Why Our General Conditions Estimates Hold Up

General conditions are often underestimated because many of the costs are time-dependent rather than quantity-driven. A project may require a superintendent for the entire construction duration, temporary fencing during site operations, field offices, temporary power, sanitation, safety equipment, and ongoing cleanup.
We review the project schedule, specifications, site logistics, drawings, contract requirements, and available project information to identify the general conditions required for the project.

Time-Based Cost Coordination

Many general conditions costs depend directly on the project duration and construction sequence.
We coordinate the estimate with the available schedule to identify costs that may occur weekly, monthly, by project phase, or for the full construction duration. This helps distinguish fixed project costs from recurring field expenses.

Project Supervision & Administration

Supervision and project administration can represent a significant portion of general conditions, particularly on longer commercial and institutional projects.
We can account for project management, superintendent, project engineer, administrative support, and other documented personnel requirements according to project duration and staffing requirements.

Temporary Facilities & Utilities

Temporary facilities may include field offices, storage, fencing, sanitation, temporary power, temporary water, lighting, and other facilities required during construction.
These items can be separated so contractors can review the operational cost of maintaining the project site.

Safety, Security & Site Operations

General conditions may include site security, safety equipment, temporary barriers, signage, access control, cleanup, and other ongoing field requirements.
Project specifications and site logistics documentation are reviewed to identify requirements that may otherwise be missed in a trade-based estimate.

Related Services

For the complete scope of related estimating services, visit our main General Requirements page.

What Is Included in Your General Conditions Estimate

  • Project supervision
  • General superintendent
  • Project management
  • Assistant superintendent
  • Project engineer
  • Field engineering
  • Project administration
  • Temporary office
  • Field office equipment
  • Temporary fencing
  • Temporary barriers
  • Temporary signage
  • Temporary utilities
  • Temporary power
  • Temporary water
  • Temporary lighting
  • Temporary sanitation
  • Site security
  • Safety requirements
  • OSHA-related site requirements
  • First aid and safety supplies
  • Site cleanup
  • Final cleanup
  • Waste removal
  • Temporary protection
  • Weather protection
  • Dust control
  • Site access requirements
  • Traffic control where applicable
  • Permits and fees where included
  • Testing and inspections where applicable
  • Mobilization
  • Demobilization
  • Project closeout
  • Documentation
  • As-built administration
  • Other contract-required general conditions