To estimate site work, one must master having updated information on labor, land clearing, and site preparation. Is that necessary? Yes, it shows how well you have understood the project and blueprints. Nowadays, estimating anything related to construction is quite challenging. The cost strategist has to think beyond the boundary to prevent all risks associated. Especially, in the conceptual fees, of every unique project. It is difficult to analyze whether it is sitework or any other! As a contractor or cost estimator, you must know how to estimate site work and its cost accurately.
Considering all the conditions to achieve high-level accuracy site work, one must evaluate work quantities from engineering drawings. Moreover, it is also crucial to determine the need for grading, driveway, walkways, topsoil, lawn, plantings, etc. It will definitely help you to generate accurate cost estimates during the planning phase. Hence, always do your homework on sitework estimating before starting the project in the conceptual stage.
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SIGNIFICANCE TO ESTIMATE SITEWORK ACCURATELY BECAUSE IT IS THE FOUNDATION TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE YOUR PROJECTS UNDER BUDGETS AND TIMELINES!
Step-by-step guide to estimate site work and site work costs
Generally, the contractors receive a huge range of site work price quotations initially. They have to evaluate it according to the planning, process it, and then price it. However, this approach was suitable when there were no digitized options. Now, various estimating software are available to create a reasonable and accurate estimate.
First, let us show you what are the potential materials checklist to accurately estimate sitework cost!
- Plans and specifications
- Site visit and soil borings
- Soils shrink and swell
- Cut/fill calculations
- Soils classifications
- Matching equipment to soil type
- Excavation production
- Bulk excavation exercise
- Crew analysis
- Equipment costing
- Road calculations
- Pipe laying productivity
- Storm drainage exercise
- Clearing and demolition costs
- Dewatering methods
- Safety requirements
- Complete the estimate
- Curb and gutter calculations
- Estimating and quantifying asphalt paving
- Estimate and quantify concrete paving
- Estimate hauling costs
- Crew assemblies and more!
Step#1 Site Preparation
The initial requirement is to prepare your site according to the acreage or square footage of the land. Usually, the cost is decided according to the condition of the land. Whether it is uneven terrain, heavy vegetation, high slope, light vegetation, or low slope.
The cost for heavy vegetation ranges between $3000-$7000 per acre. On the other hand, light vegetation cost ranges between $200-$2000 per acre.
If the site preparation process also includes the removal of trees then you may have to pay an extra $1000 or more. It depends on the type of tree they have to cut for the project.
Step#2 Utility Installation
You must also know about the essential requirements such as water, sewer, gas, and electricity. In site work estimation, evaluating these factors is crucial to be precise.
Step#3 Erosion Control
Plan different strategies to prevent soil erosion during and after the construction phase. Otherwise, it may result in underestimation and you will have to face overbudgeting.
Step#4 Landscaping
Every property owner wants to Spend on the aesthetic looks of their land. That is why you must add all those things that can beautify the overall look. It can be about planting, vegetation, or other horticulture activities.
Step#5 Location
At the initial planning of the project, never underestimate the location of the project. To estimate site work, you must be updated with labour and material rates according to the location. Otherwise, you will have to face budget overruns in the ending phase of the project.
Detailed Process to Estimate Site Work Cost
- First, you need to understand the project plans, drawings, and blueprints to learn about the scope of the work.
- Do not forget to visit the field to analyze the condition of the land.
- After that, it is important to exactly have knowledge about the quantities of material required. This means you must know how much soil is required for the excavation process.
- you must know that soil expands when excavated and contracts when compacted. so, you need to adjust your evaluations according to the changes to avoid miscalculations of materials.
- Calculate the right amount of labour required for the project and estimate labour hours accurately based on the project’s needs.
- The next step is to list down all the machinery required for the grading and other processes to estimate costs.
- Professional site work estimating firms include all indirect expenses and profit margins to tackle unexpected challenges!
NOW ARE YOU AWARE OF ALL THE FACTORS? IN CASE OF BUDGETARY ISSUES, CONTACT OUR EFFICIENT TEAM TO GET ACCURATE COST EVALUATIONS AND SET YOUR PROJECT ON A SUCCESSFUL PATH!
Final words!
In short, to estimate site work, be aware of all the variables involved to influence the cost. It is not possible until then unless you perform a detailed analysis of the project plans. Accurately estimate various factors such as soil composition, topographical variances, and the requirement for erosion, etc. These are all the factors that can increase the final expenses of the project. Therefore, it is challenging to generate accurate estimates considering the inflation and price fluctuations. Consulting with professional estimating companies is the wise decision to unburden your financial problems!