- 2081 Baisakh · 8 marks
Project, characteristics, stages of estimate
Short answer
A project is a temporary, unique undertaking with a definite objective, limited resources, risk and a life cycle. Estimating stages are identification/preliminary estimate, survey, planning/design, taking out quantities, rate analysis, detailed estimate with contingency and VAT, report/approval, and tendering/revision.
What is project? Explain its characteristics. Describe the stages of estimating a project.
Project
A project is a one-time, temporary undertaking carried out by a team with limited resources to create a unique product, service or facility (for example a road, bridge, building or water supply scheme).
Characteristics of a project
- Definite objective: it is done to achieve a clear goal.
- Unique: each project differs in location, design and conditions.
- Temporary: it has a start date and an end date.
- Limited resources: budget, labour, materials, equipment and time are fixed.
- Complexity: several disciplines and organisations (owner, designer, contractor, consultant) work together.
- Risk and uncertainty: weather, geology, price change and delay affect it.
- Life cycle: it passes through conception, planning, execution and closing.
Stages of estimating a project
| Stage | Work done |
|---|---|
| 1. Identification and preliminary estimate | Idea, need, rough cost from cost per unit (per km, per m², per family) to check feasibility |
| 2. Survey and investigation | Topographic, geological, hydrological, traffic and soil surveys |
| 3. Planning and design | Layout, structural and service design, drawings, specifications |
| 4. Taking out quantities | Measurement of each item from drawings, abstracting them in a BOQ |
| 5. Rate analysis | Rates from norms and District Rates, with lead and lift, transport, overhead and profit |
| 6. Detailed estimate | Quantity × rate for each item; abstract of cost with contingency, supervision and VAT |
| 7. Estimate report and approval | Report with drawings, specifications, rate analysis; technical and financial approval |
| 8. Tendering and revision | Bid document is prepared; revised or supplementary estimates are made if the scope changes |
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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