Hello, I'm Kamino, a civil engineer and government employee who writes a blog.
An Introduction to Cost Estimation for Civil Engineering Government Employees!
Now, in this post, I’ll introduce the books used in quantity surveying, categorizing them into the following five groups.
Cost Estimation Standards (Unit Rates)A book about...
Construction Unit PriceA book about...
Unit Price of MaterialsA book about...
Equipment ExpensesA book about...
To study cost estimationBook on
I think this will be helpful for administrative staff who, for whatever reason, find themselves having to place construction orders, as well as for site supervisors at construction companies.
I'll also introduce some books for studying at the end.
A Book on Cost Estimation Standards (Unit Rates)
First up is a book on cost estimation standards.
This article explains what cost estimation is (*’ω’*)
To explain the cost estimation standards in simple terms...
The three unit prices that make up the construction cost are:Labor, Materials, and MachineryThat's right.
In addition, a quantity table that combines unit prices for each type of work is calledStep CountThat said, furthermore, the amount calculated by applying a multiplier to the direct construction costs—which were calculated based on unit prices and labor rates—isMiscellaneous ExpensesIt's called [...]. You can think of these miscellaneous expenses as something like the company's management fee.
So,The cost estimation standards specify the method for calculating construction costs using standard unit rates, as well as the method for calculating various expenses.
If you understand the unit price schedule, you can estimate the cost of construction.
Civil Engineering Cost Estimation Standards (Yellow Book)
For projects directly managed by the national government and projects subsidized by local governments, we refer to the cost estimation standards published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Standards for Civil Engineering Cost Estimation"It's published every year under that title, and it's surprisingly yellow, soYellow BookIt is called...
It goes on sale every May, and you should be able to find it at any of the largest bookstores in the region.
What sets this book apart is that it covers only the basics of general civil engineering, and that it is released earlier than the "Red Book," which is published in July, as a reference for unit price calculations.
Standard Estimation Guidelines for Civil Engineering Works (Red Book)
This version includes even minor types of work, labor rates, and supplementary explanations not found in the Yellow Book,"Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Standard Estimation Guidelines for Civil Engineering Works"In this series,Red Book...is sometimes called that.
On the other hand, you could probably think of the Yellow Book as an excerpt from the Red Book. It seems the Red Book isn't sold at regular bookstores or on Amazon—you can only buy it on a dedicated website ( ﾟДﾟ)
It seems there are also books on mechanical engineering, but if a civil engineer in public service were to use them, I think these three would be the ones.
「Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Standard Estimation Guidelines for Civil Engineering Works (General Edition)」
「Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Standard Estimation Guidelines for Civil Engineering Works (Rivers and Roads Edition)」
「Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Standard Estimation Guidelines for Civil Engineering Works (Telecommunications Edition)」
If the company doesn't have either the Yellow Book or the Red Book, it's a problematic company, so please recommend that they purchase them.
Cost Estimation Standards by Municipality
However, the truth isLocal governments do not use the Yellow Book or the Red Book!
Although cost estimation standards are a matter of the utmost importance that significantly affects how budgets are used, they are not stipulated by national laws and regulations; therefore, with regard to budgets managed solely by local governments, based on the principle of local autonomy,Each local government establishes its own cost estimation guidelines.To put it simply, there are "Red Books" for each prefecture, and municipalities are allowed to apply them by analogy.
However, while some municipalities, such as those in Chiba Prefecture, directly adopt the national cost estimation standards, you can generally assume that other municipalities also follow the national standards to a large extent.
Since the cost estimation guidelines contain information on how to calculate miscellaneous expenses, as well as rules and standard unit rates, we local government employees always start by reading the cost estimation guidelines when performing cost estimates.
If you were working in a sloppy department, you might be instructed to simply copy last year’s design documents verbatim for cost estimation, but you should avoid doing that. This is because environmental conditions vary from one construction site to another, and you need to verify that they align with the conditions used for cost estimation.
