MasterFormat Construction Cost Estimating involves using the CSI Masterformat data architecture for discrete construction line items/tasks. When combined with locally researched cost data, Masterformat provides the most efficient method for developing reliable, verifiable repair, renovation, and new build costs. A cost common data environment (CDE), using Masterformat and locally researched line-item construction cost data, inclusive of labor, material, equipment, and productivity information, is a requirement for efficient, best value, construction planning, procurement, and project delivery,
CSI Masterformat is a data architecture that can be readily expanded to cover virtually any repair, renovation, maintenance, or new construction task, including variants to account for quantities, means and methods, etc. Cost databases, such as those provided by Four BT, LLC, have up to twenty characters.
MasterFormat Construction Cost Estimating is critical to enabling cost visibility, transparency, and best value outcomes.
Locally researched cost data provided at this level of granularity provides superior cost visibility for specified projects when compared to Uniformat and/or assembly level categorizations of construction requirements, or parametric modeling. Uniformat level and/or assembly level, or building level cost data is useful for budgeting purposes only, and should not be used for bidding, procurement, and execution actual projects with builders, construction managers, etc.
It is critical that cost data is locally researched, current, and is composed of elements suitable for the specific purpose. National average cost data, with or with the uses of factors for localization, does not accurately reflect site specific variables for labor, material, and equipment. Such databases should be used exclusively for basic reference only. Similarly using historical cost data to predict current or future costs is untenable and should not be employed.
Locally researched cost data, however, can be used to determine actual project requirements, bid, and procure projects, and to verify contractors and contractor quotes. The information can also be used to create projects to quantify and address deferred maintenance levels.
Additional Considerations
Using the term “accurate” or “accurate costs” in conjunction with construction cost estimating is a fool’s errand. The definition of the word estimate per the Oxford Dictionary is as follows….
“estimate” noun / an approximate calculation or judgment of the value, number, quantity, or extent of something. “
By definition, a construction cost estimate is an approximation. Then there is the definition of “accurate” to consider.
“accurate” adjective / (of information, measurements, statistics, etc.) correct in all details; exact.
Accuracy must be measured against a specific standard. For construction, the actual cost of a construction project is typically used. This, however, is clearly inappropriate as there are multiple variables impacting the final construction cost. Accuracy can only truly be applied against specific components, such as labor rates for the various trades, or material rates, both at a particular point in time.
“Verifiable”, “granular”, and “current” are terms better suited for describing construction cost data and associated cost estimates.
Does this mean that construction cost data and/or databases are a commodity and/or have limited value? Absolutely not! Just the opposite, they must be selected and used for an appropriate purpose. Further, it can easily be argued that if sourced and maintained properly, they should be required for ALL repair, renovation, maintenance, and new builds.
For example, a locally researched detailed unit price cost database can be used to plan and communicate the needs of projects to all participants and stakeholders more efficiently. The following questions, however, must be considered and correspondingly appropriate decisions made…
- What labor rates are being used? (Davis-Bacon, prevailing wage, open shop)
- Are labor rates researched locally, or factored to achieve some level of approximation?
- How do productivity and crew composition affect costs for specific tasks? Is productivity considered at all?
- Similarly, how are material and equipment costs researched?
- How frequently ia information updates and what is the process?
Key Steps in Creating a Construction Cost Estimate
- Define the purpose
- Define the scope of work – physical and functional requirements
- Establish ground rules and assumptions – data sources, work breakdown structure (WBS) methodologies, sensitivity and risk analysis, validation
- Documenting and communicating results
More information about CSI Masterformat
MasterFormat®
- Lists of numbers and titles that organize and clearly communicate construction needs to project participants and stakeholders
- Granular, individual construction tasks that provide critical cost and technical information
- A reliable method for developing and organizing construction contract documents throughout the project life cycle
- Design, engineering, and construction professionals rely on CSI standards like MasterFormat to produce buildings that are safe, up-to-code and long-lasting
- Savvy owners rely upon locally researched construction cost data, organized using Masterformat, to validate contractor and subcontractor bids.
