Overview of IS Code for Estimation and Costing

The Indian Standards (IS) codes for estimation and costing are a set of guidelines and specifications provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to ensure accurate and consistent cost estimation practices across the construction industry. These codes are widely used by civil engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, and estimators to determine the costs of materials, labor, and other essential components required in a construction project. They help in preparing accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQs), calculating project budgets, and managing costs efficiently.

IS codes related to estimation and costing provide standardized methods for the measurement, valuation, and costing of various construction activities. They help ensure that the calculations and estimates are consistent, reliable, and aligned with industry standards. Key IS codes related to estimation and costing typically cover a range of construction activities, including earthworks, concreting, masonry, finishing works, and miscellaneous items.

Key IS Codes for Estimation and Costing

1. IS 1200 - Method of Measurement of Works of Civil Engineering:

   • IS 1200 is the most widely used IS code for measurement and cost estimation in construction. It provides standardized methods for measuring the quantities of materials and work done. It includes detailed instructions for various construction activities such as excavation, concreting, masonry, and finishing works.

2. IS 3385 - Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete:

   • IS 3385 is a standard that provides guidelines on reinforced concrete construction. It includes specifications for the mix design and measurement of concrete work, which are critical for cost estimation. This code helps quantity surveyors prepare accurate estimates for concrete-related tasks and ensures that the work aligns with quality standards.

3. IS 456 - Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete:

   • IS 456 provides guidelines for designing reinforced concrete structures and calculating quantities for the same. It is also used for the estimation of costs related to structural work, especially in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects.

4. IS 1893 - Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures:

   • While primarily related to seismic design, IS 1893 also plays a role in cost estimation. It helps estimators understand the additional material and labor requirements for buildings and structures designed to withstand seismic forces.

5. IS 3370 - Code of Practice for Concrete Structures for Storage of Liquids:

   • This code is used for estimating the cost of concrete works and reinforcement required in liquid storage structures like tanks, reservoirs, and silos. It includes measurement standards and guidelines for determining material quantities and costs.

6. IS 10635 - Guidelines for Valuation of Construction Works:

   • This IS code outlines the method of valuing completed construction works for cost assessment and settlement of payments. It is often used when finalizing project accounts or assessing the value of work completed during different stages of the project.

7. IS 10162 - Code of Practice for Design and Construction of Concrete for Pavements:

   • This code helps with cost estimation for pavement works, such as road construction, including both material costs and labor costs involved in the construction of concrete pavements.

Key Steps for Estimation and Costing Using IS Codes

1. Measurement of Work:

   • Use the relevant IS codes to accurately measure quantities of work completed. For example, IS 1200 provides methods for measuring the quantity of materials and work for different construction activities, such as excavation, concreting, masonry, and tiling.

2. Preparation of Bill of Quantities (BOQ):

   • After measuring the work, the next step is to prepare the Bill of Quantities (BOQ), a document listing the quantities of all required materials and work items. The IS codes provide the framework for calculating these quantities, ensuring that the BOQ is comprehensive and accurate.

3. Cost Estimation:

   • With the BOQ prepared, the unit rates for various items need to be calculated. These rates include the cost of materials, labor, overheads, and other project-related costs. IS codes like IS 1200 provide detailed instructions for determining accurate unit rates based on the specific type of construction work.

4. Budgeting and Final Costing:

   • Based on the measured quantities and unit rates, the total project cost is calculated. This includes material costs, labor costs, and any additional costs associated with specific construction tasks. IS codes help standardize the costing process, ensuring that the estimate is reliable and covers all necessary components.

How Bhadanis Online Training Can Help

For professionals involved in quantity surveying, billing engineering, tendering, construction contracts management, and project management, Bhadanis offers specialized online courses that cover the use of IS codes for cost estimation, measurement, and costing. These courses teach professionals how to prepare accurate estimates, create detailed BOQs, and manage construction costs effectively.

Suggested Bhadanis Online Courses:

1. Quantity Surveying:

   • Learn to prepare cost estimates, BOQs, and budget calculations using IS codes. This course covers key measurement techniques for various types of construction work and how to apply them for cost estimation.

2. Billing Engineering:

   • Understand how to manage construction billing, payment certificates, and invoice management, ensuring that cost estimates align with the actual work completed according to IS codes.

3. Tendering Engineering:

   • Gain skills in preparing tender documents, evaluating bids, and integrating cost estimation and IS code guidelines into the tendering process.

4. Construction Contracts Management:

   • Master the key principles of contract administration and project costing, ensuring compliance with IS codes for accurate and transparent cost management.

5. Construction Projects Management:

   • Learn how to manage construction projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, and cost control using MSP, Primavera, and AutoCAD, while adhering to IS code guidelines for cost estimation and quality management.

Software Skills Covered in Bhadanis Training:

1. AutoCAD:

   • Learn how to create accurate construction drawings and site plans that align with the specifications outlined in IS codes.

2. Microsoft Project (MSP):

   • Master MSP for efficient project scheduling and cost control, integrating IS code standards for cost estimation and resource allocation.

3. Primavera P6:

   • Gain proficiency in Primavera P6 for project scheduling, cost management, and resource allocation in large-scale construction projects, with a focus on accurate cost estimation using IS codes.

Conclusion

The IS codes for estimation and costing provide standardized guidelines for measuring construction work, preparing cost estimates, and ensuring accurate financial management in construction projects. By adhering to these codes, professionals can ensure consistency, transparency, and reliability in cost estimations. For civil engineers and construction professionals, Bhadanis online courses provide comprehensive training in quantity surveying, billing engineering, tendering, and project management, ensuring that they have the skills necessary to apply IS codes effectively.

Sun Jan 26, 2025