Even for simple construction projects, be sure to read the relevant pages of the cost estimation guidelines.
Unfortunately, the local government’s cost estimation guidelines have not been published as a book, but even non-staff members can view them by following the necessary procedures. For example, in Sapporo, it appears that you can view and download them by logging into the “Bid Participation Qualification Application System.”
For municipal construction projects, please use the municipality's cost estimation standards as a basis.
Standard Design Rate Table for Sewer Systems
For fields other than general civil engineering, the book I mentioned earlier does not include cost estimation standards, so you’ll need to check them individually.
First of all,"Standard Design Rate Table for Sewer Systems"。
It’s literally a white book that lists the unit rates for sewer construction work.
Please also refer to the Design and Estimation Guidelines.
List of Published Publications | Japan Sewerage Association (jswa.jp)
Essential Guide to Water Supply Construction
Plumbing work is,"Essential Guide to Water Supply Construction"We'll be using this book.
The cost estimation standards and unit price tables are listed toward the back. In the water supply sector, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, paving work follows the standards set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, while excavation and pipe installation work follow the standards set by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare ( ﾟДﾟ)
National Association of Small-Scale Water Supply Systems – Publications (kansuikyo.com)
Cost Estimation for Bridge Construction
Labor rates for bridges are listed in the general civil engineering cost estimation standards, but for items not included there,"Cost Estimation for Bridge Construction"I'm using this as a reference.
For repair work"An Explanation of Bridge Repairs and Cost Estimation"There’s a book with that title, but personally, I don’t use it much.
Reiwa 3 Edition: Cost Estimation for Bridge Construction (tokyo-kansho.co.jp)
Guide to Cost Estimation for Landscaping and Landscape Restoration; Maintenance and Cost Estimation for Parks and Green Spaces
Regarding the maintenance of the park,
"Guide to Cost Estimation for Landscaping and Landscape Restoration"(Construction Price Survey Council)
"Maintenance and Cost Estimation for Parks and Green Spaces"(Economic Research Council)
We'll be using these two books.
The "Guide to Landscaping and Landscape Restoration Cost Estimation" was previously titled the "Landscaping and Landscape Restoration Cost Estimation Manual."
These books include maintenance checklists that can be applied to trees in parks and along roads. I also use them for managing flower beds.
Land Improvement Project Cost Estimation Standards (Green Book)
Since land improvement projects—that is, the field of agricultural civil engineering—fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the standards of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are not applied, and"Land Improvement Project Cost Estimation Standards"is applied mutatis mutandis. Commonly known as:Green Book。
Even at city hall, in departments such as the Agricultural Policy Bureau that handle land improvement projects, these standards are used for agricultural canal construction and farm road maintenance. Thankfully, you don’t need to buy the books—you can download everything from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ website.
Click here for the book↓
Publications Catalog | Agricultural and Rural Development Information Center (ARIC)
It is absolutely essential that construction be carried out in accordance with the agricultural schedule.
Cost Estimation Standards for Port Civil Engineering Contracting Projects
Port construction work is,"Cost Estimation Standards for Port Civil Engineering Contracting Projects"Use [...].
Since the city hall doesn't have much jurisdiction over this, it's a book you probably won't come across.
Cost Estimation Standards for Fishing Port and Fishing Ground Construction Projects
For information on the fishing port construction project, click here,"Cost Estimation Standards for Fishing Port and Fishing Ground Construction Projects"。
I've never seen this either ( ﾟДﾟ)
Municipalities with fishing ports might offer this service.
Essential Guide to Forest Roads for Soil and Water Conservation—Cost Estimation and Construction—
For information on the Forest Conservation and Maintenance Project, click here,"Essential Guide to Forest Roads for Soil and Water Conservation—Cost Estimation and Construction"
This, too (etc.)
I've just given a random overview, but there's plenty more besides.
