Abstract:
Construction industry is considered an important sector for the development in Sudan. Estimating process is
an important element of the construction industry. Cost estimating of construction projects requires
extensive knowledge and expertise. The aim of this research is to identify and evaluate the main factors
affecting accuracy of cost estimating in Sudan from various levels of contracting companies’ point of views.
This research has been conducted through literature reviews of the topic related to the cost estimating
process, followed by a field survey. The questionnaire included (63) factors, categorized into six groups.
(78) questionnaires were distributed and only (66) questionnaires were needed to represent the population.
The results of analyzing 63 factors considered in the questionnaire conclude that the main factors affecting
accuracy of cost estimating are: material (prices/ availability/ supply/ quality/ imports), labor ( costs
/availability /performance /productivity), accuracy and reliability of cost information, contractor’s
experience level, impact of project schedule, quality of information and flow requirements, clear and detail
drawings and specifications, the experience and skill level of the consultant, financial capabilities of the
client, completeness of cost information, advanced payment, equipment (costs/availability/supply/condition
/performance),project team's capability to control the project, location of project (town, village camp),
currency exchange fluctuation.
The study recommended that contractors should give more attention to the cost estimating process to
manage their projects in a good way. They should monitor the performance of their estimates in terms of
accuracy and hire a qualified technical staff in order to obtain an accurate estimate. They are also requested
to keep computerized historical data of finished projects and to pay more attention to training needs of their
employees in order to improve their performance. The study also recommended the government to adopt
material prices list to enable estimators to come up with the best estimates.
