Architectural Record – August 2019

112

CONTINUING EDUCATION

EDUCATIONAL-ADVERTISEMENT

A

ll construction projects cost money

to execute. The question the owner

wants answered with some degree of

predictability is, “How much?” Providing a

credible response is dependent on the abil-

ity to accurately estimate costs and use that

information to inf luence design decisions,

which in turn impact the cost. Given the

large number of variables and potential for

changes throughout the design and construc-

tion process, many see this as a daunting task.

However, by acknowledging a few fundamen-

tal principles and recognizing the value of

comparative pricing analysis, cost estimating

can be viewed as a valuable design tool to

create quality buildings that work within the

owners’ cost parameters. As such, this course

will look at construction cost estimating from

All images courtesy of RSMeans data from Gordian

Design Driven by Accurate Cost Data

Using independent, up-to-date sources helps assure

project success

Sponsored by RSMeans data from Gordian

By Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

CONTINUING EDUCATION

1 AIA LU/ELECTIVE

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, you should be able to:

1. Identify the common factors that influence
   how construction cost estimates are prepared.


2. Investigate the potential for using reliable
   cost data to drive decision-making
   focused on building designs that meet
   established budgets.


3. Assess the positive capabilities of value
   engineering as a collaborative means to
   evaluate options and alternatives during the
   design process.


4. Recognize the need to incorporate future
   pricing into cost estimates, particularly for
   multiyear projects or outside conditions not
   controlled by designers.

To receive AIA credit, you are required to

read the entire article and pass the test. Go to

ce.architecturalrecord.com for complete text

and to take the test for free.

AIA COURSE #K1908F

the standpoint of using reliable cost data to

inform design decision-making. In the pro-

cess, it can support meeting all of the stated

project design goals.

FACTORS AFFECTING CONSTRUCTION

COST ESTIMATING

Different projects can present very different

design requirements and construction condi-

tions. When it comes to estimating the costs of

those different projects, there are at least three

common areas that can affect the process.

Client Factors

Different clients may have very different

expectations related to “what” they want

for cost-estimating services. A private client

with the ability to finance a project within a

Using construction cost estimating based

on reliable cost data can inform design

decision-making and support meeting all

of the stated project design goals.