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In addition to developing complete project estimates, our cost estimating services also
include reviewing cost loaded CPM schedules and proposed major change orders; evaluating
value engineering proposals; preparing independent cost evaluations on selected change
orders and assisting with change order negotiations, if necessary.
Developing a Cost Model and Estimate
A cost model is an organized breakdown of the project budget into logical, identifiable
and trackable parts. Typically cost models can be defined by areas, building systems, CSI
divisions, funding source or any combination of these.
Developing cost models by a combination of categories can help us look at the project in
various ways. This provides proper perspective in our overall cost management efforts.
The model can break the budget into very small components. In case of budget
noncompliance, it is easier for the project manager to identify the reason for
noncompliance: by identifying the area with cost overruns, or by identifying the system
with cost overruns and the specific system or systems within a specific area or areas that
are the causes of the budget overrun. Isolation of the budget problem can help resolve it
efficiently. It can help avoid cutting costs in the wrong place or make up for a budget
overrun, and the original goal and intent of the project can be maintained.
At the end of each phase of design, Vanir can provide an independent cost estimate or
verification of the architect's cost estimate. A written report detailing the estimate
and delineating all variances with the original budget will be submitted to the owner.
Conceptual Estimate
A conceptual estimate is utilized during the master planning, programming or budgeting
stage of new facilities construction. For the master planning, programming phase,
estimators review the program, site conditions and use the cost models, construction cost
of similar facilities, to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is general and based on
cost per building square foot.
For budgeting, estimators use the available sketches, site plan, floor plan, elevation
section, and outline specification to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is somehow
detailed with some quantities defined and some cost per square foot units. Estimate format
can be in CSI or System. System format is preferred.
Schematic Design Estimate
A schematic design estimate is prepared from schematic documents and is more detailed and
quantitative than conceptual estimates. Most of the quantities are developed from plans
and specifications. The rest of the quantities are based on the estimator's assumptions.
Based on the level of documents, estimate/design contingencies will be revised. CSI and/or
System format are used at this level. Vanir recommends that the estimates should be
prepared and sorted in both formats.
Design Development Estimate
The design development estimate is prepared from design development documents. Plans and
specifications should be detailed enough that all of the quantities can be developed from
them. Therefore the estimate is more detailed and quantitative than the schematic design
estimate. Use of cost per unit should be minimum and detailed material, labor, equipment
unit costs can be used for most items. Based on the level of documents, estimate/design
contingencies should be reduced. CSI format is preferred at this level of estimating.
Construction Documents Estimate
Construction documents estimate is the final estimate before the project is submitted for
bids. This estimate could be prepared at different levels of completion of construction
documents (i.e., 50%, 75% etc.). Plans and specifications should be complete and all of
the quantities should be developed from them. Detailed material, labor, equipment unit
costs should be utilized. Estimate/design contingencies should be deleted or reduced to a
minimum. CSI format is preferred for estimating at this level.
If construction documents being revised before bid or addendum being issued during the
bidding phase, an estimate update or review of the changes, with potential cost impact, is
recommended.