Estimating

This module provides an introduction on the principle of estimating and components prices such as material, plant, wastage, profit and labour.




Chapters Covered:

  • Introduction to Principle of Estimating
  • Project Cost Estimating
  • Component of Build-up Rate
  • Introduction to Various Methods of Estimating
  • Sub-contracting Works
  • Excavation Works
  • Concrete Works
  • Brickwork
  • Roofing Work
  • Glazing
  • Plastering and Tiling Works
  • Carpentry and Joinery
  • Painting Works
  • Plumbing Works
  • External Works
  • Preliminaries
  • Break of Elemental Cost Analaysis

Assessments Done: 


1. Seminar


The Seminar is divided into 2 parts; Theory and Calculation.



The theory part is assessed by the lecturer. It is a group assignment of 5 students. We are given a theory question and are asked to work on it with our group members during about a week. Then, we are given 15 minutes to present our answer to the lecturer and our classmates. Each member of the group should present. 


The calculation part is a peer assessment. It is done individually. Each student should tutor about 2-3 students on how to do a calculation question. We are given about 30 minutes to tutor the students and at the end, the students will assess our tutor individually.





2. Tender Documents


We form a group of 8 students to participate in a tender exercise.

This activity is divided into 2 parts; Tender Submission and Tender Evaluation.

Each group receives a tender invitation and should follow the formal steps in obtaining a tender document. We should firstly obtain quotations from suppliers or sub-contractors. Then, after 2 weeks there is the virtual site visit. Then, during about 4 weeks we are required to estimate the unit rates using the best quotations we selected. After that, we need to complete the tender documents by filling out all the important forms and calculating the gross tender amount. After submission date 4 groups were short-listed from a list of 7 groups.

After being short-listed, the group has to go for the tender interview. For the unsuccessful tenderers, an evaluation session will be done to give the students an opportunity to justify the goodness and errors in their tender for continuous improvement.



Reflection


This module has helped me to list down the various components of construction project attributing costs and explain the terminology related to the preparation of unit rates. I am also now able to analyse various cost elements in building up the total cost of a building project. Furthermore this module has helped me to Implement cost control procedures to consider alternatives and make well-reasoned recommendations promptly.

No comments: