If you have been estimating construction projects, then you are already familiar with using a quantity figure to calculate the cost of any bid item. Multiplying the quantity by the unit cost generates the total cost of any item.
But did you know that dual-quantity estimating using two quantity figures can help you win more bids, and improve your profit margins?
Let’s explore why.
When you are estimating and pricing a bid, you normally have a list of pay items, each with a quantity figure provided by the client in the bid document (or Bill of Quantity). You are likely using these quantity figures to estimate the cost of the project. The quantity figures are what the client determined was needed based on their assessment.
Estimating with the client’s quantity figures remains important for several reasons:
While estimating with the quantity figures is still very important, it is not enough to make an informed pricing decision. You can increase your likelihood of winning bids and improve your profit margins by also using estimated quantity figures.
The estimated quantity figures are the quantities you measure based on your own assessment as an estimator, or with the help of the quantity surveyor at your company. Your estimated quantity figures might match the client’s quantity figures, or they may be different depending on the item. Instead of solely relying on the client’s quantity figures, you use your own measurement based on the drawings and your understanding of the project. For indirect items that tend to be duration-based, the estimated quantity is based on your estimated duration of the project rather than the client’s expectation.
Estimating with your estimated quantity figures has key benefits:
When you have estimated your project based on both the quantity figures and estimated quantity figures, you get two magic numbers: a competitiveness indicator and a profitability indicator.
Competitiveness indicator = Direct Cost based on quantities + Indirect Cost based on quantities
Profitability indicator = Direct Cost based on estimated quantities + Indirect Cost based on estimated quantities
The competitiveness and profitability indicators provide you with the insight you need to determine your target bid price. Without both indicators, you risk overpricing and losing the bid, or winning the bid but executing it at a loss. Having visibility of both indicators provides you a competitive advantage, and enables you to make smart pricing decisions for your business.
The good news is that with the right tools in place, dual-quantity estimating can be very simple.
We hear from our users that BidBow is the only construction estimating software that makes dual-quantity estimating easy, empowering you to determine the right target price for your bid. Try a dual-quantity approach to estimating with BidBow to experience the difference.
There are different types of cost estimating methods used in construction. The choice of method depends on the stage and type of the project being estimated. When a bid needs to be submitted to a client, a detailed estimate is often required. A detailed estimate allows for a high degree of accuracy, enabling bid pricing that is competitive and profitable for the business.
Generating a detailed estimate can be challenging, because the number of resources required in any given project can be extensive. Construction estimating software can help make this process easier and faster. However, regardless of whether you are using specialized software, you can generate a detailed estimate using the 5 steps outlined in this article.
Resources are the basic building blocks used to estimate the cost of a construction project. Cost estimation is the process of calculating the cost of all the resources required to carry out a project.
Start by building a list of resources and their unit costs. This will be the library of resources that you will use in all your estimates. You can start populating it with the resources you think you will need for your first project, and it will continue to grow as you estimate more projects. You can speed up building this library by purchasing an initial data set from a construction cost data provider, or by using historical project estimates or procurement records.
Categorize the resources based on a system that makes sense for your business. The most common resource categories are the 4Ms: manpower, material, machinery, and money. You may want to add a subcontractor category if you work with subcontractors. At BidBow, we recommend breaking down money into two separate categories, finance, and margins. Creating subcategories within each resource category can also be helpful when it comes to filtering and reporting on your data.
A resource record would typically include the following fields at a minimum:
Activities are groups of resources that produce an output. Consider creating an activity anytime you need to estimate a group of resources that work together to produce an output, especially if the activity reoccurs in multiple projects. Activities can significantly simplify estimation. By using activities, you can reduce the need to individually estimate resources, and you can factor in productivity in your estimates.
The following is an example to illustrate activities. "Casting concrete for a foundation" is an example of an activity that may be required in many construction projects. Estimating its cost requires calculating the cost of a group of resources, such as masons, laborers, concrete vibrator, concrete pump, and potable water for curing. To estimate its cost, we need to determine the quantity of each of the resources required to produce a specific output.
