURES 2| Engr. Kevin Paolo V. Robles

MAPUA UNIVERSITY – School of Civil, Environmental and Geological Engineering