Hey! Are you a contractor? Yes!
That’s great. You must have dealt with multiple construction projects if you have enough experience in this field.
We both know that construction is itself a time-consuming and complex task. But what is the most tiring activity you experience even before starting construction?
Yes, you are right. It is construction materials estimation. Do you know that it can take more time than actual construction?
Well, you are not the single one. >50% of contractors experience failure due to poor implementations in estimation. The good news is that you will get out of this contractor’s pool after exploring this blog post.
Here, we will discover how to estimate materials for construction to become a master in this job.
We must understand the detailed concept behind materials estimates before moving toward the primary topic of this blog.
Have you ever heard the term Quantity Takeoffs, Construction Takeoffs, or Materials Takeoffs in the construction industry? Actually, the terms have a direct connection with material estimates.
Takeoffs reflect the quantities of materials required for the particular construction. However, estimates are the numerical values or figures showing the budget requirements for the desired building materials.
Construction estimating service providers consider accurate measurements and quantification during this assessment.
We have understood the concept behind the focused term of this page. But why is it essential to do this assessment before starting any construction project?
Actually, construction materials estimates give an idea about whether we can afford the targeted construction or not or if the project under examination is doable. Simply put, the estimates help us in the feasibility analysis of the construction project.
Besides, if the estimates pass the feasibility analysis, they further help during construction by eliminating the chances of budget and time overruns. In other words, material estimates keep the construction project on track and help contractors drive the project smoothly without fear of material shortages.
Unfortunately, the assessment needs valuable time because a lot of factors can damage the accuracy of the estimates and transform them into a useless, and, in fact, construction-damaging factor.
Construction materials estimates can fluctuate due to the influence of many factors, having a direct impact on the materials’ pricing.
Small construction needs fewer materials, however, large ones require more. It is like the variable quantities of lumber required to construct cabinets of different sizes. The more your requirements are, the more the budget will be.
Furthermore, it is essential to enter exact values when measuring the dimensions of a particular construction project. Lesser can cause materials shortages and increased measurements can let you experience waste management expenses.
Just like the above point, more material requirements mean a higher project budget. The size or the scope of the construction project directly impacts this factor, which further increases or decreases the expenses of the materials and influences the estimates.
Some construction materials are rarely available in the market, such as high quality or pure concrete. Contractors order and test these materials to check the quality and efficiency for the particular construction. The testing adds expense to the total materials estimate.
So, materials testing is also a cost-influencing factor for materials estimates.
Construction materials prices fluctuate regularly; the trend has become more common after COVID-19. Inflation is flying openly in the sky and leaving marks on the construction market, whether labor rates or materials prices.
Therefore, getting updated data for valuable construction materials estimates is essential for every contractor.
Different locations show varying material rates. Suppliers ask for high rates where material, such as timber, is in high demand. However, supplier rates are also low in areas where the construction ratio is down.
Therefore, considering the process according to your location is essential when you estimate the construction material budget.
Estimators mostly use the following methods to estimate the construction materials budget. Let’s explore them to decide which method will suit your project!
This method demands considering all the requirements and counting them in terms of unit prices. You can use the previous project as a sample if you already have done a similar task.
Material Per Unit Price = Product count x Product unit price
Average material price/sq ft = Material cost / total square footage of the job
Pro Tip: You can repeat the process to identify labor expenses.
Labor cost = Labor / Square footage
The second method you can use to calculate the material cost is the square foot estimating method. You can use this method to create a bid in the shortest duration. It is applicable for:
Total square feet of area Length x Width
Material per square feet cost = Total contract price / Square footage of the area
The method does not involve two separate formulas for materials and labor costs. If you have one, you can consider the same value for the second factor. Simply put, the technique involves a 50/50 ratio of materials and labor.
If the new roofing project’s total expense is $60,000, $30,000 will be for materials and the second $30,000 will be for labor expenditures.
Let’s start the primary topic of this blog post as we have learned all the things essential to understand and now can estimate materials cost-efficiently.
Scope of work is the work statement that gives the dimensions of the project and shows how much work will be required to complete the construction under consideration.
So, first define the SOW, considering the following factors:
| Factor | Description |
| Project Overview |
|
| Expected Deliverables |
|
| Timeline & Schedules |
|
| Defined Terminologies |
|
Once the work scope has cleared, shift your attention to the materials required for construction. Create a comprehensive list of all materials, whether needed in small quantities or excess. It will help you eliminate the chances of:
You can create a proper list by knowing the exact use of materials. It is better to add the purpose of materials just after the material name.
