Why to Outsource cost Estimation Service?

The architectural companies always want reliable but affordable service in cost estimation. The offshore companies who are solely providing cost estimating can help the architectural firm to focus on their core business. The cost estimating companies are used estimating cost in various Civil, Architectural, Structural, HVAC, Earthwork, Material, Labour and many more sectors of US, UK, Canada and Australia.

The cost estimating outsourcing service provider focus on providing effective building cost estimation services for various small, medium or large project offering accurate cost estimation as per the client’s need. The engineers of the estimating firm have the ability to perform an in-depth analysis on the client’s input of hand sketches, 2D drawings or even blueprints and provide construction cost estimations and building cost estimations in terms of cost value. That’s why you should outsource your cost estimation project and get benefits of the accurate estimation in an affordable price.

The cost estimation service providers give the clients the cost information needed to make a bid for a contract. They also help their clients in deciding whether a proposed new product will be profitable and which endeavors are currently making a profit. All these information will help greatly the offshore architectural companies. With the help of their service they can track the actual costs as the project develops. The expert team of cost estimating can provide accurate 3D models based on the inputs from the clients and give a realistic dimension to the cost of construction of a building.

Is It Possible To Do Estimating Correctly?

Cost estimating is one of the most difficult as well as important aspect in any construction project management. This necessary part of any project is generally handled by professional estimators. As the whole estimating process is so much complex that maximum time the main concern is whether the estimation is correct or not? The answer depends on how much experience, efficiency and foresee capability the estimator possesses. All successful estimating involves a confidence interval and an error band. For example you can say that some project will be completed on or before 5th May 2012 with a 6 percent error band or there is an 85 percent probability of the program costing $320M or less with 5 percent error band.
The probabilistic forecasting of cost and schedule is the core process applied to most of the programs the estimating companies are working on. Along with it Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) is an integrated schedule containing the networked, detailed tasks necessary to ensure successful program execution. The IMS is used to verify the attainability of contract objectives, to evaluate progress toward meeting them and to integrate scheduled activities with all related components.

The estimators need to realize that all project activities consist of random variables and that estimates using those variables based on simple statistics. The common mistakes in estimating services takes place when the estimators ignore the underlying statistical basis of projects and fail to acknowledge the variables. Similar problem can be happen if a project is scheduled in hours and the work extends for more than a few days. The estimator should have a clear understanding about the size, limitation and other things about the project. All these things along with profound experience can help an estimation to lessen the error ration and make it successful. That’s the secret of the art of good estimating.

The Cornerstone of Cost Estimate

The cost estimation is the rapidly growing trend in AEC industry. It helps both the contractors and the owners as a proper budget is really very assistive to them. On the basis of the estimated cost a proper bid will be prepared. A good estimate must start with a complete understanding of scope of work followed by an accurate quantity takeoff. In the process of an accurate estimation, the estimator has to do a vast and depth research. It’s very easy to miss out identifying items of work in the project. This may be for some ordinary reasons like missing drawings, details and specifications. Misinterpretation of the scope is another reason for miss out. That’s why besides updated technology, experience in conceptualizing is also very important in this field of cost estimation.

First of all he has to study the floor plan of the construction. After getting the idea clearly it’s the turn to on site field engineering. The estimator has to visit the spot and consult the geotechnical consultant to perform surface investigation to evaluate the land’s ability to provide the foundation of the structure. The estimator then has to make a proper report about all these factors.

Now the estimator has to get a clear idea about the resource of the construction and more importantly its cost which includes material suppliers, labor force, subcontractors, construction equipment, indirect cost, management and many other nitty gritty of the project. The estimator has to team up with comptroller, accountant, field superintend, project manager, purchasing manager to get all the updated data about the project.

After all the field works and reporting it’s the turn to take help of the estimating software. It will help the estimator to get all the relevant output of cost estimating like the cost, schedule and quantity of resources. In this way the estimator has to determine the cost of the project.

Estimating Method for Home Remodeling

Remodeling of house is an important part of today’s life. As we love to change the look of our house frequently it has to done with proper planning. Estimating the cost of the home improvement with the help of contractors is the easiest way to figure the cost of your job. Essentially, all you have to do is to ask several contractors to give you bids for the job. The contractors will be glad to give you estimates or quotes for the prices of labor and materials to complete your project. This is a simple process, but there are some aspects of this type of estimating that can skew the numbers. If you want accurate figures, you should follow some basic rules. What are those rules. Let's find out.

Plans

If you are going to allow contractors to do your job for you, a set of plans for what you want done is an absolute necessity. Even if the job is a small one, you will want to give each contractor bidding the work a set of plans. Without the plans the contractors cannot possibly bid the job competitively.

The plans you issue to contractors don't have to be elaborate, but they must detail all important aspects of the job. A rough sketch of what you want done will probably be adequate, but don't attempt to estimate your job with contractors until you have some type of plans to hand out.

