Which estimate is characterized by a 10% accuracy rate?

A Class B Estimate is recognized for having a 10% accuracy rate. This level of estimate usually occurs during the design development phase, where more detailed information about the project is available compared to earlier phases. At this stage, quantities and costs can be more accurately assessed, leading to a tighter range of expected costs.

Class B Estimates are typically based on preliminary designs, allowing architects and project managers to present a reasonable approximation of the project’s financial requirements. This level of accuracy is particularly useful for budgeting purposes, as it helps stakeholders gauge financial feasibility around the time the design is being finalized but before construction documents are complete.

In contrast, other classes of estimates, such as Class A or Class C, display different accuracy profiles, with Class A being highly refined usually closer to the actual costs, and Class C being much less accurate and generally used in the conceptual phase of a project. Thus, Class B's defining characteristic of a 10% accuracy makes it distinctive among the various types of estimates employed in architectural costing.