construction programs to reduce their project costs significantly

Prototype constructions are gaining popularity among the governmental entities in the United States. Prototype construction refers to a construction program and the model of it is based on replication. In Prototype construction some prototype designs are created maintaining fundamental or crucial features which are approved for several structures. In this concept the design become identical through replication procedure. The design costs are reduced to a great extent due to onetime investment.

This method is ideal for architects, construction companies and engineering firms who strive to capture big public sector contracting opportunities in the United States.

The public officials are trimming down public project costs significantly through the Prototype construction.

Some applications of prototype constructions in USA

The state officials in Pennsylvania have planned to prototype construction to lessen the costs associated with the repairing works for structurally damaged bridges through the state’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Program.

To execute this program, a private-sector partner should be employed to facilitate finance, design and construction of 500 new bridges over a six-year period. Under a prototype construction project, the private-sector partner has to take the responsibilities for preserving the bridges for the state for up to 40 years.

The public-private partnership agreement facilitates saving money on design, construction and maintenance through a prototype for each bridge. The 500 bridges are same in size and design and hence one rendering will be applicable to each structure. Costs will be minimized as the replication process facilitates various types of economies of scale and shorter construction timelines.

In the same way, a private-sector firm has made a prototype design for the construction of all future U.S. embassies. The federal government can save huge amounts through utilization of the similar model and the similar building materials even as reducing construction timelines with best practices and experience.

School districts all through the country are going to undertake prototype building programs. Lots of school districts require new buildings at once due to the increased population. As soon as the design process for a structure is finished, construction work is cut down 10-14 months to about 4 which result in considerable savings.

In Florida’s Miami-Dade County, a prototype procedure is used to a dozen new schools which bring $9 million saving for the district.

In the Wake County schools of North Carolina, the prototype design results in saving between $1.9 million and $6.6 million on design fees. The DeKalb County School District in Georgia has applied a prototype design for reconstruction of seven elementary schools and in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, two new elementary schools were created from a prototype design.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How to estimate the cost of Material

Material Pricing

The price of the materials is calculated in two different methods:-

Lump Sum: It is a process to supply all the Materials in a group. As for instance a steel supplier may propose to provide all of the structural steel, steel Joists and roof deck for an approved price.

Unit Price: It is a system provided by the supplier to supply the materials at a price per unit.

A ready mix concrete supplier may recommend to deliver 3000 psi concrete to the project for a price of RM 110 per cubic yard.

Quantity TakeOff 

It is a procedure to find out the required construction quantities. It can be segregated into:-

• Forecasting of the quantities of work
• Working out of the prices related to those Quantities

Quantity TakeOff Procedures 

Classification of work item- for instance : Brick wall section or concrete footing.

Estimation of quantity varying from linear, area, volume and unit.

After calculating the material take-off, estimator can gather brief knowledge on the actual field procedure. Concrete take-off will commence from volume for footings, grade beams, slabs and slabs for ground floor etc.

Generally quantity quantity take-off is performed by the application of forms. In order to regulate the worksheets, provide accurately allocated areas in which proper information is to be submitted facilitating follow-up for smooth evaluation.

Pricing Materials  

It is a system for allocating a RM value for a work item following a projected specification and prearranged A process quantity needed.

• After completion of quantifying of materials, the calculation of cost of materials should be started.
• The pricing of each work item should consist of the individual subcomponents:-
• Procurement of permanent and temporary materials
• Labor needed for setting up the materials
• Equipment necessary for shifting and installing materials
• Other consumables, eg. Fuel and tools

Material Costs

In general, the amount of purchase = the unit price, which is recognized as quantity discount.

Freight cost should be taken into consideration and included in the direct cost of the materials. This is very important if the site location is very distant from nearby suppliers.

Other concerns for material procurement:

• Quantity discount
• Interest rate
• Escalation
• Holding cost
• Credit facility
• Allowance for method of measurement of the bill item

Material Pricing basis   

• Published resources - Building Cost Indices
• Company Cost records - an in-house record of accurate documenting and compiling company cost from earlier jobs
• Vendor catalogues and quotations - prices are acquired directly from vendors from catalogues or indirect inquiries
• While Upon assembling prices from vendor, the following points must be taken into consideration:
• Payment requirements - cash, credit, credit term
• Delivery charges
• Lead time, product availability
• Price guarantee
• Quantity discount information
• Price rise clause

  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Common Cost Estimation Practice Traits

There are various issues that must be considered to avoid construction risks and some of the common cost estimation practice traits that must be followed in order to enhance the entire process are given below-

Consistency- Methods that are consistent with the industry standard classification systems such as the UniFormatT or CSI MasterFormatT systems as well as in logical order should be employed. The methods that meet the specific requirements of the client should be used. Employing consistent methods helps different estimators to complete various parts of the quantity survey and can also be continued later by another cost estimator. Through consistency cost fluctuation throughout the different project stages can be easily identified. This survey helps in creating the final account summary.