Specifications

Specifications are as important, if not more important, than plans when working with contractors. When you put your job out to bids, you want all contractors pricing the same materials and services. This is only possible with a set of plans and a detailed set of specification.

It is not enough to list your specifications casually. You should not say that you want a new toilet, a new lavatory, and new faucets for the lavatory and bathtub. The specifications should include all technical data needed to identify the specific items you want. This information will normally include a model number, style, color, and similar information.

Importance of Concrete Estimating

The most used material in the architectural industry is concrete. No modern day construction can be completed without it. It can be customized to get compressive strength or color application, placed in almost any shape or form and finished to resemble masonry, stone and other surfaces. It is durable and virtually maintenance-free. This component is quite easy to work with and installs relatively quickly.

The segment concrete estimating specially deals the basic areas like: concrete materials and placement, formwork, reinforcing, finishing and pre-cast industry. The quantities of concrete usually estimate in measure of cubic yards, as this is how supply companies charge for it. Formwork is taken off in square feet (generally in square feet of area in contact with the concrete as opposed to the actual area of the forms used). Reinforcing is normally taken off in tons of steel. Finishing is taken off in square feet of finished surface. Pre-cast concrete quantities are taken off in either square feet or by the piece, depending on usage and the type of unit being considered.

Concrete estimating is quite an important issue to the estimators as the large amount of total cost is based on the cost of the concrete. That’s why it will be a great help to the estimator to know the probable cost of the total construction.


Posted By:
Debarati Nath
content Writer

The Challenge of Construction Project Estimating

When we work on projects that deal with new processes or new technologies, we often find ourselves moving through territory where no one has gone before. Still, our customers, our partners, and our managers want us to provide reliable estimation that we can commit to. This is the basic challenge that project teams in innovative companies must deal with today.

The main challenge an estimator facing is the changing circumstances. The innovative and new techniques applied by the modern day engineers come frequently. Sometimes the innovative procedures change the total system of construction. This change varies greatly on the time estimation of the project.

New products are introduced regularly in the market. To get unique look of the construction the building owners sometime opt for new products. Some products have more potentiality than the usual previous products. May be the durability, quality and functions vary from the old product. Naturally the contractors want to avail the product to get the best possible result. This type of new products makes a huge difference in the production cost of the construction. The estimated cost in the building budget may not be the same after execution. So the estimator has to be very careful to overview such matter.

Apart from that there must be some uncertain circumstances during the construction period which can affect the estimating procedure. Various types of social issues like inflation, mass crisis of the materials, natural disaster make a deep impact of the estimating process. The cost and time estimating hamper much for all these types of challenges.

It is a sign of good estimator who can foresee the inevitable factors during the construction period and make a estimating according to this. Estimating lesser or more than the actual cost is a failure the estimator. That’s why the challenges of estimating are vital important to a successful estimator.

Blue Ridge Numerics launches Upfront CFD for AEC & MEP professionals

Blue Ridge Numerics, Inc., a renowned company in upfront CFD software just released a new eZine known as Upfront CFD for the Built Environment. This eZine will provide a great benefits to the AEC & MEP professionals by incorporating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis upfront in the design and engineering procedure for new and existing building designs.

Architectural designers and MEP engineers will experience an userfriendly 3D simulation environment that provides validation and optimization of design issues like thermal comfort, energy savings, occupant safety, and air quality with utilization of data directly from BIM software systems.

Upfront CFD is suitable for any architectural project varying from component-level studies to wind/wake studies on the scale of a city block.

The eZine is free and can be downloaded from the following link: http://info.cfdesign.com/aec-ezine.html

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
The Estimating Service

Tips for concrete estimation

Estimating concrete reinforcing costs is a vital phase of a construction. For ascertaining this keep in mind that the reinforcing steel supplier has taken account of all accessories, cutting, bending, and allowances for lapping, splicing, and waste. When no lap specifications are mentioned add 10% to your quantities for lapping, splices, and waste. Also consider 10% waste for welded wire fabric.

Consider the labor unit price for the subdivision of Reinforcing to put in accessories like bean and slab bolsters, high chairs, bar ties and tie wire

Besides checking structural drawings and architectural drawing, also take into consideration the mechanical and electrical drawings for equipment pads and grouting requirements on steel drawings

Deduct small (two square feet or so) while making estimation of the concrete quantities for floor slabs or walls.

One can avail the concrete prices from suppliers near the job site. A volume discount is obtainable which depends on the competition in the area. Don’t forget to add for waste on the whole for slabs and footings on grade.

In the case of compression testing for a project consider a least amount of one test per pour on smaller pours and a smallest amount of one test for each fifty yards of concrete placed. Each test should comprise of a minimum set of three cylinders.

For structural concrete estimation, includes the requisites for concrete additives, curing methods and surface treatments. Also give consideration to climate conditions alongwith hot or cold weather conditions, prerequisites for concrete placing and finishing methods and equipment.

