To address this question it’s easiest to look at estimating from a historical perspective: Once upon a time, every contractor created estimates by hand. He/she would pull out a pad of paper and pencil, jot down some figures line by line, then sum up each item to achieve the estimate. This was a simple and effective way to create a bid, but human error, inflexibility, and time consumption left plenty of room for improvement.

Currently there is no prescribed method for determining the amount of damage sustained by a reinforced concrete structure designed to pre 1972 New Zealand design standards during an earthquake. One of the key features of these designs is the amount of shear damage that is observed and the lack of knowledge today, in assessing and repairing this form of damage.

The law states that a contract shall be deemed legal if it is drawn up between consenting parties who accept it as complete and unconditional and some external manifestation of assent communicates the acceptance of an offer.(Burrows, Finn, & Todd, 2202, p. 60)

Cost is important to all industry. Costs can be divided into two general classes; absolute costs and relative costs. Absolute cost measures the loss in value of assets. Relative cost involves a comparison between the chosen course of action and the course of action that was rejected. This cost of the alternative action - the action not taken - is often called the "opportunity cost".

What is an estimate? What is included in this estimate and where do these costs come from? Estimate - a list of material and other costs directly and indirectly associated with the construction of your home. Direct costs will be items such as lumber, concrete, and labor. These items are things that will be permanent fixtures in the home, or such things that will have been done to complete the construction.

Classical/Traditional Management Perspective (F.Taylor) Command-Control-Communication Management Thinks, Employees Work Empirical School: studies management in other situations, not always similar.

Project Management is quite often the province and responsibility of an individual project manager. This individual seldom participates directly in the activities that produce the end result

Engineering has developed from observations of the ways natural and constructed systems react and from the development of empirical equations that provide bases for design.

In general, there are three types of construction: (1) building, (2) heavy/highway, and (3) industrial. Each type of construction requires a unique team to plan, design, construct, and maintain the project.

Risk services focus on formulation of risk management strategies built around the client's construction business operations.