ASTM E2514-15(2020)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2514 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Presentation Format of Elemental Cost Estimates,
Summaries, and Analyses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2514; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1557 Classification for Building Elements and Related
Sitework—UNIFORMAT II
1.1 This practice covers the concurrent use of relevant
E1804 Practice for Performing and Reporting Cost Analysis
ASTM standards for the preparation of elemental cost
During the Design Phase of a Project
estimates, summaries, and analyses and specifically their
E1836/E1836M Practice for Building Floor Area Measure-
presentation in a concise, consistent, and logical manner.
ments for Facility Management
1.2 While the style and directions use construction terms
E2083 Classification for Building Construction Field
applied to buildings, the principles apply equally well to other
Requirements, and Office Overhead & Profit
forms of construction where appropriate elemental classifica-
E2168 Classification for Allowance, Contingency, and Re-
tions exist.
serve Sums in Building Construction Estimating
1.3 This practice is not an estimating manual, nor is it a
2.2 ASTM Adjunct:
guide to the skills and knowledge required of an estimator or
Basic Instructional Model Spreadsheet
other cost professional.
NOTE 1—The skills and knowledge acquired by a trained and experi-
3. Terminology
enced estimator are essential to the successful application of any elemental
presentation format. They are the foundation of any estimate and the 3.1 Definitions: Definitions—For other definitions of gen-
underpinning knowledge required when applying the elemental technique.
eral terms related to building construction used in this practice,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the refer to Terminology E631; and for general terms related to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the building economics, refer to Terminology E833.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.1.1 element, n—in construction planning, design,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a significant com-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ponent part of the whole that performs a specific function, or
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- functions, regardless of design, specification, or construction
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
method.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 3.1.1.1 Discussion—While through analysis, or by direct
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
application, construction estimates categorized into elements
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical (functional elements) with allocated costs, may be summarized
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in an elemental cost summary or elemental cost analysis;
elements (functional elements) also provide a framework for
2. Referenced Documents
consistent preliminary project description, outline, and perfor-
mance specification, through all stages of planning, design,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
construction, and maintenance.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E833 Terminology of Building Economics 3.1.2 elemental cost analysis, n—in construction planning,
design, specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a tabulation
of cost categorized by major group element, group element,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor- or element, or any combination thereof, to which a parameter
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.81 on
quantity, or parameter quantities, has, or have, been applied to
Building Economics.
derive benchmark figures (rates, ratios, percentages, and so
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
forth).
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E2514 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/E2514-15R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
the ASTM website. ADJE2514.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2514 − 15 (2020)
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Elemental cost analyses are valuable framework for elemental cost presentation especially when
tools in planning, estimating, and controlling construction cost used for design stage construction cost estimating of buildings,
through all stages of planning and design. The benchmark
and also:
figures are primarily derived from underlying estimate detail
4.1.1 Identifies three arrangements, estimate, summary, and
but can, in some circumstances, be used directly to approxi-
analysis, of elemental cost presentation;
mate estimates for other projects.
4.1.2 Provides conventions for use in completing these
3.1.3 elemental cost summary, n—in construction planning,
presentations; and
design, specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a tabulation
4.1.3 Provides suggestions for some typical uses, including
of cost categorized by major group element, group element,
reporting, error checking, change tracking, and comparison
or element.
through the planning, design, construction, and final archival
3.1.4 group element, n—in construction planning, design,
record stages common to all building projects.
specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a significant com-
4.2 This practice is about arrangement, format, and presen-
ponent part of the whole that includes relevant elements
tation only. It is not an estimating manual and relates solely to
which, as a group, perform specific function, or functions,
the presentation of elemental estimates or costs, or both, in a
regardless of design, specification or construction method.
very specific format.
3.1.5 major group element, n—in construction planning,
design, specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a very 4.3 For the purposes of this practice an estimate is deemed
significant component part of the whole that includes relevant
to be the whole corpus of measurement, description, and
group elements which, as a group, perform major specific
pricing detail that together make up the total sum. The two
function, or functions, regardless of design, specification or
formats referred to in this practice, elemental summary and
construction method.
elemental analysis, are either a summary arrangement or an
analysis arrangement of this underlying estimate detail. These
3.1.6 parameter quantity, n—in construction planning,
formats represent a high-level presentation of the basic esti-
design, specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a measure
mate. An elemental estimate is different in that there is no
of the amount (quantity) of work included within a major
underlying detail and so, in this case, the presentation is the
group element, group element, or element, or any combina-
estimate, using the elemental analysis format.
tion thereof, which, using standardized metrics, ensures con-
sistent elemental cost analysis preparation and comparison.