For estimating precisely the components like formwork, reinforcing steel, ready-mix concrete, placement of the concrete mix, finishing of the surface, and curing should also be considered.


In order to finish the concrete surface a good rule of thumb for finishing concrete permits 1,000 S.F. of slab per each cement finisher.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
The estimating Service

Techniques of Construction Cost Estimate

Construction cost estimating associates evaluating materials, labor, overhead, subcontractors and equipment needed to complete a project. Estimates come in two forms: hard money and cost plus. Hard money approximate is the ultimate cost for a project. Cost plus is shaping the whole cost for all aspects of the project plus adding profit margins. It's important to balance giving an attractive estimate with being able to turn a profit on a project.

Estimating is the mainly significant of the realistic aspects of construction management, and the matter deserves the nearby attention of one aspiring to a career in the profession. It is a relatively easy subject to understand; however, as it brings one up against practical work, methods and system, knowledge of it cannot be acquired without close application.

Estimating Materials
From the approximate of a work it is potential to conclude what materials and in what quantities will be necessary for the work so that the arrangements to procure them can be made.

Labor
Labor is the largest expenditure on any construction work. When estimating, imagine a margin for overtime and also lost time because of difficult weather. Balance the cost of adequate labor to meet particular deadlines with fewer workers working extra overtime. Labor expenses comprise more than just the hourly wage. A single worker laboring through overtime might be less expensive than two workers laboring during regular hours.

Overhead
Overhead costs such as securing permits, deposits for utilities, job site insurance, connecting utilities, and extraneous expenses (security, framing, etc.) should also be factored in to the estimate. Some items, such as office operations or mandated workers' compensation payments, are considered the "cost of doing business," and it is up to the estimator to balance what to absorb and what to add to the estimate to ensure getting the job.

Estimating Subcontractors
Presently as the estimator is working for the client, subcontractors---plumbers, electricians, etc.---are working for the estimator. Receive all quotes with exact terms and deadlines. Insist on penalties for missed contract terms. When including subcontractors' costs in the final estimate, calculate reasonable markup for profit.

Job Site Equipment Rental
Construction estimating means bringing in equipment not always owned by the general contractor. Skid steers, forklifts, generators, pneumatic tools and compressors and power lifts are examples of rented equipment. Include in the estimate the time needed to complete the job plus a reasonable markup for profit.

Successful Estimating Attitude
Construction estimators walk a well row between trailing the work or receiving the job and not making sufficient money. A victorious estimator is positive, thorough and---most important---has the reliability to do both the company and the buyer right. Approach each estimate with the attitude of providing the best price to gratify everyone connected with the project.

Estimating Plant
An estimate will help in determining amount and kind of equipment needed to complete the work.

Estimating Time
The estimation of a job and the past experience allow one to estimate quite closely the length of time necessary to complete an item of work or the work as a whole.
Whereas the significance of knowing the probable cost requires no emphasis, estimating materials, labor, plant and time is immensely useful in planning and execution of any work.

Candy - A unique software for construction estimating

Candy is a comprehensive, integrated software suite designed by construction professionals being extensively utilized by big multinational consortiums and small contractors over 40 countries for estimating, planning, modeling, managing and controlling construction projects.

Construction Computer Software innovated this software. It is a single-package, project control system that includes Estimating, Valuations, Critical Path Planning, Forecasting and Cashflow Modelling alongwith some inter-related modules like Material Costing, Drawing Register, Sub-contract database, Cost Reconciliation, Information Schedules and Time-Location charts.

It is used worldwide by large multinational consortiums and small contractors alike.

Candy provides a dynamic link between money and time – the interactive link between the bill of quantities or estimate, and the program or schedule of work. So the management team and clients get a wealth of information at their finger-tips.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
rajib@jobs2india.com
Construction estimating service

A complete online course for estimating & bidding

A complete course over the internet is being arranged to provide training on construction estimation & bidding.

The course module will involve the followings :-
An Overview of Estimating and Bidding
Planning and Organizing the Estimate
Estimating General Conditions
Estimating Labor and Equipment
Estimating Sitework - Excavation
Estimating Sitework - Utilities and Other Site Amenities
Concrete Estimating - Footings and Foundations, Slab on Grade, Columns, Walls,and
systems
Estimating Masonry Construction

The participants shoud have the following skills :-
Capability to read blue prints
Accustomed to use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, or Quattro Pro
Basic construction knowledge that includes basic math skill, Estimating terminology (quantity take off, unit price, production rate, etc., versed with calculator and
architectural scale

The course will last for 10 week long.

The course fee will vary from $600 for AACE member and $500 for Nonmember

For registration & detailed overview, please visit the following link
https://www.aacei.org/educ/online/courses/DLC105.shtml

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Construction estimating Service