Conceptual Estimating - Turning Drawings Into Estimates

Conceptual estimating requires a contractor to take early stage conceptual drawings and turn them into detailed estimates with a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) that is useful during the initial programming, schematic, and design development phases.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

It is important to remember that during these early stages, the developer is working to put together financing for the project.   

CM at Risk: Conceptual Estimating Technology.

There is a lot of risk for all parties in a new development and as with any type of financing, banks are looking at the 5Cs with covenants, just a like a contractor has on their credit line.

The difference between a project moving forward or not is often in the single-digit percentage on cost and revenue projections. With construction costs being about half the total cost of the development, it is critical that the contractor can create a realistic budget even at this early stage.  

  • Too high of a plug number and the development won’t pencil out for cash flow. They will likely source a second opinion from another contractor or pull the plug on the development. 
     
  • Too low of a plug number and it won’t be constructable. Raising the number later in the process may cause the financing to get pulled from the project.  

  • That budget must be detailed in a way that is truly useful for the project owner, architect, consulting engineers and contractor to make good decisions during the schematic, design development, and construction document phases.  

The better a contractor is at this, the earlier and more often they will be brought into the process. 


Conceptual Estimating - Turning Drawings Into Estimates
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

Conceptual Estimating - Turning Drawings Into Estimates
The preferred project delivery method. There is a reason 100 of ENR's Top 400 General Contractors use CMAR as the project delivery method for over 75% of their work. Leverage CMAR as part of your growth strategy....

Construction Contracting, Materials Science, and "People Science"
Psychology is materials science for people. Engineers use materials science to design and build construction projects that are both safe and meet the needs of their owners. Organizational Development is the engineering of individuals into effective teams.
About D. Brown Management
We are a management advisory firm working with contractors across the United States. We love the construction industry and believe it is an integral part of the backbone of our country.
3 Critical Decisions for Success
As you look forward toward the new year, objectively evaluate yourself on the three critical decisions we all must make on a regular basis