Construction cost estimation is a significant point in the construction project. So, you need to do it fully actively while knowing, and for this, you must know the key points that are involved in it. Learn about those key terms and that will help you a lot in the construction estimation process.
In Construction Projects, What’s the Importance of Construction Cost Estimating?
After the design phase construction cost estimating is the major starting point of practical work of any construction project. Often, to create a perfect design, multiple estimates are required.
That’s the reason you have to collaborate with the construction cost estimators and architects at the same time.
In case, if you have zero knowledge about estimating then it must be hard for you to understand everything. That’s the reason why this post is written. Here you will get the basic terminologies about construction cost estimating. So, keep reading we will educate you.
Bonds
In the favor of the client, the contractor has to issue a performance bond. It is like a guarantee of delivery. In case the contractor cannot fulfill the requirements and doesn’t meet the deadlines with quality then the client is allowed to get compensation.
A performance bond is very important. If you work without performance, then you are not allowed to claim compensation in court.
That’s why it’s important to always ask for a performance bond from your contractor before starting the work on the construction estimation project.
Capital Cost
All of the expenses that come along with establishing a structure are called capital costs. Here are the details below:
1. Land cost
2. Pre-design and feasibility study cost
- Compensation for the engineer, architect, and design team
1. Construction total cost (including labor, equipment, materials, etc.)
2. Commissioner cost
3. Temporary equipment and structure cost
- Inspection cost
Contingencies
No matter if you have an accurate estimate still you have to face all the factors that are beyond your control during the project. This is the reason you have to spare the budget for the extra costs that could not be perceived at the start of the project. These costs are called contingencies. You need to focus on all this in construction cost estimating.
Cost of The Equipment
You have to arrange all the equipment and tools during the construction of the project. It includes cranes, vehicles, mixers, etc. The cost which is required by them is equipment cost.
Escalation
Most construction estimation projects stay continue for a long time. During this the cost of everything increases. This inflation needs to be adjusted in the budget and that cost is known as escalation.
Labor Hour
It is the unit work of every individual on the job. It can be calculated on hour base. It is known as labor hour.
Labor Rate
It is the amount that you give to the craftsman per hour it covers hourly rates, benefits, and insurance.
Price of The Material
This is the price of the material which is required at the time of the construction. It can be calculated by construction cost estimators based on historical data. However, the material cost fluctuates with the time and location.
Indirect Cost
Besides the construction cost, you have to bear some other costs such as transport costs, administrative costs, permits, legal fees, and other expenses that depend on the project type. All of these expenses are referred to as indirect costs.
Maintenance and Operation Cost
It will be your headache if you are the client it includes all the salaries, utility expenses, and rent during the project.
Profit
Being a contractor, you have to increase the number of your profit chances. There is a difference between the actual cost of the construction project as received from the client and the estimated cost. You need to focus on this while doing the construction cost estimating.
Quantity Takeoff
You have to do this before starting the construction project it includes the material costs and labor costs.
Subcontractor Quotes
For the completion of the different phases of the project, every contractor needs a subcontractor. Subcontractor quotes are the rates of the specific jobs.
Variances
Your project cost varies due to several factors such as:
- Increase in the cost of equipment
- Increase in labor cost
- Material cost increases
- Increase in the indirect cost
- Delay due to rain
Variances in costs can increase the project’s cost sustainability. This is the reason you have to allocate a budget to cover it for the best construction cost estimating services in USA.
End Note
The above-mentioned terminologies are enough to understand the construction cost estimating from your contractor. So, learn them all and use them in the field.
Can you share more details on construction cost estimation?
Hi Mark! Thanks for asking please visite the our services page
Are you ready for watching the factors in construction cost estimating
Hi James!
Yes, we are ready.
What are the essential factors and considerations that are typically involved in the process of construction cost estimating, and how can project managers optimize these factors to develop more accurate and comprehensive cost estimates for their construction projects?
Hi Jack!
Essential factors and considerations in construction cost estimating include project scope, quantity takeoff, market conditions, historical data, subcontractor and supplier quotes, risk assessment, and project schedule. Project managers can optimize these factors by collaborating with stakeholders, refining quantity takeoff methods, updating cost databases, performing value engineering, conducting risk analysis, regularly reviewing estimates, and learning from past projects.