ESTIMATION

Estimation is the scientific way of

working out the approximate cost of
an engineering project before
execution of the work.

It is totally different from calculation of the

exact cost after completion of the project.
Estimation requires a thorough Knowledge
of the construction procedures and cost of
materials & labour in addition to the skill ,
experience, foresight and good judgment.
 ESTIMATE
An estimate of the cost of a
construction job is the probable cost of
that job as computed from plans and
specifications.

For a good estimate the, actual cost of the

proposed work after completion should not
differ by more then 5 to 10 % from its
approximate cost estimate, provided there
are no unusual, unforeseen circumstances.
 NEED FOR ESTIMATE
1. It help to work out the approximate cost of the
project in order to decide its feasibility with
respect to the cost and to ensure the financial
resources, it the proposal is approved.

2. Requirements of controlled materials, such as

cement and steel can be estimated for making
applications to the controlling authorities.

3. It is used for framing the tenders for the works

and to check contractors work during and after the
its execution for the purpose of making payments
to the contractor.

4. From quantities of different items of work

calculated in detailed estimation, resources are
allocated to different activities of the project and
ultimately their durations and whole planning and
scheduling of the project is carried out.
SITE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE OVERALL
COST
1 = Each type of work requires a different
method of construction. Construction may be
of an ordinary house or office and it may also
be of a Dam, Tunnel, Multistory building,
Airport, Bridge, or a Road, already in
operation. Each of these works requires totally
different construction techniques, type of
machinery, and formwork.

2 = Quality of labour and labour output varies in

different localities.

3 = Weather conditions greatly affect the output

and, hence, the overall cost.
SITE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE OVERALL COST (-
ctd-)

4. Ground conditions vary and change

the method of construction. For
example, excavation may be dry, wet,
hard, soft, shallow or deep requiring
different efforts.

5. The work may be in open ground such

as fields or it may be in congested
areas such as near or on the public
roads, necessitating extensive
watching, lightening, and controlling
efforts, etc.
SITE CONDITIONS AFFECTING THE OVERALL COST (-
ctd-)

6. The source of availability of a sufficient

supply of materials of good quality is
also a factor.

7. The availability of construction

machinery also affects the method of
construction.

8. Access to the site must be reasonable.

If the access is poor, temporary roads
may be constructed.
 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A GOOD ESTIMATOR

In preparing an estimate, the Estimator must

have good knowledge regarding the important
rules of quantity surveying.

He must thoroughly understand the drawings

of the structure, for which he is going to
prepare an estimate.

He must also be clearly informed about the

specifications showing nature and classes of
works and the materials to be used because
the rates at which various types of works can
be executed depend upon its specifications.
ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A GOOD ESTIMATOR (-
ctd-)
A good estimator of construction costs should possess the
following capabilities, also:-

1 = A knowledge of the details of construction work.

2 = Experience in construction work.

3 = Having information regarding the materials required,

machinery needed, overhead problems, and costs of all kinds.

4 = Good judgment with regard to different localities, different

jobs and different workmen.
5 = Selection of a good method for preparing an estimate.

6 = Ability to be careful, thorough, hard working and accurate.

7 = Ability to collect, classify and evaluate data relating to

estimation.

8 = Ability to visualize all the steps during the process of

construction.
 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A GOOD ESTIMATOR (-
ctd-)
Before preparing the estimate, the estimator should visit
the site and make a study of conditions, there. For
example, if the construction of a large building is
planned, the estimator or his representative should visit
the site and:

Note the location of the proposed building.

Get all data available regarding the soil.
Make a sketch of the site showing all important details.
Obtain information concerning light, power, and water.
Secure information concerning banking facilities.
Note conditions of streets leading to railway yards and
to material dealers, and
Investigate general efficiency of local workman.
 TYPES OF ESTIMATES

There are two main types of estimates:-

1 = Rough cost estimate.
2 = Detailed estimate.

Depending upon the purpose of estimate,

some types of detailed estimate are as
follows:-
a)Contractor's estimate
b)Engineer's estimate
c)Progress estimate
 I = Rough cost estimate

Estimation of cost before construction from

plans or architectural drawings of the project
scheme, when even detailed or structural
design has not been carried out, is called
Rough cost estimate.

