ABSTRACT
Estimators can be found in a wide range of organisations across the building, civil engineering, and mechanical and electrical sectors, working for main contractors, sub-contractors and component manufacturers. Estimating, like measurement, is one of the core skills of quantity surveyors and construction managers, and success as an estimator relies on a sound knowledge of the relevant technologies. However, in the recent past, with the increasing use of sub-contractors, estimating from basic principles has tended to be left out of university courses and training programmes. Estimators carry a great responsibility, as they are the people within a contracting organisation who win work, keeping the cash flow flowing and the profit margins intact. With major UK contractors working on paper-thin margins, it’s even more important that estimators get their sums right.
