There are several methods by which calculation of engineering consultant services cost can be carried out in construction. It is possible to employ various charging approach at different phase of the consultant services.
The application of each approach or combination of approaches is dependent on nature, scope and complexity of the required engineering services. In this article, these charging consulting services are discussed.
Following are the topics discussed for calculating cost of engineering services or consulting services in construction:
There are various factors that control the cost of engineering services required for a specific project. These factors are outlined below:
There are five different methods which are used for charging engineering consultant services:
It is dependent on the cost of consultants who carry out the service and it is specifically suitable tasks in which the extent or range of the engineering services is not clearly outlined.
Disregard of the charging method utilized, it is more convenient to outline the undertaking scope adequately because it will lead to achieve satisfactory result and the end of the service and reduced possible disputes between the owner and engineering consultants.
There are specific undertaking conditions for which multiplier approach for charging consultant services is suitable. For example, if the scope of undertaking is not outlined properly, the extend of the undertaking is defined adequately, or substantially complex undertaking.
Similar to the multiplier approach, hourly billing rate plus reimbursable is based on the consultant cost that performs the service. It can be used for cases where the extent of the project is not certain.
in addition, the consultant and the owner must agree on specifying the expected range of the project and the approaches for adjusting not to exceed amount. In the case the cost closes to not to exceed amount, then the owner must be informed and offer modified cost estimate for the completion of project.
This approach may be specified and employed in the case where the project range is not defined properly, simplified accounting, considerably short project assignment, the extent of the project is defined adequately and on-site building management services
The per diem term is referred to an eight hour per day. The cost of consultants who conduct the engineering service is the base for the per diem approach as it is the case in the previous two approaches.
It is convenient to choose for charging engineering consultation services if the undertaking scope is not outlined properly and in the case where it is outlined adequately, very short assignment and on-site construction management services.
Similar to the per diem, hourly and multiplier approach, cost plus fixed fee is dependent on the cost of consultants.
It can be used whether the extent of the project is outlined properly or not, very complex project and suitable for on-site building management services.
Unlike other four methods discussed above, lump sum or fixed price approach is based on completion of the project and the extent or range of the project need to be defined adequately. So, the scope of the project must be accepted and agreed upon by both consultants and project owner.
This approach is recommended to be employed if the scope of the undertaking is defined adequately, simplified accounting, crucially complex jobs and very short tasks. However, it should be ruled out if the extent and the range of the undertaking is not described and outlined sufficiently.
Finally, it is discussed that the selection of aforementioned methods for charging engineering consultant services is based on the certain undertaking conditions. Those conditions and suitability of each method are summarized in the following table.
Table-1: factor that control the selection of consultant service charging approach
1 The approach of charging engineering services is applicable for that specific condition
2 The method of charging engineering services is not applicable for that specific condition
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