Documentation- Documentation is a crucial part of cost estimation practice. Documentation of all the segments of estimation should be done in a consistent, logical, precise and legible manner. If any specific detail is found to be vague, estimators should review the original estimate for reference. Clarity in documentation enhances its importance to the reader and turns out to be of great help in matters like settlements of claims, change order preparation and review of past estimates.

Verification- For easy and accurate verification, the quantity survey must be carried in a logical and methodical form which works as proof of the accuracy of any portion of the survey.

Evaluation- Evaluation of the bids must be done whenever the estimate involves use of bids from subcontractors. This helps in the scope and responsiveness to the project. Past performance records of the subcontractors submitting bids must be over viewed in this context as this would aid in determining the level of competence as well as the standard of performance.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Quantity Takeoff Sheet for Plumbing

A precise construction estimate details of every particular involved in construction including plumbing estimate. A plumbing takeoff is designed to acquire the necessary information about the plumbing materials required.

A proper plumbing estimate is very significant part of the construction estimate as it helps in preventing extra expenses and besides, it also helps in timely completion of the construction in the most cost efficient manner.

Takeoff sheet for plumbing includes size, schedule, material, connection, quantity, total length of the sewer pipes. The cost estimator requires following and adopting the listing in order to create an organized and accurate cost estimate.

  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cost Estimating Software - Full Demonstration

CostX is the leading 2D and 3D on-screen takeoff and estimating software. This Full Demonstration video goes over a variety of features in CostX.

For more video demonstrations, please visit www.exactal.com 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Advantages of Using Construction Estimating Software

There are various factors that must be considered while compiling bid for a construction project. It is important to know that all the bases are covered be it for a residential, industrial or governmental contract. Missing details or underestimating costs of a job can lead to losing a bid entirely.

Construction estimating software helps in simplifying the process of calculating the bottom line. The best construction estimators like ProContractorMX, Estimation and Bid4Build eliminate many common mistakes that could cost an estimator extra expenses. Besides, software can track and compare the estimated cost with the actual cost during and after the job itself.

Using construction-bidding software allows the bidder to manage job costs as well as subcontractor bids, all while generating detailed and profitable bids. Construction estimators account for all aspects of construction, including equipment, labor and materials, so that the bidder does not face unforeseen costs.

Construction Estimating Software should be able to develop and monitor outgoing bids efficiently and precisely. The best construction estimating software supports completion a number of other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Investing in construction management software increases speed and accuracy in creating and presenting bids. Though estimating software application do not guarantee winning every bid, using estimating software helps in creating the best bid possible.

Features: Construction estimating software should have tools that simplify the job. It should be able to track job costs and bids, and to perform general office-management functions such as document preparation, purchase-order processing and archiving previous projects. It should also create invoices and perform some accounting tasks.

Good construction software provides the flexibility required to create bids for a variety of projects. It should also accept customized formulas and calculations, prepare reports, import national cost indexes, compare subcontractor and vendor quotes, and track jobs by divisions and sub-divisions.

Ease of Use: Construction estimating software manages many variables. Though it can be complex, but using the software should be easy. Good estimating applications are well organized and presented in a logical manner so that bidder can get the most out of them in a short amount of time.

Integration: High quality construction estimating software can seamlessly integrate with other third-party applications already being used by the bidder. Integration with accounting software such as QuickBooks, CAD software, Microsoft Project and more will enable saving time and money by consolidating the resources of the bidder. Besides, compatibility with mobile devices such as iPads and smartphones allows updating project information easily.

Help & Support: It is important that the software is complimented with tutorials, training classes or online demonstrations to provide better learning. This type of software involves many aspects; hence it is necessary to know how to utilize all of the features in a productive manner. Apart from tutorials, customer support should also be easily available through various means, and the support team should respond to inquiries promptly and thoroughly.

  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Excel Spreadsheet design with Civil Engineering

Civil engineers are professionals who have broad technical knowledge, possess strong problem solving skills and enjoy working with people. Their work is directly related to the public wellbeing and safety, and has a significant impact on decision making processes. This was part of a multi-sheet project for the complete design of an A-frame wood structure.

Originally, a civil engineer worked on public works projects and was contrasted with the military engineer, who worked on armaments and defenses. Over time, various branches of engineering have become recognized as distinct from civil engineering, including chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, while much of military engineering has been absorbed by civil engineering.

