Site Work Estimating Techniques
One of the trickiest parts of construction estimation is estimating site works. Before starting the project, there’s a high chance that you may not be aware of all the aspects of the involved variables, putting your accuracy at risk. Experts argue that assessing the earthwork is the most complicated part of site work estimation. You have to keep in mind many hidden factors such as groundwater conditions, soil type, dewatering, and stability requirements before concluding.
Recent technological advancements provide many convenient solutions to improve the precision of estimates. These approaches include developing 3D models to help you consider all the details of the project.
Here’s all you need to know about improving your site work estimation’s accuracy:
Determine The Soil Type
If you’re lucky, you may get your hands on the soil borings report. However, if there is no way to determine these documents’ authenticity, it’s best to assess the
soil type on your own. Honestly, there’s no better way than getting your hands dirty in the ground to determine the soil type. Visit the site with a shovel and make notes about the earth.
If you see a significant difference between the description on paper and the groundwork, put up a justifiable claim. You can also add the costs of soil investigation in your bid.
Calculate the Expansion & Compaction of Groundwork
One of the most crucial things in developing a site work estimate is assessing how different earth materials expand and compact. While estimating the quantity take off for the soil, you should know that the soil expands on disturbance.
So, the unit of measure for excavation will become
loose cubic yards instead of bank cubic yards in the soil’s natural state. Conversely, the earth compacts during the filing process. This shrinks the gravel, sand, loam, and clay by 85-100% percent. Thus, the unit measure for compacted soil becomes compacted cubic yards.
Consider The Equipment Requirement
One of the most overlooked factors in determining site work estimation is equipment costs. Keep in mind that it isn’t just intense projects that require
heavy equipment, but mid to small-size projects also have equipment requirements. Hence, it’d help to consider the costs of dump trucks, front end loaders, power shovels, and trenching material.
Get Help From the Best
There are many layers to estimating site work. As a contractor, your focus should be on creating bids that consider different projects’ nature and include costs like excavation requirements, topsoil removal, backfilling, and special needs for engineered soil.
If you find yourself lost in the site work estimation method, we’re here to help. At Remote Estimations, we offer world-class
site work estimation, lumber takeoff services, and
masonry estimation for residential projects. Reach out to us for more information.
