1. Professional Practices
CE-428
Computers in Estimating
Lecture 5

2. Benefits of Computers
• Computerised estimating offers many benefits to the
estimator. It increases the efficiency of the estimating
process.
• Following are some of the benefits of computerised
estimating:
– Reduction of calculation errors giving a more accurate cost for
the project
– Increased estimating speed which allows the estimator time to
prepare more estimates
– Many computerized estimating packages allow the estimator to
track where quantities came from
– Quick and easy to make changes

3. Computerized Estimating
• Computer cannot think for the estimator
• Computerized estimating is a tool, just like a
calculator, to help prepare the estimate
• Always ask, Does this number make sense?

4. Dangers of Computers
• Turn thinking over to computer
– Estimating becomes data-entry
• Using the software for estimates it was not
designed for
– Results in incorrect quantities, costs, labor
hours, etc.

5. Spreadsheets software (Microsoft Excel)
• Often used in conjunction with specialized software
packages
• In 2003, the American Society of Professional
Estimators reported that 29% of construction
companies used Excel as an estimating tool.
• Advantages
– Cheap
– Easily to adapted

6. Specialized Estimating Software
• Advantages:
– Can take off assemblies
• For example, all of the components of an interior wall
(studs, track, sound insulation, dry wall, paint and base)
can be taken off by entering the length and height of
the wall
– Easily viewed in different formats
• Different formats can be used to print the estimate
– Prepares standard and custom reports
– Can quickly make changes

7. Specialized Estimating Software
• Disadvantages
– Expensive
– Time consuming to set up and maintain

8. WinEst Estimate Sheet
Figure 5.1
Courtesy of WinEstimator Inc.

9. WinEst
Database
Figure 5.2
Courtesy of WinEstimator Inc.

10. WinEst Totals
Page
Figure 5.3
Courtesy of WinEstimator Inc.

11. Takeoff Software
• Determine quantities from electronic set of
drawings
• Advantages
– Track where quantities come from
– Calculate areas and volumes
– Inexpensive to reproduce drawings
• Can be emailed

12. On-Screen Takeoff
Figure 5.4
Courtesy of OnCenter Software