The Excel Construction Estimator Guide

This workbook is a comprehensive instrument that can be used to estimate total

construction costs, compile material lists, and develop accurate timelines for building
new homes, additions, renovations, specific items (e.g., roofing, concrete, etc.), and
commercial construction projects. Each section of the workbook is outlined below.

Section 1 of the estimate worksheet summarizes construction items in a table

resembling a tender form. The items are set up in a logical order based on the general
building construction process of a new home; and can be modified with ease according
to user preference. Items in the description column can also be added and/or removed
depending on the estimate requirements. The Total column combines the expanded
item totals from Section 2, which are rounded to the nearest whole number in the final
column.

Section 2 of the worksheet is the estimate body. Items from Section 1 are expanded to
display calculations for materials, labour, sub-trade work, and mark-up costs. For each
item from Section 1, dimensions, estimator inputs (in bold text), and conversions for
material quantities are outlined. Material prices should be updated for each project
based on supplier quotation (pricing highlighted). After the material list, a production
rate is displayed. Labour follows the production rate because it depends on item
quantity and production speed. The labour rates included are based on a small business
overhead, and should be changed to reflect company rates. Each item total is linked to
the appropriate row in Section 1.

Some items in Section 2 include only sub-trade work, which means the estimator will
get a quotation from a sub-contractor and input the quoted amount. The template will
automatically add a markup, and display the total in Section 1. Sub-contractor items are
expanded below the estimate; if the estimator wishes to price out any of these items
(e.g., any of the items listed in the Sub-contractor Item Index), they can add rows to
the estimate body. Items can be added, deleted, and modified based on specific project
requirements. The final rows of Section 2 check the template for errors by comparing
estimate totals to the quotation form total.

Section 3 of the estimate worksheet summarizes where money is being spent. The table
separates totals for all sub-contractors, mark-ups, materials, and labour. This section
can serve as a budget guide. Project managers can utilize the information here to find
areas where money can be saved during construction.
The Construction Estimator excel workbook also includes additional worksheets to
assist with project organization. Sheet two is a Material Quantity List. Materials are
referenced from the template in an organized manner to help with ordering correct
material quantities during specific phases of construction, and to easily compare pricing
from different suppliers. Sheet three is a Supplier and Sub-Contractor List. This
can be used during the estimating process to obtain prices quickly. This list will also
help with the scheduling and management of subcontractors during the construction
process. Sheet four is a Construction Schedule Template based on the production
rate and speed estimated in sheet 1. The project manager can use this template to
maintain a timeline during construction, which is helpful for scheduling sub-contractors
in advance, and for keeping clients up to date on the projects progress and expected date
of completion.