This activity may be defined as follows:
Activity description: Casting concrete for foundation
Output: 40 CUM
Resources required to produce 40 CUM:
A | B | C | D | E | |
1 | Resource | Unit | Quantity | Unit Cost | Cost |
2 | Mason | Day | 1 | From resource library | C2 x D2 |
3 | Laborer | Day | 6 | From resource library | C3 x D3 |
4 | Concrete vibrator | Day | 2 | From resource library | C4 x D4 |
5 | Concrete pump charges | CUM | 40 | From resource library | C5 x D5 |
6 | Potable water for curing | CUM | 2 | From resource library | C6 x D6 |
Total Cost Sum(E2:E6) |
Unit Cost = Total Cost / Output
Multiplying the quantity by the unit cost of each resource then adding up all the results generates the total cost of the activity. The total cost is divided by the output (40 CUM) to generate the unit cost of the activity. The unit cost can then be used to estimate this activity more quickly when a project requires it.
Resources and activities can be linked such that when resource costs change, the cost of any impacted activities is updated automatically. This is one of the many areas specialized construction estimating software can help automate.
Creating a building block library of resources and activities that is relevant for your business is a prerequisite to estimating your projects. Steps 1 and 2 describe how you can build this library, but these steps only need to be performed once. Afterwards, you can simply adjust your library as needed. For instance, when resource rates change, or when new resources or activities need to be added. Once you have a library of resources and activities created, any future cost estimation exercise can be done by following steps 3 to 5.
Direct items are the project pay items that need to be estimated. The list of direct items typically comes from the client as a “Bill of Quantity” or a bid document. However, direct items can also be generated internally from project specifications and drawings.
Each direct item is estimated using the library of activities and resources built in the first two steps. The following is an example to illustrate how direct items can be estimated.
Direct item description: Concrete for foundation
Quantity: 2000 CUM
Resources and activities required per unit of the direct item:
A | B | C | D | E | F | |
1 | Resource or Activity | Unit | Quantity | Factor | Unit Cost | Cost |
2 | Activity: Casting concrete for foundation | CUM | 1 | 1 | From activity library | C2 x D2 x E2 |
3 | Resource: Concrete 40/20 SRC | CUM | 1 | 1.02 | From resource library | C3 x D3 x E3 |
4 | Activity: Steel rebars cutting, bending and fixing in structures | KG | 100 | 1 | From activity library | C4 x D4 x E4 |
5 | Resource: Steel reinforcement grade 460 | KG | 100 | 1.05 | From resource library | C5 x D5 x E5 |
Total Cost Per Unit Sum(F2:F5) |
Total Direct Item Cost = Total Cost Per Unit x Quantity
Multiplying the quantity by the unit cost by the factor (used to account for material waste) of each resource or activity, then adding up all the results generates the total cost per unit of the direct item. This cost is multiplied by the direct item quantity to generate the total cost for this direct item.
All direct items are calculated in the same way, then the total cost of all direct items is added up to determine the total project direct cost.
At BidBow, we recommend calculating the direct cost based on estimated quantities as well. This provides estimators two pricing scenarios to evaluate before determining the bid price. One that is based on quantities provided by the client, and another that is based on estimated quantities determined by the estimator.
Indirect items are sometimes called overheads. They are the additional costs that are not directly related to a pay item. Some common examples are bank charges, insurance, supervision staff, and project margins. Indirect items tend to be very similar from one project to the next, so we recommend creating a list of the most common types of indirect items that can be used as a template across all projects.
Indirect costs are usually sums of money (like bank or insurance charges), duration-based costs (such as supervision staff), or percentages (such as project margins).
Identify and estimate each indirect item using the library of resources. The following is an example to illustrate how indirect items can be estimated.
Indirect item description: Supervision engineers
Quantity: 24 Months (the duration of the project)
Resources required per unit of the indirect item:
A | B | C | D | E | |
1 | Resource | Unit | Quantity | Unit Cost | Cost |
2 | Civil Engineer | Month | 4 | From resource library | C2 x D2 |
3 | Electrical Engineer | Month | 1 | From resource library | C3 x D3 |
4 | Materials Engineer | Month | 0.5 | From resource library | C4 x D4 |
5 | Mechanical Engineer | Month | 0.5 | From resource library | C5 x D5 |
Total Cost Per Unit Sum(E2:E5) |
Total Indirect Item Cost = Total Cost Per Unit x Quantity
Multiplying the quantity by the unit cost of each resource then adding up all the results generates the total cost per unit of the indirect item. This cost is multiplied by the indirect item quantity to generate the total cost for this indirect item.
