The cost of the project must be determined so that both parties are clear on what the costs will be. The other important task is to get an idea of the total project cost before the project begins so that there is a clear idea of the finances involved. However, to do this, you need to either have the information readily available or gather it. When you have this information, you can then use it for project cost estimates.
What Is An Estimate?
The process of calculating the cost of another item of work may be done for the sum of those expenses involved in project work by a project cost estimator. Project total construction price or estimated cost can be displayed for project work by employing construction cost estimating services Sydney.
The calculated overall cost of the project will be close to its actual overall cost. The estimated and total costs must match to ensure profitability. Note that you may calculate a work’s cost to be an approximate estimation of its real cost. Therefore, you need a reliable and accurate estimate to be cost-effective for all of your projects.
Purpose Of Estimating
The primary purpose of an estimate by a construction estimator is to provide a reasonably accurate idea of the cost. The accurate estimated cost of the project will allow the owner to obtain a reasonably accurate idea of the cost that will reveal to him whether he has enough funding to complete the project or if he needs to pay more.
Types Of Cost Estimates Used In Construction
Preliminary Cost Estimate
The preliminary cost estimating is also called the tentative cost estimate, abstract cost estimate, or budget estimate. Most often, it is made at the beginning of the initiative plan to help figure out the approximate cost of the project. With the aid of this info, the project manager will be able to comprehend the financial situation and policy prerequisites necessary for the administration section.
The preliminary cost of the project is assessed by the prices of similar construction projects regarding type. In this figure, the cost of a specific project is assessed on an individual basis to ascertain the necessity and purpose of the item. To underlie this item of work is:
- Land costs
- Electrical costs
- Road expenses
- Water costs
- The expense of buildings
and so on.
Cube Rate Cost Estimate
The cubical content of the structure is calculated by multiplying the plinth area with the height of the structure. The height of the building is stated as being from ground level to the top of the roof level. This matter is most relevant to multilevel structures. The cube rate cost estimate system is more exact in comparison to the plinth area reading. The ratio of total construction costs against their cubical contents is used to calculate the cubical rate of construction.
Plinth Area Cost Estimate
Next, the plinth area estimate relates to the categories of cost estimates. This cost estimate is prepared by estimating the cost per plinth area of a type of construction present in the particular locale. It measures the external dimensions of the building at the floor level and indicates the plinth area of the building that is the cost in the same category.
Detailed Cost Estimate
A detailed estimate will be prepared after the approval of a preliminary estimate by the competent administrative authority. In this estimate, every item of work will be measured exactly, and the cost will be calculated separately. The cost estimate created by this method is counted as one of the fairest estimates when compared to other estimation methods.
The cost of a product or service is calculated from the current market prices and total estimated cost. In addition, 3 to 5% of the total expected cost is added to the miscellaneous cost. The specific cost estimate is a necessary estimate of the cost to a competent authority to get final approval for the work.
Approximate Quantity Method Cost Estimate
In this calculation, the total length of the walls of the structure is calculated, and only this length will be multiplied by the rate per running meter that will give you the price of the building, ground, and superstructure rate per running meter. Additionally, the meter is calculated separately.
For the cost per unit calculation of the foundation rate per unit, the meter is calculated by approaching the quantities such as excavation cost and brickwork cost up to the plinth. The superstructure quantities include the brickwork for the wall, floor finishing, woodworks, and more for this rate per unit meter calculation.
Conclusion
Project managers use various cost estimating techniques that help the project manager determine the project cost and risks of the project. Earned value management estimates project performance over time and is the most widely used method of cost estimation for projects.