M03-Job Estimation and Costing (1)
M03-Job Estimation and Costing (1)
Level-III
Based on October 2023, Curriculum Version 2
October, 2023
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Contents
Acknowledgment.........................................................................................................................................4
Acronym......................................................................................................................................................5
Introduction to Module................................................................................................................................6
Unit One: Basic concepts of job estimation and cost prepartion.............................................................7
1.1Introduction to Job Estimation and Costing........................................................................................9
1.1.1Defintions of job estimation and costing.....................................................................................9
1.1.2 Purpose of cost estimation.........................................................................................................9
1.1.3 Information required for cost estimation.................................................................................10
1.1.4 Knowledge and managerial skills for cost estimation...............................................................10
1.1.5 Factors Affecting Cost Estimation.............................................................................................11
1.1.6Types of Costing or Estimation..................................................................................................12
1.1.7 Components of cost estimation................................................................................................13
1.2 Plan and specification......................................................................................................................14
1.3Quantities Measurement...................................................................................................................16
1.4 Fundamental approach to construction cost Estimation...................................................................18
Self-check 1.1.....................................................................................................................................24
Unit two Job estimation and cost prepartion.....................................................................................27
2.1Material cost.....................................................................................................................................28
2.1.1Types of construction material..................................................................................................28
2.1.2Material quantity calculation.....................................................................................................37
2.1.3Material cost..............................................................................................................................39
Direct material cost = ∑Total material quantity × Material unit cost.........................................40
2.2 Labor cost calculation......................................................................................................................41
2.2.1 Introduction..............................................................................................................................41
2.2.2Types of Construction Labor......................................................................................................41
Table 2.2 Worker Classification Definition Sheet.............................................................................42
2.2.3Components of Labor Costs....................................................................................................44
2.2.4Basic Principle for Estimating Labor.....................................................................................45
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Direct Labor Unit Cost (F) calculation............................................................................................46
2.3Equpment cost calculation................................................................................................................50
2.3.1Introduction...............................................................................................................................50
2.3.2 Classification Construction equipment.....................................................................................50
Direct Equipment Cost (G) calculation..........................................................................................51
2.4 Head office overhead.......................................................................................................................53
2.5 Site overhead costs..........................................................................................................................55
Site Overhead Cost (I) Calculation.................................................................................................56
2.6Risk Allowance Cost........................................................................................................................57
2.7 Profit and Income Tax.....................................................................................................................58
Gross Profit (M) calculation...........................................................................................................58
2.8 Total unit price without VAT(N).....................................................................................................59
2.9 Developing unit costs analysis for each items of work and material...............................................60
Self-check 2.1.....................................................................................................................................65
Operation 2.1.....................................................................................................................................67
Lap Tests............................................................................................................................................68
Reference..........................................................................................................................................69
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Acknowledgment
The Ministry of Labor and skill wishes to thank and appreciation to MoLS leaders and experts,
Regional Labor and skill/training Bureaus leader, experts, TVT College Deans, Instructors and
industry experts who contribute their time and professional experience to the development of this
Training Module.
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Acronym
LAP test ……………………………………Leanring Activity performance Test
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Introduction to Module
In structural construction work, Preparing Job estimation and costing are a fundamental element
in predicting a structure's overall construction costs. It helps to know Material cost, Labor cost,
Equipment cost, Overhead cost and constructer’s profit of construction project.
This module is designed to meet the industry requirement under the structural construction work
occupational standard, particularly for the unit of competency: Preparing Job estimation and
costing.
Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:
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Unit One: Basic concepts of job estimation and cost prepartion
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
Introduction to Job Estimation and Costing
Project plans and Specifications
Measurements and quantities
Fundamental approach to construction cost Estimation
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Identify to Job Estimation and Costing
Reade and understande project plans and Specifications
Making measurements and identifying quantities
Identify Fundamental approach to construction cost Estimation
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1.1Introduction to Job Estimation and Costing
Construction businesses use job costing to calculate project expenses. Job costing gives you a
complete picture of all costs associated with a specific job and looks at labor, materials and
overhead. The more detailed the breakdown, the more accurately a business can track expenses
and identify issues that could affect its profitability — for example, an unexpected expense or
ballooning worker hours.
