Estimating
Estimating the cost of construction projects is a task which requires competency and experience in the areas of:
- Quantity Take-Off
- Construction Techniques/Constructability
- Derivation and Application of Unit Rates
- Construction Sequencing/Scheduling
- Risk Analysis
Quantity Surveyors receive professional training in these fields in attaining their degree and final professional qualification.
MGA has established a specialist Estimating Business Unit incorporating a core estimating team. The estimating team is responsible for:
- Developing and maintaining our overall estimating methodology/philosophy
- Selecting and maintaining suitable estimating software package(s)
- Maintaining databases of estimating rates, production norms and other relevant information
- Providing dedicated, focused and specialist estimating services to our clients.
The services we provide in the discipline of estimating include:
- Production of estimates for all project stages
- Production of direct man-hour estimates
- Independent estimate peer reviews (IPR)
- Rates analysis (for purposes of tender evaluations or contract negotiation)
- Development of estimating procedures and guidelines
- Time and motion studies
- Project benchmarking
Examples of projects which MGA has successfully delivered estimating services include:
| Project Name | Estimate Type / Service |
|---|---|
| Defence Fuel Transformation Program | Feasibility Through to Pre-Tender Estimates |
| Various Regional Road & Bridge Projects | Concept Through to 100% Design |
| Cataby Minerals Sands Mine | Execute Estimate |
| Gruyere Gold Project | Independent Pier Review |
| Geraldton Port Firefighting Upgrade | Construction Cost Estimate |
| Non Process Infrastructure Projects | Definition & Selection Phase Estimates |
| Armadale ED Redevelopment | Pre-Tender Estimate |
| Larego Crusher Move | FEL3 Estimate |
| Various Sustaining Capital Projects | Independent Pier Reviews |
Planning & Scheduling
Project Planning and Scheduling are disciplines which, in MGA’s opinion, should not be separated from estimating. The duration of construction activities is influenced by resources. The necessary resources are determined by the process of estimating. A construction schedule combines the estimated resources with time, for each activity, and assembles/prioritises these activities into a logical sequence. MGA’s Estimating Business Unit has the capability to produce meaningful Project and Construction Plans and Schedules. We employ contract planners to work within our team to deliver schedules of a complex nature.
Resources
The Estimating Business Unit is led by Sean McGarry who has over 30 years’ experience on major projects in Europe and Australia, working for organisations and clients such as Leighton Contractors, Woodside, Alcoa and BHP. MGA staff have significant major project estimating and planning/scheduling experience, including the following key personnel:
- Gary Wilson – Director
- Stuart Randall – Director
Systems
MGA staff are skilled in the use of the following specialist estimating and scheduling software:
| ESTIMATING | Eclipse CS Expert Prism |
| SCHEDULING | Primavera P6 Microsoft Project |
