Cost estimation is one of the most difficult yet important tasks for any construction project. With the help of this, construction companies and project managers can carry on a seamless planning process concerning the project credentials and specifically regarding the allocation of budgetary resources. Therefore, an estimate decides upon the success or failure of the business project. In case of wrong estimation, it victimized the company by the way of delays, overruns, and goal achievement failures. This article will act as a guide for you about certain mistakes to avoid in construction estimation and if occurred, how to mitigate them.
Inaccuracy in Estimating Residential Construction Cost
There is a high probability of errors occurring while estimating residential project costs. The reason behind this is the low experiential background of the estimator and their non-familiarity with the location-specific rates of material, equipment, and labor. Though how simple the project is, sometimes becomes extremely challenging in the presence of such a scenario. This ultimately affects the company’s profitability through under-estimation or over-estimation.
Solution
It is compulsory for the estimator for being well-versed in the factors involved in its estimation phases. He/she should absorb a thorough knowledge of the project’s credentials to take action accordingly. A complete analysis of ongoing market rates and trends concerning particular locations is essential for crafting accurate residential construction estimates. Furthermore, a review session for given estimates is also necessary to keep things in line.
Fail To Notice the Condition of the Construction Site
The state of the construction site has a direct impact on the project’s cost estimation and completion. Overlooking the site’s situation can lead the project toward failure. It brings about the error of underestimation that causes delays in project completion. Once the shortage of material is faced, the contractor has to look for more and that waiting time affects the profitability of the business.
Solution
To keep the project away from this blunder, the construction estimator should analyze the working condition of the site before starting up with the estimates. The things to look upon at the construction site comprise accessibility to the place, location geography, soil situation, and climatic patterns. Estimators should all the time stay in touch with the project manager and stakeholders for getting timely insights about the site conditions.
Poor Communication with The Stakeholders
A project requires a robust connection between the estimator and its stakeholders i.e., architects, investors, project manager, contractor, developer, designer, engineer, and clients. When an estimator fails to coordinate properly with these parties, it leads to inaccuracy in the final cost evaluation. For example, without knowing a detailed project scope, an estimator cannot judge the amount of work that a project requires. Ultimately, this act causes an underestimation of the project cost.
Solution
However, the estimator should correspond frequently with the project parties throughout the entire project life cycle. An estimator and stakeholders with a better understanding of the project scope, timeline, and budget can take the project to its peak. Irregular communication with stakeholders comes under the top mistakes to avoid in construction estimation. Avoiding such gives surety of correct estimates and that can further assist in project completion within the set budget and time.
Underrate Labor Productivity
The project crew is the asset of the construction company. Devaluing their efforts can cost the company at the highest level. The productivity of the project labor matters a lot in determining the time duration for project completion. Likewise, an exact time frame helps in cost estimation. Estimators who undervalue the productivity level always make the mistake of overestimated cost.
Solution
Construction estimators should necessitate adding labor productivity levels in their estimates. Factors to consider at this end include the experience level and familiarity of the crew with this industry, the availability of tools & equipment, and the nature of the project. By doing so, the company can keep its estimation process under controlled limits while ensuring complete accuracy.
Wrong Identification of Project Scope
A common mistake that most estimators practice is about wrongly identifying the project scope. This invites a flawed estimation process. A project may face cost overruns or probably long delays in its completion. Unfortunately, it wastes much of the precious time of all the concerned parties to the project.
Solution
A deep understanding by the estimators regarding the project scope is vital for the success of the construction project. He/she should account for ascertaining the project’s specifications, goals, and objectives. For achieving this end, a discussion with the project manager is imperative for knowing every bit about the project scope.
Erroneous Material Takeoffs
A project is completed based on material inputs. Inexperienced estimators sometimes calculate wrong figures for the material quantities that lead to shortages or wastage. In case of overestimation, the material purchased for the project gets wasted as well as the price spent on buying them. On the other hand, if they underestimate the quantity, the project comes to halt till the new material is acquired. This not only disturbs the project time frame but also causes wrong estimations.
Solution
For a correction of this mistake, cost estimators should have a sound judgment about varying the material quantities for the different types of projects. Links with location-specific suppliers and contractors offer great assistance to the estimators in the evaluation of final construction cost numbers through accurate quantity takeoff and material pricing.
Putting Out-of-Date Cost Data
Outdated facts can never call for a successful end. Every situation or phase requires to be updated, and so does the construction estimation. Putting old material and labor cost figures in the estimates will show up inaccurate results.
Solution
It is essential for construction cost evaluators to stay up-to-date with the current information and trends. A project that starts with thorough research on the latest material prices, labor rates, and equipment costs will surely result in high accuracy and reliability in the estimates.
Conclusion
Cost estimation for a construction project is not an easy job. Therefore, it demands the full dedication and commitment of an estimator for positive project results. He/she accounts for evaluating common mistakes to avoid in construction estimation and to deliver super flawlessly till the end.