Ability to read and understand contract documents, with special skills in reading
construction drawings for all specialties and related specifications.
Ability to accurately take off the quantities of construction work for which he or she is
preparing the detail estimate.
Ability to visualize the future building from drawings, which usually requires some years
of construction site experience.
Knowledge of arithmetic, basic geometry, and statistics.
Familiarity with estimating software in depth and with available building cost databases.
Ability to work under pressure and to meet all bid requirements and deadlines.
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1.1.5 Factors Affecting Cost Estimation
Factors which affect the cost estimation are summarized as follow:
Construction scheduling
Bidding environment
Proper management
Such estimates are based on practical knowledge and cost of similar previous works. Examples
of approximate cost estimations are as follows:
Based on Plinth Area- roof area or external dimensions at the plinth level (Courtyard & open
area shall not be included)
The rate per meter square is deduced from the cost of similar building projects in the locality.
3
C. Cubical Content method – cost per m
Based on cubical contents of various buildings, i.e. Plinth area of the building x height x cubic
content rate.
Height should be taken from the top of flat roof (or halfway of the sloped roof) to the top of
concrete in foundation.
The quantities of items are carefully prepared from the drawings and the total cost worked out
from up to date market rates.
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From the estimate of a work it is possible to determine what materials and in what
quantities will be required for the work so that the arrangements to acquire them can be
made.
Labor
The number and kind of workers of different categories who will have to be employed to
complete the work in the specified time can be found out from the estimate.
Plant
An estimate will help in determining amount and kind of equipment needed to
complete the work.
Time
The estimate of a work and the past experience enable one to estimate quite closely the
length of time required to complete an item of work or the work as a whole. Whereas the
importance of knowing the probable cost needs no emphasis, estimating materials, labor,
plant and time is very useful in planning and implementation of any work.
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As you might imagine, a set of construction drawings is not just a random assortment of
blueprints. Rather, it’s a carefully crafted collection of documents that work together to tell a
complete story of a construction project. This set includes several key components, each serving
a unique purpose in painting a comprehensive picture of the project.
Floor Plans: Think of these as the ‘Google Maps’ of construction drawings. Floor plans
provide a bird’s-eye view of each building level, showing the arrangement of rooms,
hallways, and other spaces. They also indicate the locations of doors, windows, and stairs.
They’re vital for understanding the flow of the building and the functional relationship
between different spaces.
Elevations: These are the face of the building—literally! Elevations provide a flat view of
the building’s exterior from each side, illustrating the structure’s design, materials, and
height. They give an idea of what the finished building will look like from the outside.
Sections: These are the ‘X-ray’ view of the building. Sections are cutaway views that show
the building from the inside, revealing elements like floor and ceiling heights, wall thickness,
and the relationship between different parts of the building.
Details: Ever heard the saying, “The devil is in the details?” That’s what this component is
all about. Details provide a close-up view of specific parts of the building, focusing on
complex or unique areas that need special attention. These could be things like custom
window installations or intricate ceiling designs.
Schedules: Don’t let the term ‘schedules’ throw you off. In construction drawings, schedules
are essentially detailed lists of specific elements in the building, like windows, doors, or
finishes. They provide information like quantities, sizes, materials, and locations.
Legends and Symbols: These are like the Rosetta Stone of the construction drawings world.
Legends and symbols decode the specific language used in the drawings, explaining what
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various abbreviations and symbols mean. They ensure everyone reading the drawings is on
the same page.
II. Specification
A specification defines the materials and methods to be used by the contractor when
constructing a project and is discussed.
Specification is defined as the designation or statement by which written instructions are given
distinguishing and/or limiting and describing the particular trade of work to be executed. In short
specification is a statement of particular instructions of how to execute some task. Specification
is one of the contract documents.
Specifications are written based on the prepared design, drawings, general and scientific trends
of workmanship, quality expected, equipment involved and materials to be used for the particular
trade of work.
In so doing the methods of communication should complement each other and neither should
overlap or duplicate the other. Specifications are devices for organizing the information depicted
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on the drawings and they are written descriptions of the legal and technical requirements forming
the contract documents.
