Preconstruction Estimating: Budget Through Bid

Estimating is one of the most important steps in the construction process, often determining the success or failure of a project. This valuable sourcebook offers architects, engineers, and contractors a solid, step-by-step approach to the budgeting-estimating process - from concept-budget through schematic and pre-bid estimates to contractor's estimates, including subcontractor's estimates and change-order estimating. It also examines value engineering at the design development and cost confidence points during the design process. The book features comprehensive coverage of: the estimates needed for different types of contracts; project costs, including design and management, land, financing, interest equipment, and commissioning; techniques for determining design status at the various stages of a construction project; the importance of schedules, incentives, and claims; and databases and computerized systems used in construction estimating. Readers will learn the best methods of estimating contractor overheads and construction equipment costs. There is also guidance on the many factors affecting productivity, such as working conditions, overtime, weather conditions, and work rules. In addition, the book provides detailed information on effective pricing strategies, the role of estimating in the change order process, and ways of presenting and/or defending claims for disputed work or delay. This authoritative reference offers construction professionals the expertise they need to achieve financial success and risk reduction on construction projects.