ABSTRACT
The role of the contractor’s estimator is vital to the success of the organization. The estimator is responsible for predicting the most economic costs for construction in a way that is both clear and consistent. Although an estimator will have a feel for prices in the marketplace, it is the responsibility of management to add an amount for general overheads and profit, assess the risks and turn the estimate into a tender. The management structure for the estimating function tends to follow a common form with variations for the size of the company. In a small firm, the estimator might be expected to carry out some quantity surveying duties and will be involved in procuring materials and services. For large projects, the estimator may be part of a multi-disciplinary team led by a bid manager who usually comes from a project management background. The estimating section in a regional construction organization (Figure 2.1) will often comprise a chief estimator, senior estimators and estimators at various stages of training.
