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It is not the intention of this manual to hold anything new for the top flight general construction estimator whose ability, know-how and knowledge in the Industry is the product of many years of schooling, actual competitive bidding, hard knocks and time-consuming analyses of both good and bad estimates. This type of estimator knows that to prepare an accurate labor estimate in dollar value one must first have a basis or reason for the use of monetary units.

Simply to say that a unit or block of work is worth so many dollars because it cost your company that on a previous project is absurd, ridiculous and tends to show the weakness of the inexperienced estimator, The purpose of this manual is to offer assistance or a basis, in direct labor manhours, for this type estimator.

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The idea for writing a quantity surveyor’s pocket book came to me while reading The Dangerous Book for Boys by Hal Iggulden. For those who are unfamiliar with this book, it is a compendium of everything a boy should know, from how to tie a Staffordshire knot to the discoverer of the planet Pluto. In other words, the basic skills that every self-respecting 6–60-year-old boy needs to know under a single cover.

The quantity surveyor is a uniquely British profession, although during the 160 years or so since the fi rst quantity surveyor trod the planet they have managed to convince other countries and construction industries that they are an indispensable part of the development process. Much maligned and often misunderstood quantity surveyors have demonstrated an ability to shrug off the attempts to consign them to the past and have instead reinvented themselves many times over. In 2008, the UK government took the step of lifting immigration restrictions on non-UK quantity surveyors as the demand for their skills outstripped supply by almost 5:1.

I have in the past written books that concentrate on the new and emerging skills that quantity surveyors are now being required to provide for ever more demanding clients. And yet under the headline services of value management, risk management, the Private Finance Initiative, etc., there is still a great need for the quantity surveyor to be able to provide traditional quantity surveying services. Therefore, this pocket book concentrates on traditional quantity surveyor skills, still so much in demand by clients and contractors alike, but which have, during the past 20 years or so, not had the emphasis in training and education that perhaps they warrant.
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My aims in this book are to introduce a practical approach to estimating and tendering from a contractor’s point of view, and explain the estimator’s role within the construction team. The book therefore differs from previous textbooks in three main ways:

1. In general it is assumed that it is the contractor who prepares estimates because in the majority of cases an estimate is produced to form the basis of a tender.
2. I have introduced many typical forms used by estimators to collate data and report to management. Most of the forms relate to two fictitious projects: a new lifeboat station and the construction of offices for Fast Transport Limited.
3. The pricing examples given in Chapter 11 have been produced using a typical build-up sheet. The items of work to which the prices relate are given at the top of each page. Estimating data are given for each trade so that students will have a source of information for building up rates. I suggest that before pricing exercises are undertaken, the first part of Chapter 11 should be read and an understanding of estimating methods should be gained from Chapter 5.The first pricing example is for a ‘model rate’ that gives a checklist of items
to be included in a unit rate.

The estimating function has changed more in the last 15 years than at any time before. Many estimating duties can now be carried out by assistants using word processors, spreadsheets and computer-aided estimating systems. The estimator manages the process and produces clear reports for review by management. Estimators need to understand the consequences of entering into a contract, which is often defined by a complex combination of conditions and supporting documents.They also need to appreciate the technical requirements of a project from tolerances in floor levels to the design of concrete mixes, and from temporary electrical installations to piling techniques.

The Chartered Institute of Building publishes a series of guides to good practice – the Code of Estimating Practice and its supplements. I have not duplicated their fine work in this book but hope that my explanation and examples show how the guidelines can be used in practice. Contractors now assume an active role in providing financial advice to their clients.The estimator produces financial budgets for this purpose and assembles cost allowances for use during construction. Computers have been introduced by most organizations, with a combination of general purpose and specialist software.

Computers have brought many benefits during the tender period, and are seen as essential for the handover of successful tenders; adjustments can be made quickly, information can be presented clearly, and data can be transferred in a more compact form.
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Estimating is the technique of calculating or Computing the various quantities and the expected Expenditure to be incurred on a particular work or project.
In case the funds avilable are less than the estimated cost the work is done in part or by reducing it or specifications are altered, the following requirement are necessary for preparing an estimate.
a) Drawings like plan, elevation and sections of important points.
b) Detailed specifications about workmenship & properties of materials etc.
c) Standard schedule of rates of the current year.

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