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Building Cost Estimator
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Making an accurate forcast of
the cost of future projects is vital to the survival of any business.
Building Cost Estimators use cost information to enable owners or
managers to determine resource and material quantities, making bids for
contracts, and determining if a new product will be profitable, or which
products may be making a profit for a firm. Estimators compile and analyze data on all the factors that can influence costs-such as materials, labor, location, and special machinery requirements, and even computer hardware and software, no matter what job they do. The kind of work that needs doing will depend largely on the type and size of the project. Costs engineers usually have an engineering background. They apply scientific principles and methods in undertaking feasibility studies, value engineering, and life-cycle costing. Estimating costs involves a variety of materials and methods, depending on the industry. On a construction project, for example, the estimating process begins with the decision to submit a bid. The Building Cost Estimator visits the site of the proposed project after he or she has reviewed a variety of drawings and specifications. Information on access to the site and availability of electricity, water, and other services, as well as surface topography and drainage, needs to be gathered by the estimator. The final project estimate should include a signed report containing all the information collected during the site visit. There are probably as many estimating procedures as there are contractors and Building Cost Estimators. Most contractors have a variety of forms and procedures to suit their needs but there are standards for estimation practices developed by the American Society of Profession Estimators (ASPE) and American Association of Cost Engineers (AACE) to which they must adhere. The forms, worksheets, order of procedure and methods of applying costs are usually modified by individual companies in a way that best suits their needs. Building Cost Estimators spend most of their time in an office, construction estimators, on the other hand, have to visit project work sites to get a clearer picture. These sites maybe dusty, dirty, and occasionally hazardous environments. Likewise, manufacturing estimators spend their time on the factory floor where it also can be noisy and dirty. In some industries, estimators may have to travel frequently between a firm\'s headquarters and its subsidiaries, or they may need to visit subcontractors when required. Although Building Cost Estimators normally work a 40-hour week, overtime is common. Cost estimators often work under pressure and this can be quite stressful especially when a bid has a deadline. A firm can lose out on a bid or lose money on a job as the result of an inaccurate estimate. This is why there is a need for highly skilled and efficient Building Cost Estimators. |
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Building Cost Estimator Software helps you bid your jobs Copyright (c) 2006-2008 Litening Software, LLC Contact Us Your PrivacyAre Your Sick and Tired of Losing Money on Every Estimate? Discover how you can:
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