What is the main advantage of using Elemental Cost estimation?

The main advantage of using Elemental Cost estimation lies in its ability to facilitate design "trade-offs" between elements based on building size. This method breaks down a building project into discrete elements (such as foundations, superstructure, roofing, etc.) and assigns costs to each. This allows architects and project managers to easily analyze how changes in one element can impact overall costs, making informed decisions while optimizing the design to fit budgetary constraints and requirements.

For instance, if the project budget needs to be reduced, the team can evaluate options such as selecting different materials, altering the building size, or adjusting the finishes. Elemental Cost estimation provides flexibility in managing and balancing project costs while still striving for the desired performance and aesthetics in the building design. This adaptive approach is particularly useful during the early design phases, when these trade-off discussions are most critical.

In contrast, requiring detailed specifications and drawings might complicate early budget discussions, as this level of detail is more relevant in later stages of design. Providing exact figures for every component of a building isn't a characteristic of Elemental Cost estimation; rather, it offers aggregated cost assessments rather than pinpoint precision for each item. Lastly, while it can simplify some aspects of budgeting, its primary strength lies in the flexibility it