One of the fastest moving jobs around now is that of Construction Cost Estimating. Construction is the largest industry to use cost estimators; but the manufacturing industry also employs cost estimators.
Now the question is what Construction Estimation is
Simply we can say Construction Estimation is just like a “budget”. And we all aware of the fact that budget is very important for every step of our life. It is as useful for maintaining our expenditure on our home world as maintaining the economic condition of our country. At first, we make a budget and then according to this we maintain our account. Just like that, in business world specifically which is related to construction or manufacture Construction Estimation is a very essential part of the business as it estimates the production cost before starting the project.
Necessity of Construction Estimation
Every construction project, no matter how big or small, is controlled each step of the way by adherence to the project's budget. This budget is developed before the first shovel of dirt is removed or the first brick is laid on the site. It was likely compiled by a construction estimator who put together pricing for all materials, labor, and miscellaneous costs and fees associated with getting the project built.
The estimation is made early in a project & it helps determine the scope of what can be built and whether cost saving measures or value engineering must be considered. Here is lying the cause of the necessity of Construction Estimation.
Main purpose of a construction estimating
The main purpose of a construction estimator is to develop a project budget based on proposed building plans and specifications. The owner and design team use these figures to determine if they can afford to build the project the way it was designed or if changes need to be made. Other estimators are responsible for completely different tasks. They are employed by contractors to prepare bids for projects. On most jobs, the lowest bidder is awarded the contract, although other factors like experience etc. may be considered as well.
Construction Estimator must be alert until the project is rightly done
There is no word of laziness in that kind of profession. It is that profession where employees must be attentive till the end of the project and they have to remain constantly on tight deadlines. The entire project bids will have to strict as dates and pricing must be submitted on time and in the proper format. The job is therefore incredibly stressful and action-packed. Additionally, there is pressure to not make a mistake.
Recent advanced technology makes you confident & efficient
No program can guarantee that you'll win every contract you bid on, but a quality program can help you manage your day-to-day functions, increase your productivity and in turn, raise your profit margin.
The in-depth construction estimating software reviews and side-by-side comparisons can help you quickly access the needs of your small business and find the software that can help you get organized and productive.
Below are the criteria Top Ten REVIEWS used to rank construction estimating software:
Feature Set
Construction estimating software should provide all of the features you need to make your job easier. Including the ability to track job costs and bids as well as perform general office management functions. It should also accept customized formulas and calculations, provide reports, import national cost indexes, and compare subcontractor and vendor quotes and track jobs by divisions and sub-divisions.
Ease of Use
Construction estimating software manages many variables and therefore can be quite complex, but using the software should be as easy as possible. It should be well organized and presented in a logical manner.
Ease of Installation and Setup
The software should install quickly and set up without error, regardless of your computer experience.
Help Documentation
Since this type of software involves many aspects; the developer should provide tutorials, training classes and/or online demonstrations to help you learn how to utilize all of the features in a productive manner. A phone number, email, FAQs and other contact methods should be available for technical support.
A small investment in a flexible construction estimating program that can handle your needs can increase your accuracy, speed up your bidding process and ultimately add to your bottom line.
Easiness with math & Computer, good communication skills & self-confidence- just need for a Construction Estimator
Being able to accurately project the cost of upcoming projects is vital to the survival of any company. Cost estimators provide this vital information by developing the cost information needed in order to determine if a proposed product will be profitable, or to make bid for a contract. This also works to determine which endeavors are making an adequate profit.
About the job of construction estimator
A construction estimator will be responsible for calculating quotes and proposals for your employer and making sure that these proposals offer a good return on investment for the company. Construction estimators also negotiate contracts and prepare estimated construction prices based on architect's drawings, the amount of employees needed for the job and also the amount of construction materials required.
Main Criteria of being a Construction Estimator
The main aspect of the job is to analyze and compile data you have at hand. It is important that estimators have an easy inclination for math and a well-rounded confidence in their determinations. You need to be computer literate, have knowledge of office system software (such as word processing and spreadsheet) and be familiar with blueprints. Excellent communication skills are a must as you will interact with many different people at all levels in the industry.
Often an estimator's job description states that a college degree is preferred. In reality, a person can start to work in estimating as an assistant to the estimator. Upon learning the trade, they can work their way up to become an assistant estimator, then an estimator.
Types of estimators
There are three main types of estimators. The first are employed by architecture and engineering firms. They price the project as it is designed to determine whether it fits within the preliminary budget. Next the job is put out for bid to general contractors and their estimators put together estimates on what they should charge to build the project. Once the job has been awarded, the blueprints are sent to subcontractors, where a new estimator prices specific tasks, such as electrical work or carpet installation.
One must fulfill the demands of Employers to become a Construction Estimator
Employers interviewing estimators will look for three specific areas of credentials to satisfy: Education, Experience, and how you present yourself.
Education: If you have a degree in construction engineering, civil engineering or architecture then you have a big advantage to start with. If you don't have a construction related degree then try to complete a Certificate Program in Construction Estimating.
Experience: Either you have it or you don't. Field experience doing the type of work you will be estimating is very good to have. Experience producing successful estimates is the gold standard. If you don't have experience then make darn sure you satisfy the other two requirements listed here (Education and Presentation).
How you present yourself is important on several levels. The personality traits of good estimators are considered by some to be at least as important as education. Estimators must have an eye for detail, they must understand the value of money, they must be competitive and they must have an aptitude for mathematics. They must be analytical, adaptable, and technically oriented. Estimators often meet with clients and company management so they need people skills too.
Tips for improving the skill of estimation
As the estimation should be accurate & systematic, it must be done carefully & efficiently. The following tips intend to improve the skills of a construction estimator/cost planner.
1. Understand the market in which the construction process will take place.
This is an important aspect of cost estimating as the construction of buildings often involves many different specialist trades carried out by separate contractors. Understanding how these contractors operate in the current market will help arrive at a realistic estimate figure.
2. Know how buildings stand up.
Basic knowledge about the process of building construction also helps estimators accurately estimate the Preliminaries component which involves labors, plant and equipment resources required by the main contractor (builder) to project manage and supervise the construction activities carried out by trade contractors. The difference in material and labor would bring about a difference in the cost of the project.
3. Request quotes from suitable trade contractors for each project.
Each construction project has its distinctive characteristics in terms of locality, site conditions, timing, building type, etc. When asking for a quote from a trade contractor, it is important to understand the business preference and specialty of the contractor to ensure a realistic quote.
4. Utilize estimating software to help with the estimate.
Advanced technology has already made it simple to work out the costs of construction. The specialized software simplifies the process of estimation of cost, quantities of labors, plant and materials involved with the project. So utilizing this software designed to handle multiple functions one can easily & quickly make accurate construction estimation.
Efficiency is the key word for the success
Underbidding a job may cause the company to lose money, which could cost millions of dollars on large projects. Overbidding could mean the job is awarded to another firm. There is constant pressure both to get the job done and to get it done right. So “Efficiency” is the key word for the success of a Construction Estimator.
Anurupa Roy
The construction estimating service
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