Construction Cost Estimator – Line Item
A superior line item construction cost estimator generally has an intricate knowledge of field construction techniques, uses a common data environment, and is skilled at both collaboration and LEAN construction and/or facilities management.
Field construction knowledge – Without knowing what types of crews are currently used for drywall installation or asbestos removal, impacts of site conditions or security/access issues, etc., it’s virtually impossible to create an independent construction cost estimate and/or verify the estimates of subs / trades.
Common data environment – Using CSI MasterFormat and an associated construction cost database with common descriptions, terms, and full detail as to labor, material, and equipment costs is the ONLY efficient way to build, maintain, re-use, and share detailed line construction cost data. An experienced construction cost estimator knows this, but is it is surprising how few estimators practice these techniques. A unit price book and a common data architecture are critical to improving transparency and productivity.
LEAN collaborative construction delivery methods – Job Order Contracting, JOC (for renovation, repair, and minor new construction( and Integrated Project Deliver, IPD (for major new construction) are proven LEAN construction delivery methods that are capable of consistently delivering over 90% of projects on-time, on-budget, and to everyone’s satisfaction. That said, less than 5% of the AECOO market practices these methods, of fewer practice them appropriately. If one looks at the ability of various market sectors to understand and deploy JOC, for example, hears a ranking of best to worst…
- DOD
- Higher Education
- Transportation (Airports/Mass Transit)
- State Government and/or K12 Education
All detailed costs associated with a renovation, repair, maintenance, or new construction project must be addressed and mutually understood. While this appears obvious, it is rarely the case for across Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Owners, and Facility Managers/Operators.
The fact that Real Property Owners, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Facility Managers, and Users rarely share and understand detailed task descriptions and costs is a major factor contributing to industry-wide low productivity, rampant waste, and overall poor outcomes.
Owners are ultimately responsible for their built structures.. their quality and condition, ability to support the organizational mission, and life-cycle costs. The use of detailed line item unit costs significantly helps to communicate information among all project participants, beneficiaries, and oversight groups as well as focus attention upon specific requirements and intended outcomes. The use of unit cost methodology promotes and requires responsibility and accountability for decisions throughout the project life-cycle.
Benefits of Unit Cost Line Item Estimating
- Total Cost Visibility/Awareness
- More Efficient Allocation of Resources
- Improved Best Value Decision-making
- Fewer Errors and/or Omissions