All indirect items are calculated in the same way, then the total cost of all indirect items is added up to determine the total project indirect cost.
Similar to direct items, we recommend calculating the indirect cost based on estimated quantities as well. Additionally, project margins are considered an indirect item, which includes profit margin, head office margin, risk margin and other margins as resources. Project margins can be calculated as percentages of the project price or the project direct cost depending on the business strategy.
The project price is calculated by adding the project direct cost and project indirect cost generated in steps 3 and 4.
At BidBow, we recommend generating at least 2 pricing scenarios and comparing them. The first price is the sum of the direct cost and indirect cost based on quantities. The second price is the sum of the direct cost and indirect cost based on estimated quantities. Getting visibility of both scenarios allows you to evaluate your pricing options for competitiveness and profitability. You can then either select one of the two calculated pricing scenarios, or you can come up with your own target price based on the analysis.
From the selected price, the markup percentage is calculated by dividing the indirect cost by the direct cost. The markup percentage can then be applied to all the direct items. Strategic markup allocation with uneven distribution of markup is often critical for contractors. Specialized construction estimating software can simplify strategic markup allocation and help you hit your target price.
By using the process outlined in this article, you can generate detailed estimates with the level of accuracy needed to bid in a competitive and profitable way. While building your initial library of resources and activities can take some upfront work, the effort pays off exponentially with every project bid you estimate.
Cost estimation is one of the most important functions in a construction company. Done right, it can be the key reason companies win projects and build a thriving business. Done wrong, it can lead to significant loss of time, effort, and money. Given challenging global economic conditions and a highly competitive market, it is understandable that construction leaders are shining the light on cost estimation to gain a competitive advantage and improve their bid outcomes.
Cost estimation is inherently a simple process
Despite its challenges, cost estimation is inherently a simple process. Cost estimation is the process of calculating the cost of all the resources required to carry out a project. At a high level, all one would need to do is identify all the resources needed to execute the project, determine the cost and quantity of each resource, multiply the cost by the quantity of each , then add up all the numbers.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Not quite.
The challenges of cost estimation
If estimation is simple in concept, where do the challenges lie? Well, as it turns out, when it comes to cost estimation, the devil is in the detail. If you speak with any construction estimator, they will be quick to articulate the many aspects of the job that make it challenging.
In speaking with many estimators, below are the challenges we hear most often at BidBow:
Cost estimation opportunities: people, process, and technology
To succeed with cost estimation and bid outcomes, construction leaders need to prioritize having the right combination of people, process, and technology.
To begin with, construction leaders need great estimators. Estimators are the lifeblood of a construction company, and they have a remarkably challenging, detail-oriented, and specialized job. Only few can claim mastery of this craft after spending years honing it. Many companies struggle to hire, develop, and retain estimators. Those most likely to succeed are the leaders who recognize the importance of the estimation function, invest in developing and retaining estimators, and provide them with the support, training, and tools that they need to be effective. A company culture that recognizes the importance of estimation will also provide the right organizational structure and support to enable effective collaboration and decision making.
Having defined estimation processes and methods helps people speak the same language, communicate more effectively, and arrive at decisions more quickly. Standardized estimation methods enable new hires to quickly get up to speed on how estimation is carried out at the company, allowing them to deliver more quickly and effectively.
The right technology is a key ingredient for estimation success. Cost estimating software can automate many of the repetitive, time consuming aspects of estimation. All specialized construction estimating software will typically include the ability to manage and maintain a database of resources, and groups of resources (assemblies), to speed up estimation. In addition to calculating cost, the best tools also provide rich reporting, what-if analysis, evaluation of pricing scenarios, vendor quote comparisons, tracking of executed works, and other functions that make cost estimation easier, faster, and more accurate.
If your company is struggling with low bid win rates and low profit margins, then it’s time to give cost estimation more attention. Inspecting whether you have the right combination of people, process, and technology is your first step towards a thriving construction business, higher bid win rates, and increased profitability.