Most estimators begin their career
doing quantity takeoff; as they develop experience and judgment, they
develop into estimators. A list of the abilities most important to
the success of an estimator follows, but it should be more than
simply read through.
Any weaknesses affect the estimator’s
ability to produce complete and accurate estimates. If individuals
lack any of these abilities, they must (1) be able to admit it and
(2) begin to acquire the abilities they lack. Those with construction
experience, who are subsequently trained as estimators, are often
most successful in this field.
To be able to do quantity takeoffs, the
estimator must
1. Be able to read and quantify plans.
2. Have knowledge of mathematics and a
keen understanding of geometry. Most measurements and computations
are made in linear feet, square feet, square yards, cubic feet, and
cubic yards. The quantities are usually multiplied by a unit price to
calculate material costs.
3. Have the patience and ability to do
careful, thorough work.
4. Be computer literate and use
computer takeoff programs such as On-Screen Takeoff or Paydirt.
To be an estimator, an individual needs
to go a step further. He or she must
1. Be able, from looking at the
drawings, to visualize the project through its various phases of
construction. In addition, an estimator must be able to foresee
problems, such as the placement of equipment or material storage,
then develop a solution and determine its estimated cost.
2. Have enough construction experience
to possess a good knowledge of job conditions, including methods of
handling materials on the job, the most economical methods of
construction, and labor productivity. With this experience, the
estimator will be able to visualize the construction of the project
and thus get the most accurate estimate on paper.
3. Have sufficient knowledge of labor
operations and productivity to thus convert them into costs on a
project. The estimator must understand how much work can be
accomplished under given conditions by given crafts. Experience in
construction and a study of projects that have been completed are
required to develop this ability.
4. Be able to keep a database of
information on costs of all kinds, including those of labor,
material, project overhead, and equipment, as well as knowledge of
the availability of all the required items.
5. Be computer literate and know how to
manipulate and build various databases and use spreadsheet programs
and other estimating software.
6. Be able to meet bid deadlines and
still remain calm. Even in the rush of last-minute phone calls and
the competitive feeling that seems to electrify the atmosphere just
before the bids are due, estimators must “keep their cool.”
7. Have good writing and presentation
skills. With more bids being awarded to the best bid, rather than the
lowest bid, being able to communicate what your company has to offer,
what is included in the bid, and selling your services is very
important. It is also important to communicate to the project
superintendent what is included in the bid, how the estimator planned
to construct the project, and any potential pitfalls.
People cannot be taught experience and
judgment, but they can be taught an acceptable method of preparing an
estimate, items to include in the estimate, calculations required,
and how to make them. They can also be warned against possible errors
and alerted to certain problems and dangers, but the practical
experience and use of good judgment required cannot be taught and
must be obtained over time.
How closely the estimated cost will
agree with the actual cost depends, to a large extent, on the
estimators’ skill and judgment. Their skill enables them to use
accurate estimating methods, while their judgment enables them to
visualize the construction of the project throughout the stages of
construction.
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