Civil engineers usually practice in a particular specialty, such as construction engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, land development, transportation engineering, hydraulic engineering, and environmental engineering. Some civil engineers, particularly those working for government agencies, may practice across multiple specializations, particularly when involved in critical infrastructure development or maintenance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Construction Cost Estimator App for the Mac, iPad, and iPhone

With the help of Construction Cost Estimator contractors can develop on-site estimates for construction projects. This application is not only cost efficient but also saves time and allows contractors to generate an estimate quickly and easily. After creating the estimate, contractors can also email it to the customer as a PDF.

3 different Craftsman Costbooks with detailed cost breakdowns for over 30,000 common construction items can be optionally installed by users in the U.S. and Canada. Available in a Mac version for $39.99, an iPhone version for $19.99 and an iPad version for $29.99, all the version of the application are available in the App Store.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published By 
Arka Roy
www.costestimationjournal.quantity-takeoff.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

iRoofing - The Construction Application for Roofing Contractors

Construction application, iRoofing is a new iPad application developed to meet the specific requirements of roof contractors and make their work much simpler.

This app helps roofing contractors to obtain more lead, enhance sales and offer quotation by utilizing the customized services provided by the app. The app offers tools to display the images of roof, measure, evaluate design criteria and generate the projects’ rendering of the planned roof installation.

The iRoofing app is a great way to attain solutions for all the requirements of a roof contractor on the move. It provides the user with local information, and catalogue technical data from manufacturers. This app can be customized and is available only for iPads, though it is soon to be available for other portable devices as well. Some of the special built-in features of the application are mentioned below:

• Provides the user with exact measurements without getting to the roof.
• Information about tile selection, shingle and metal can be availed so that the information can be shared with the customer.
• Simulate the finished roof installation with the help of an existing roof photo.
• Reliable and correct information about roofing suppliers and manufacturers can be obtained to help the user to get the local expertise required to complete the project.

iRoofing is an exclusive and comprehensive construction app that enables the roofing contractors to:

• Place material order with most of the top US distributor/suppliers.
• Offer render images regarding the new roof.
• Provides information about licensed contractors nearby.
• Have access to full line of manufactures catalogues.
• Gives roof measurements directly from satellite service
• Locate a local branch of the users roofing supply company
• Access the technical information, building approval forms, and installation guides

The iRoofing app requires subscription so that the manufacturer or distributor as well as their products and technical data can get listed. This application allows users to update their own business logo, employ the roof replacement simulator, generate a photo gallery to upload photos, upload their catalogue, and be able to push information to their clients regarding latest information and products.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

published by

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Decisive Political Support Required for Crossrail 2

It is often considered that the UK construction industry lacks expertise in managing risk on major infrastructure, and incurring high construction costs.

Like the High Speed 2 which is expected to the biggest infrastructure project in the country is facing an unforeseen expenditure of £14.4bn added upon its overall cost of £42.6bn. Though its leaders say that such contingency are not similar to expenditure, yet critics feel that if this added expense is taken away, a £28.2bn north-south link will certainly appear to be a lot more appealing.

As far as the proposed Crossrail 2 link is concerned, the Treasury expects a budget of almost £8bn for emergency situations for this scheme that is estimated to cost around £12bn. Strict and able guidance is required to reduce actions and incidents that could lead to uncertainty and cost inflation on projects. Detailed design and precise cost estimation can minimize the cost of Crossrail 2 as it is in its initial stage.

Decisive political support is required to continue with the scheme of Crossrail 2 to ensure that designers and contractors can work on minimizing its risks and overall cost.

The London rail capacity is expected to be full at the seams when Crossrail 2 opens in the latter part of this decade. Only then the ordinary Londoners may find the advantage of having its building sites on their doorsteps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

published by

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fundamentals of Construction Management - a free eBook is just launched

Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has written an exclusive book titled as ‘Fundamentals of Construction Management’ for construction professional. The book contains 182 pages and price is free.

Introduction of author: Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has completed PhD in Building and gathered experience more than twenty five years along with teaching and research in the built industry . She performs as a senior lecturer at the Department of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

The Fundamentals of Construction Management is a vital book very useful to the construction professionals who wants to enhance their knowledge for dealing with the construction process.

Abimbola Olukemi Windapo has written this book after conducting a thorough research with up to date construction management and management literature, and the individual work experience. The book also follows a series of lecture notes utilized by the author for educating the following subjects: Management of Building Projects (University of Lagos), Construction Management I and II (Caleb University, Lagos), and Construction Management (University of Cape Town) between 1996 and 2012 (a sixteen year period).

