A building is a combination of different walls. It consists of straight wall T, L, E, H, and U-walls. The method of determining the material required for these walls is used to prepare an estimate of the building. The cost of a building is calculated by quantifying all the items of construction and multiplying them by the fixed rates.
The government can set these rates and can be market rates. The rates set by the government are called the Schedule of Rates, which the construction departments of the government prepare. Today these rates are issued two times a year for each quarter. They are also for labor cost, and materials are also composite. They are called market rate schedules. It is abbreviated as M.R.S.
Steps for Building Estimation
The different types of work to estimate construction work are called items. Estimates are made based on the measurements of these items. Some rules for measuring them have also been formulated, which are as follows.
Earthen work in Building Estimation
Earthen work can be cutting and filling. These two quantities are measured separately. Length, width, and height are calculated according to the actual size of the foundation, and the soil is always cut vertically. All three measurements are multiplied to make an estimate. After the foundation is laid for the foundation of the building, the re-filling of the soil in it is usually neglected, but it is included in the excavation work.
| Sr. No. | Description | No | L | B | H | Q |
| 1 | Excavation in foundation in ordinary soil: | |||||
| Long walls of room | 2 | 9.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 9.936 | |
| Side walls of room | 2 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 4.752 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 2.268 | |
| Front walls of verandah | 1 | 9.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 4.968 | |
| Total | 21.924 |
Suppose it is to be measured separately; then only the quantity of masonry work in the base is measured. Filling for the floor is estimated as a separate item, and the internal size of the room is considered for its measurement. If the Excavated soil is surplus, it is paid under a particular item for disposal, similarly if deep excavation is required for a deep foundation or sewer line along with timbering or excavation below the groundwater level. If so, it is measured and paid for under a separate item.
Concrete in foundation work
Lean concrete is used in the foundation of the building, which can be from (1: 4: 8) to (1: 8:20) and is measured according to the design and length, Width, and height. It is measured in cubic meters or cubic feet (cu.m or cft). The thickness of the concrete for the foundation is kept from 20 to 45 cm (9 to 18 inches).
| 2 | Cement concrete in foundation 1:6:12: | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Long walls of room. | 2 | 9.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 3.312 | |
| Side walls of room. | 2 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 1.584 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.756 | |
| Front walls of verandah | 1 | 9.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 1.656 | |
| Total | 7.308m2 |
| 3 | Brick work in cement mortar 1:6 in foundation and plinth | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Long walls of room. | 2 | 8.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 6.16 | |
| Side walls of room. | 2 | 4.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 3.36 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.75 | |
| Front walls of verandah | 1 | 8.8 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 3.08 | |
| Total | 14,350m |
Damp Proof Course
The layer of 2 to 2.5 cm (3/4″to 1″) thick good concrete(1: 1.5:3) in the walls at floor level is used to protect the building from the effects of moisture. And it also uses a standard damp-proof material. This layer is not provided on doors and porches. The Width of this layer is kept equal to the Width of the wall. And it is measured in square meters (sq.m) or square feet (Sft).
| 4 | 4cm thick cement concrete Dp-proof course | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Long walls of room. | 2 | 8.8 | 0.5 | – | 8.8 | |
| Side walls of room. | 1 | 8.8 | 0.5 | – | 4.4 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 4.8 | 0.5 | – | 4.8 | |
| Front walls of verandah | 2 | 2.5 | 0.5 | – | 2.5 | |
| Total | 20.50m2 | |||||
| DEDUCTION | 1 | 1.05 | – | |||
| a) Front door | 2 | 1.05 | 0.5 | – | 0.525 | |
| b) Verendah front. | 3 | 2.2 | 0.5 | – | 3.3 | |
| C) Verandah sides | 2 | 0.5 | 2 | |||
| Total | 5.825m2 | |||||
| Net quantity | 14.675m2 |
Masonry Work
Masonry is measured in cubic meters (cu.m) or cubic feet (cft). Masonry is measured simultaneously in the foundation and plinth, while the superstructure is calculated separately. In a multi-story building, each floor is measured separately.
Masonry in different types of mortar is measured in different items. The arch is measured separately. The diagonal or round wall is calculated according to the maximum measurement. The honeycomb wall is measured under a separate item, and no deduction is made for the holes.
The principle of the deduction for large-size holes is as follows.
- Holes up to 1/10 square meter (one square foot) are ignored
- Beamns up to l/20 square meters (1/2 square foot) are not discounted.
- Deduction for Bed Plate, Slab, and Sunshade Bearings still needs to be done.
- is not discounted for the small segmental arch.
