OneManWolfpack
Civil/Environmental
- Feb 27, 2012
- 22
Construction cost estimating is not my forte. My go-to methods are RS Means and emailing reps. My firm attempts to compile bid price records from previous projects, which is extremely helpful when I find relevant items; however, I often find this resource lacking.
Most of the estimating I do is for long term planning and alternatives analysis, so coming up with "ballpark" numbers without spending too much time is more important than getting precise, project-specific estimates.
What are your typical methods/resources for budget cost estimating?
For example, right now I'm evaluating a WWTP expansion against pumping excess capacity needed to another WWTP. I have a prelim designs for both alternatives, and a good handle on lifecycle costs outside of construction cost estimates - this is where I feel like I spend WAY too much time.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Most of the estimating I do is for long term planning and alternatives analysis, so coming up with "ballpark" numbers without spending too much time is more important than getting precise, project-specific estimates.
What are your typical methods/resources for budget cost estimating?
For example, right now I'm evaluating a WWTP expansion against pumping excess capacity needed to another WWTP. I have a prelim designs for both alternatives, and a good handle on lifecycle costs outside of construction cost estimates - this is where I feel like I spend WAY too much time.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.