Chapter 1
Introduction
Estimate is the process of calculating or computing the various quantities and the
expected expenditure to be aroused on a particular work or project. The estimate gives
the probable cost of the work.
Importance of Estimating
a. The estimate is necessary for fixing budget for the purposed project.
b. It is necessary for calculating the required quantities of materials and labors for
the project.
c. It is necessary to draw up a work schedule.
d. It is necessary to fix up a completion period of the proposed project.
e. It is also helpful to check the works done by contractors during and after the
execution.
f. It is required for preparing tender for the project.
g. It is necessary for the valuation of land and building.
UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
The units of measurements are mainly categorized for their nature, shape, size and for
making payments to the contractor also. The principle of units of measurements
normally consists of the following:
a. Single units work i.e., piecework and job work like doors, windows, trusses etc.,
are expressed in numbers.
b. Long and thin work consisting linear measurement like fencing, handrail, bands
of specified width etc., are expressed in running meters (rm)
c. Shallow, thin and surface work consisting areal surface measurements like
plastering, whitewashing, partitions of specified thickness etc. are expressed in
square meters (m²)
d. Mass, voluminous and thick work consisting cubical contents which involve
volume like earth work, cement concrete, masonry etc. are expressed in cubic
meters.
Units of Measurement and payment
Item Description of work Units of Unit of
no. measurement payment
1 Earthwork
per 100
1.1 E/W in excavation m³ m³
per 100
1.2 E/W in filling in floor m³ m³
1.3 Surface dressing m² per m²
1.4 E/W in cutting in road work m³ per m³
1.5 E/W in banking/filling work m³ per m³
2 Brick Work
2.1 B/W on flat soling m² per m²
2.2 B/W on foundation m³ per m³
2.3 B/W in superstructure m³ per m³
2.4 Fairfaced brickwork m³ per m³
2.5 B/W in cornice m per m
2.6 Half Brick thick wall m² per m²
3 Concrete work
3.1 P.C.C. in foundation m³ per m³
3.2 75 mm thick P.C.C. m² per m²
3.3 50 mm thick P.C.C. m² per m²
3.4 Lime concrete P.C.C. m³ per m³
3.5 Plum concrete m³ per m³
3.6 P.C.C. for R.C.C. works m³ per m³
4 Wood Work
4.1 Wood work for doors and windows m³ per m³
4.2 doors and windows shutters (Panelled, flush, glazed, wiremesh shutters) m² per m²
4.3 Wood work for rafter, joist, post, purlin, wall plates, etc. m³ per m³
4.4 wood work for tross m³ per m³
4.5 wooden partition m² per m²
4.6 wooden false ceilings m² per m²
4.7 wooden form work m² per m²
5 Metal Works
per kg or
5.1 Steel reinforcement for R.C.C. works kg or MT MT
5.2 Mild steel Grill kg per kg
5.3 Tubular trosses and parties kg per kg
6 Plaster Works
6.1 Cement plaster m² per m²
6.2 Pointing works m² per m²
7 Painting and Polishing
7.1 Painting works (destemper, cement, plastic emulsion, enamel point etc.) m² per m²
7.2 French polishing m² per m²
7.3 Varnish Polishing m² per m²
8 Miscellaneous Works
8.1 Marble flooring m² per m²
8.2 Mosaic flooring m² per m²
8.3 Plaster of paris (P.O.P.) m² per m²
8.4 Cement skirting m per m
PURPOSE OF ESTIMATING
a. To estimate the probable cost of the work.
b. To find the various types and quantities of material required.
c. To find the various categories and quantities of labors required.
d. To give an idea of time required for the completion of the work,
e. To invite the tenders and quotations and to arrange contract.
f. To control the expenditure during the execution of work,
g. To justify investment from benefit cost ratio.
h. To help in fixation of standard rent and valuation of properties.
DATA REQUIRED FOR ESTIMATING
a. Drawings
Drawings are required for the calculation of the quantities of the materialh The
drawings showing plans, elevations, different section and other relevant detail with
clear and complete dimensions are very essential before preparing an estimate.
b. Specifications
Specification describes the nature and class of the work, material to be used,
workmanship and is very important for execution of work.
c. General Specifications
This gives a general idea about the nature, quality, class and materials in general
terms to be used in various types of work.
d. Detailed Specifications
These gives the detailed description of the various items of work laying down the
quantities and qualities of materials, their proportions, method of preparation,
workmanship and execution of work.
e. Rates
Rates are essential for the computation of estimate by multiplying quantities of
materials with unit rates. For preparing the estimate the unit rates of each item of
work are required. Unit rates of each item arrive from:
I. The rates of various materials to be used in the construction.
II. The cost of transport materials.
III. The wages of labour.
System of Units
On the basis of unit used for the fundamental quantities, we have following system of
units.
1. CGS system: In this system of units, length is expressed in centimeter (cm),
mass in gram (g) and time in second (s).
2. MKS system: In this system of unit, length is expressed in meter (m), mass in
kilogram (kg), and time in sec (s).
3. FDS: In this system of units, length is expressed in foot, mass is pound and time
is second.
4. SI System
• The international system of units, internationally known by the abbreviation
SI.
• Advanced form of MKS system.
• In addition to length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, luminous
intensity and amount of substance were added as the fundamental quantities.
Difference between actual cost and actual cost
Estimated Cost Actual Cost
a. Predicted expenses for a a. Real amount spent during
project or task project execution
b. Planning phase b. Execution phase
c. Assumptions, historical data, c. Actual expenses incurred
preliminary info
d. Budgeting, funding, financial d. Tracking, reporting,
expectations finalizing project costs
e. Helps in setting financial e. Reflects true project cost
targets