5. Significance and Use
3.1.7 sub-element, n—in construction planning, design,
specification, estimating, and cost analysis, a component part
5.1 Significance:
of an element that performs a specific function, or functions,
5.1.1 The application of elements (see 3.1.1 and Terminol-
regardless of design, specification or construction method.
ogy E833) to the description and the summary and analysis of
3.1.8 UNIFORMAT II UII, n—a hierarchical breakdown
building construction cost provides a consistency,
structure of construction work ordered by elements.
commonality, and utility through all stages of design that other
3.1.8.1 Discussion—Primarily designed for cost manage-
forms of estimate presentation do not.
ment (planning, control, and analysis) during the planning,
5.1.2 This practice describes a simple format for elemental
budgeting, and design phases of construction, its hierarchical
cost analysis presentation that is both valuable and informative
elemental breakdown structure is also used for qualitative –
when used during the various design stages of construction
text rich – reports (preliminary project description, condition
development.
assessment, asset description), and other quantitative – text and
5.2 Use—Users include owners, developers, contractors,
numerical – purposes (value engineering, risk analysis, pre-
liminary time schedule, building information modeling). cost professionals, estimators, architects, engineers, quantity
surveyors, facility managers, and others involved in property
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
development, construction, maintenance, and management.
3.2.1 elemental cost plan, n—an estimate, summarized and
5.2.1 Reporting—Cost reports structured by elements pro-
presented in element groups, that has been sanctioned by the
vide estimates, summaries, and analyses by applying “Cost to
owner/client.
Function.” This application works whether the approach is
3.2.1.1 Discussion—In practice an elemental cost plan in-
“Design to Cost” or “Cost to Design.” Value analysis is greatly
cludes the high level presentation figures contained in any of
assisted through the allocation of estimated cost to elements.
the relevant presentation formats referenced in this standard
which, when sanctioned, become the benchmark figures 5.2.2 Controlling—Comparison of progressively more de-
against which subsequent estimates are compared.
tailed estimates is simplified where cost is allocated to appro-
priate elements regardless of design or specification, permitting
3.3 For additional guidance on certain other terminology
efficient review and checking of new estimates. Design esti-
related to estimates, budgets, cost plans, and cost models refer
mating using elements allows for benchmarking and the setting
to Appendix X1.
of cost limits (baseline) for a building design from the outset,
4. Summary of Practice
and also permits the establishment of an elemental cost plan
4.1 This practice covers the concurrent use of several (see 3.2.1). Baseline records and cost plans are accessed and
ASTM standards that together form a valuable and tried compared with current reports.
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5.2.3 Recording—Historic and baseline cost records are 6.1.3 Once design has commenced each succeeding esti-
easily kept for all forms of building construction, and in a mate is prepared using the increasingly more detailed design
format that can be used for the planning and design of future documents. Consequently, there are construction details that
projects. can be identified, quantified and estimated very early in the
5.2.4 Other Uses—Elemental summaries and analyses are process, which will become progressively more detailed. These
equally useful in forensic estimating and in quantitative risk updates will be consistently presented in a format that is
analysis. valuable in tracking cost by means of comparison and so
5.2.5 Relationship to “Trade” Estimating—Traditional quickly become either an elemental summary or an elemental
trade (or construction) estimating summarizes cost to a analysis.
product, or trade classification. This is valuable when construc- 6.1.4 Hierarchy of Use—An elemental cost estimate re-
tion work has been fully specified or contracted, but is less so
quires the use of cost figures derived from other, pre-existing,
through the planning and design stages. The two systems (trade analyses.
and elemental) are compatible in that they both relate to the
6.1.4.1 The estimate presentation uses high order parameter
same end product, for example, a building; they differ solely in
ratios and unit rates derived from a database of elemental cost
the way cost is aggregated. Each estimate form can be
analyses of similar work.
converted to the other by coding or allocating each construc-
6.1.4.2 The retention of analyses from previous projects is
tion component to an appropriate trade/product division or
an essential prerequisite to the successful preparation of an
element. During design evolution, changes in design and
elemental estimate presentation.
specification can make trade estimates difficult to compare with
6.1.5 The preparation of continuing estimates through the
previous or other, or both, estimates and so can hinder the
design and documentation phases is an iterative process, while
process of cost control during the design phase.
