Description:

This project aims to determine the present status of cost estimating software in the construction industry. Cost estimating is a critical step during the construction process for both the owner and the contractor (engineer’s estimate, bidders’ estimates). Software have been developed to assist professionals during this process and increase their productivity. This project presents first an overview of the estimating process and the technology available to estimators, followed by descriptions of integrated tools that have been developed to improve computer assisted estimating.  The paper joined ends with recommendations for enhancements that could be made in the future.