Today’s construction industry is shifting towards digitalization. Some of the new technologies that have emerged in construction include the use of drones, 360-degree cameras, LiDAR scanners, virtual reality, and augmented reality. The constant flow of highly detailed, updated information also benefits the entire pre-construction estimation process and its accuracy.
What is Construction Estimation?
Construction estimation refers to the act of analyzing the cost that is required to bring a construction project to completion. Budgeting involves forecasting the costs of materials, equipment, labor, time, and other aspects that are needed in the process. Proper estimates are significant for the construction firms to bid for the projects and control costs.
Traditional Estimation Methods
It has been the practice for estimators to base their estimates on construction plans and documents such as architectural blueprints. They have to subtract quantities of materials from these designs by hand to create building estimation models. The estimator is left with the responsibility of evaluating and assessing the process based on his or her judgment and expertise. Depending on whether the design is accurate or changes occur during the preparation of the estimate, much time and effort is required to revise the estimate.
Drawbacks of Traditional Methods
There are several issues with using outdated information for construction cost estimates:
- Freelance Construction Estimator work may become irrelevant if designs are frequently revised.
- Quantitative take-offs require a human touch because they can be done manually.
- It may also be a little bit cumbersome to update the estimates once there are alterations.
- Lack of visualization into what will be built.
If they do not receive timely and visualized information on the latest designs, estimators have to sacrifice their productivity and the quality of estimations.
The Role of Real-Time Project Data
New technologies are now providing estimators unprecedented access to detailed, up-to-date models of project designs and site conditions:
- CAD Drafter develops 3D BIM, which is far more visual than 2D drawing. All project partners can track changes made to these models in real-time.
- Modern vehicles take pictures of the existing site environment to help estimators consider any demolition, safety concerns, equipment entry/exit points, etc. during preconstruction. Video feeds are transmitted in real time.
- LiDAR scanners employ the use of lasers to produce detailed geographical maps of project areas to an accuracy of a few millimeters. Scans are done a second time quickly to monitor shifts.
- This way, estimators can experience real-life-like project design navigation through VR/AR while staying aligned with current architectural and structural designs. Immersive technologies represent builds more realistically.
Given this volume of visualized, automatically updated data, estimating companies can generate very accurate project forecasts in a short period. Real-time information reduces the risks of having to redo a task and relying on assumptions.
Advantages of Real-time Data on Estimation
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using real-time project data for construction cost estimates:
- Estimate models always remain current – Whenever a change is made, data is gathered, which ensures that the estimate is updated at all times to match the current model. The amounts and prices fluctuate smoothly without having to redo work.
- Reduced number of assumptions – When working with the newest designs and site conditions, estimators have many fewer unknowns to factor into their numbers. Unknowns are minimized.
- Increased productivity – It cuts down the time required to estimate from actual measurements, drawings, site visits, and adjustment of previous estimates using real-time model data. There is a large time savings when using automated measurement tools.
- Superior accuracy: The actual data in the form of laser-scanned measurements, photorealistic 3D/4D BIM, and geo-tagged images of the current site conditions allow for superior prediction of actual project costs. Reducing assumptions with actual-time data reduces error levels.
- Improved decision-making – When estimating models are recent versions of builds, project teams get the best information to use in decision-making. Modifications implemented at one early stage of design still incorporate the most up-to-date content.
Through continuous updates of estimates with the fully developed models of designs and work sites as and when changes are made, construction firms can generate very accurate forecasts in a shorter time than what may be required by the conventional static type of estimating. This results in reduced project risks and improved bid competitiveness.
Conclusion
Further, technologies like LiDAR, drones, VR/AR, and 3D BIM coupled with real-time visualization and measurement data are revolutionizing construction cost estimation. The real-time, precise, updated digital project models reduce risks, iterations, and time consumption in the preconstruction process while enhancing the estimated credibility and accuracy. As the use of these disruptive technologies grows, Construction Estimating Companies will be able to generate highly accurate cost estimates within a very short duration in line with the modern construction plans and site characteristics. The values that can be achieved through the use of real-time estimation data are just too compelling for firms to let go as the construction sector shifts to digital.
