How to Use Historical Data for More Accurate Construction Cost Estimates

Using historical data to generate more accurate construction cost estimates is the wisest step! While processing construction estimates for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, general contractors must know the valuable insights. This information or data level helps estimators to develop the most reliable cost predictions. 

If you do not want to run out of pocket, so use past data effectively! We recommend relying on professional construction cost estimators to have access to plenty of past data. For that, you can submit your project’s requirements to one of the best estimating companies: Bidding Estimate. Their cost consultants deeply explore the market trends, associated risks, and policies to make the best cost predictions.

What Information is Included in Historical Data on Construction?

• First, it includes all the cost-related information of the labour, material, equipment, and other expenses like worker fees and all! Moreover, it is also categorized based on location and project framework.

• The historical data also includes the project timeline information that shows what factors can cause delays so you can neglect by analyzing them!

• The most important thing is that you will have access to productivity rates such as units per hour for labor costs. 

• Also, you can plan your project by analyzing past similar project material procurement structures. This means you can analyze when the materials were ordered and delivered. Ultimately, it enhances the project planning phase and cost predictions.

• On top of that, it is important to factor in inflation, supply chain disruptions, and regional cost indices, which can further enhance estimate accuracy.

Best Tips to Generate Enhanced Accurate Construction Cost Estimates

Tip# 1 Apply Indexing for Inflation

Inflation is the biggest factor that disturbs the whole construction budget. To handle such a situation, you must apply an index like the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index (ENR CCI). this helps to control costs by adjusting them based on current market rates. 

Tip#2 Do not forget to understand Cost Drivers!

The best thing about analyzing historical data is that it helps estimators catch wind of cost drivers. It includes material prices, labor rates, equipment costs, project duration, market conditions, location, and environmental regulations! Do you realize all these drivers affect the overall budget estimates? Yes! That’s why it is important to have full control of them. If you identify and track these cost drivers early in the planning process, you can prevent over-budgeting!

Tip#3 Use Advanced Cost database

Various advanced software are available in the market such as RSMeans or Walker’s Building Estimator's Reference Book which consists of past project information. Also, they keep updating it as more projects are completed. You can compare your projects with their cost database to generate correct estimates.

Tip# 4 Sustain a centralized database

One of the crucial factors in analyzing past projects is to first sustain the centralized data to use it in the future. Your centralized database must have a clear project framework. Along with that, it must be organized and include the budget, actual costs, and any relevant factors that impact the cost.

Tip# 5 Always Set Realistic Expectations

Make a habit of using historical data to generate more accurate construction cost estimates on realistic points. This way, you can get a better project cost structure understanding associated with similar projects. So, use this knowledge to set realistic budgets and timelines and mitigate unexpected issues. Remember, under or overestimating costs can lead to budget overruns, project delays, and client dissatisfaction. So, predict estimates by matching them with timelines, material and labour costs, and their availability. 

Tip# 6 Learn from past mistakes

Pro Tip: Past data is not just about evaluating the project cost accurately but also learning from past mistakes. There must be many factors you may have neglected in the past.  So, identify them and take preventive steps to ignore them in future construction projects. If you neglected weather conditions in the past, then do not forget to consider them in the current projects. 

Final Words!

To sum it up, historical data is also the best method to rely on which gives valuable insights to generate cost estimates. In these unstable economic conditions, project managers and estimators must cover every aspect and method to prevent budget overruns. So, use historical project data to identify trends, refine cost projections, and improve accuracy by comparing past performance with current construction demands! Remember, if you are not skilled enough to do that, outsource to an experienced company like Bidding Estimate which guarantees accurate results on the basis of historical data.