Estimating and Tendering for Construction Work

Martin Brook

Preference :

My aims in this book are to introduce a practical approach to estimating and tendering from a contractor’s point of view and explain the estimator’s role within the construction team. The book, therefore, differs from previous textbooks in three main ways:

1. In general, it is assumed that it is the contractor who prepares estimates because in the majority of cases an estimate is produced to form the basis of a tender.

2. I have introduced many typical forms used by estimators to collate data and report to management. Most of the forms relate to two fictitious projects: a new lifeboat station and the construction of offices for Fast Transport Limited.

3. The pricing examples given in Chapter 11 have been produced using a typical build-up sheet. The items of work to which the prices relate are given at the top of each page. Estimating data are given for each trade so that students will have a source of information for building up rates. I suggest that before pricing exercises are undertaken, the first part of Chapter 11 should be read and an understanding of estimating methods should be gained from Chapter 5. The first pricing example is for a ‘model rate’ that gives a checklist of items to be included in a unit rate.