- Deduction for the large segmental arch is made according to the following Formula
| 5 | i) On parapet of sides of room. | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Long walls of room | 2 | 8.6 | 0.3 | 4 | 20.64 | |
| Side walls of room. | 2 | 5 | 0.3 | 4 | 12 | |
| Front walls of verandah | 1 | 8.6 | 0.3 | 3 | 7.74 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 3 | 4.86 | |
| Parapet of rooms and verandah | 3 | 8.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 3.096 | |
| Parapet of rooms sides | 2 | 5.2 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 1.248 | |
| Parapet of rooms sides. | 2 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.672 | |
| Coping i) On parapet of room and verandah | 3 | 8.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1.584 | |
| ii) On parapet of sides of room. | 2 | 5.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.624 | |
| On perapet of sides of verandah. | 2 | 2.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.336 | |
| Total | 52.800m |
Deduction = 2/3 x L x R x t
where, L = Clear span of the opening
R = Ride of the arch
t = thickness of Wall
- Deduction for the semi-circular and elliptical arch is made using the following formula.
Deduction = 3/4 x L x R x t
where, L = Clear span of the opening
R = Ride of the arch
t = thickness of Wall
| 5 | DEDUCTION | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Opening of door | 1 | 1.05 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 0.662 | |
| Opening | 2 | 1 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 0.9 | |
| Opening | 3 | 1 | 0.3 | 2.5 | 2.25 | |
| Opening of almirah | 1 | 1 | 0.2 | 2 | 0.4 | |
| Opening of verandah front. | 3 | 2.2 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 4.752 | |
| Opening of verandah sides. | 2 | 2 | 0.3 | 2.4 | 2.88 | |
| R.C.C Linter over verandah. | ||||||
| Front Opening | 1 | 7.8 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.468 | |
| Side Opening | 2 | 2.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.288 | |
| Opening doors | 1 | 1.45 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.087 | |
| Opening Window | 5 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.42 | |
| Opening almirah | 1 | 1.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.056 | |
| Bed stone plate under beam. | 4 | 0.45 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.108 | |
| Total deduction. | 13.271m3 | |||||
| Net quantity 52.80-13.271 | 39.529m3 |
RCC Work for building Estimation
The quantities of R.C.C and R.B are measured in cubic meters cu.m or cubic feet (cft). It is done by measuring, including their bearings. This measurement does not include the amount of steel but includes cutting and binding the steel. And shuttering work is included. However, it can be measured according to a separate item for shuttering. For this, the area of shuttering attached to the concrete is known. If the details about steel are unavailable, an estimate of 0.6 to 1% of the amount of steel in the concrete can be added. No deduction for steel bars or wiring pipes is considered.
| 6 | R.C.C work 1:2:4 including all sorts of reinforcement. | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Roof slab of room. | 1 | 8.4 | 5.4 | 0.15 | 6.804 | |
| T. Beam. | 2 | 5.4 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.648 | |
| Roof of verandah | 1 | 8.4 | 3.12 | 0.15 | 3.906 | |
| R.C.C work 1:2:4 includes all sorts of reinforcement. | 3 | 1.4 | 0.45 | 0.1 | 0.189 | |
| Total | 1.427m3 |
Flooring and roofing
When estimating the floor, the quantities are determined in square meters (sq.m) or square feet (sqft) according to the internal size of the room. The base and the finishing are added together in one item, while their thicknesses are written in the description. The bottom of the floor consists of lean concrete, while the finishing can include Conglomerate.
Tarrazo or Mosaic. Terraces on the roof are also measured in square meters or square feet, while beams and slabs on the upper floors are measured in cubic meters or cubic feet. The surface area of the sloping roof covering material is known, including all the fittings. Measuring overlapping is taken into account, while corrugation is ignored. When calculating the floor, the area of verandah openings, etc., are also included in the measurement.
Plastering and pointing
The work of plaster and pointing is measured in square meters (cu.m) or square feet (sqft). Its thickness is usually expressed as 12 mm (1/2 inch). In the first stage, the area of all walls and ceilings is determined by separate items. The openings are then deducted, keeping in view the following principles.
| 7 | 2 cm. thick cement plaster inside. | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Long walls of room and verandah | 4 | 6 | – | 4 | 128 | |
| Side walls of room. | 2 | 5 | – | 4 | 40 | |
| Side walls of verandah | 2 | 3 | – | 3 | 18 | |
| Ceiling of room | 1 | 8 | 5 | – | 40 | |
| Ceiling of verandah. | 1 | 8 | 2.7 | – | 21 | |
| Total | 247.60m |
- The deduction still needs to be done for the beams and edges of the rafters.
- It is not reduced for holes up to 1/2 square meters (5 square feet) and soffits in these places. And for Jamb etC., the measurement is not increased.
- Deduction for spaces ranging in size from 1/2 square meter ( square feet) to 3 square meters (30 square feet) is deducted on one side, and quantities of Soffit and Jambs on the other are not included.
- For spaces more significant than 3 square meters (30 square feet), the room is reduced on both sides, and the area of the Soffit and Jamb is also included.
| 7 | DEDUCTION | No | L | B | H | Q |
| a) Door | 2×1 | 1.05 | 2.1 | – | 4.41 | |
| b) Window W1 | 2×2 | 1 | 1.5 | – | 6 | |
| c) Window W2 | 3×1 | 1 | 2.5 | – | 7.5 | |
| d) Verandah opening front. | 3 | 2.2 | 2.4 | – | 15.84 | |
| e) Verandah opening sides | 2 | 2 | 2.4 | – | 9.6 | |
| Total deduction | 13.350m | |||||
| Net 247.60-43.35 | 04.250m |
White Washing & Distempering
Whitewashing and distempering are done on the inside of the building, while the color wash is done on the outside. It is measured in square meters (sq.m) or square feet (sqft). Usually, it is not estimated regularly, but the exact amount is written with references to the plaster item because these quantities are equal.
