Quantity Surveying and Cost Estimating (Part I)

Estimate

Approximation projection or prediction of a quantity of work; a statement of the approximate or projected cost of work to be done.

Quantity Survey

Term describing the detailed calculation of all component necessary to construct a building.

Detailed Estimate of Construction Cost

A forecast of construction cost prepared on the basis of a detailed analysis of materials and labor for all items of work.

Bill of Materials

Term used to describe the materials’ sub-components needed to manufacture a finished product

User-unit method

An estimating method, involves the determination of user occupants to quantify space and to establish cost.

Area Method

An estimating method involving costing and quantification using area and multiplier or factor

Volume Method

An estimating method involving the three-dimensional aspect of the project. Is an extension of the area method but involves the height of the building project.

Parametric Method

Involves the identification of several major factors in estimating components of the project each with a corresponding percentage cost.

Modular Cost Method

An estimating method applicable to repetitive work or work made of similar components.

Quantity Survey Method

An estimating method considered to be the most precise of the different types of estimating method. Materials are quantified based parameters.

Combination Method

An estimation method used when the project and the scope of work is incomplete or some area of the project are not clearly defined.

50 pcs

How many 6” CHBs can be produced out of one (1) bag of cement per five (5) bags of sand?

350 psi

The compressive strength of a non-load bearing CHB

750 psi

The compressive strength of a load bearing CHB

12.5 pcs / m²

How many CHBs can fit per m² area?