Review of Plans & Estimating Introduction Architect’s Responsibilities Types of Estimates Factors Affecting Cost Film Project: Roof Plan

The architect’s estimate includes the following:  Designed items  Specified items  Owner’s labor & materials The architect’s estimate does not include the following:  Professional fees  Land costs

Estimating Introduction As part of professional services architects and consultants prepare estimates of construction cost. These estimates are NOT guaranteed because of the many factors that are beyond their control, such as..

Estimating Manufacturers, suppliers & distributors influence the price of materials and equipment Unions influence labor costs Individual contractors determine how they will prepare their bids Market forces of supply & demand affect competition

Estimating Architect’s Responsibility  Current AIA agreement forces architect to design to the owner’s budget  Study the program and budget to see if they are in line and inform the owner  Provide the owner with a preliminary budget estimate based on area, volume or other unit cost SF cost for a building type High ceiling heights (gyms, auditoriums) use volume Cost per room (hotels) or per bed (unit cost)

Estimating SD Phase  Provide an estimate based on square footage  Advise owner of a contingency due to lack of detail 10% to 20% DD Phase  Provide an updated estimate based on material, finish and equipment selections CD Phase  Advise owner of necessary changes to earlier estimates; especially market conditions  Since CD’s take time to produce market conditions may change forcing owner’s to alter the program or the cost of labor/materials to change

Estimating Fixed Limit of Cost  Sometimes a owner will have a limit of construction spending  This sometimes requires alternates & unit pricing  The owner needs to relinquish control of scope and quality to the architect  If the bids exceed the limit.. Waive the limit and accept the bid Re-bid the project (market conditions) Abandon the project; terminate the architect Reduce scope, quality or both and re-bid

Types of Estimates Area / Volume Estimates Subsystem Estimates Detailed Estimates

Area / Volume Estimates Consult sources like Means, Dodge Reports, Building Design & Construction Performed usually during SD; contingency

Subsystem Estimates Performed when more detailed information becomes available. Subsystem method involves units or assemblies. This allows architects to make basic decisions about various building components on a square foot basis. Subsystems include Foundations, substructure, enclosure, roofing, etc

Detailed Estimates Requires detailed calculations of the amount of each type of material and labor necessary. Unit costs are applied to the calculated quantities to give direct cost Indirect costs are then added such as overhead (insurance, payroll taxes, administrative expenses, etc.), contractor profit and general conditions (permits, tests, etc.)

Factors Affecting Cost Legal and Administrative Requirements  Legal factors – liquidated damages  Owner requirements – bonds, insurance Project Complexity  Large buildings cost less per unit area than small ones  Compact buildings cost less that those with large footprints Materials and Methods  Special building types with specific requirements may be more costly than buildings with many typical details or have regular repetitive layouts

Project Location  Labor and material cost varies Construction Schedule  Short schedules may cost less  Short schedules may cost more Bidding  Competition

Assignments Make sure to have read Lessons 1-4 Quiz #3 Project: Roof Plan