Many people dream of buying a plot of land and constructing their own house. But doing so is no easy feat. One has to understand all the intricacies of the building construction process, such as the process of estimation that will help determine the quantities and costs of various materials, labour, and overheads required for the construction of a structure.
One of the methods of estimation is based on the dimensions of the walls of the building. In this method, the walls are classified into two types: long wall and short wall.
A long wall is a wall that runs along the length of the building. On the other hand, a short wall is a wall that runs along the width of the building. The length and width of the building are measured from the centre line of the walls. The centre line is an imaginary line that passes through the middle of the thickness of the wall.
The advantage of using the long wall and short wall method is that it simplifies the calculation of the area and perimeter of the walls, as well as the openings such as doors and windows. The area and perimeter are used to determine the quantities of materials such as bricks, mortar, plaster, paint, etc.
The steps involved in estimating a building using long wall and short wall method are:
As we have learned so far, estimation helps in planning, budgeting, and controlling the project. Thus, it pays to go over the advantages of various estimation processes, such as long wall and short wall, before settling for the right one.
The long wall and short wall method has some benefits over other methods of estimation, such as:
However, the long wall and short wall method also has some limitations, such as:
Overall, the long wall and short wall method is a useful technique for estimation of building, but it should be used with caution and cross-checked with other methods for accuracy and completeness.
Some things to consider when using this method are:
Therefore, it is advisable to use this method as a rough estimate only, and consult a professional engineer or contractor for more accurate and detailed calculations.
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