What Is a Conceptual Construction Estimate?
Conceptual construction estimating describes the practice of figuring an approximate cost or time-schedule estimate for a particular project before all details are known. Conceptual estimating takes in the big-picture view. Conceptual estimates are used primarily for budgeting purposes. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Big-Picture View
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Conceptual construction estimates look at the forest, not the trees. Construction companies often get requests from potential customers for "ballpark" or "budget" estimates for projects in the early planning stages. Many construction estimators know enough about the trade to be able to calculate satisfactory results based on past projects and experience and there are software solutions to help.
Accuracy
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No "bulls-eyes" come with conceptual construction estimates. Conceptual construction estimates usually do not hold out any promises for accuracy since so many details are unknown when they are created. Generally, these estimates tend to be above what actual costs might be unless major errors are made in conceptualizing the project.
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Considerations
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The big-picture view sometimes overlooks things that are important and costly. Use conceptual construction estimates only for their intended purpose--to provide a ballpark or budgetary idea for the scope of the project in terms of cost and schedules.
Consider various software tools for conceptual construction estimating.
When providing conceptual construction estimates, ensure customers are aware of what they are getting.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit blueprint image by Dmitri MIkitenko from Fotolia.com forest image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com bullseye image by davidcrehner from Fotolia.com f seule plage image by geronimo from Fotolia.com
