The latter do not offer “hard coded” formulas for meaningful calculation. Similarly, do not confuse purpose-built cost-estimating applications with spreadsheet applications. The real costs you see for building materials or activities in your own projects may differ, and it is important to use this real data in your estimating process instead of dated information. Few if any commercially available cost databases use continually checked data, refreshed every year, item by item, locality by locality, because the effort required is enormous.
The quality of the results you obtain from estimating software depends on the quality of the information you put into it. In other words, it would be a mistake to just rely on software without any additional checks and balances. The Not-So-Smart Side of Applications for Cost EstimatingĬost estimating software may be necessary in order to be responsive to customer requirements, but it is not sufficient on its own. Proper integration of construction management software can therefore speed up business as a whole, as well as the cost estimating activity itself. Comments, adjustments, and approvals can be done digitally, avoiding paper chases to find out which physical project file is still sitting in whose in-tray. Examples include taking data directly from an architect’s or engineer’s CAD (computer-aided design) files to make estimates and sending estimate information directly to a program for procurement or integrating with your company’s accounting system. With software often driving other parts of a construction business too, a cost estimating program may also offer: This functionality accelerates a large part of an estimator’s work.
Calculations for estimates, in worksheets generated by the application to lay out requirements and estimates to various levels of detail, corresponding to traditional “squaring out” and “abstracting” activities of cost estimators.Integrated cost databases, which can use commercially available data, such as RS Means, and your own data for cost estimating.Takeoff tool, to assist in the process of taking measurements from paper or digital plans.Suitable software solutions do not have to be complicated or expensive. If you think that bringing software into the discussion this early is putting the cart before the horse, consider the following: Businesses make increasing use of computers and the software that runs on them, but too many construction cost estimators (over 55%, by one estimate) remain inefficient by failing to use proper tools. Software for Cost Estimating – Can You Really Live Without It? To meet all three criteria simultaneously, you might need a small army of estimators – or a suitable tool, such as construction estimating software.
For private building projects such as house renovations and extensions, customers may even simply accept the first estimate they get, as long as it looks reasonable to them. For commercial and industrial projects, customers are unlikely to wait weeks for your cost estimate.
The construction project for which the cost estimate is to be made.Efficient, accurate processes and tools.The best estimating you can do for your construction company depends on the following: Yet the truth is there is no universal ultimate guide to construction cost estimating. It’s no wonder that so many people want to add their two cents’ worth about the best way to do it. However, it can all too rapidly veer towards loss of money (estimates too low) or loss of customer (estimates too high). How many books are there on estimating construction project costs ? How many manuals, price indexes, spreadsheets, tools, rules of thumb, and opinions? Construction cost estimating should lead to profitable business and satisfied clients.