Why is material cost estimation essential?
In order to keep a project’s expenditures within a reasonable range, accurate material cost estimation is essential. Having realistic cost estimates in hand will assist all stakeholders in making better-informed decisions.
It is more difficult to estimate material costs than it first appears. According to current market demand and supply, as well as the amount of material needed and transportation costs to and from a certain location, a given price might fluctuate dramatically. By using high-performance construction materials and premixed construction products, you can now look forward to having better control over your expenditure on construction materials and a more realistic cost estimation.
Different Methods of Material Cost Calculation
The five methods listed below can be used to figure out how much material is needed. They each provide a different perspective on computation, as the shape and design of the building determines which one will work best for your project, as no two approaches are the same. In construction, the measurement of materials plays an important role, and by using premixed construction products, you can ensure the quality of the construction while reducing the overall material cost.
1. The Long and Short Wall Method (out-to-out and in-to-in method)
This approach considers longer walls in a building to be “long walls,” and it calculates them from the outside in. However, the partitions or shorter walls that form a right angle with the long walls are considered “short walls,” and they are calculated from the inside out for a specific layer of work.
To calculate the quantities, the lengths of the long and short walls are multiplied by the breadth and height of the walls and divided by the number of walls. Each layer of footing has a different length for the long and short walls, respectively.
2. The Service Unit Method
This refers to a construction method that is intended for buildings with identical rooms and can therefore be used for estimation calculations for structures like colleges, hospitals, movie theaters, prisons, and other facilities. In the case of the construction of a hospital, the service unit will be represented by a bed. Seats are also used in the cinema and stadium industries.
Whether it is a large-scale or small-scale service unit project that is under consideration, using premixed construction products, one could look forward to fast-tracking the project delivery while reducing the cost.
3. The Center Line Method
This method of cost calculation is most suitable for rectangular and square buildings where the offsets are symmetrical. It is a very simple method of calculation for plans or buildings that have no internal or cross walls.
You need to multiply the total centerline length by the breadth and depth of the building to get the total amount of materials needed. You will need to pay careful attention to how cross walls, partitions, or verandahs are joined to the main wall.
4. Crossing Method
The crossing method is used to calculate the amount of masonry material required for a masonry wall. The lengths and widths of walls at the foundation on which a column is raised (plinth level) are taken into consideration while making the calculations.
For an accurate estimation of quantities, it is also necessary to know the internal dimensions of the room as well as the thickness of the walls.
5. Bay Method
A bay is a construction term that refers to a section of a building that is divided. In this method of calculation, the cost of a single room is determined and multiplied by the number of bays available. The bay approach is appropriate in garages, factories, and railway platforms when identical structures are visible, such as a parking garage.
By using high-performance construction materials such as premixed construction products that are both cost-effective and time-saving, you can look forward to accomplishing quality and consistent finishes every time.