Their difference is that the drawings should generally show the following:
1.3Quantities Measurement
Measurement
Measurement of works holds a very important place in the planning and implementation of any
civil engineering work.
It is vitally important that measurement practice applied to buildings is both accurate and
consistent.
There are a number of situations that require a quantity surveyor to measure and record
dimensions from both drawings as well as on site, depending on the stage of the project.
Metric system is very simple as the units are a multiple of ten or one tenth of the other.
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For construction works the units which are commonly used are:
Unless otherwise stated all works shall be measured net as fixed in position.
Same work done under different conditions or stages shall be measured separately.
Area Measurements
Measuring an area is measuring a two dimensional object or a plane surface, and is expressed in
square unit. (Length & width or Length & Height or width & Height)
Unless otherwise mentioned the following works shall be measured in square meters.
2
Form work. – ( m )
2
Concrete finishing and curing. – ( m )
2
Pre-cast roof slabs, floor and wall panel. – ( m )
2
Light weight partition. – (m ) stating thickness
Site clearing
Top soil excavation
Wall, floor and ceiling finishes, where the width exceeds 300mm.
Ceiling works and etc
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Volume Measurements
Unless otherwise mentioned measurements of the following works are measured with cubic
meters.
Earth work
All concrete works except lean concrete
Brick pillars or columns
Stone masonry works
Deep excavation
Back filling
Disposal of excavation materials and etc.
Enumerated items
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In deciding to participate in the intended project tender, the contractor shall carefully assess the
impact of the following key factors:
Type of project
Method of tendering
Type of construction contract
Number and progress of contracts already at hand
Resource availability i.e. skilled manpower, plants and machineries
Financial position
Once decision is made to participate in the intended tender, the contractor shall give due
attention to the following major items listed below
Technical specifications
Drawings
Method of measurement
Site visits
Proper understanding of the general and particular conditions of contract is mainly important for
construction cost estimation in identifying the responsibilities and cost implications on the
project
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Amount and type of performance security
Retention money
Price escalation
Tax exemptions
Owner’s risks
Applicable laws
B. Technical Specification
Technical specifications specify the following crucial information to the contractor and it is the
sole basis both for the construction methods to be adapted and the construction cost of the
project.
Quality of materials
Quality of machineries and plants
Quality of workmanship
Erection and installation methods
Test and inspection requirements and methods
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Technical specifications basically have restricted applications, which usually define specific
work items. Therefore, for a better understanding and cost estimation of the project, the
contractor must check the given specifications for:
Legal enforceability
C. Drawings
The contractor mainly understands from the drawings what type of construction methods to be
adapted during cost estimation as well as construction of the project. Some of the construction
methods which need to be addressed during cost estimation of this building project are:
Concrete production
Moreover, construction methods shall be selected in such a way the given quantity of works can
be executed during the completion time of the project.
Based on the estimated quantity of works, the contractor shall decide the method of construction
to be adapted during executing of the project such as:
Supporting documents such as geological formations, hydrological data and other technical
reports like socio-economic studies are usually provided by the owner to contractors for their
own interpretations for heavy construction projects.
Therefore, the contractor shall have the technical ability and experience in interpreting the
technical data provided to determine construction methods to be adapted which directly affects
the construction cost estimates.
F. Site Visit
In order to prepare competent and reasonable construction cost estimates, the contractor must
visit the project site unless the site is familiar to the contractor with previous reliable site
information.
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Site visits are critically important especially when the contractor is working with heavy
construction project cost estimates such as road works and hydropower projects.
The contractor shall prepare his own checklists during the site visit which shall address, but not
limited to, the following issues which have direct impact on the construction costs of the
intended project.
The contractor shall identify the location and quality of local construction materials
such as quarry area for gravel production, sand, selected material, water as well as
sub base and base course materials in the case of road projects.