These estimates are used for obtaining

Administrative Approval from the concerning
Authorities.

Sometimes, on the basis of rough cost

estimates, a proposal may be dropped
altogether.
 Rough cost estimate (-

ctd-)
Unit cost is worked out for projects similar to the project
under consideration carried out recently in nearly the same
site conditions.

Unit cost means cost of execution of a unit quantity of the

work.
 Rough cost estimate (-
To find rough cost ofctd-)
any project, this worked
average unit cost is multiplied with total quantity
of the present work in the same units.

For example, in case of a building, plinth area

(sq. ft.) of the proposed building is worked out,
which is then multiplied by the cost per unit area
(Rs. /ft2) of similar building actually constructed
in the near past in nearly the same site
conditions, to find out the rough cost estimate of
the building.

This cost is sometimes adjusted by the average

percentage rise in the cost of materials and
wages.
 Rough cost estimate
The rough cost estimate may be prepared on the
following basis for different types of projects:

1. Cost per square foot of covered area (plinth area) is

the most commonly adopted criterion for preparing
rough cost estimate for most of the residential
buildings.

2. For public buildings, cost. Per person (cost per

capita) is used. For example,

Students hostel-cost per student

HospitalsCost per bed

HotelCost per Guest

 Rough cost estimate (-
ctd-)
3. Cost per cubic foot is particularly suitable for
commercial offices, shopping centers, and
factory buildings, etc.

4. For water tank/reservoir, cost may be worked out

on the basis of capacity in gallons of water stored.

5. For roads and railways, cost may be found out

per mile/kilometer of length.

6. For streets, cost may be per hundred feet/meters of

length.

7. In case of bridges, cost per foot/meter of clear span

may be calculated.
 EXAMPLE

Calculate the total rough cost

estimate and cost per Flat for a

multi-storey (4-storeyed) block

consisting of 40 residential flats.

Other details are given in the table:

Sr. No PORTION AREA UNIT COST (Rs./sq.ft.)
(sq. ft)
Building Sanitory Electric Sui Gas
Works Works Services Services

1 Main Flat Area

(i) Ground Floor 20030 1800 130 100 60

(ii) Ist Floor 20030 1500 130 100 60
(iii) 2nd Floor 20030 1650 130 100 60
(iv) 3rd Floor 20030 1800 130 100 60

2 Park Area at G. Floor 75,800 800 -------- 40 -------

3 Circulation Area in all 1936 1050 -------- 70 -------

4 floors

4 Covered Shopping 920 950 -------- 70 -------

Area at G. Floor

5 Attached Servant 2112 1150 55 70 40

Quarters
Add the following costs as Lump Sum :
1- Road and Walkways = 15,00,000/-
2- Land Scapping = 12,00,000/-
3- External Sewerage = 7,00,000/-
4- External Water Supply, Overhead and
Underground Water Tanks with pumping
machinery for each set of Flats = 19,00,000/-
5- External Electricity = 3,00,000/-
6- Boundary Wall = 6,00,000/-
7- Miscellaneous unforeseen items
= 8,00,000/-
8- Add 6 % development charges.
9- Add 3 % consultancy charges
 EXAMPLE 2
Prepare a Rough-cost Estimate of a residential building
project with a total plinth area of all building of 1500
sq.m. given that:
linth Area Rate = Rs: 950.00 / sq. ft.
Extra for special architectural treatment = 1.5 % of the
buiding cost.
Extra for water supply and sanitary installations = 5 %
of the building cost.
Extra for internal installations = 14 % of the buiding
cost
Extra for Electric & Sui gas services = 16 % of buiding
cost
Contigencies 3 % overall
Supervision charges = 8 % overall
Design charges = 2 % overall
 EXAMPLE 3
Prepare a Rough-cost Estimate based on unit costs
of per unit plinth area basis of a four storeyed
office building having a carpet area of 2000 sq.m.
for obtaining the administrative approval of the
Government. It may be assumed that 30 % of the
built up area will be taken by the corridors,
verandas, lavatories, staircase, etc. and 10 % of
built up area will be occupied by walls. The
following data is given:

Plinth Area Rate = Rs: 1100.00 / sq. ft.

