Review of Plans & Estimating

IntroductionArchitect’s ResponsibilitiesTypes of EstimatesFactors Affecting CostFilmProject: Roof Plan

The architect’s estimate includes the following: Designed items Specified items Owner’s labor & materials

The architect’s estimate does not include the following: Professional fees Land costs

Estimating

IntroductionAs part of professional services architects

and consultants prepare estimates of construction cost.

These estimates are NOT guaranteed because of the many factors that are beyond their control, such as..

Estimating

Manufacturers, suppliers & distributors influence the price of materials and equipment

Unions influence labor costsIndividual contractors determine how they

will prepare their bidsMarket forces of supply & demand affect

competition

Estimating

Architect’s Responsibility Current AIA agreement forces architect to

design to the owner’s budget Study the program and budget to see if they are

in line and inform the owner Provide the owner with a preliminary budget

estimate based on area, volume or other unit cost

SF cost for a building type High ceiling heights (gyms, auditoriums) use volume Cost per room (hotels) or per bed (unit cost)

Estimating

SD Phase Provide an estimate based on square footage Advise owner of a contingency due to lack of detail 10%

to 20% DD Phase

Provide an updated estimate based on material, finish and equipment selections

CD Phase Advise owner of necessary changes to earlier

estimates; especially market conditions Since CD’s take time to produce market conditions may

change forcing owner’s to alter the program or the cost of labor/materials to change

Estimating

Fixed Limit of Cost Sometimes a owner will have a limit of construction

spending This sometimes requires alternates & unit pricing The owner needs to relinquish control of scope and

quality to the architect If the bids exceed the limit..

Waive the limit and accept the bid Re-bid the project (market conditions) Abandon the project; terminate the architect Reduce scope, quality or both and re-bid

Types of EstimatesArea / Volume EstimatesSubsystem EstimatesDetailed Estimates

Area / Volume Estimates

Area / Volume Estimates

Consult sources like Means, Dodge Reports, Building Design & Construction

Performed usually during SD; contingency

Subsystem Estimates

Subsystem EstimatesPerformed when more detailed information becomes available.

Subsystem method involves units or assemblies. This allows architects to make basic decisions about various building components on a square foot basis.

Subsystems include Foundations, substructure, enclosure, roofing, etc

Detailed Estimates• Requires detailed calculations of the amount of each

type of material and labor necessary. • Unit costs are applied to the calculated quantities to

give direct cost• Indirect costs are then added such as overhead

(insurance, payroll taxes, administrative expenses, etc.), contractor profit and general conditions (permits, tests, etc.)

Factors Affecting Cost

Legal and Administrative Requirements Legal factors – liquidated damages Owner requirements – bonds, insurance

Project Complexity Large buildings cost less per unit area than small ones Compact buildings cost less that those with large

footprints Materials and Methods

Special building types with specific requirements may be more costly than buildings with many typical details or have regular repetitive layouts

Project Location Labor and material cost varies

Construction Schedule Short schedules may cost less Short schedules may cost more

Bidding Competition

Assignments

Make sure to have read Lessons 1-4Quiz #3Project: Roof Plan