Job Costing 1

[micks87]

Hi All,

I have a question in relation to costing / quoting and estimations for structural jobs. Currently in NZ, the work is pretty good and constantly busy. I have spoken to other engineers and they are suggesting a percentage fee based on the gross cost of the structure? Is this common practice? What percentage would you suggest? Can anybody suggest an adequate approach for quoting?

The firm I currently work does not have a adequate method for this and we are under quoting jobs as a result. Currently the level of work is residential engineering, strengthening work, some light commercial work.

Thanks for your time.

 

[CELinOttawa]

The horse is dead Jim.

Go forth and search. The threads will multiply before your very eyes...

 

[civeng80]

This is a rule of thumb which was used a few years ago.

For simple buildings e.g portal framed warehouses 1 to 2 % of project cost.

Anything more complex could go up as far as 10 or maybe more %.

 

[msquared48]

As cvg mentioned... use the search function. This has been discussed in depth here.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[CELinOttawa]

Listen to Mike: A search will quite frankly be of more value than a new thread!

 

[msquared48]

I can't even read with my glasses. I meant CEL. Sorry...

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[CELinOttawa]

lol... No stress Mike. I'm always happy to see you around the thread; I'll take an unintended kick or two if that's the cost of your wisdom. *smiles*

 

[Agent666]

I am in NZ too, so I can say with some certainty that in NZ you would get laughed of the face of the planet if you ever went close to the 10% someone mentioned.

For smaller jobs it's easy enough to sit down and attribute hours against what you need to design and draw. Then divide it by 1.5 if you want a chance of getting the job.... Times it by 1.5 for a realistic amount of hours you will actually spend on it....

Such is the environment in New Zealand at the moment, everyone is just to busy and there's lots of work out there and everyone wants a piece of it.