Construction framework: estimating quantity, cost and time
19 February 2024Calculation items and composition of works
22 February 2024Database or table of construction resources, materials and works - includes detailed information about each entity element – article, material, work or service, including its name, description, unit of measurement and unit cost recorded in a structured form.
Everything from the variety of fuel and stock materials used in projects to detailed descriptions of professionals in various categories by hourly wage can be found in this table.
"Resource database" is akin to an online store's product catalog, in which each product has a detailed description of its attributes. This makes it easier for estimators to select the right resources needed to calculate specific construction processes - works.
"Building Resource Database" can be thought of as a listing of all the ingredients in a restaurant cookbook. Each building material, equipment and service is similar to the ingredients used in recipes. "Resource database" is a detailed list of all ingredients - building materials and services, including their cost per unit: piece, meter, meter, hour, liter, etc.
New entity items can be added to the «Construction Resource Databases» table in two ways: manually or automatically by integrating with the company's inventory control systems or supplier databases.
To keep up with changing market conditions such as inflation, the "cost attribute" for each unit of an entity (good or service) in the system is updated regularly, which can be monthly, quarterly or annually, ensuring that costing and estimates are up-to-date and accurate.
A typical medium-sized construction company uses a database containing thousands to tens of thousands of such elements-entities. These minimum units - described entities serve as the basis for estimators who prepare estimates based on them.