How can unexpected weather affect construction estimating?

Unexpected weather can significantly impact construction estimating primarily by causing delays and necessitating additional costs for site preparations. Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme temperatures, can halt construction activities or slow them down, leading to extended project timelines. These disruptions not only delay the overall schedule but can also necessitate changes to the work plan.

For instance, if a storm is predicted, additional preparations may be required, such as reinforcing structures, adding protective coverings, or employing other mitigation strategies to protect materials and equipment. These additional site preparations incur extra costs that need to be factored into the overall project estimate.

Moreover, delays can lead to cascading effects on labor schedules and equipment rentals, which further drive up costs not accounted for in the initial estimates. Understanding these implications helps estimators plan for contingencies and develop more accurate forecasts for project budgets and timelines.