preparation of the initial cost estimate is not. Continuing design
5.2.6 Additional Narrative Information—While costs pre-
estimate presentations, based on increasingly developed design
sented in these formats are descriptive in themselves they do
detail will far outnumber those of an initial cost estimate during
not tell the full story of a project’s design. Narrative description
the design life cycle of a project.
of the construction work should also be an integral part of any
6.1.6 Cost modeling, based upon empirical knowledge, an
complete presentation. Reference and description of this nar-
understanding of basic requirements, and data obtained from
rative form can be found in Practice E1804, and in Classifica-
elemental cost analyses of similar, completed, projects, can
tion E1557 Appendix X3—Preliminary Project Description
also be used to generate an elemental cost estimate, summary
(PPD).
or analysis presentation.
6.1.7 An initial cost estimate will be very simple and brief,
5.3 A detailed description of the presentation formats now
although the presentation will appear to be identical to an
follows. These descriptions are provided in eight sections, each
elemental cost analysis of a detailed estimate, or a complex
intended to aid understanding of a particular facet of the
cost model.
formats:
Appearance Section 6
6.2 Elemental Cost Summary—This format is primarily
Element Inclusions and Exclusions Section 7
used for reporting as it provides a summary of the underlying,
Basic Rules Section 8
detailed, estimate in a simple, consistent, form. An example
Layout Section 9
Numeric Precision Section 10
elemental cost summary is included as Appendix X4.
Estimate Calculation Section 11
6.2.1 It is a cost summary only and makes no attempt to
Analysis Calculation Section 12
analyze the result.
Variations and Additions Section 13
6.2.2 It provides more information than a total cost lump
6. Presentation Format—Appearance
sum by showing the distribution of estimated cost among the
various building elements and, when sanctioned by the owner/
6.1 Elemental Cost Estimate—It is not always readily ap-
client, may become the elemental cost plan. This cost summary
parent whether an elemental presentation format is actually an
not only permits the speedy comparison of the various,
elemental cost estimate or an elemental cost analysis. They are
ongoing, design estimates for the specific project, but with
quite specifically designed to be consistent in appearance with
estimates for other projects too.
a common, structured layout that permits the ready comparison
6.2.3 The comparisons made are usually between two cost
of one with another. Elemental cost summaries are obviously
different in appearance however. An example elemental cost summaries: the current summary and either another summary,
a baseline summary, or the elemental cost plan. Included as
estimate is included as Appendix X3.
6.1.1 The least used of the three elemental presentation part of a report to an owner, client, consultant, or other
members of the project team, a cost summary permits each
arrangements. While outwardly identical in appearance to the
analysis format, the derivation of the data displayed within it is team member to compare and assess the impact of their recent
design decisions and to reflect on their specific impact, both
quite different.
6.1.2 Its limited use is primarily caused by its intent. It positive and negative, on the project’s overall cost and eco-
nomic viability.
provides a means of preparing a structured estimate for a
project when little, if any, design information is available, by 6.2.4 This ready comparison is made easier by the use of a
using the results of elemental analyses from other, similar, standard format and specifically defined element titles, wherein
designs. cost is applied to function (element) and not a trade or material
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classification. Using a standard reporting format allows each expected to be a forecast of a reasonable bid. Therefore
element cost to be reported consistently through the design life estimates prepared during the design process will necessarily
of any project. need to include allowance for, as yet incomplete or evolving
design decisions, or both.
6.3 Elemental Cost Analysis—This format is the most
widely used as it provides a range of high-level information 7.2 Inclusions:
(analysis) about the underlying estimate. This analysis is of 7.2.1 Group elements in accordance with Classification
most value to the cost estimating and cost controls practitioner. E1557. These are the Levels 1, 2, and 3 referred to therein. For
An example elemental cost analysis is included as Appendix other forms of construction refer to the relevant Standard
X5. Classification of Elements.
6.3.1 Applying analysis at a high-level permits a relatively 7.2.2 Field requirements, office overhead, and profit in
simple and concise, yet sophisticated, review and report on a accordance with Classification E2083.
construction project’s forecast cost that can be applied through- 7.2.3 Allowances, both general and specific, for intended
out the design phase. Whether the information available for work as described in Classification E2168.
estimating is scant (before design has been commenced) or
7.3 Exclusions:
extensive (when design has progressed or is finally complete),
7.3.1 Consultant fees and disbursements and other items
the analysis format remains unchanged.
that are not specifically part of the construction cost.
