What is the primary purpose of construction estimating?

The primary purpose of construction estimating is to determine the total cost of a construction project. This involves analyzing various components such as materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit margins to arrive at a comprehensive budget. Accurate estimating is fundamental as it sets the financial framework for the project, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions, secure financing, and manage resources effectively throughout the construction process.

While selecting subcontractors, outlining project timelines, and assessing site conditions are essential activities within the construction process, they are not the primary focus of estimating. Selecting subcontractors relies on the budget created through estimating, timelines create a schedule for resource allocation, and assessing site conditions ensures that the project can proceed as planned. However, none of these elements can function optimally without a thorough understanding of the overall costs involved, which is why determining the total cost is the core objective of construction estimating.