Cost Management 2:Estimating Assignment

Computer Estimating Assignment – Group of 2 (30%)

One of the basic attributes of a competent estimator is the ability to prepare net cost unit rates from first principles, use estimating software to estimate a bill of quantities and prepare a materials order list.

General

Students must work in groups of 2. You must work together & check each other’s work weekly. If you’re concerned with a group member’s work discuss it with them before the teachers. Do not underestimate the work required for this assignment. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Task 1, Source required information (8 marks).

Using excel or word, research all the required information to prepare net cost unit rates using direct labour for the attached bill of quantities Use 2 referenced sources to establish appropriate and current labour rates, labour constants, material costs, waste percentages and plant costs required to prepare the unit rates. Sources must be referenced and can include published data, tradesmen or supplier advice.

Compare your findings with the data used in class, identify any significant variations, confirm the source you will use for task 2 ( min, max or average) and give reasons.

Note 1. Direct labour rates exclude oncosts, overhead and profit.
Note 2. It is up to each group to decide on the best method to present the information in task 1.

Task 2, Prepare unit rates & price the BOQ (16 marks).

Using CostX or Cubit prepare unit rates and price the provided BOQ using the data collected in Task 1.

Price BOQ items 1 to 11 using the rate library. Price BOQ items 12 to 29 directly in the job.

Note: CostX & Cubit tutorials are available in the class notes to assist with using the software.
Note2. Your submission should include all software files (the job file and the rate library) and a report in PDF format.
Note 3. Preparing unit rates in CostX and Cubit can be tricky. Consider preparing the unit rates in excel first then preparing the unit rates in your estimating software and compare your rates in excel & cubit.
Note 4. Your submission must include the priced BOQ & your unit rate calculations.

Task 3, Prepare a material order list. (6 marks).

Using Excel prepare a materials order list for the provided BOQ