If we look back at the construction estimator positions of the past few decades, the changes we would see are significant. Electrical Estimating Services Estimators were viewed in the past as people who worked behind the scenes, using their calculators or computers to determine the costs of materials and manpower for construction contracting. But there is more to the construction industry nowadays, and therefore there is more to an estimator. Interested to know more about how the construction estimator position has evolved over the years? Then read below.
The Traditional Estimator
In the past, the construction estimator was involved in the evaluation of materials and the indication of manpower costs for new construction projects. He or she would have a set of project plans and specifications to study and come up with recommendations on. Employing manual take-off techniques and simple Excel sheets, they estimated the volumetric need of the material as well as the man hours required to accomplish each work.
To perform well in the position, the estimator needed to have a good working knowledge of means and methods in construction. They also had a problem with frequent changes in price information with vendors and subcontractors. That being said, the estimator did not seem to have much direct contact with the clients although his work was confined mostly to that aspect. Bids were given to management and sales teams so that they could estimate the costs of the various options. Should they secure the project, then operations ensue with the estimate as the mere working or even financial blueprint.
The Computerization Era
Technological advancement in construction estimating also led to improved techniques in estimating through computerized construction estimating software. There are various programs like Timberline, MC2, Pen & Paper, etc., which come under the umbrella of ‘automated manual takeoff methodologies’. Such enhancements as integrated assemblies and material databases made the estimator work more effective.
It was also possible for estimators to proceed, and generate several “what-if” scenarios in a short period. Schedules such as CSI MasterFormat also introduced order across the industry in the organization as well as reporting of the estimate. Email also helped in enhancing collaboration since estimators were now available to project managers, executives, and partners wherever they were in a particular job instead of being confined to back rooms.
Emergence of Preconstruction Services
The construction industry advanced to require more capacity from estimators as pre-construction solutions. Owners wanted more cost concreteness during the preliminary design phase. Estimators had the means and information to give detailed constructability reviews, conduct a life cycle cost analysis, do risk evaluations and many others.
Analysts moved from their traditional positions of interpreting and analyzing financial statements to advisory roles. They also assumed the role of reviewing plans, controlling third-party pricing information and services, and coordinating design- assistance. Rather than simple project budgets that were established at the outset of a project, estimators now developed current cost models that were continually revised and updated during the preconstruction phase. Estimator participation grew over months or years before construction let alone the commencement of the project.
The Modern Estimator
Indeed, modern Lumber Estimator are not only versatile professionals whose responsibilities extend to various organizational processes but also play a critical role in the management of information flows. Even though today’s leading construction firms use estimators as project analysts, client advisors, and profit strategists before the ground is ever broken to construct anything, estimates are still at the heart of what these firms do.
Target value design sessions are coordinated with estimators who get to work with project stakeholders. They contribute to the process of design thinking in the context of cost parameters while being able to evaluate potential risks. That is because in both cases, the intelligence collected during these endeavors fills databases with priceless pricing information to be used to fine-tune the next bid.
Apart from helping set sales targets, HIGH estimators deal with the general company marketing strategy and service provision. Their awareness of market opportunity, customer requirements, and win rates informs business strategies. Most of them progress to becoming directors or executives due to the broad understanding of the company’s internal operations that they get as estimators.
The Future Estimator
This is due to improving technological processes where future estimators will employ more decision-making than physical tasks. Machine learning may take over simplified measurement and Augmented & Virtual Reality may one day replace site visits. The work of the estimator within the organization will not change, as he or she will still be responsible for budgeting and planning projects; this will, however, be done through the use of analytical tools.
Electrical estimation company will further integrate their role with operations, engineering, and project management departments to use predictive data for the improvement of projects. Before construction commences estimators will predict, simulate, and facilitate the project owner and contractor in choosing the most viable means and methods of construction as the contractor’s project advisor. The changes in the social position, responsibilities, and the work done by the estimator have been progressing at an incredibly fast rate in the last decades, and this trend does not seem to be slowing down any time soon. The future estimator will further rise as an essential component in virtually every step of the construction phase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be suggested that Construction Estimating Services has developed ‘light years’ from an isolated number crunching role they used to be. The rise in the application of technologies and the use of pre-fabricated materials will only enhance the estimators’ capacity to offer key directions. Today’s estimators however have become significant in providing analysis and recommendations on the feasibility of projects long before equipment is mobilized on site. innovative estimators will keep on increasing their impact on BD and EXE in the future as this position offers a competitive advantage for successful construction organizations in the future. The future is still promising for students and professionals who strive for the development of the estimator profession.
