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Preliminary Estimating Methods

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11 views

Preliminary Estimating Methods

Uploaded by

Toyosi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Preliminary Estimating Methods

Preliminary estimating methods encompass a range of techniques used in the early stages of
construction projects to estimate costs, timeframes, and resources required for the endeavor.
These methods serve as guiding lights for stakeholders of construction projects, helping them
make informed decisions, develop budgets, and establish project feasibility.

Plinth Area Cost Estimate Method


Plinth area cost estimate is prepared on the basis of plinth area of building which is the area
covered by external dimensions of building at the floor level and plinth area rate of building
which is the cost of similar building with specifications in that locality.
Plinth area estimate is obtained by multiplying plinth area of building with plinth area rate.
Cost Estimate = plinth area x plinth rate

Unit Based Cost Estimate Method


The unit method estimating consists of choosing a standard unit of accommodation and
multiplying an approximate cost per unit.
Cost Estimate = Standard units of accommodation x Cost/Unit
The current unit of accommodation can be obtained by calculating from the sketch design or by
obtaining information from the client.
The technique is based on the fact that there is usually some close relationship between the cost
of a construction project and the number of functional units it accommodates.

Advantages
This method is extremely useful on occasions where the building’s client requires a preliminary
estimate based on little more information than the basic units of accommodation.
This method is often used as a crude means of comparing the known costs of different buildings
This method allows for quick estimations by leveraging historical data.
It is valuable in determining basic requirements, such as the capacity of a school, the number of
rooms in a hotel, or the beds in a hospital.

Disadvantages
Using unit method estimating method can generate a rough estimate quickly, but the lack of
accuracy will render it of little use in the cost planning procedure outlined earlier.
Cube Rate Cost Estimate Method
The cube method estimating is a single rate method of estimating based on the cubic content of a
building.
The total cost of the project will be given by:
Cost Estimate = Volume X Unit Cost (Cost/m3)
{Volume = External plan area X height X Cost (cost/ m3)}
The Cube Method requires more detailed and developed designs to calculate the volume
accurately.
This method of estimation is more accurate than the plinth area method.

Advantages
 Quick method
 Simple math process
 Easy to understand
 Satisfactory on works of a recurring nature.
 Suitable where cubic content of a space or a building directly influences the cost of an
element.
 This method enhances accuracy and helps in making informed decisions during the
planning and budgeting stages of construction projects.

Disadvantages
 Need higher levels of skill to assess unit rate
 Do not express the actual cost of different parts of the building
 Due to large number of variables, difficult to adjust unit cost
 Doesn’t provide any indication about amount of usable space
 Fails to take account of variations in plan, shape, storey height/ total number of storeys
etc.
 Costs per cubic meter may be difficult to find in countries where the method is not
current.

Approximate Quantity Cost Estimate Method


The Approximate Quantity Method is widely recognized as a reliable and accurate approach to
cost estimation, provided there is sufficient information available.

Advantages
 This preliminary estimating method allows for a swift measurement process by utilizing
composite rates, saving valuable time.
 Simultaneous Measurement: The approximate quantity method allows for simultaneous
measurement of items with the same dimensions (length/area/volume ), saving time and
effort.
 Value Engineering: The approximate quantity method provides a solid foundation for
effective value engineering exercises. It allows for efficient cost estimation and analysis,
which can lead to cost savings and optimization during the project.
 Assumptions and Cash Flow Projection: When using the approximate quantity method, it
is important to document the assumptions made during the estimation process.
Additionally, including a cash flow projection can provide further insights into the
financial aspects of the project.
 Pre-construction Whole-life Cost Plan: To enhance project planning and decision-
making, it is beneficial to prepare a pre-construction whole-life cost plan. This
comprehensive plan considers the long-term costs associated with the project and aids in
making informed financial decisions.

Disadvantages
 While the rules of measurement are straightforward, it’s important to note that they may
slightly vary among different surveyors, as there is no standardized approach.

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