Every estimate has two major components:
the task breakdown and the
quantity survey. The task breakdown
is a list of all the discrete items —
materials, labor, subcontracts, and
equipment — needed to build the project.
Commonly, these are listed in the
order of construction — from foundation
to framing to finish. The quantity
survey, or takeoff, records the amount
of each item needed. The units of
measure depend on the type of task:
Material is measured in square feet and
cubic yards, labor in man-hours, and
subcontracts as a lump sum.
Computerized estimating programs
have automated the process of listing
items by providing quick access to
databases. Applications previously
reviewed in this column (such as
Win-Est, Quantum Leap, Construction
Mac,