Calculating site work accurately is crucial for project budgeting. In this guide, we address the question, “How do you calculate sitework?” by breaking down the process of assessing excavation, grading, and landscaping costs. Discover practical steps and tips for precise site work estimation.

Sitework estimates must consider the following:

1. Pre-bid investigation. Plans and specifications. Site visit and soil borings. Pre-estimate checklists. …
2. Trucking optimization. Bidding and mark-up discussion. Equipment costing. Road calculations. …
3. Clearing and demolition. Dewatering methods. Specification analysis. Safety requirements.

What is an Earthwork estimator?

Students will learn to accurately estimate earthwork construction costs. Using a real set of drawings, students will complete a variety of earthwork take-offs and will apply labor and material costs to each take-off.

What does an estimating team do?

Known in the industry as either an Estimator or Cost Planner, but whichever term is used they work out how much it costs to supply a building or services to a client. They become involved in a project in its early stages, often whilst in competition with other companies.

We specialize in construction estimating and related technical services, and we are serious about the construction estimating business.

We understand the need for accurate quantity and cost information, and we are the specialists who supply this information to contractors, design professionals, construction managers and building owners.

Earthwork analysis and quantity takeoff are areas where we add tremendous value to traditional estimating.

We provide easy-to-understand color-coded reports that help you accurately see the grading of the site, ensuring you accuracy and confidence in your bids, and ensure less estimating rework later once you’re into the project.

Sitework estimates must consider the following:

• Pre-bid investigation: Assess project details before submitting a bid.
• Plans and specifications: Review blueprints and technical documents.
• Site visit and soil borings: Inspect the site and analyze soil samples.
• Pre-estimate checklists: Prepare a checklist of required data for accurate estimates.
• Area and perimeter calculations: Measure the dimensions of the site.
• Cut/fill calculations: average end area method: Compute earthwork volumes using the average of end areas.
• Soils shrink and swell: Account for soil volume changes due to moisture.
• Cut/fill calculations: grid cell method: Determine earthwork volumes using a grid system.
• Soil classifications: Categorize soil types for accurate estimation.
• Matching equipment to soil type: Select appropriate machinery based on soil conditions.
• Excavation production: Estimate the rate of excavation work.
• Bulk excavation exercise: Assess large-scale excavation tasks.
• Crew analysis: Evaluate the productivity and needs of the workforce.
• Trucking optimization: Optimize transportation logistics for earth-moving.
• Bidding and mark-up discussion: Discuss pricing strategies and mark-up rates.
• Equipment costing: Calculate the costs associated with machinery.
• Road calculations: Estimate costs related to road construction.
• Mass haul diagrams: Create diagrams to visualize material movement.
• Earthwork “Rules of Thumb”: Apply general guidelines for earthwork estimation.
• Estimating forms and formats: Use standard forms and formats for estimating.
• Trench volume calculations: Compute the volume of excavated trenches.
• Trenching productivity: Measure the efficiency of trenching operations.
• Pipe laying productivity: Assess the efficiency of installing pipes.
• Storm drainage exercise: Evaluate costs for stormwater management systems.
• Materials costing: Calculate the cost of construction materials.
• Equipment selection procedures: Choose appropriate equipment for the project.