What to Consider in Construction Materials
Pro Tip: Use the exact unit for each by getting expert assistance!
Now, determine how much quantity you require for each material you note in the second step of the materials estimation process.
You can use any one of the following methods to perform this job.
The second option is more reliable as it eliminates the chances of:
Pro Tip: You can use material takeoff software to complete this job efficiently.
Units to Take Measurements |
|
| Unit | Description |
| Count | Number of individual materials you require for your construction project. |
| Length | Count the pieces of materials, such as lumber, after determining the area’s total length. |
| Weight | You might need to order materials using weight units. Get expert assistance to get an estimate for this purpose. |
| Area | Multiple lengths into width to get an idea of how much material you would require for the project, including painting, plaster, carpeting, and tiling. |
| Volume | It determines the cubic yards, cubic food, or cubic meters by multiplying length, width, and depth. It is used for sand and concrete. |
Remember that your estimates can show the difference from the final results. It is called variation that occurs due to changes in the scope of the project and sometimes due to inaccurate measurements and takeoff assessments. Unfavorable weather conditions can also shake your materials’ estimate report.
But, our main concern is what we can do to deal with such circumstances. Here, the material wastage ratio jumps into the ring.
Consider a 5-15% margin during material estimation to cover waste. The percentage will help you keep your project budget on track, enabling you to tackle adverse situations wisely.
Pro Tip: Get accurate wastage value by getting assistance from construction estimators.
You can also consider the following table to accomplish this goal.
Want to know: How to Get Leads For Construction
| Construction Materials | Wastage Ratio Limit |
| Structural Steel | 10-15% |
| Wood | 5% |
| Cement | 2-3.5% |
| Bricks | 2-3% |
| Sand | 8-12% |
| Filling Soil | 3-5% |
| Reinforcement steel | 3.5-5% |
| Tiles | 2% |
| Aggregate | 5-8% |
| Granite | 8-15% |
| Paint | 2-3% |
| Stuttering Board | 8-15% |
| Concrete | 1-5% |
| Mortar | 1-2% |
Now, calculate all material expenses individually. Then, sum up all the values to get the total budget required for construction materials. Finalize the report, run the quality test, and submit the documents.
Accuracy is Integral in Your Materials EstimatesWhatever the type of construction project you deal with, ensuring 100% precision and accuracy in materials estimates is essential. Accurate values lay the solid foundation for the following estimating benefits:
Here, a question arises:
Construction material estimation demands industry knowledge and expertise. You can only have these after investing many years in this field. But, you are a contractor or an engineer by profession. What should you do?
Hire estimators from the most trustworthy estimating company in your state or city. He will help you precisely do takeoff assessment and calculate materials estimates.
With his assistance, you can ensure that you get comprehensive reports without gaps, loops, and errors. So, contact professional estimators and start your construction material estimation today!
Estimating the budget for construction materials is essential before making a purchase. It is mandatory to avoid financial crises during construction. But how can you calculate construction materials estimates?
Undoubtedly, it is complex, particularly for those who are already under an unbearable workload, such as contractors. Therefore, it is essential to consider some factors that can fluctuate the materials cost and method to estimate it before starting the calculation.
Once you explore these factors, your journey to calculate materials estimates will eliminate many hurdles. Start from SOW and finalize the report by adding all materials expenses. Remember to consider a 5-15% margin as a wastage ratio.
Ensure your values are 100% accurate. But, if you cannot do so due to lack of time or other reasons, hire estimators and expense the magic of their material estimating services!
How can I calculate the construction materials estimate?
You can calculate the construction materials estimate using the following steps:
What is the formula for the cost of materials?
The formula for the cost of materials is:
= Market price per unit x Total number of units required
What is the formula for construction cost estimation?
The formula for construction cost estimation is given below:
= total fixed cost + (per unit materials cost x total number of units required)
What is the first step in preparing a materials estimate?
Understanding the scope of work (SOW) is the first step in preparing a material estimate. It involves the determination of the following factors:
It is Robert Taylor, an experienced civil engineer by profession. I teach students studying in the engineering field and offer estimating services to contractors. In my spare time, I love to spend time exploring innovations and technologies in the construction sector. I am a good influencer too.
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