Understanding Construction Estimating Standards and Pr …

Construction estimating adheres to industry standards and practices to ensure consistency and accuracy. This article explores the key standards and practices that guide estimators.

Important Standards and Practices:

• Uniformat: A standard classification system for organizing construction information.
• MasterFormat: A standard for organizing construction project information and specifications.
• CSI Codes: Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) codes for standardizing project documentation.
• ASTM Standards: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for materials and testing procedures.
• Construction Cost Estimating Guides: Guidelines provided by organizations like RSMeans and Craftsman Book Company.
• Local Building Codes: Adherence to local building codes and regulations.
• Historical Data: Utilizing historical cost data from past projects.

Estimators must stay current with these standards and practices to produce accurate estimates that align with industry norms.