CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Construction estimate is the amount envisages to finish a construction work. It is the probable amount that is computed to complete a construction work. It is the prediction of the amount of a project based on available data at the time of prediction.
Cost estimate was defined by business dictionary (2013) as an “approximation of the probable cost of a product, program, or project, computed on the basis of available information. So the more information is provided on a project, the more the estimate tends to accuracy. It is important in many ways. According to business dictionary (2013), “four common types of cost estimates are: Planning estimate is a rough approximation of cost within a reasonable range of values, prepared for information purposes only, budget estimate an approximation based on well-defined ground rules, firm estimate a figure based on cost data that is renewable enough for entering into a binding concrete, not-to- exceed/Not-less-than estimate the maximum or minimum amount required to accomplish a given task, based on firm cost estimate. There are more benefits in estimating the cost of a potential construction Job that is not estimating before commencement. Cost estimate, to a client, is necessary in cash flow management. To an investor, it is necessary to support evaluation of project feasibility and to assess the scope of work. To a consultant, construction cost estimate can serve as a basis for job performance measurement (Baccarini 2004), in contract or selection, as an exhibit in construction contract disagreement, and in post work evaluation of completed jobs (work audit), and to a contractor, it is the determinant ofjob procurement (in bidding for construction jobs).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The demand for more construction of all type coupled with tight monetary supply has provided the construction industry with, a big challenge on how to estimate the cost of construction project.
The problem of late involvement of quantity surveyor, inadequate details in the contract document, poor communication between the design team, inaccurate drawing and specification, inadequate data, unavailability of current rates of construction resources, inflation and charming in technology, finally consequent loss of project has brought about loss of client confidence in consultants, added investment risk, inability to deliver value to clients and disinvestment in the construction industry. As a result of this, it is found necessary to create solution to such problems through this research as to improve on the quality of the factors that affect the preparation of the cost estimate at the design stage.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study