ABSTRACT
Gone are the days when the award of contract signalled the end of the estimator’s contribution to a project. There are three important tasks to be performed: first, helping the construction team with procurement and technical advice during the mobilization period; second, producing cost information that will form the budget for the job; and third, collecting cost data during the construction period. The transfer of information has been improved dramatically with the introduction of computers. There are many estimating packages available, which can be used to produce tender allowances, control package procurement and later assist during the construction phase to manage sub-contractors’ payments and produce valuations for the client. The main advantage of using a computer is that an estimator can adjust his estimate to take account of the decisions made at the final review meeting and make post-tender adjustments which are sometimes agreed with the client following the vetting stage. For close financial control of a project, the site manager should be trusted with the detailed budget; he can then control the resources efficiently and contribute to a simple feedback system.
