--- title: "Tasks in preparing building project estimate" subject: "Estimating and Costing" chapter: 5 key: "semester_7/estimating_and_costing:works-considered-building-project-estimate" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/works-considered-building-project-estimate site: BCT Engineering --- # Tasks in preparing building project estimate Estimating and Costing · Chapter 5: Project Estimate - Asked in: 2078 Bhadra, 4 marks; 2070 Chaitra, 6 marks (asked 2 times) - Video: [Estimation || How To Prepare Estimate Ch.3 || Building Estimation and Costing #buildingestimation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZA_nJNSlzs) — 422 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/works-considered-building-project-estimate - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/estimating_and_costing/chapter-5 ## Question What are the works/tasks that an estimator has to take into account in preparing the estimate of a building project? Explain in brief. ## Short answer Estimator studies drawings/specs/site and includes preliminary site works, substructure, superstructure, finishes, roofing, services, external works, rates and taxes, BOQ and abstract. Also include seismic/NBC requirements, approval fees, municipal requirements, overhead, profit, VAT 13%, contingencies and supervision. ## Answer An estimator turns drawings and specifications into a complete cost by taking into account every work that is needed to complete and hand over the building, not only the visible main work. #### Works and tasks to be considered 1. **Study of drawings, specifications and site:** read plans, sections, structural and service drawings; visit the site for access, soil, water and power. 2. **Preliminary and site works:** site clearance, setting out, temporary shed and store, fencing, water and electricity for construction, soil test. 3. **Substructure:** excavation, PCC, foundation (footing, plinth beam), masonry in substructure, DPC, backfilling, plinth filling. 4. **Superstructure:** columns, beams, slabs, brick or block walls, lintels, staircases, parapet, formwork and reinforcement. 5. **Finishing works:** plaster, flooring, tiles, skirting, doors and windows, painting, whitewash, ceilings, railings. 6. **Roofing:** truss or slab, CGI sheet, waterproofing, rain-water pipes. 7. **Services:** sanitary and plumbing, drainage and septic tank, water tank, electrical wiring, fittings, earthing, fire safety, lift (if provided). 8. **External works:** boundary wall, gate, paving, drains, landscaping. 9. **Rates and taxes:** rate analysis from District Rates, overhead and profit, VAT 13%, insurance, contingencies (usually 5%), supervision charges, price adjustment. 10. **Bill of quantities and abstract:** measure each item, group them into a BOQ, and prepare the abstract of cost. Items such as seismic details (NBC 105, NBC 201/202), approval fees and the municipality's requirements are also included. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What does an estimator have to consider in a building estimate? A. Every work needed to complete and hand over the building, not just the visible main work B. Only the superstructure items C. Only items that appear in the drawings' elevation D. Only the cost of materials Answer: A. The estimate must be complete: preliminary, sub/superstructure, finishing, services and external works. (Key point: Estimator's role) 2. Which group belongs to the substructure? A. Plaster, flooring and painting B. Excavation, PCC, footing, plinth beam, DPC and backfilling C. Columns, slabs and staircases D. Boundary wall and landscaping Answer: B. These items are done below plinth level. (Key point: Substructure items) 3. Which are preliminary and site works? A. Doors, windows and railings B. Septic tank and wiring C. Site clearance, setting out, temporary shed, fencing and construction water and power D. Roof truss and CGI sheet Answer: C. These are done before the main work starts. (Key point: Preliminary works) 4. Which are included in the rates and taxes step? A. Only labour rates B. Only VAT of 5% C. Income tax of the contractor and bank interest D. Rate analysis from District Rates, overhead and profit, VAT 13%, contingency (usually 5%) and supervision Answer: D. These convert quantities into a final cost. 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