ESTIMATING

This is a new module of Semester 4 where there is no similar module in previous semesters. Basically, this subject introduces us the principle of estimating and components prices such as material, labour, plant, profit and wastage and also topic like sub-contracting works, preliminaries and etc. At first, I thought that this subject was as simple as I thought because it only involves simple mathematics but after I get in touch with it, I find that there are many more matters which needs to be considered during the calculation and factors which can affect the cost of construction such as wastage. For example, you are required to have basic construction knowledge to proceed in the calculation of cost like the procedures of laying bricks.

The topics in estimating consists of many chapters including the introduction and theories while the rest are all about the estimating of different components such as excavation, concrete work, brickwork, finishes and etc. The component of assessment consists of a group assignment, ECA workshop as well as a final exam. Moreover, we were also given tasks in a form of seminar and also presentations during tutorial classes. One of the seminar was to present a topic we were given while the other seminar was to understand one of the estimating topic and be as a tutor to teach few coursemates on the calculation during tutorials. For the group assignment, a group of 9 students compete and bid for the tender of a project given by the lecturer, Ms Azrina. We are required to contact the suppliers to get the price rates and quotations in order to calculate and estimate for the project as well as preparing tender documents for presentation held to the client on our tender.

Throughout this new module, I have gained a new knowledge on estimating which could help us in preliminary cost estimates, preparing cost budgets, to advise clients on matters about cost in the early stages of construction. This module not only involves simple calculation, I learnt to get used to the calculation as one of the common problem we meet in this module is the converting of unit to another required unit involves clear understanding. Besides, it has also improved my presentation skills through seminar during tutorial classes.