A Book on Construction Unit Prices
Next, the construction unit price, that is,Market PriceとStandard Unit Prices for Civil Engineering WorkIt's a book that contains [that].
Market Price
Market unit price refers to,Standard construction unit prices generally used in the marketThis is because there is no labor rate. Since it has become increasingly common for subcontracting agreements to be based on construction unit prices determined by supply and demand, this study examined that trend.
Standard Unit Prices for Civil Engineering Work
Standard unit prices for civil engineering work are,Unit price calculated based on a survey of labor rates, material costs, and other factorsThat is to say. However, the breakdown has not been disclosed.
Although the methods for determining these two construction unit prices differ, I don’t think you need to worry about that when we’re handling them. If you’d like more details, please refer to the beginning of the book, where the survey methods and other information are outlined.
It seems the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is trying to promote this method of calculating costs based on construction unit prices.
I’d like to introduce two familiar books.
Civil Engineering Cost Information
"Civil Engineering Cost Information" is a publication issued by the General Incorporated Foundation Construction Price Research Association.
There are many types of work included in the standard unit prices for civil engineering projects...is its defining feature.
As of the October 2021 issue, the publication includes “Installation of Water Leak Prevention Materials,” “Installation of UV-Curable FRP Sheets,” “Installation of Road Reflectors,” and “Metal Thermal Spraying for Bearings”—items that are not listed in the “Civil Engineering Construction Unit Prices” section.
Civil Engineering Construction Unit Prices
"Civil Engineering Construction Unit Prices" is a book published by the Economic Research Association, a general incorporated foundation.
It's not listed in "Civil Engineering Cost Information"Port Construction, Geological SurveysThe unit prices are listed here.
Both books list the construction unit prices as-is, so you can easily calculate direct labor costs just by adding the material costs—they’re really handy (*´ω｀*) If material costs are already included, the unit price becomes the direct labor cost! Be sure to check your department’s rules before using them.
Both are published quarterly (spring in April, summer in July, fall in October, and winter in January), and while there are some minor differences, there’s no real difference in terms of their practical use for civil engineering civil servants.
By the way, regarding construction projects, there are separate sections for “Construction Cost Information” and “Construction Unit Prices.”
You're sure to find this at work!
Take a look to see what kinds of jobs are listed.
A Book on Material Unit Prices
Precast concrete products, cables, lumber, lighting fixtures, and other so-calledA book listing the prices of construction materialsThat's right. It covers everything from architecture to civil engineering.
Just like the construction unit price, this is also determined based on market research.
As you know, just like with construction unit prices, there are two publications, and the average price of the two is typically used.
Even though it's a monthly magazine, each issue is so thick—it's a real pain because it takes up so much space in my office cabinet.
Construction Prices
"Construction Prices" is a publication issued by the Construction Price Survey Association, a general incorporated foundation.
The Red Book. Anything that doesn't fit in here is listed on the "WEB Construction Price Index," which my city hall also uses.
Cost Estimation Data
"Calculation Materials" is a book published by the Economic Research Association, a general incorporated foundation.
The Black Book. There is a web version of this called "Electronic Cost Estimation Data."
By the way, did you know that both magazines feature a section at the beginning of their August issues with more tree price listings than usual? Even with things you’re used to, there are still things you might not know (*´ω｀*)♪
A Book on Machinery Expenses
Here it is,Equipment Expenses. I think this is what makes cost estimation feel so difficult ( ﾟДﾟ)
I’ll explain how to calculate machinery expenses in more detail later, but for now,
Here, we will discuss the construction machinery used in that calculation process:“Loss Premium”I’d like to introduce a book that features this.
Depreciation Schedule for Construction Equipment, etc.
This book compiles the depreciation rates for construction machinery published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Depreciation Schedule for Construction Equipment, etc.。
At each prefectural or city government office,Proprietary “Construction Equipment, etc., Damage Rate Table”They have published it, and we local government employees use it. I believe you can download it from the prefectural government’s website.
