General contractors, subcontractors and construction managers
For contractors
Estimating assistance examines scope, quantities, pricing and assumptions for bids, proposed changes or work already performed. The questions and approach depend on the information available and the assignment.
Estimating work may consider quantities, pricing sources, resource assumptions, estimates, comparisons and available project records. Their support and limitations depend on the estimating question; no single source or calculation format applies to every assignment.
An estimate may identify assumptions, allowances, exclusions and uncertainty relevant to the assigned questions. The available information and purpose of the estimate affect the detail provided.
Possible assignment considerations
Quantities taken off the drawings and specifications with the basis recorded, so each can be traced and checked.
Crew composition, production assumptions, equipment and material shown as components rather than presented as a finished number.
Where actual cost exists, compare it to the estimate and explain the differences rather than leaving them to be found.
Assumptions, exclusions and uncertainty that affect interpretation of the estimate.
Considerations and limitations
Estimating work may consider quantities, pricing sources, resource assumptions, estimates, comparisons and available project records. Their support and limitations depend on the estimating question; no single source or calculation format applies to every assignment.
A single figure standing in for crew, production and equipment assumptions, hiding exactly what an analyst needs to see.
Assumptions, exclusions and uncertainty that affect interpretation of the estimate.
Estimating Assistance
Also in this practice