At the new surfaces, three coats are applied, while after that, only one or two coats are used, but the quantity will be the same in the measurement, and the ant will be according to the applicable rate, which is mentioned in the description.
Painting
Painting-: Paint or varnish is applied on wood or iron construction components. The surface area įs measured to measure it. The exterior size, including the frame, is calculated to determine the quantity of paint on doors and windows. The internal size of the frame is calculated to determine the amount of paint on iron bars and grills.
Paints on new surfaces an often coated twice over the priming coat, while one or two coats are applied over the old work. For them, the measurement is the same; only the number of coats is mentioned in the description, and rates are quoted accordingly. The number of measures varies for different types of doors and windows, the details of which are given below.
| 3 Coats if Whistwwashing as the same item No | 4.25 |
- Paneled, framed, ledged, braced battened = 2-1/4 times of one surface for both sides.
- Fully glazed or gauged = 1 time for both sides
- Flush Door = 2 times for both sides
- Venetian/louvers = 2 times for both sides
- Iron bar Grills in the window of the door = 1 time the area
Iron Work for Building Estimation
Ironwork in civil engineering works is measured in weight. It includes a girder, truss, grating, and nut bolts, etc. The weight of iron sections is calculated per meter or foot with the help of a steel table. Hold Fast is applied to fix the doors and windows in the wall, which are six pieces per door and four pieces per window.
A hold Fast weighs 1.5 kg (2 to 2.5 Ibs). In addition, the volume of steel is determined by multiplying the density of the steel by its volume. For this purpose, the mass of steel is considered to be 7850 kg per cubic meter (490 pounds per cubic foot). While estimating steel roof trusses are generally estimated at 5% of the total roof extra weight for nuts, bolts, and rivets.
| Iron Grating Ficed | No | L | B | H | Q |
| 12 mm round iron bar Window 1 | 2×6 | 1.15 | – | – | 18 |
| Window W | 3×6 | 2.5 | – | – | 45 |
| Total | 63m3 | ||||
| @ 0.97 kg/m | – | – | – | – | 61.11kg |
| 50×2 mm flat iron | 5 | 1.10 | – | – | 5.50m |
| @ 2.47 kg/m | 13.59kg | ||||
| Total | 70.70Kg |
Doors and Windows
Estimation of wooden doors and Windows and the size of their frames are taken in cubic meters (cubic feet). For this, the total lengths of all the frame components (Head, sill, post) are added and multiplied by their cross-section area.
Rates are set according to the type of wood. Their shutters are estimated in square meters and square feet. For this, the size is taken by adding rebates inside the frame. Rates are listed according to the type of wood and the thickness of the shutter. A reasonable amount is included for fittings while fixing
| 9 | Deodar wood panelled and glazed doors, W’S & C window 4 cm thick | No | L | B | H | Q |
| Doors | 1 | 1.05 | 2.1 | – | 2.205 | |
| Windows WI | 2 | 1 | 1.5 | – | 3 | |
| Windows W2 | 3 | 1 | 2.5 | – | 7.5 | |
| Almirah | 1 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | |
| Total | 14.705m | |||||
| 9A | Conglomerate floor of a 4 cm thick C.C. 1:2:4 over lean conc. (1:6:12) | |||||
| Room | 1 | 7.8 | 4.8 | – | 37.44 | |
| Verandah | 1 | 7.8 | 2.8 | – | 21.84 | |
| Total | 59.28m2 |
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FAQ’s
How rough cost estimate is prepared?
The cost of the building is calculated by multiplying the available area by the unit area based on the building’s quantity. Here are the steps involved in preparing a rough cost estimate:
1. Define the Scope of the Project 2. Identify the Resources Required
3. Determine the Cost of Resources 4. Estimate the Time Required
5. Add Contingency 6. Finalize the Estimate 7. Calculate the Cost
Define Taking off and enlist names of its systems?
Taking off is the process of measuring and recording a structure according to a given drawing on site. There are two systems of taking off.
1. Trade system 2. Group System
Differentiate between Premium and Rebate?
Premium: After the schedule of rates is prepared, the market rates keep increasing due to which more percentage than the schedule of rates is added when contracting with the constructor. This is called the premium.
Rebate: Once the schedule of rates is ready, if the market rates go down the constructor contract at rates lower than the schedule of rates. A percentage reduction from scheduled rates is called a rebate
Define Bill of Quantity (B.O.Q)?
It is a statement of items of work on which the items’ names and the work description are written. While space is left for their rates and amount, which are issued to the contractor for submission to the trader
