---
title: "Components of complete estimate; abstract cost"
subject: "Estimating and Costing"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:components-complete-estimate-abstract"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/components-complete-estimate-abstract
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Components of complete estimate; abstract cost

Estimating and Costing · Chapter 2: Method of Estimating

- Asked in: 2075 Asoj, 4+4 marks
- Video: [Part 19 ! Estimating and Costing ! Detailed estimate ! Rough cost estimate ! Types of estimate ! SSC](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vU2E4GznJk) — NARAYANA COACHING CLASSES
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/components-complete-estimate-abstract
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-2

## Question

What are the components of a complete estimate? Prepare a sample of abstract of cost.

## Short answer

Components: land, main building, water supply, sanitary, electrical, external works, furniture, consultancy, contingency (3–5%), VAT 13%. The abstract of cost tabulates items with quantity, unit, rate, and amount; sample shows earthwork, PCC, brickwork, etc., subtotalled and adding contingency and VAT to reach grand total.

## Answer

#### Components of a complete estimate
A complete estimate gives the total final cost of the project, including all costs related to the building besides the main construction cost:
1. **Land cost** and compensation, including legal charges.
2. **Cost of the main building** (civil works), from the detailed estimate.
3. **Water supply, sanitary and drainage works.**
4. **Electrical installation** (wiring, fittings, earthing, lightning conductor, lift).
5. **Architectural treatment** and special finishing.
6. **External works**: approach road, compound wall, gate, landscaping, septic tank.
7. **Furniture, equipment and fittings.**
8. **Planning, design and supervision charges** (consultant fees), and establishment.
9. **Contingency** (3 to 5%) and **work-charged establishment**.
10. **Taxes** (VAT 13%), interest during construction, and price escalation provisions.

#### Sample abstract of cost
(Illustrative quantities and rates)

| SN | Item | Qty | Unit | Rate (Rs) | Amount (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earthwork in excavation | 100 | m³ | 600 | 60,000 |
| 2 | PCC 1:3:6 | 10 | m³ | 11,500 | 115,000 |
| 3 | Brickwork 1:6 | 40 | m³ | 15,500 | 620,000 |
| 4 | RCC M20 (concrete) | 25 | m³ | 18,000 | 450,000 |
| 5 | Reinforcement Fe 500 | 2,500 | kg | 150 | 375,000 |
| 6 | Plaster 12.5 mm | 300 | m² | 480 | 144,000 |
| 7 | Flooring | 100 | m² | 900 | 90,000 |
| | **Sub-total** | | | | **1,854,000** |
| | Contingency 5% | | | | 92,700 |
| | **Total** | | | | **1,946,700** |
| | VAT 13% | | | | 253,071 |
| | **Grand total** | | | | **2,199,771** |

Rates are illustrative; actual rates are taken from the District Rate.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What does a complete estimate give?
   A. The total final cost of the project, including costs besides the main construction
   B. Only the cost of the main building from the detailed estimate
   C. The cost of one item of work only
   D. Only the contractor's profit and overhead
   Answer: A. A complete estimate covers land, services, fees, furniture and taxes in addition to the civil works cost. (Key point: Purpose of complete estimate)

2. Which of these is a component of a complete estimate in addition to the main building cost?
   A. Land cost and compensation, including legal charges
   B. Rate analysis of one item
   C. Only the quantity of bricks
   D. The bill of a single supplier
   Answer: A. Land cost and compensation is the first component listed, along with services, fees and taxes. (Key point: Components)

3. In the sample abstract, the sub-total is Rs 1,854,000. What is contingency at 5%?
   A. Rs 185,400
   B. Rs 9,270
   C. Rs 92,700
   D. Rs 253,071
   Answer: C. 5% of 1,854,000 = 92,700. (Key point: Contingency in abstract)

4. In the sample abstract, on what amount is VAT 13% charged?
   A. The sub-total before contingency
   B. The contingency only
   C. The rate column
   D. The total including contingency (Rs 1,946,700)
   Answer: D. 13% of 1,946,700 = 253,071, giving a grand total of Rs 2,199,771. (Key point: VAT base)

## Related in Estimating and Costing

- [Prepare AOC, BOQ and summary of cost](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Aaoc-boq-summary-numerical) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 2
- [Complete estimate: why and when](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Acomplete-estimate-why-when) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 3
- [Bill of quantities and abstract of cost](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Aboq-abstract-of-cost) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 2, asked 2×
- [Purposes of estimating; estimate never actual cost](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Apurposes-estimate-never-actual) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 1
- [Quantity sheet and abstract for residential building](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Aquantity-sheet-abstract-residential) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 2
- [Components of detail estimate report (road)](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Adetail-estimate-report-road) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 5

## Related in other subjects

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- [Final project report: title page, abstract, recommendation](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Afinal-report-title-abstract-recommendation) — Communication English, chapter 8
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