Extra for special architectural treatment = 0.5 %
of the buiding cost.
Extra for water supply and sanitary installations =
6 % of the building cost.
 Example 3

Extra for internal installations = 14 % of the

buiding cost
Extra for electric services = 12.5 % of buiding
cost
Extra for sui gas services = 6 % of buiding cost
Extra due to deep foundations at site = 1.0 % of
buiding cost
Contigencies = 2.5 % overall
Supervision charges = 8 % overall
Design charges = 2.5 % overall
 Example 4
Prepare a Rough-cost Estimate for obtaining the
administrative approval of the Government for a
hospital project to serve both indoor and outdoor
patiesnts in an important rural area. The hospital will
consist of the following:
Main administrative office with dispensing
operations, etc.
Two general wards, each of 20 general beds.
Superintendent Doctors Residence.
Two Assistant Doctors Residences.
Eight single Nurses Quarters.
Four Compounders Quarters.
Twelve lower staffs Quarters.
 DETAILED ESTIMATE

Detailed estimates are prepared by carefully

and separately calculating in detail the costs
of various items of the work that constitute
the whole project from the detailed working
drawings after the design has been finalized.

The mistakes, if any, in the rough cost estimate are

eliminated in the detailed estimate.

Detailed estimates are submitted to the competent

authorities for obtaining technical sanction.
 DETAILED ESTIMATE

The whole project is sub-divided into different

items of work or activities. The quantity for each
item is then calculated separately from the
drawings as accurately as possible. The procedure
is known as "taking out of quantities".

The quantities for each item may be estimated

and shown in the pattern which is called "Bill of
quantities."

The unit, in which each item of the wok is to be

calculated, should be according to the prevailing
practice as followed in various departments of the
country.
 BILL OF QUANTITIES
Description No Measurements Quantity Total Remarks
Sr. No
of item Quantity

Length Breadth Height

 PRICED BILL OF QUANTITIES

Sr. No. Description of Item Unit Quantity Rate Cost Remarks

 DETAILED ESTIMATE

Each item of the work is then multiplied by its

estimated current rate calculated by a fixed procedure
to find out cost of the item.

At the end, a total of all items of the work are made to

get the total estimated cost.

The rates are usually as per Schedule of Rates for the

locality plus a premium to allow for rise in labor and
material rates over and above the schedule of rates.

A percentage, usually 5% is also provided on the total

estimated cost for the work to allow for the possible
contingencies due to unforeseen items or expenditure
or other causes, besides 2% establishment charges.
 DETAILED ESTIMATE

Besides drawings and details of measurements and

calculation of quantities (Bill of Quantities), the following
documents are also usually submitted with the detailed
estimate for obtaining Technical Sanction:

1. A report explaining History, necessity, scope and main

features of the project, its design, and estimate, etc.

2. Specifications lying down the nature and class of work

and material to be used in various parts of the work.

3. The abstract of cost (priced Bill of Quantities) showing the

total quantities under each sub-head, rate per unit of
measurement, and cost.

4. Calculation sheets showing calculations for important

parts of the structure. In fact, in estimating the art and
skill lies only in the computation of details without any
omissions, of all parts of the building or work.
1- CONTRACTOR ESTIMATE
It is made by the contractor for determining
the price or prices to be bid.
It is usually a carefully prepared detailed
estimate.

2- ENGINEERS ESTIMATE

This type of estimate is made by the Engineer

(Consultant) usually for the purposes of
financing the work and for checking bids and
running bills submitted by contractors.
 3- PROGRESS ESTIMATES
These are made by the Engineer at
regular intervals for the completed parts
of the project during the progress of the
work for determining the amounts of
partial payments to be made to the
contractor.

On large contracts, such estimates are

commonly made each month and, hence,
are frequently called monthly estimates.
 UNFORESEEN ITEMS IN DETAILED ESTIMATE

While preparing a detailed estimate, one had to

be very careful to see that all items of the work
are incorporated.
It is likely that a few Items, though unimportant
in nature, might have been overlooked and
which may result in raising the estimate of the
project.
There may be also certain unforeseen
circumstances affecting the project.
Hence, a certain allowance usually 5 to 10% of
the total cost, is made in the estimation which
will take care of all these items that are
unforeseen or are overlooked and are known as
"Contingencies".
 METHODS OF DETAILED
ESTIMATE
The dimensions, length, breadth and height or depth
are to be taken out from the working drawings (plan,
elevation and section).

