CM 121 - Chapter 1: Introduction to Construction Cost Estimating

Vocabulary flashcards covering introductory concepts, the estimating process, estimate schedule, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), UNIFORMAT, MASTERFORMAT, and project item lists from CM 121 Chapter 1.

Estimate

The determination of the approximate cost of construction work based on the available design.

Estimating Process

A 10-step sequential pyramid framework starting from reviewing contract terms and assembling the estimate team up through submitting the final bid.

Estimate Schedule

Step 2 of the estimating process that defines team responsibilities and schedule milestones for completing all tasks prior to the bid date.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Step 3 in the estimating process; an outline of work activities used to assist with project planning, scheduling, and estimating detail.

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

The organization that developed UNIFORMAT and MASTERFORMAT, the two primary standard WBS systems for building projects in North America.

UNIFORMAT

A function-based Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) organization of building content (without regard to materials and methods) mainly used in preliminary estimating to indicate where a construction item is located.

MASTERFORMAT

A material-based Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) organization of building content that provides a detailed master list of numbers and titles, mainly used in detailed estimating to specify what a construction item is.

UNIFORMAT Level 1

The major elements level in UNIFORMAT designated by a single character code (e.g., A Substructure, B Shell, C Interior).

UNIFORMAT Level 2

The group elements level in UNIFORMAT designated by a three-character code (e.g., A10 Foundations).

UNIFORMAT Level 3

The elements level in UNIFORMAT designated by a five-character code (e.g., A1010 Standard foundations).

UNIFORMAT Level 4

The subelements level in UNIFORMAT designated by user-defined codes (e.g., A1010.100 Wall foundations).

Project Item List

A tabular list of project cost items organized by line number and CSI Division that indicates whether material and labor are provided by the General Contractor or a Subcontractor.

Construction Cost Estimating (Textbook)

The textbook for CM 121 authored by Len Holm and John E. Schaufelberger, structured into 6 parts and 24 chapters.