6.3.2 To maintain this consistency in reporting and analysis
7.3.2 Contingencies, both general and specific, for unin-
the “high level” element, or parameter, quantities used in the
tended work as described in Classification E2168.
analysis must be obtainable and measurable at, and through, all
stages of design.
8. Presentation Format—Basic Rules
6.3.3 The consistent format makes comparison between the
8.1 Separate Buildings/Structures:
current elemental cost analysis and other elemental cost
8.1.1 Each building or structure shall be summarized
analyses easy. Frequent comparison is an essential activity
(analyzed, estimated) separately.
when maintaining control of cost while allowing the design
8.2 Units of Measure:
details to develop and increase in complexity through a
8.2.1 All measurements shall be SI except where other
project’s design phase. The Basic Instructional Model Spread-
customary measurements are in use, for example, United States
sheet permits the demonstration of this very simple way of
of America uses U.S. conventional measurements.
identifying cost deviations from a Benchmark, Baseline, or
8.2.2 Applicable Standards:
Elemental Cost Plan.
8.2.2.1 Floor areas, when used as the main parameter, shall
6.3.4 Cost modeling techniques can generate sophisticated
be measured and reported in accordance with Practice E1836/
underlying cost estimate detail that can make good use of this
E1836M.
“high level” analysis also.
8.2.2.2 Group element and element metrics (units of mea-
7. Presentation Format—Element Inclusions and sure) shall be measured and recorded in accordance with
Exclusions Classification E1557 (Appendix X1) or other published Stan-
dard Classification.
7.1 ASTM Standards—Several existing ASTM standards are
combined to provide the essential components that together
9. Presentation Format—Layout
create an elemental format suitable for estimating, analysis,
9.1 There are three major sections inherent in any written
and control.
elemental cost presentation. These are the identification
7.1.1 Classification E1557 provides the primary elemental
section, the main body section, and the totals section. All three
components. It describes and delineates the physical elements
are essential sections without which any presentation is incom-
in a three level hierarchy. By itself Classification E1557 does
plete.
not provide a complete hierarchy suitable for use in cost
estimating as it omits other essential non-physical elements 9.2 Identification Section (see Fig. 1)—Identification is
that are part of any estimating process and are an integral part essential which, at a minimum, will include:
of any cost presentation. 9.2.1 Title (1)—Obvious and necessary for identification,
7.1.2 Classification E2083 provides additional elements but not as essential to cost as other identifiers.
without which any estimate will be incomplete. 9.2.2 Location (2)—Location does affect cost. Any cost
7.1.3 Classification E2168 provides further elements that presentation must include this information.
are essential in any estimate prepared before design is com- 9.2.3 Dates—All estimates are time sensitive and must
plete. Estimates prepared during the design process are usually never be presented without identifying applicable dates.
FIG. 1 Identification Section (Part 1)
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FIG. 2 Identification Section (Part 2)
9.2.3.1 Estimate Date (3)—This is the date on which the 9.2.6 Estimate Class (8)—It is important to indicate a
estimate was completed.
relevant classification that identifies the reliability of the
9.2.3.2 Bid Date (4)—This is the date to which the presented
presented cost figures. This classification will change depend-
estimate forecasts (or records) the bid cost. It is important to
ing upon the completeness of the design documents or design/
recognize that every pre-bid estimate is a forecast of an
planning information, or both, used in the preparation of the
anticipated bid, and that it must include all necessary cost
underlying estimate. Suitable classifications may exist within
allowances to allow for deferred, or evolving, design decisions,
an organization or be published publicly through a Standards
as well as anticipated cost inflation between the estimate date
organization.
and the bid date. Recording the cost of an actual bid will only
9.2.7 Additional Items—There are numerous additional
require the inclusion of those cost allowances specifically
items that could be included within the identification section,
called for in the bid documents.
for example, anticipated, or actual, contract duration, form of
9.2.4 Main Parameter (see Fig. 2)—It is common practice
contract, or method of contract procurement, number of floors
to include the Main Parameter, used in any analysis, within the
above and below grade. However, these are secondary
Identification section. For buildings the main parameter will
identifiers—that should form part of the necessary additional
most commonly be the gross floor area measurement (see
information pertaining to the estimate which is recorded
Practice E1836/E1836M). In special circumstances, however,
elsewhere—and are not essential to the presented mathematical
other main parameters may be appropriate, and will be used
summary or analysis.
instead. Such parameters will vary with the indust
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