Practical Approaches & Techniques

The course demonstrates how final pricing is only as accurate as the understanding of the project scope.This course discusses the vital importance of a coherent understanding of project scope to the development of accurate estimates and costs. The course begins with a review of the steps and processes involved in the construction cost estimating process.

The course then examines the various approaches and types of estimates used in construction. Real-life project examples of conceptual estimates, detail estimates,and unit price take-off will be reviewed. The course explores the techniques necessary to create a reliable preliminary and systems estimate using bare-bones design information - basic building use requirements, budget, building code and general building type.

 

Course Discussions Include:

• Various software products/checklists for respective divisions
  
• Reading and understanding construction plans
  
• Calculating area and volume on preparation for materials quantity takeoff
  
• Analysis of construction specifications and relationships to contract drawings
  
• Construction documents review and their order of precedence
  
• Techniques & standards for developing reliable quantity takeoffs
  
• Using means and other available cost data - print and electronic formats
  
• Methods for calculating general conditions and project overhead costs
  
• Site visits, plans/specs, record drawings of facilities, and site-specific lists
  
• Review of CSI divisions and other classification systems
  
• Review of means, methods, materials and the challenges in scoping each topic
  
• Case studies in scope identification and scope writing for accurate estimating
  
• Practical exercises that require scope definition, take-off and pricing
  
• Systems estimating overview - definitions, descriptions
  
• Systems "takeoff" requirements
  
• Required building design, use and code requirements
  
• Identifying information and reporting requirements for the owner
  
• Construction cost comparisons & historical data
  
• Digitizer, takeoff estimating software
  
• Historical data and cost adjustments
  
• Identifying exclusions and assumptions made
  
• Estimate cross checks and verifications
  
• Final presentation of numbers