Contractor Estimating
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Contractors vary by industry. In the construction industry, employers increasingly prefer individuals with a degree in building construction, construction management, construction science, engineering, or architecture. However, most construction estimators in Contractor Estimating have considerable construction experience they have gained through tenure in the industry, internships, or cooperative education programs. Applicants with a thorough knowledge of construction materials, costs, and procedures in areas ranging from heavy construction to electrical work, plumbing systems, or masonry work have a competitive edge. In Contractor Estimating and manufacturing industries, employers prefer to hire individuals with a degree in engineering, physical science, operations research, mathematics, or statistics, or in accounting, finance, business, economics, or a related subject. In most industries, great emphasis is placed on experience involving quantitative techniques. After the site visit is completed, the Estimating Contractor determines the quantity of materials and labor the firm will have to furnish. This process, called the “quantity survey” or "takeoff," involves completing standard estimating forms, filling in dimensions, number of units, and other information. A cost estimator working for a general contractor, for example, will estimate the costs of all items the contractor must provide. Although subcontractors will estimate their costs as part of their own bidding process, the general contractor’s cost estimator often analyzes bids made by subcontractors as well. The estimator must also make decisions during the takeoff process
concerning equipment needs, sequence of operations, and crew size.
Allowances for the waste of materials, inclement weather, shipping
delays, and other factors that may increase costs must also be
incorporated in the estimate. |
Construction Estimating
Expertise Construction Estimating in Building Construction Estimating for Residential |
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