Types of Cost Estimates in Construction A cost estimate is predicted expenditure of a project which is generally prepared before the project is taken up. It is prepared in different types based on the requirement of project.The construction cost estimates can be prepared either in a detailed manner by taking into consideration item by item or can be calculated approximately without going much into the details. Based on these criterias, there are mainly 8 cost estimates followed in construction Preliminary Cost Estimate Plinth Area Cost Estimate Cube Rate Cost Estimate Approximate Quantity Method Cost Estimate Detailed Cost Estimate Revised Cost Estimate Supplementary Cost Estimate Annual Repair Cost Estimate 1. Preliminary Cost Estimate The preliminary cost estimate is also called an abstract cost estimate or approximate cost estimate or budget estimate. This estimate is generally prepared in initial stages to know the approximate cost of the project. By t
Difference between Standard and Estimated Cost Estimated costs are intended to ascertain what the costs will be while standard costs aim at what costs should be. However, both estimated costs and standard costs are related to future period of time but there are some significant differences between them. Some major differences between standard costs and estimated costs are listed below: Standard Cost Standard costs, on the other hand, are ascertained on a scientific basis keeping in view certain conditions of efficiency. Standard costs are based upon standard rates that are carefully developed and set as scientifically as possible. Standard Cost is not generally revised unless it has been set incorrectly or it has become irrelevant to the changed situations. Standard costs are used by those organizations that follow standard costing. Standard costs are fixed after scientific analysis of relevant cost elements. Standard costs are based upon specifications. Mai