Contractor Costing and Estimating Guide
Build reliable contractor estimates using quantities, resource productivity, supplier evidence, overhead recovery, risk and post-project feedback.
Define the estimate basis
Record drawings, specifications, quantities, programme, location, assumptions, exclusions and pricing date. A number without a basis cannot be reviewed intelligently.
Use resource-based rates
Build rates from labour hours, material quantity and waste, plant output, transport and subcontract input. Make productivity assumptions visible.
Recover indirect costs
Allocate estimating, management, rent, systems, vehicles, insurance and other overheads through a consistent method. Turnover without overhead recovery is not sustainable.
Allow for uncertainty deliberately
Identify quantity, price, productivity, access, weather and contract risks. Contingency should respond to assessed uncertainty rather than hide calculation gaps.
Learn from completed work
Compare estimate with actual quantities, hours, rates, waste and delay. Update the estimating database so each project improves the next tender.
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Build practical contractor knowledge
Use Contractor Academy guides, original practice material, document resources and business tools created for the South African contracting environment.
Educational guidance only. Confirm current legal, municipal, registration, tender and technical requirements with the relevant authority and competent project professionals. Contractor Academy is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHBRC, CIDB or ISO.