By the way, since machinery costs are generally already entered into the cost estimation system (software), there’s no need for individual users to enter them. However, when preparing estimates based on labor rates or creating your own labor rates, you’ll need to calculate the machinery costs from scratch.
It's a lot of work to do this by hand, so there's probably an Excel spreadsheet set up for this at work. Let's check the old folders ( ﾟДﾟ)
Land Improvement Project Cost Estimation Standards (Machinery Expenses)
This is used in agricultural civil engineering.
Land Improvement Project Cost Estimation Standards (Machinery Expenses)It lists depreciation rates for agricultural land preparation machinery, such as tractors and rake dozers.
Publications Catalog | Agricultural and Rural Development Information Center (ARIC)
Reference Materials on Depreciation Rates for Machinery and Equipment Used in Trenching Work
As the name suggests, this is reference material on damage caused by pile driving.
"Reference Materials on Depreciation Rates for Machinery and Equipment Used in Trenching Work"
Cost estimation for construction projects involving earthmoving is quite unique because it essentially involves adding up the depreciation costs for machinery. While referring to the association’s unit rates, you must always check the depreciation tables.
It's such a deep and complex genre that I can't really make any sweeping statements ( ﾟДﾟ) lol
I’m sure there are plenty of reference books on equipment costs for other types of construction projects as well, but I’ll just mention this one here.
Books for studying cost estimation
Finally, I’d like to recommend a book for anyone interested in learning about cost estimation.
First, read the introductory books on the bookshelf at work!That’s the best approach, but since this blog only covers the basics, it might be difficult to put them into practice on their own.
Just to be sure, here are the officially recommended guidebooks.
Municipalities do not offer training in cost estimation.
Manual on Estimation Standards for Civil Engineering Works
An easy-to-understand guide to civil engineering cost estimation standards is,"Manual on Estimation Standards for Civil Engineering Works"That's it.
This book includes actual cost estimation examples that use labor rates, equipment depreciation, and material costs, and it explains concepts that are difficult to grasp using photos and illustrations.
It's a pretty important book, but it might not be available at City Hall, so the city employees might not have seen it... (´･ω･`)
If you're serious about studying cost estimation, this book could serve as a textbook—so even though it's a bit pricey, it's worth buying. You can find it at major bookstores in your area, so take a look inside.
A Clear Guide to Construction Equipment and Rental Rates
If you'd like to learn more about construction equipment,"A Clear Guide to Construction Equipment and Rental Rates 2020"I recommend this one. (It looks like the 2020 version is still the latest.)
This document is intended as a commentary on the Reiwa 2 Edition of the Depreciation Schedule for Construction Machinery and Related Equipment.
This section provides an overview and description of construction machinery and equipment, complete with photos and diagrams, and includes a table listing the manufacturers and model names of major construction machines.
I really appreciate the photo.
The Practical Aspects of Cost Estimation for Sewer Construction Projects
Regarding cost estimation for sewer construction, which differs somewhat from general civil engineering,"The Practical Aspects of Sewer Construction Cost Estimation"I think it would be a good idea to study there.
It's always kept in the construction procurement department, so everyone must be referring to it (*´ω｀*)
In Closing
This has gotten a bit long, but I’ve tried to introduce a lot of books on cost estimation.
For general civil engineering projects—such as rivers and roads—the standard manuals introduced here (the “Red Book,” “Yellow Book,” and those specific to each municipality) are sufficient. However, I hope you now understand that if you are assigned to other fields, there are separate cost estimation manuals for each field, and the reference materials for items like machinery costs also differ.
On the other hand, construction unit prices—such as material unit prices and market unit prices—can be used uniformly.
After all, since we buy materials from manufacturers at the same price across all fields, there’s no way the cost would change.
I hope this serves as a useful reference for your cost estimation work.
Well, that's all for today.
See you later (*’ω’*)ﾉ