Junctions of walls, corners and the meeting points of

walls require special attention.

For symmetrical footings, which is the usual case,

earthwork in excavation in foundations, foundation
concrete, brickwork in foundation and plinth, and
brickwork in superstructure may be estimated by either
of the two methods:

(1) SEPARATE OR INDIVIDUAL WALL METHOD

(2) CENTER LINE METHOD
 SEPARATE OR INDIVIDUAL WALLS
METHOD
The walls running in one direction are termed as
"long walls and the walls running in the
transverse direction, as "Short waLls", without
keeping in mind which wall is lesser in length
and which wall is greater in length.
Lengths of long walls are measured or found
"Out-to out" and those of short walls as "In-to-
in".
Different quantities are calculated by
multiplying the length by the breadth and the
height of the wall.
The same rule applies to the excavation in
foundation, to concrete bed in foundation,
D.P.C., masonry in foundation and super
structure etc.
 SEPARATE OR INDIVIDUAL WALLS
METHOD
For symmetrical footing on either side, the
center line remains same for super structure,
foundation and plinth. So, the simple method is
to find out the centre-to-centre lengths of long
walls and short walls from the plan.
Long wall length out-to-out
= Center to center length + half breadth on one
Side + half breadth on other side.

= Center to center length + one breadth

Short wall length in-to-in = Center to Center

length - one breadth.
 SEPARATE OR INDIVIDUAL WALLS
METHOD
This method can also be worked out in a quicker way., as follows:

For long walls

First of all, find the length of the foundation trench of the long
wall out-to-out in the same manner as explained above.
The length of the foundation concrete is the same.
For the length of the first footing or first step of the brick wall,
subtract two offsets (2x6"=12") in foundation concrete from the
length of the trench or concrete.
For the second footing subtract from the length of the 1st footing
two offsets (2x2.25"= 4.5"), for 3rd footing subtract from the
length of the 2nd footing 2 offsets (4.5") and in this way deal
with the long walls up to the super-structure.

For short walls

Follow he same method but instead of subtracting add two offsets
to get the corresponding lengths in-to-in.
1 Breadth 1 Breadth
2 2

Foundation
Trench
 CENTRE LINE METHOD
In this method, total length of centre lines of walls, long
and short, has to be found out.
Find the total length of centre lines of walls of same
type, having same type of foundations and footings and
then find the quantities by multiplying the total centre
length by the respective breadth and the height.
In this method, the length will remain the same for
excavation in foundations, for concrete in foundations,
for all footings, and for superstructure (with slight
difference when there are cross walls or number of
junctions).
This method is quicker but requires special attention
and considerations at the junctions, meeting points of
partition or cross walls.
 CENTRE LINE METHOD
For rectangular, circular polygonal (hexagonal,
octagonal etc) buildings having no inter or cross
walls, this method is quite simple.

For buildings having cross or partition walls, for

every junction, half breadth of the respective
item or footing is to be deducted from the total
centre length.

Thus in the case of a building with one partition

wall or cross wall having two junctions, deduct
one breadth of the respective item of work from
the total centre length.
 CENTRE LINE METHOD
For buildings having different types of walls, each set of
walls shall have to be dealt separately.

Find the total centre length of all walls of one type and
proceed in the same manner as described above. Similarly
find the total centre length of walls of second type and
deal this separately, and so on.

Suppose the outer walls (main walls) are of A type and

inner cross walls are of B type.

Then all A type walls shall be taken jointly first, and then
all B type walls shall be taken together separately.

In such cases, no deduction of any kind need be made for A

type walls, but when B type walls are taken, for each
junction deduction of half breadth of A type walls (main
Walls) shall have to be made from the total centre length
of B type walls.
 CENTRE LINE METHOD

At corners of the building where two walls

are meeting, no subtraction or addition is
required.

In the figure, the double cross-hatched

areas marked P,Q,R, & S come twice, while
blank areas, A,B,C, & D do not come at all,
but these portions being equal in
magnitude, we get the correct quantity.