---
title: "Data required for detailed estimate"
subject: "Estimating and Costing"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:data-for-detailed-estimate"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/data-for-detailed-estimate
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Data required for detailed estimate

Estimating and Costing · Chapter 1: Introduction

- Asked in: 2081 Bhadra, 3 marks
- Video: [Estimating & Costing Lecture # 2.  (Data Required for Preparation of Estimate)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTcI2b0noEo) — Practical Civil Engineer
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/data-for-detailed-estimate
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-1

## Question

List out the data required for the detailed estimate of any construction project.

## Short answer

A detailed estimate needs complete drawings, specifications of materials and workmanship, rates from District Rates and DUDBC norms with rate analysis, item-wise quantities, site data, provisions for contingency and taxes, and contract conditions.

## Answer

The data required for a detailed estimate are:

1. **Drawings:** plans, elevations, sections, foundation and structural details, and door, window and finishing schedules, with dimensions.
2. **Specifications:** the quality and standard of materials and workmanship of each item (mix proportions, grade of concrete and steel, brick class, finish).
3. **Rates:** District Rates, the DUDBC norms (consumption of materials and labour per unit of work), and the rate analysis of each item, including transport (lead) and overhead.
4. **Quantities:** item-wise measurements, taken out by a standard method (long wall-short wall or centre line) with units as per IS 1200 / Nepal practice.
5. **Site information:** soil condition, water table, location of material sources and lead, availability of labour and water.
6. **Provisions and taxes:** contingency, work-charged establishment, VAT (13%), and price adjustment as applicable.
7. **Time and contract conditions:** the construction period and the conditions that affect the cost.

## Check yourself

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

1. Which drawings are needed for a detailed estimate?
   A. Plans, elevations, sections, foundation and structural details with schedules
   B. Only a site photograph
   C. Only the plan
   D. Only the tender notice
   Answer: A. Complete dimensioned drawings are needed. (Key point: Drawings)

2. What do the DUDBC norms give?
   A. The soil bearing capacity
   B. Consumption of materials and labour per unit of work
   C. The VAT rate
   D. The tender period
   Answer: B. They are used for rate analysis. (Key point: DUDBC norms)

3. Which methods are used to take out quantities?
   A. Random sampling
   B. Bay method only
   C. Long wall-short wall or centre line
   D. Lump sum guess
   Answer: C. Quantities are taken by a standard method with units as per IS 1200. (Key point: Method of measurement)

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