Moreover, the contractor shall have the general understanding of the site layout for
different plants such as batching and crushing plants.
iii. Access Roads
Site access roads to the main works, quarry areas, water supply, sand, and the like shall be
identified which incurs additional construction and maintenance costs. These costs are
extremely high, in case of heavy construction sites such as road works, hydropower projects
and
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iv. Water and power supply
v. Communication facilities
Self-check 1.1
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Instruction: Choose the correct answer
A B
1. Approximate costing A . Gantt charts
2. Detailed Cost Estimate B. Cost per functional unit
E. Taking Off
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Unit two Job estimation and cost prepartion
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
Material cost calculation
Laboe cost calculation
Equpment cost calculation
Head office overhead costs
Site overhead costs
Risk Allowance
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Identifay and calculete Material cost
Identifay and calculete Laboe cost
Identifay and calculete Equpment cost
Identifay and calculete Head office overhead costs
Identifay and calculete overhead costs
Identifay and calculete Risk Allowance
Identifay and calculete Profit and Income Tax
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2.1Material cost
Some building materials like cold rolled steel framing are considered modern methods of
construction, over the traditionally slower methods like block work and timber.
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2.1.2Material quantity calculation
The first part of an estimating task is to determine the amount of materials that will be required.
Material quantities are the fundamental data forming the foundation on which all estimating
processes build. This first step in determining the necessary amount of materials is called
quantity take off.
Quantity Take Off
Quantity take off is an extremely important task with direct implications for the many estimating
tasks that follow it.
The unit prices and the total prices of materials to procure, labor and equipment requirements
and the scheduling of each activity are all based on the quantity take off. Therefore, it is clear
that quantity take off is the foundation and the basis for all other estimating work and ultimately
affects the total cost estimate of a project. Therefore, a quantity surveyor must be careful and
thorough in her work in order to produce the most accurate calculations for the quantities of all
the materials in the project.
Quantity Take off Procedures
The quantity surveyor performs quantity take off from drawings and specifications. Drawings
provide a graphical representation of the details of the project, including dimensions, type of
materials, and location information of a component. Specifications complement the drawings by
providing additional vital information that is difficult to show on the drawings, such as a specific
type of paint to be used and the number of coatings for interior finishes.
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The calculations involved in quantity take off can be categorized into four basic components:
linear,
area,
volume, and
unit measures.
Linear calculations are used in determining perimeter, length, width, and height, and are the
most basic type of construction calculation. Area calculations are obtained by multiplying two
linear measurements.
Unit measures are applied to construction items, such as the number of bricks, blocks, windows,
and doors. When performing quantity take off, a quantity surveyor should visualize the entire
project, thinking in terms of actual field procedures that will take place during construction.
Pricing materials
After making a list of materials and their proposed quantities, the next step in determining the
cost of materials is to price each and every item.
Pricing
Pricing is a process of assigning a birr value to a work item based on given specifications and the
predetermined quantity required.
The pricing of each work item should include the cost of each of these
subcomponents: Permanent and temporary materials to be procured,
Labor required for installing the materials,
Equipment required for moving and installing materials, and
Other consumables, such as fuel and tools.
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2.1.3Material cost
Material costs are obtained by getting quotations from suppliers, generally in a unit price of birr
per unit of measure of a specified material. Many unit prices may be provided for the same
material depending on the volume of purchase at a given time. Generally, the more the amount of
purchase, the lower the unit price is.
This is called quantity discount. When using the unit price, the contractor has the responsibility
of determining the quantities of materials to be purchased.
The cost of materials includes not only the direct cost of the material items, but the contractor
shall add the following costs to the material supplier’s price to get the material unit cost at the
project site:
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Example
1. Calculete direct material cost for 1.3 m3 coarse aggregete.
Activity 1.
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2.2 Labor cost calculation
2.2.1 Introduction
The construction industry, to which crafts men belong, is one of the most labor- intensive
industries in the world. The labor cost component of a building project often ranges from 30-
50%, and can be as high as 60% the overall project cost. Therefore, it is clear that construction
labor is a vital component of a construction project.
A building is a very complex product, made of many different systems, such as the structural,
exterior enclosure and interior enclosure system. These system can be broken down into
many more sub-systems and sub- subsystems. In this way, a building construction project is
divided into numerous work packages. These work packages can then be assigned to and
completed by an individual worker, or a crew. A crew is a team of workers, which can be of the
same trade or a composite of many different trades.
A building is a very complex product, made up of many different systems, such as the structural
system, exterior enclosure system, and HVAC system. These systems can be broken down into
many more subsystems and sub subsystems. In this way, a building construction project is
divided into numerous work packages. These work packages can then be assigned to and
completed by an individual worker or a crew.
