Integrated Construction Cost Estimation & Site Management

Effective construction project delivery depends on two critical competencies: accurate cost estimation and efficient site management. In today’s competitive construction environment, the ability to prepare precise cost estimates while managing site operations to budget, schedule, and quality standards is essential for sustainable business success.

This integrated course equips participants with the technical, managerial, and analytical skills needed to forecast project costs accurately, control expenses, optimise resources, and ensure smooth on-site operations. Through practical exercises, case studies, and industry best practices, participants will learn how to balance cost control with operational efficiency, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This course is ideal for:

• Construction Project Managers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Site Managers & Supervisors
• Cost Engineers & Estimators
• Civil Engineers & Technicians
• Contractors and Subcontractors
• Procurement and Tendering Professionals
• Anyone involved in construction project planning, budgeting, or site operations

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Prepare accurate and realistic cost estimates for construction projects.
• Understand the role of cost estimation in project planning and tendering.
• Apply cost control techniques throughout the project lifecycle.
• Effectively manage site resources, personnel, and equipment.
• Implement safety, quality, and environmental management on-site.
• Monitor project progress and make informed adjustments to ensure delivery within scope.
• Minimise waste and optimise efficiency on the construction site.
• Use best practice communication and reporting techniques to keep stakeholders informed.

Day 1: Foundations of Cost Estimation & Site Management

Session 1: Introduction to Integrated Project Delivery

• The link between cost estimation and site management
• Key drivers of project success – time, cost, quality, safety
• Understanding the project lifecycle in construction

Session 2: Principles of Construction Cost Estimation

• Types of estimates: preliminary, detailed, and final
• Direct and indirect costs in construction projects
• Understanding labour, material, and equipment cost components

Session 3: Data Collection & Measurement Techniques

• Quantity take-off (QTO) fundamentals
• Reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications
• Using industry price guides and historical data

Day 2: Costing Methods & Budgeting for Projects

Session 4: Estimation Techniques

• Unit rate estimating
• Parametric estimating
• Resource-based costing
• Contingency allowances and risk factors

Session 5: Tender Preparation & Bid Pricing

• Preparing competitive tenders
• Cost breakdown structures (CBS)
• Common pitfalls in tendering and how to avoid them

Session 6: Budget Planning & Cost Control

• Establishing project budgets
• Monitoring actual costs vs. planned costs
• Managing variations and claims

Day 3: Construction Site Management Essentials

Session 7: Roles & Responsibilities of a Site Manager

• Leadership and communication skills for site management
• Liaising with stakeholders, suppliers, and subcontractors
• Maintaining daily site records

Session 8: Resource & Workforce Management

• Planning labour and equipment requirements
• Material management and storage best practices
• Minimising downtime and delays

Session 9: Site Logistics & Planning

• Site layout and access planning
• Traffic management and delivery schedules
• Waste management strategies

Day 4: Safety, Quality & Environmental Control

Session 10: Health, Safety & Environmental Management (HSE)

• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Hazard identification and risk assessment
• Safety culture and incident prevention

Session 11: Quality Management on Site

• Setting quality standards and specifications
• Inspection and testing procedures
• Managing defects and rework

Session 12: Integrated Cost & Site Performance Monitoring

• Linking cost control with site progress tracking
• Using project management software tools
• Preparing project progress and financial reports

Day 5: Practical Applications & Case Studies

Session 13: Case Study – Full Project Cost Estimation

• Group exercise: Prepare a detailed estimate for a sample project
• Discuss pricing decisions and assumptions

Session 14: Case Study – Site Management Simulation

• Planning site activities and sequencing work
• Resource allocation under budget constraints

Session 15: Final Integration & Action Planning

• How to combine cost estimation and site management for project efficiency
• Developing an action plan to apply learning in your organisation
• Course review and Q&A