Construction Estimating Methods for Process Plants

[sentrifice]

Hi All,

I wanted to see what others were using to do construction cost estimating for industrial jobs.

We are a smaller EPC firm who usually hires an estimator to help bid jobs but we want to start taking this on ourself.

I'm looking for techniques, methods, or software to start to learn this process internally. The main scope of work we would be trying to estimate is power and process piping, equipment installation, cable and conduit, MCC and switchboard installation, that sort of stuff.

Right now I am looking at RSMeans software/handbook but it seems like they focus much more on the commercial residential side than industrial/process plant side.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

[KaBone]

I’ve done quite a bit of estimating and it comes down to 2 things: what costs you money and what are those rates. RS Means compiles data to give you a general unit rate. The best data to use is your own. Go thru the job you want to bid and quantify every work element. Go thru all your previous jobs and figure out what each of those work elements cost you. Try to break it down into the materials, equipment and labor. With your unit rates you’ll be able to price out each work element.
Then there’s overhead costs to include, all the other people and things you need to get the job done, but doesn’t actually get their hands dirty.
The hardest part to recognize and quantify is risk. There will be things that come up that you didn’t consider.
Put that all together and add whatever profit you need to make and there’s your estimate. It’s not easy, and that’s why there’s an estimating industry.

 

[SolracR]

Depends what part of the world you are estimating.

I've used RIBS Candy (CCS) and at first, is complicated to understand, but once you understand how it works and its structure it is pretty useful, I recommend it. (Works around BILL, RESOURCES, INDIRECTS).

RS Means I understand only has data for USA and Canada, this is a limitation besides you need to pay more to use WBS, custom prices, assemblies.

 

[Bidding Estimate]

To handle construction cost estimating in-house, consider using specialized Construction Cost Estimating Services tailored for industrial jobs. While RSMeans is good, you might need software focused on power, process piping, and equipment installation for industrial projects. Explore options designed for EPC firms to streamline your estimating process.

 

[FacEngrPE]

When I was actively estimating, I used a combination of RSMean's, Richarson's, and historical data adjusted by one of the St Louis FED industrial construction producer price index. Richardson's has an industrial focused cost data product.