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Construction Cost Estimating Everything You Need to Know

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Charles Brent

Charles Brent

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May 03, 2024

The process of construction cost estimating is complex, time-consuming, and critical for the successful completion of any build. As such, it’s essential to thoroughly understand every aspect of this important function in order to accurately plan and budget projects.

 

Construction cost estimating is an essential part of the construction process. It involves analyzing plans and specifications, performing research on material costs and labor requirements, and comparing prices to create a detailed estimate for a project. The process also includes tracking expenditures throughout the construction period in order to ensure that the estimated costs are accurate.

 

Estimators must have excellent math skills as well as knowledge of industry standards, including building codes, safety regulations, and applicable laws. They must also be able to think critically and analyze complex information in order to make reliable estimates. Furthermore, estimators must stay up-to-date on industry trends in order to remain competitive.

 

Finally, estimators must communicate effectively with project stakeholders to obtain the information they need to make an estimate. Overall, construction cost estimating can be a challenging yet rewarding career for those who possess the necessary skills and experience.

 

What Makes a Good Cost Estimator?

 

Having a trustworthy cost estimator is critical to the success of your company. Cost estimators rely on their expertise and experience to accurately estimate construction costs.

 

Inaccuracy and bad estimating techniques will expose you to expense overruns. This causes delays and, more crucially, harms your company’s reputation in the long run.

 

When hiring an estimator, check for the following qualifications and characteristics:

 

  • Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
  • Capability to solve problems, identify risks, and think outside the box.
  • knowledge of architecture and/or engineering.
  • Readability of technical drawings.
  • understanding of building materials and procedures.
  • A comprehensive technique for reviewing bids.
  • Excellent ethics and judgment.
  • Experience preparing accurate and unambiguous estimates.
  • Cost-cutting capabilities.

 

Why is Cost Estimating Performed?

 

Estimating costs is a time-consuming and challenging task. So, what motivates us? Well, it is required for a number of purposes, including:

 

It gives stakeholders an idea of how much the project will likely cost. The construction company, subcontractors, the client, and any additional investors are among the stakeholders.


It provides these stakeholders with all of the information they need to make project-related decisions. For example, they may decide to reduce the scope of the project, select alternate materials, or tweak timetables.


At the end of a project, the cost estimate is used to judge the project’s performance and how well it was carried out.

 

Cost Estimation in 5 Steps:

 

Construction cost estimating entails more than just compiling a list of prices and deliverables. The estimator must also do a rigorous, in-depth examination of the project scope, which will result in a list of credible assumptions needed to forecast the final project cost. In essence, a comprehensive study of the full project scope is necessary.

 

As things advance, several rounds of cost estimates will be created with increasing degrees of accuracy and depth.

 

1. Order of Magnitude Estimate:

 

This is where everything begins. Consider this an approximate estimate during the pre-design process. It is used to assess the feasibility of a project’s scope.

 

At his level, the normal accuracy range is from -25% to +50%.

 

2. Schematic Design Estimate:

 

This is an intermediate-level estimate, so named because it is generated during the schematic design phase. This estimate is used to determine whether or not to proceed with a project based on its perceived feasibility. This type of estimate often has a margin of error of 15-20%.

 

3. Design Development Estimate:

 

This estimate, also known as the preliminary estimate, is based on the project drawings. It offers extra information about the project scope and is used to aggregate unit expenses.

 

The margin of error for this estimate is typically approximately 10%, making it reliable enough to guide financial decision-making.

 

4. Construction Document Estimate:

 

The construction specs and drawings have influenced this estimate. It is calculated using estimated unit costs as well as an examination of finalized project designs, objectives, and major deliverables.

 

They are often used to control project expenses and avoid cost overruns with a margin of error of 5%.

 

5. Bid Estimate:

 

This is the most exact and dependable estimate. It is the one given to the customer. The client will almost certainly receive multiple quote estimates from various contractors.

 

Each client will have their own criteria for judging or grading each bid estimate, which will ultimately help them make their decision. Bid estimates should be clear, easy to comprehend, and effectively presented.

 

Final Thought:

 

To summarize, when it comes to construction cost estimating, there are plenty of things to consider. Many variables come into play that can affect your final cost estimate. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the estimating process as much as possible and thoroughly understand all of the parameters that could potentially impact your construction project’s budget. This should help maximize efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and ultimately give you the best overall return on investment.

 

You Can Also Read:

 

Charles Brent

About Author

Charles Brent

Editor | Writer

Charles Brent is a seasoned Civil Engineer and a passionate editor and writer at Takeoffs Construction. With years of industry experience, Charles leads a team of skilled estimators providing top-notch construction estimating services across the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada. His technical expertise and keen eye for detail ensure clients receive accurate and practical estimates for their projects. Charles's approach is grounded in precision and efficiency, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. His commitment to excellence and innovation makes him a trusted voice in the industry. When he's not writing or managing his team, Charles enjoys exploring the latest trends in construction technology and sustainable building practices.

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