The book offers a foundation for the distribution and incorporation of important knowledge essential for acknowledging the construction management practice and what it comprises of. Topics provided in the book range from introduction to construction management studies; theories applicable to construction management; the construction enterprise and its environment; the construction project and its environment; and construction management processes and practices applicable to small projects.

Download it free

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Published by Tuhin Maity
CAD Drafter & Designer
www.quantity-takeoff.com
------------------------------------

Like us on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/quantityestimating

Exclusive certificate courses provided by some most recognized cost estimating institution

The Certified Professional Estimator (CPE) certificate -The American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) conducts this course. The CPE certificate is designated for the construction estimators, and necessitates an extensive course of study. To quality for the CPE certification test, the applicant should contain at least five years experience in one discipline of professional estimating (mechanical, electrical, landscaping, etc.)

The certification process includes an educational workshop, writing a 2500 word acceptable technical paper on estimating, and completing two examinations. There is a choice for an applicant to undertake the educational workshop. It may be acquired either at the ASPE Chapters in the month of November and early December, or online. The initial exam is based on general knowledge exam. It is aimed at enhancing your skill for project management and business knowledge. The exam will last for 4 hours and contain over 500 multiple choice and true/false questions on construction topics. One has to score 70% for getting pass mark. The second exam focuses on discipline specific test for a particular area of expertise.

The ASPE is presently providing exams in general Estimating, Earthwork, Concrete, Roofing, Drywall
Systems, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC Piping, HVAC Sheet Metal, and Electrical. These exams will continue for 8 hours and contains true/false, multiple choice, and estimating problems. The exams are scheduled
all through the country in March, July, and November.

Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCE/A) — Society of Cost Estimating and Analysis (SCEA) organize The Certified Cost Estimator/Analyst (CCE/A) certificate. The applicant should possess estimating knowledge with all categories in construction as well as engineering.

In order to apply for the exam, the applicant should contain the following criteria :-
(1) a college degree (in cost estimating/analysis or with more than 10 courses in cost estimating and analysis)
and two years experience in cost estimating/analysis in a position specifically identified as requiring such; (2) an associate’s degree and five years experience as described above; or (3) seven years of experience as described above with submission of a biographical sketch demonstrating education, experience and relevant performance.

The exam consists of several methods of evaluating the cost of a project like cost-benefit analysis and present worth analysis, as well as estimating models like parametric estimating and comparison estimating. The exam extends for 4 hours and divided in two parts. The first part includes 80 to 100 multiple choice and true/false questions involving mostly on terminology and concepts. The second part contains about 50 multiple choice questions related to calculations and problem solving. Minimum 70% mark is required to qualify for the exam. The exam is held twice a year in the spring and fall at the SCEA National Education Conference & Workshop. (SCEA, 2006).

Certified Parametric Practitioner (CPP) — The International Society of Parametric Analysts (ISPA) conducts this newly launched certificate course. This certificate course is related with professional recognition of a practitioner’s education, job experience, knowledge, and skills. To apply in writing examination, the applicant should possess the following :-
A college degree in a field of study directly associated with parametric analysis (or at least ten courses concerning estimating) and two years experience with parametric analysis; an associate college degree and five years of experience in parametric analysis; or seven years of experience in parametric analysis with the submission of a brief biographical sketch demonstrating the applicant’s capability or knowledge to pass the examination. The exam will continue for 3-4 hours and includes100 multiple-choice, fill in the blanks, and true/false questions. The qualifying mark is 75%.

Certified Cost Engineer/Consultant (CCE/CCC) — The Association for the Advancement Of Cost Engineering, International (AACEI) is developing The Certified Cost Engineer/Consultant certification. This certification is set up to offer official and public recognition, having experience with the most current skills and knowledge of the cost estimating profession. To apply for the CCE/CCC certification test, the applicant should contain at least 8 full years experience in the cost engineering profession (up to four can be substituted for by an engineering degree or a PE license.)

The applicant should pass a 7-hour test, as well as writing a 2,500 word minimum technical paper for being a Certified Cost Engineer or Consultant. The exam contains 100 multiple-choice and compound questions. The applicant should obtain 70% marks to qualify for the exam. The exam is scheduled twice a year in the summer and winter in different places around the U.S.


Certified Cost Consultant (CCC)/Certified Cost Engineer (CCE)

AACE’s CCC/CCE is independently authorized by the Council of Engineering & Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). The goal is to identify specialists who fulfill a demanding set of cost and management criteria by a continuous examination, experience, education and ethical qualifications. These courses are designated for the individuals in today's cost and management industry to enhance their knowledge, experience and keep them updated with the best management practices.

For more details, go through the following link :
http://www.aacei.org/educ/cert/CCC/

~~~~~

Published by Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (A well know overseas company for construction estimating)

Like us on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/quantityestimating