Many of these programs come with a supplier pricing database, which can save you a lot of time. They also contain city cost indexes, which are helpful for estimating costs at the local level.
Smart practical BIM software that drafts building plans while estimating costs simultaneously. Provides instant professional quality Bill of Quantities reports in accordance with the new Rules of Measurement (NRM) which replaced SMM7.
Taking off
Taking off is the measurement and description in accordance with NRM2 of the items required for a construction project recorded on dimension paper, spreadsheets or software by quantity surveyors to produce a bill of quantities. It is a key part of the tendering process. It enables detailed assessments of which aspects of the project offer good value and bad value. It also sets the basis for the valuation of variation orders and assists in tender negotiations.
Historically, taking off has been carried out manually but in recent years cost estimating technology has moved quickly and taken offs are now often produced using specialised software. However, the human element still plays an important role in quality takeoff examples. Digital takeoffs are prone to the same errors that manual takeoffs are, which include misinterpretation and omission as well as wrongful calculation.
The best way to avoid these problems is to use top-quality quantity takeoff software. It can help to reduce the amount of time that is needed and removes the need for re-measurements. Nevertheless, it is vital that users of quantity takeoff software are aware of the limitations of the software. Moreover, the user must be able to identify the differences between a digital model and an actual physical element or component. For example, a digital model of a metal window may be incorrectly modelled as an extruded component rather than as a solid item.
Preparing a bill of quantities
The preparation of a bill of quantities is an essential step in the construction process. It is a document which provides measured quantities of the work identified by the tenderer, and it must be prepared by a Quantity Surveyor (QS). In addition to providing measured quantity information, a bill of quantities can also include a narrative and a schedule.
A well-prepared bill of quantities can help to prevent disputes during construction, and can reduce the cost of a project by eliminating unnecessary work. It can also help to ensure that the final contract is fair to all parties and complies with contractual requirements. In addition, a well-prepared bill of quantities can reduce the risk of claims by contractors for delay, loss and expense during construction.
QSs can use a variety of software tools to prepare a bill of quantities. These software programs can take off a drawing, calculate the quantities of individual elements, and generate a list of all the items required for construction. They can also create a schedule of rates, and produce cost estimates, tenders, payments applications and a bill of quantities.
The PriMus software can be used to prepare an estimate for any type of building project, including houses, commercial buildings, schools and hospitals. It includes a range of features such as 3D photo-realistic rendering, regularly updated estimating rates and automatic production of reports. It is the first object-oriented BoQ and cost estimation software that allows a quantity surveyor to seamlessly transfer metric data from CAD drawings, avoiding the need to manually enter it.
Creating a bill of quantities
A Bill of Quantities is an important document that provides a precise breakdown of all the materials and labour required for construction. It is used by cost consultants and QS to prepare tender documents that can be issued to contractors for pricing. The process of preparing a Bill of Quantities requires diligence to ensure that all relevant costs are included and that the final tender is accurate. This helps avoid cost overruns and project delays.
A good Bill of Quantities should be broken down into categories and each category should be based on the work sections within the contract. This is particularly useful for large projects as different parts of the works are likely to be completed by subcontractors or specialist trades. Construction estimating software can be used to facilitate the organisation of categories and allow a number of different groupings to be created. For example, information can be grouped into categories by area, block, stage, cost centre, or accounting group.
This will help the contractor to prepare the most accurate and competitive tender. It also helps to avoid contractual problems and disputes as well as ensuring that the project stays on schedule and within budget. For this reason, the preparation of a good Bill of Quantities is essential for the success of any construction project. The best way to create a Bill of Quantities is by using a software program designed specifically for quantity surveyors. This will provide the most accurate estimate with a variety of grouping columns to help you analyse the data.
Creating a payment application
Creating a payment application is a vital part of construction project management. It gives a detailed rundown of labor, materials, change orders, and other fees associated with the project. The form also lists the amounts of work completed to date and associated prices and quantities. It then subtracts retainage and previous payments to determine the proposed amount to be paid.
Using an estimating software can help streamline the process of preparing a payment application. This allows the contractor to format the BoQ in a way that is easily understood by the client. It also helps to keep a tab on changes as the work is progressing.
A well-formatted payment application can help to curb disputes. Providing visual evidence of the work done can help to ensure that both parties understand what has been accomplished. In addition, it can also help to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to costly claims and disputes.
For example, the detail page of a payment application can include work completed this period, percentage complete (if applicable), all contract allowances, all contractor’s general conditions costs, and all contingency charges. This allows the client to validate each charge and make informed decisions on how to proceed with the project.