Los Angeles 2019 Construction Monthly

an Estimate
The Horse Before the Cart Method
This method requires an estimator to
have an idea of what the cost of construction
will be either through development of a
conceptual estimate, updating an estimate of a
similar project or use of a valuation service such
as Marshall & Swift. A percentage of the cost
of construction is then applied to arrive at the
sum of funds to be allocated to estimating. (See
the attached chart). This sum then is divided
by the hourly rate paid the estimator, or the
sum of the hourly rates paid to an estimating
staff, to arrive at the total man-hours required.
If a bid date has been set then the man-hours
are converted to days and worked backward to
indicate the date the estimator or estimating
staff must receive drawings if the estimate is
to be ready in time. Good practice is to allow
extra days for review prior to submitting a bid.
The Sheet Count Method
As the title indicates this method
involves counting the drawings that will be
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