Construction estimating is a crucial process in the construction industry, as it involves accurately predicting the cost of a project before work begins. In New Zealand, construction estimating is typically carried out by quantity surveyors, who are responsible for estimating and managing construction costs. However, the process can be complex and requires a high level of skill and expertise.
The first step in the construction estimating process is to gather all necessary information about the project. This includes the scope of work, materials required, and any special requirements or considerations. The quantity surveyor will also need to research the cost of materials, labour, and other expenses that will be incurred during the project.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the quantity surveyor can begin the process of estimating the cost of the project. This involves creating a detailed budget that outlines all the costs associated with the project, including materials, labour, and any other expenses. The budget should also include a contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs that may arise during the project.
Once the budget has been created, the quantity surveyor will need to review it to ensure that it is accurate and complete. This may involve comparing the budget to similar projects to ensure that the costs are reasonable or consulting with experts in the field to get their input. The final budget should be thorough and comprehensive, with all costs accounted for.
Once the budget has been reviewed and approved, it is important for the quantity surveyor to monitor the project closely to ensure that it stays on track. This may involve reviewing the project regularly to ensure that it is on budget and that all costs are being properly accounted for. If any issues or discrepancies arise, the quantity surveyor will need to work with the project team to resolve them and ensure that the project stays on track.
Construction estimating is a crucial process that requires a high level of skill and expertise. By accurately predicting the cost of a project, quantity surveyors can help ensure that it is completed on time and within budget. If you are interested in pursuing a career in quantity surveying and want to learn more about construction estimating, there are many resources available to help you get started, one of them is our program and tuition from Senior Quantity Surveyors; you can view our full program following this link
For jobs involving construction estimators, we recommend Seek