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The cube method estimating is a single rate method of estimating based on the cubic content of a building.
Cost per cubic metre method is specific for building projects and aims to overcome the current criticism
floor area method that does not take into account possible variations of the storey height. The building
volume method became very popular in some European countries like in Germany and Switzerland, where
building costs are often expressed in cubic meter prices. The total cost of the project will be given by:
In order to use the method, the building volume must be first assessed and explicit rules exist in some
countries for that purpose. Buildings with distinct types of occupation should have corresponding volumes
assessed separately, for example, car park areas, shopping areas and office areas in a commercial building.
Specific works like excavations, foundations and external works ought to be assessed separately by using
cost comparisons or approximate quantities, for example.
Costs per cubic meter may be difficult to find in countries where the method is not current. Actually, such
costs depend on a number of variables, like building types, the proportion of wall area per floor area,
quality of finishes and so on.
An office block with a cubic content of 18000m3 has been estimated to cost $415.00/m3.
o A point midway between the ceiling and the apex of roof 2/3 where roof space is unoccupied
o A point three-quarters from the ceiling to the apex of the roof where roof space is occupied
o Quick method
o Easy to understand
o Suitable where cubic content of a space or a building directly influences the cost of an element.
o Fails to take account of variations in plan, shape, storey height/ total number of storeys etc.