Technological innovations and other recent developments are rapidly altering the job estimators perform for construction companies. Estimators are taking on a more collaborative, value-added role — enabling them to have a significant impact on project costs, quality and risk management. Let’s look at some of the most important changes.
The latest software products significantly enhance the takeoff process which allows estimators to work more productively and cost-effectively. These products also improve quality with “drill down” capabilities that allow estimators to obtain more detailed information about a project’s plans and specifications.
In addition, today’s software offers version control features that create an audit trail and reduce risk by ensuring that project personnel are working with the most up-to-date specifications. Meanwhile, increasing reliance on smartphones, tablets and other mobile technologies makes these applications more accessible, which enhances communication and collaboration among estimators, architects, engineers, owners and other team members.
Building information modeling (BIM) technology creates 3-D models that facilitate collaboration by enabling parties to view the completed project from different angles and to better understand the spatial relationships between building components. BIM also incorporates specific materials and other building information into the early stages of the design process, allowing the parties to see how various changes affect the project.
The most advanced BIM technology, known as “5D BIM,” links 3-D designs with scheduling data (“4D BIM”) and cost-related data. Some in the estimating profession fear that 5D BIM poses a threat to the estimator’s role. But many observers believe this technology will enhance that role by allowing estimators to work more efficiently and allowing them to focus more attention to the most valuable activities.
By allowing estimators to get involved early in the construction process, 5D BIM provides estimators the opportunity to help identify potential design issues and show team members how changes in materials or other specifications could affect a project’s costs, quality and timing.
One should never confuse an estimator with an attorney. Yet there are contractors who ask their estimators to review job contracts because an experienced estimator will often identify provisions that could increase financial risk.
One common red flag is a contract that modifies or eliminates provisions requiring an owner to furnish evidence of project financing. Your estimators may learn to spot other provisions common to your jobs.
As the estimator’s role continues to evolve, the skills and training required for the job will also change. Moreover, as BIM and other software products become increasingly integrated into the estimating process, it will be more and more important for construction businesses to hire technology-savvy employees for these jobs and keep up to date with training on the various software products.