4 Tips to Start Estimating of your Construction Project

Cost estimating is a basic activity in cost engineering. It is the responsibility of a design or construction engineer to compile accurate estimates for a construction project. There are instances where firms hire separate staff commonly referred to as estimators. An estimator is required to have sufficient knowledge and skills of client management and the basics of construction to ensure that a viable plan is developed and that the client is on the same wavelength as him. What are the basic of estimating?

The fundamentals of cost estimating are:

Accurate reading of plans:

An estimator ought to accurately read and understand the plans. Preferably, he is the best person for this job if he can draw these plans from scrape. Ensuring that what the customer wants matches the understanding of the estimator is a result of a good set of plan.

Old estimating method:

This is the oldest estimating method and is currently considered to be redundant since it makes estimating more tasking. It contains a number of hidden tasks in the course of the project. The major steps to this, is for the estimator to do the following;

• Make a list of all the working hours required to complete this task
• List the different components of this project
• List all the resources and materials required to complete the project
• List all other items required to be hired or bought to complete this project
• Define the cost of each item Once these details are followed, the job cost will be accurate. However, this method is rarely used since it consumes a lot of time.

Estimating unit cost:

This is a more reliable and faster method of cost estimation. For an accurate job the following are required;

• A list of all the items is needed to complete this project is required
• A unit cost should be attached to each line item
• Make a total of the numbers and have them double checked It is very important for the estimator to make a checklist for bathrooms, kitchen and an entire house remodels, a new job checklist and post it, and finally punch the agreement with the job supervisor.

Pre- estimation process:

• An estimator should ensure a few things before starting the estimation process;
• A careful site inspection is vital for an accurate inspection
• It is important to undertake technical drawings which include design drawings before providing the final quote for the project. The layout should include everything in the room such as electrical jack, windows and doors.
• Labor cost is another important aspect that ought to be taken into account for construction project estimation. These costs include any labor that imparts the estimate such as subcontractors and contractors.