A crew is a team of workers, which can be of the same trade or a composite of many different
trades. Due to the diverse nature of the different tasks associated with all the building systems,
many types of craftsmen from many different trades are required in a building construction
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project. Table 2.1 provides a list of types of workers that can be involved in a building
construction project, along with their description.
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2.2.3Components of Labor Costs
Monetary and
Productivity.
1. Monetary
The monetary factor is related to hourly wage rates, wage premiums, insurance, fringe benefits,
and taxes. Estimating the components of the monetary factor are more difficult in construction
industry .This is due to the variety of work involved in construction, as well as the many types of
trades involved. The problem is further complicated by the presence of the unions with their craft
structures and collective bargaining processes. Although the computational process of this
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component seems complex and tedious, it is only a matter of accounting as the needed numbers
(such as wage rates, fringe benefits, and insurance) are readily available.
2. Productivity
The second factor, which is much more difficult to deal with, is productivity. In the most general
sense, productivity is the ratio of input versus the respective output. In construction, the input is
often the work hours of a worker or a crew, such as the 8 hours of a bricklayer. The output is the
amount of work produced, such as laying 500 bricks. Thus construction productivity is defined
as the quantity of work produced in a given amount of time by a worker or a specific crew, that
is, the quantity of construction output units produced in a given amount of time or a unit time. In
the latter case, labor productivity is identified with value of construction birr per labor hour.
Example1
If a bricklayer can lay 500 bricks in 8 hours, the associated construction productivity is
500bricks divided by 8 hours, which is 62 bricks/bricklayer hour.
To accurately estimate productivity, an estimator not only needs a good historical record, but a
lot of experience.
The formula for computing the total cost of labor is quite simple. It requires the knowledge of the
total work hours or labor hours needed to perform all the tasks and then applying the
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corresponding wage rates. The formula for calculating the total cost of labor shown in
For example, assume that a crew for a work item includes three bricklayers and two helpers.
The crew works for three days under straight time (8-hr day) to complete the work package. The
wage rate for each bricklayer is 28.55birr and each helper is 22.40birr. In this instance, the total
cost of labor is 3131 birr as determined by computations shown in 4.1.
Determining the total work hours for a task involves knowledge of the quantity of work required
for the task and the productivity rate for the specific crew that will be performing the work. The
quantity of work associated with the material quantity is determined by the quantity take off
discussed
. For example, the quantity of work for placing concrete would be associated with the amount of
concrete to be placed.
The formula for calculating the total work hours (Eq 2.3)
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Work hours computation example
Work description Quantity Productivity per Unit Total work hours
hour
Exterior Plastering 440 11 M2 40
2
Interior plastering 378 14 M 27
67
Labor index is a multiplying factor of the basic salary which represents the additional benefits
whereby a worker gets from the contractor such as:
Severance pay
Annual leave
Occupational accident expenses
Occupational disease expenses
Overtime pay
Occupational safety, health and working environment
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Benefits resulting from collective agreements
Labor Index Calculation
5 Benefits
5 days/ mth
6. Rainy Season Salary = = 0.1945
25.71 days/ mth
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Grand Total Indexed Factor 1.58
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2.3Equpment cost calculation
2.3.1Introduction
Modern construction is characterized by the increasing utilization of equipment to accomplish
numerous construction activities. According to Means’ Illustrated Construction Dictionary,
equipment refers to all the equipment, tools, and apparatus necessary for the proper construction
and acceptable completion of a project.
In a construction project, equipment costs are typically divided into portions. The first and bigger
portion covers the cost of equipment and is often referred to as equipment cost. The cost of
equipment is one of the major cost categories in a construction project. It represents the cost of
acquiring the equipment and the cost of operating that equipment during the construction
processes.
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The second and smaller portion covers the cost of hand tools. This represents a smaller portion of
the project cost and is often calculated as a percentage of payroll costs. It is added to the indirect
cost under the jobsite overhead.
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Direct Equipment Cost (G) calculation
In order to calculate the direct equipment cost, contractors need to calculate the direct equipment
hourly cost which is the total hourly cost of equipment crew required to execute a specific
activity in a project.
