You are a project manager at a local home construction and renovation company. You have a team of 3 to 6 full time employees.
On January 15th, 2020, your company was awarded a substantial development contract to build the decks on all of the homes in a new development on the west end of town.
Deck specifications: The door on the house sits 4’ above ground level. The deck will be freestanding, 16’ by 20’, and have stairs to the ground. Sod has not been laid but the ground is level. Assume all local laws and ordinances have been met.
Because you are an expert in roofing and not decks, and you have little or no project management experience, you and your team will need to conduct research on both deck construction and project management plans. NOTE: Ensure you properly cite all resources in APA format where required.
Because you are an expert in roofing and not decks, and you have little or no project management experience, you and your team will need to conduct research on both deck construction and project management plans. NOTE: Ensure you properly cite all resources in APA format where required.
The following videos should be sufficient to help you understand deck construction:
The scope of the project is to construct decks on all the homes in the new development. The deck specifications include a freestanding structure measuring 16′ by 20′, with stairs leading to the ground. The door on the house sits 4′ above ground level. The project must adhere to all local laws and ordinances, and the ground is assumed to be level (Chapter 15.14 SUPPLEMENTAL RESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS, n.d.). The objectives of the project include delivering high-quality decks, meeting client expectations, and completing the construction within the allocated budget.
Cost Estimation Process
To develop an accurate cost estimate, a systematic approach is necessary. The following steps outline the process that will be followed:
Resource Identification: Identify the resources required for deck construction, including materials, labor, equipment, and subcontractors (Resource Management in Construction, n.d.). This step involves conducting research on deck construction materials, their prices, and identifying skilled labor available within the company.
Quantity Takeoff: Determine the quantities of materials needed based on the deck specifications. This involves calculating the number of boards, posts, beams, joists, screws, and other necessary components. Accurate measurements and industry standards will be used to ensure precise quantity takeoff.
Material Cost Estimation: Research local suppliers and obtain price quotes for the identified materials (“Surviving Supply Chain Integration,” 2000). Consider factors such as quality, availability, and delivery options. Create a comprehensive list of materials, their quantities, and associated costs.
Labor Cost Estimation: Determine the labor requirements for deck construction, considering the project timeline, skill level, and productivity rates. Consult with experienced deck builders or subcontractors to understand the labor costs involved. Estimate the number of hours required for each task and multiply it by the hourly rates to calculate labor costs.
Equipment Cost Estimation: Identify any specialized equipment or tools required for deck construction. Determine whether it is more cost-effective to rent or purchase the equipment. Consider maintenance, transportation, and storage costs associated with the equipment.
Subcontractor Cost Estimation: If necessary, identify subcontractors for specific tasks, such as concrete pouring or electrical work. Obtain quotes from reputable subcontractors and include their costs in the overall estimate.
Contingency and Miscellaneous Costs: Allocate a contingency budget to account for unforeseen circumstances or changes in project scope. Include costs for permits, inspections, insurance, and any other miscellaneous expenses.
Cost Calculation and Documentation: Sum up all the individual cost components to calculate the total project cost. Clearly document the cost estimate, detailing the breakdown of each cost category and the assumptions made during the estimation process.
Conclusion
Developing a detailed cost estimate is a critical component of the Project Management Plan for deck construction. By following a systematic approach and conducting thorough research, it is possible to create an accurate and realistic estimate. This estimate will serve as a baseline for budgeting, resource allocation, and cost control throughout the project. Regular monitoring and adjustment of costs will help ensure the successful completion of the deck construction project within the allocated budget.
References
Chapter 15.14 SUPPLEMENTAL RESIDENTIAL REGULATIONS. (n.d.). https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/AlisoViejo/html/AlisoViejo15/AlisoViejo1514.html
Resource management in construction. (n.d.). Designing Buildings. https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Resource_management_in_construction
Surviving Supply Chain Integration. (2000). In National Academies Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.17226/6369
