Introduction to

Estimation, Costing &

Specification
Ar. Mansha Samreen
SOAD KRMU
Is Cost Estimating an Art or a
Science?
Before answering this question, let us first define what is an Art ? And what is a
Science ?
 An art is the process of arranging elements in a manner that affects senses and
emotions. It involves imagination and creativity.
 A science is the systematic approach to gathering knowledge and data based on
laws and theories.

Cost estimating involves calculating cost as well as visualization of how

the project will be built, therefore, cost estimating is a blend of both art
and science.
 Understanding Terms Specification

Estimation
Estimating is the technique of calculating or
Computing the various quantities and the Project
expected Expenditure to be incurred on a
particular work or project.
In case the funds available are less than the Estimation Costing
estimated cost the work is done in part or by
reducing it or specifications are altered, the Drawings:
following requirement are necessary for
preparing an estimate.
If the drawings are not clear and
a ) Drawings like plan, elevation and sections of without complete dimensions the
important points.
preparation of estimation become
b) Detailed specifications about workmanship & very difficult. So, it is very
properties of materials etc. essential before preparing an
c) Rates of all materials estimate.
 Understanding Terms Specification

Specification-
A specification is a detailed description of the
dimensions, construction, workmanship, materials Project
etc., of work done or to be done on a project,
prepared by an architect, engineer or designer.
Estimation Costing

Rates:
For preparing the estimate the unit rates of each item of work are required.
1. For arriving at the unit rates of each item.
2. The rates of various materials to be used in the construction.
3. The cost of transport materials.
4. The wages of labour, skilled or unskilled of masons, carpenters, Mazdoor,
Understanding Terms Specification

Contract- “An agreement enforceable by law is a

Contract.”
“Every promise and every set of promises, forming
Project
the consideration for each other, is an
Agreement.”
“The agreement must create legal obligations Estimation Costing
between the parties is an Enforceable
A Contract is an undertaking by a firm or a person
to do any work under certain terms and conditions.

BoQ means a bill of quantity is a document prepared by a cost estimator to calculate

the exact costing of project work by multiplying item work by their rate. It is the
most important document for tendering and contracting. Bill of quantity gives
an idea about the cost of a project that is tendering firm willing to offer.
Specifications
• Architects and Interior designers
specify items used in the design and
construction of an exterior/ interior
environment.
•Specifications describe the quality of
materials and their construction or
installation.
•They include information that cannot
be communicated graphically in the
drawings.
Contract
Document
Objectives of Specification
Specifications define the quality of materials
and workmanship. Hence, the correct rates
of the specific material can be identified.
The information and the instructions in
specifications will serve as a guide to the
contractor as well as the supervising staff
during execution of work.
States the information the architect/
designer wants to convey to fulfil the design
requirements.
• Describes and limits the
responsibilities of the owner and the
contractor.

Drawings Specifications
Specifications Types of Specification

Brief Detailed
Specifications Specifications

Standard
General Provisions Technical Provisions
Specifications

Spec. for material and

workmanship

Spec. for performance

Spec. for proprietary

commodities
 Spec. for material and workmanship- Stress is put on quality of material and workmanship.
1.Material
a)Physical Properties (Strength & Hardness)
b)Chemical Composition of material
Technical Provisions

c)Electrical, thermal & Acoustical properties

d)Appearance of the material
e)Information regarding protection required during transport, handling and storage of materials
f)A clear statement regarding inspection and procedure of test of material. Also, the place of inspection and
test should be clearly specified in the specifications, i.e. factory, site, lab.
2.Workmanship
a)Detailed description of the construction method for each item should be written.
b)Instruction regarding the protection of finished work as well as the adjacent property should also be
specified.
Spec. for performance- Based on overall performance of the final product and are written
for equipment and machinery such as pumps, motors etc. It includes
• General Description- regarding shape and size of the equipment
• Design and Installation-
• Guarantee- period of guarantee, supply of spare parts for specific duration etc.
Spec. for proprietary commodities- Details of products that are standardized and patented.
So it is important to know the quality of product beforehand*.
Depending upon the method to be used in describing a material or a method of
installation, the specifications can be classified as
Classification of
Specification

Restricted Closed
Open Specifications
Specifications Specifications

Lays down minimum Material is described and Material or product is

standards of materials choice is of contractor to designated mentioning
which can be fulfilled by choose between two or catalogue no,
the manufacturers. more manufacturers or manufacturer etc.
Suitable for basic distributers. Approved
materials such as list of products is
cement, sand etc. specified.
Design of Specifications-

To be continued…