In estimating the direct equipment hourly cost, the contractor shall obtain
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2.4 Head office overhead
Head office overhead costs are all costs required to run the whole operation of the construction
company, which usually administers different projects at a time.
These costs are not usually associated with specific project but rather shared proportionally by all
projects under the company.
Some of the checklists for head office overhead costs are given below with further clarifications.
Senior management costs – These refer to costs related with salaries and benefit packages of
the senior management in the head office.
Indirect labor costs – Staffs other than the senior management members working at the head
office such as the technical, administrative, marketing, finance and supply staffs.
Head office building costs – In both cases, costs are incurred in such a way either rental costs
will be paid, if the building is rented and building depreciation will be considered, if the building
is owned.
Bidding Expenses – These costs are usually associated with bid document purchases, site visit
expenses, bid bonds and so on. These costs are sometimes called sunk costs.
Expertise service costs – These costs will be incurred when professional services are required
such as the services of external auditors, lawyers, management consultants and external
trainings.
Office furniture and equipment – Different office furniture and equipments are required
depending on the size and standard of the company.
Office running expenses – The head office operation requires lots of miscellaneous expenses
such as telephones, fax, internet services,
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Workshops, garages and warehouses – Costs related to central workshops, garages and
warehouses such as the depreciation costs of the buildings or rental expenses.
Bank charges – It is very natural that companies may borrow money from banks. Therefore, the
interest to be paid on the borrowed capital shall be considered under the head office costs.
Insurance charges – Employees medical insurance, office building and small vehicles
insurance.
Transportation and travel expenses –costs related to transportation, per diem and living
expenses.
Sundry expenses – These are miscellaneous expenses such as advertisement expenses, reception
parties and donations.
Site overhead costs are all costs required to run the whole operation of a specific construction
project at site level.
These costs are not associated with specific activity in a project but rather shared proportionally
by all activities within the project. Some of the site overhead costs are listed below with further
clarifications.
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Site management costs – These costs refer to costs related with salaries and benefit packages of
the site management members in the project site.
Indirect labor costs – salaries and benefits of staffs other than the site management members
working at the project site such as site engineers, office engineers, administrative and finance
staffs, data collectors and so on.
Mobilization and demobilization costs –These costs are mainly transportation costs.
Tender Expenses – These costs are related with the costs of the contract performance security,
advance repayment guarantee, contractor’s all risk insurance, insurance of the works and third
party insurance depending on the contract conditions agreed.
Site offices –site offices are constructed from different materials such as corrugated iron sheets,
prefabricated materials, material packing steel containers, steel structure and normal hollow
concrete blocks.
Expertise service costs – These costs will be incurred when professional services are required at
the project site such as lawyers, claim experts and so on.
Office furniture and equipment – Different office furniture and equipment are required
depending on the size and location of the project.
Office running expenses - The site office operation requires different expenses such as
telephones, fax, internet service, mail service and stationery.
Radio communications - If the coverage area of the construction project is vast, hand held and
stationed radio communications may be used within the site and with the head office.
Camp facilities – The costs of construction and operation of other facilities such as restaurants,
recreational centers and playgrounds are also included under the camp facilities.
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Access roads – Depending on the topography and location of the project site, different access
roads may be required to construct such as detour roads, access roads to quarry and disposal
areas, etc.
Water and power supply – All the site offices, camp facilities, the construction itself requires
water and power supply for operating the whole project properly.
Workshops garages and warehouses, Bank charges, Transportation and travel expenses,
Insurance charges, etc…
Usually contractors incorporate risk allowances in their tender prices to compensate the negative
impacts of different risks such as contractual, technical, political and economic risks.
Contractual risks are usually stemming from the contract agreements with the project owner,
subcontractors and suppliers.
Technical risks are associated usually with the clarification of the technical specifications,
working drawings, construction technology and difficulties in understanding new method of
constructions.
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Political and economic risks reflect the impact of political situations, stability of economic
policies, inflation and price escalation on the execution of the intended construction project.
Let’s assume the following factors represent the percentage cost increment of each cost
component and the risk allowance will be calculated as follows:
Construction projects are executed by contractors whereby these contractors will commit to
invest their capital to get maximum possible profit from the contracts to be performed.
