Project Estimating

AREA METHOD
Prof. EALBIS
 ESTIMATING METHODS Part 1.0

Space Factor to be used in Estimating by Area: In order to arrive at an

accurate cost per square meter, a building spaces and its appendages should
be converted into their equivalent values in relation to the predominant enclosed
space.

The United Architects of the Philippines presents herewith the various factors
that should be used in converting building spaces to their equivalent enclosed
building area (EEBA).

AREA/SPACE SPACE FACTOR

Typical Floor (fully enclosed space) 1.00
Auditorium 1.50
Balcony 0.40
Canopy Entrance 0.45
Lobby and Lofty Space 1.50
Basement 1.00
On-stilt 0.55
Covered Areas (partially walled space) 0.60
Stairs 1.25
Toilets 2.00
Kitchen, Kitchenettes 1.25
Media-Agua 0.25
AHU Rooms, Electrical Rooms 0.70
Deck Terrace (with waterproofing) 0.35
When using a uniform unit cost it is necessary to apply a factor to correct the effect of
Interstitial space less than 1.50 m 0.35 underestimating or overestimating certain areas that have less or more features than the
more than 1.50 m 0.70 predominant space.
Open Terrace (no roof) 0.30
The diagram above shows the corrective factors to be used for specific spaces.
Ramp 0.70
Parking Area 0.60 Example: Office Building - Unit Cost = P25,000 per sq.m.
Elevator Shaft 0.50 General office space: 100 sq.m. x 1.0 x P25,000 = P 2,500,000
Stair 20 sq.m. x 1.25 x 25,000 = 625,000
Cistern 0.70 Toilet 15 sq.m. x 2.0 x 25,000 = 750,000
Light well 0.25 AHU 12 sq.m. x 0.70 x 25,000 = 210,000
Total Cost P 4,085,000
When using a uniform unit cost it is necessary to apply a factor to correct the effect of
underestimating or overestimating certain areas that have less or more features than the
predominant space.

The diagram above shows the corrective factors to be used for specific spaces.

Example: Office Building - Unit Cost = P25,000 per sq.m.

General office space: 100 sq.m. x 1.0 x P25,000 = P 2,500,000
Stair 20 sq.m. x 1.25 x 25,000 = 625,000
Toilet 15 sq.m. x 2.0 x 25,000 = 750,000
AHU 12 sq.m. x 0.70 x 25,000 = 210,000
Total Cost P 4,085,000
When using a uniform unit cost it is necessary to apply a factor to correct the effect of
underestimating or overestimating certain areas that have less or more features than the
predominant space.

The diagram above shows the corrective factors to be used for specific spaces.

Example: Office Building - Unit Cost = P25,000 per sq.m.

General office space: 100 sq.m. x 1.0 x P25,000 = P 2,500,000
Stair 20 sq.m. x 1.25 x 25,000 = 625,000
Toilet 15 sq.m. x 2.0 x 25,000 = 750,000
AHU 12 sq.m. x 0.70 x 25,000 = 210,000
Total Cost P 4,085,000

ESTIMATING GUIDE FOR ARCHITECTS p.9

1. Develop a budgetary estimate for the sample project using PER
SQUARE METER METHOD WITH SPACE FACTOR. Using the
provided floor plan of the sample project below, the student, shall
tabulate the estimated gross floor area of the building broken down
into the floor areas of each individual room or area. The space factor
shall be applied to each area and multiplied with an estimated unit
cost. For the purposes of this exercise, the estimated unit cost shall
be Php 35,000 per square meter. When the table is completed, the
student should have a figure representing the total estimated
construction cost of the sample project.
 A B C D E

1 GROUND FLOOR PLAN

AR 2
 A B C D E

2 SECOND FLOOR PLAN

AR 2