Pokhara University
Faculty of Science and Technology
Course No.: CVL 318
Course Title: Estimating and Valuation (3-2-0)
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 45
Nature of course: Theory and Tutorial
Level: Bachelor
Total Lectures: 45 hours
Program: BCE/BCRE
1. Course Description
This course develops students' proficiency in cost estimation principles, techniques, and rate analysis for reliable project cost predictions. It covers property valuation methods, construction specifications, and various estimating techniques, including preliminary, detailed, and quantity surveying. Students will learn to prepare detailed estimates, understand property valuation, and apply these skills in practical situations. The course equips future engineers to make informed financial decisions and ensure project economic viability through lectures, tutorials, exercises, discussions, presentations, self-learning, and tests.
2. General Objectives
- To prepare detailed cost estimates by analyzing rates and calculating quantities of different items of work for buildings and other structures.
- To enhance knowledge and skills in basic principles and methods of valuation of land, building structures, and report writing.
- To develop systematic writing skills for the preparation of specifications for different construction works.
3. Methods of Instruction
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Assignments
- Academic paper discussion
- Student-led presentations
- Field visits
4. Contents in Detail
Unit 1: Methods of Estimating (6 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Recognize fundamental concepts of cost estimation and units and software tools for effective estimation.
Contents: Definition, importance, and objectives of estimation, system of units, units of measurement and payment for items of work and materials, essentials of estimating, methods of measurement based on codes (NBC and Indian codes), multiple methods of taking out quantities (centerline method, long and short wall method, crossing method), abstracting bills of quantities, and software and digital tools.
Unit 2: Types of Estimates (4 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Explain preliminary and detailed estimate methods, rules of thumb for approximate cost-estimating.
Contents: Approximate estimates, detailed estimates, revised estimates, supplementary estimates, annual repair and maintenance estimates, extension and improvement estimates, complete estimates.
Unit 3: Analysis of Rates (6 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Describe the purpose, importance, and methods of rate analysis.
Contents: Introduction to rate analysis, cost of items, transportation, expenses, overhead, contingency, governmental norms and district rates, procedure of rate analysis for building works, sanitary and water supply, roads, and bridges.
Unit 4: Detailed Estimate (14 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Develop skills to carry out precise and comprehensive quantity estimates for various infrastructure projects.
Contents: Estimate of single room building, estimate of two-room building (load-bearing structure), estimate of framed structure building, estimate of aqueduct, estimate of RCC slab and hume pipe culvert, estimate of RCC T-beam decking, estimate of septic tank and soak pit, estimate of earthwork for plain road, estimate of hill road.
Unit 5: Valuation (6 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Familiarize with methods and techniques to assess the monetary value of a property or project.
Contents: Definition and terminologies of valuation, purpose of valuation, factors affecting valuation, methods of determining value (depreciation, capitalized value, development methods), preparation of valuation report.
Unit 6: Specifications (9 hrs)
Specific Objectives: Explain requirements, types, and techniques of specification writing for civil works.
Contents: Definition and importance, types of specifications (general, detailed, standard, restricted), specification writing techniques.
5. List of Tutorials
- Estimate of a single room building (load-bearing wall and framed structure)
- Estimate of a two-room building
- Estimate of earthwork for plain road
- Estimate of hill road
- Estimate of aqueduct
- Estimate of RCC slab culvert
- Estimate of RCC T-beam decking
- Estimate of septic tank and soak pit
- Valuation report writing of land and building
- Specification writing of civil, water supply, sanitary, and electrical works
6. Evaluation System
External Evaluation: 50 marks for the Semester-End Examination.
Internal Evaluation:
- Class Attendance and Participation: 5 marks
- Building Estimate and Valuation Report: 10 marks
- Quizzes, Assignments, and Presentations: 10 marks
- Internal Term Exam: 25 marks
Total Marks: 100 (50 marks for External, 50 marks for Internal)
7. Prescribed and Reference Books
- Prescribed Books:
- Dutta, B.N. (2017). Estimating and Costing in Civil Engineering, UBSPD Publishers.
- Kanetkar, T.P. and Kulkarni, S.V. (2016). Estimating and Costing, UBS Publishers.
- Reference Books:
- Verma, M. (2017). Estimating and Costing, SK Kataria and Sons.
- Chakraborti, M. (2016). Estimating, Costing, Specification and Valuation in Civil Engineering, M. Chakraborti Publishers.