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.

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 Prospect of Project Estimating in the year 2011

In anticipation of contractors’ needs in the year ahead, technology providers are continuing to offer new products and integrations for the construction industry. One key area that will likely still remain a top priority in the year ahead is estimating efficiencies.

Estimating is important right now for a number of reasons. Primarily, in today’s competitive market environment, construction companies need to come in with low bids while still maintaining good margins to remain profitable. Estimating and takeoff technology can help.

In smaller firms, the roles of estimator and field superintendent are usually both done by the owner of a company. In fact, it is the ability of the accomplished tradesman to estimate that allows him to take the step from employee to owner of his own business. His success hinges completely on how good his judgement and objectivity is in estimating.

For the large firm, the estimator may be a partner or an employee -- even, one of several, on a team of estimators. The firm relies on an estimator to provide all the information to determine if a particular project is suitable to bid on.

Apart from the personal efficiency, the construction companies are looking at technology to become more efficient, technology providers continue to release new products and integrations. For example, On Center Software, www.oncenter.com, The Woodlands, Texas, and Benchmark Estimating, www.benchmarkestimating.com, Manchester, U.K., announced a new custom integration.

This means construction companies will be able to import takeoff data from On Center’s On-Screen Takeoff into Benchmark Estimating software. The integration is currently in development, but will ultimately save a significant amount of time in the takeoff process, while also increasing accuracy.

According to Angelo Castelli, director of business development, On Center Software, the integration will provide a new level of productivity and efficiency for estimators, and the flexibility of the systems will be advantageous for project managers.

Rob MacDonald, director, Benchmark, says many of its clients have been inquiring about digital takeoff solutions, and this integration will provide them with the solution they want.

This is just one example of new estimating-technology integrations for contractors in the year ahead. Keep your eyes open for new products and partnerships, as 2011 is going to be a big year for improved efficiencies in the industry

Construction Estimating Courses & Training Classes

Construction courses & Training classes
There are so many renowned construction companies who provide online and offline training programs for students, engineers and construction professional. These companies also arrange customized training as per your requirements. These courses come up with practical examples and exercises and provide individual attention. The courses are especially helpful for those students who are studying for a Contractor’s License.
The students and other construction professionals will get the ability to develop a concrete estimating practice with accuracy and confidence to enhance efficiency and productivity for completing a project successfully.

Given below the examples of some noted construction companies and their detailed training schedules.
US Cost
http://www.uscost.com/training.asp
Construction Estimating Institute
http://www.estimating.org/courses.php?course=14
http://www.floridacontractorexam.org/
Florida Department Of Transportation
http://www.dot.state.fl.us/projectmanagementoffice/PETraining/default.shtm
Roctek International
http://www.roctek.com/suppServices.htm
Builders Estimating & Exam School
http://www.buildersestimatingschool.com/construction.htm
The Edge
http://www.buildersestimatingschool.com/construction.htm

Posted by RAJIB DEY

for www.quantity-takeoff.com