- MasterFormat has changed the construction industry and influenced countless associated classifications, including the ASTM standard for sustainability assessment of building products, MasterSpec, SpecText, National Master Specifications (NMS), Building Systems Design (SpecLink), and SpecsIntact systems.
DIVISION 00 – PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 01 – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
DIVISION 02 – EXISTING CONDITIONS
DIVISION 03 – CONCRETE
DIVISION 04 – MASONRY
DIVISION 05 – METALS
DIVISION 06 – WOOD, PLASTICS, COMPOSITES
DIVISION 07 – THERMAL AND MOISTURE PROTECTION
DIVISION 08 – OPENINGS
DIVISION 09 – FINISHES
DIVISION 10 – SPECIALTIES
DIVISION 11 – EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 12 – FURNISHINGS
DIVISION 13 – SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 14 – CONVEYING EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 21 – FIRE SUPPRESSION
DIVISION 22 – PLUMBING
DIVISION 23 – HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)
DIVISION 25 – INTEGRATED AUTOMATION
DIVISION 26 – ELECTRICAL
DIVISION 27 – COMMUNICATIONS
DIVISION 28 – ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
DIVISION 31 – EARTHWORK
DIVISION 32 – EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS
DIVISION 33 – UTILITIES
DIVISION 34 – TRANSPORTATION
DIVISION 35 – WATERWAY AND MARINE CONSTRUCTION
DIVISION 40 – PROCESS INTEGRATION
DIVISION 41 – MATERIAL PROCESSING AND HANDLING EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 42 – PROCESS HEATING, COOLING, AND DRYING EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 43 – PROCESS GAS AND LIQUID HANDLING, PURIFICATION AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 44 – POLLUTION AND WASTE CONTROL EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 45 – INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 46 – WATER AND WASTEWATER EQUIPMENT
DIVISION 48 – ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION
Abbreviations
BCY BANK CUBIC YARD
BF BOARD FEET
C HUNDRED
CFL HUNDRED SQUARE FEET PER FLOOR
CCF HUNDRED CUBIC FEET
CF CUBIC FEET
CLF HUNDRED LINEAR FEET
CRT CATHODE RAY TUBE
CSF HUNDRED SQUARE FEET
CWT 100 POUNDS
CY CUBIC YARD
EA EACH
ECY EMBANKMENT CUBIC YARDS
FLR FLOOR
FXTR FIXTURE
GAL GALLON
HDR HEADER
HOR HORIZONTAL
HR HOUR
KIP 1000 POUNDS
KW KILOWATT
LB POUND
LCY LOOSE CUBIC YARD
LF LINEAR FEET
M THOUSAND
MBF THOUSAND BOARD FEET
MCFM THOUSAND CUBIC FEET PER MINUTE
MLF THOUSAND LINEAR FEET
MO MONTH
MSF THOUSAND SQUARE FEET
OPNG OPENING
OTLT OUTLETS
PNT POINT
PR PAIR
PRJC PROJECT
PRSN PERSON
QT QUART
RISR RISER
RSR RISER
SCTN SECTION
SF SQUARE FOOT
SFCA SQUARE FOOT CONTACT AREA
SGNL SIGNAL
SHLF SHELF
SPKR SPEAKER
SQ HUNDRED SQUARE FEET
STDN STUDENT
STG STAGING
STLL STALL
STTN STATION
SURF SURFACE
SY SQUARE YARD
SYST SYSTEM
TN/D TON/DAY
TONC TON AC
TOTL TOTAL
TRD TREAD
TRSS TRUSS
VLF VERTICAL LINEAR FOOT
via Four BT, LLC – www.4bt.us – 4BT is the AEC industry’s innovative integrated project delivery, construction cost data, and SAAS technology provider. We help guide organizations to achieve accelerated improvement of their facilities repair, renovation, and construction outcomes through the development of a culture and client-specific program centered upon delivering customer value, and driven by proven LEAN processes, actionable data, enabling cloud technology, and ongoing training.