A profit margin entirely depends on the market competitiveness and company strategies.
Any construction company operating a profitable business in Ethiopia shall pay 30% of its gross
profit as an income tax as per the income tax proclamation No. 286/2002.
If the contractor is registered for VAT, which is usually the case, the contractor’s construction
cost estimate shall also include Value Added Tax which is 15% of the tender amount in
accordance with the Value Added Tax proclamation No. 285/2002.
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Gross Profit (M) calculation
As an illustration, if the net profit margin is assumed to be P% of the breakeven cost (direct costs
+ indirect costs + risk allowances), the gross profit (net profit + income tax) can be calculated as
follows, which is X% of the breakeven cost
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Page 58 of 70 Ministry of Labor and Module Title: Prepare Job estimation and costing Version -2
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2.9 Developing unit costs analysis for each items of work and material
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Page 63 of 70 Ministry of Labor and Module Title: Prepare Job estimation and costing Version -2
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Self-check 2.1
A B
2. team of workers A. Mason
2. Laying stone in buildings. B. A crew
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4. Laying Ceramic in building D. Carpenter
. E. Painter
D. ------------------------
E. ------------------------
F. ------------------------
G. ------------------------
H. ------------------------
I. ------------------------
Operation 2.1
Operation Title: Labor cost estimation
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Purpose: To calculate the time and cost it takes the crew
Conditions or situations for the operations:
Safe working area
Check working drawing
Equipment Tools and Materials:
A4 paper
Pen
Pencil
Calculator
Eraser
Instruction
If the daily production rate for a crew that works in an activity is 175units per day and the total
crew cost per day is 1800Birr. The material needed for daily work is 4.5units and 100Birr/unit.
1. Calculate the time and cost it take the crew to finish 1400units
2. Calculate the total unit cost. Consider an eight hour work day.
Lap Tests
Instructions: Given necessary templates, tools and materials you are required to perform the
following tasks accordingly. Duration 4hrs
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Activity. If the daily production rate for a crew that works in an activity is 175units per day and
the total crew cost per day is 1800Birr. The material needed for daily work is 4.5units and
100Birr/unit.
Task 1: Calculate the time and cost it take the crew to finish 1400units
Task 2. Calculate the total unit cost. Consider an eight hour work day.
Reference
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Frederic C. Jelen, James H. Black, Cost and Optimization Engineering, Third Edition, McGraw-
Hill Book Company, 2028
Cost Estimating Guide for Program and Project Management, U.S. Department of Energy,
Office of Management, Budget and Evaluation, DOE G 430.1-1X, April 2016
Cost Estimate Classification System, AACE International Recommended Practice No. 17R-97
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Educational
S Trainer Address
N Name of Background In
e
o. Trainer Level and Regi
x College Phone E-Mail Address
Profession on
Federal
Addi Technical
M.Sc. in
Bekalu s and 0921988 fikruyibeltal@gmai
1 M Structural
Yibeltal Abab Vocational 863 l.com
Engineering
a Training
Institute
B.Sc. in Woliso
Desalegn Oro 0926771 dasalegnalemu&gm
2 M Construction Polytechnic
Alemu mia 683 ail.com
Management College
M.Sc. in Batu
Muluken Oro 0912289 mulecot99@gmail.
3 M Construction Polytechnic
Solomon mia 146 com
Management College
B.Sc. in
Woliso
Solomon Building Oro 0921207 samuelsolomon071
4 M Polytechnic
Urga Construction mia 462 @gmail.com
College
Technology
5 Tesfaye M M.Sc. in Cent Butajira 0913442 tesfayeassegidew@
Assegide Construction eral Polytechnic 444 gmail.com
w Technology & Ethio College
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Management pia
Tibebnes
M.Sc. in Hawassa
h Sida 0916116 tibebineshg1@gmai
6 F Construction Polytechnic
Gebremi ma 049 l.com
Management College
chael
Addi General
Zekarias B.Sc. in Civil s Wingate 0912421 zekarias1502@gma
7 M
Gebre Engineering Abab Polytechnic 317 il.com
a College
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