Construction Estimating
When it comes to construction estimating, there’s a lot of jargon. This jargon is used by Contractors, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Subcontractors and as such, it is an integral part of the language of construction and building estimating. Through design, some of this key jargon carries through into our Building and Construction software. This page is intended to provide very basic definitions for some of the terms, terminology and jargon used on this site.
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
3D modelling software used construction professionals to produce models that describe all aspects of the project and decision making processes throughout the project cycle (planning, design, construction, infrastructure).
Quantity takeoff (QTO)
The detailed measurement of materials and labor needed to complete a construction project. In the most essential form it is an estimation of the amount of material and resources needed for a construction project and is used to estimate the costs of construction.
Material takeoff (MTO)
MTO refers to a list of materials with quantities, types (grades) that are needed to build structure or item based on a blueprint or other design document. The MTO will include all the materials, tools and equipment required during construction
A bill of quantity (BOQ)
This is a tender document used in the construction industry which includes an itemised list of all components with quantities needed to build a product or fulfill the order.
IFC Standard
IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes and is a platform neutral file format specification that allows files to be use-able across a wide range of platforms.
Key Concepts in Construction Estimating
Takeoff
A construction estimating process to
- Count the amount of material needed to complete a project
- Estimate material costs
- Estimate labour costs
- Provide a structured basis for the bidding process on construction projects.
Takeoffs can either be performed manually or by using integrated estimating software solutions like Cubit Estimating Pro.
The manual approach is very complicated, time consuming and can be inaccurate. Integrated software tools provide an alternate approach and these can automate much of the process and therefore make the estimation and pricing much easier, faster and more accurate. These software solutions also integrate with other systems to further assist contractors, engineers and quantity surveyors in their tender process and subsequent construction.
The software provided by Buildsoft is used by Contractors, Engineers, Quantity Surveyors and Subcontractors for Takeoff, Earthworks, Supplier Comparison, 3D visualisation, Bills of Quantity and more.