Quantity and Cost estimation from ArchiCAD

[Narendra]

Dear All,

Quantity and Cost estimation from ArchiCAD (Compared with Cigraph’ s Archiquant add-on and Vicco Office).

I do not know estimation practices fellow ArchiCAD users are using. But I, in our country expect quantity and cost estimates of components required in elements and objects (walls, beams, etcetera along with GDL Objects). The reason is rates of components vary with elements at various locations.

I would expect volume of wood, number of hardware pieces, area of glass and number of carpenters along with respective costs when estimating a wooden door. (* “Cigraph’ s Archiquant” add-on can do this)

I have tried to search this solution to my problem of detailed component level cost estimation for more than one and half decade from Graphisoft, user-forums, my software dealers, and many others.

This is about finding quantity and cost estimation through ArchiCAD, without any success.

Cigraph and its CEO Istvan Toth gave me some relief for what I had wanted. However, Cigraph has collapsed and hence I am back to the square one.

“ArchiCAD calculation module” of ArchiCAD has not changed for one and half decade and I do not think any practice depends on it for its failure to calculate from all the properties like the width height volumes surfaces parameters in elements and gdl objects. The report format of the same is worst, and no one can program it to a desired format.

The question remains if there is any solution to detailed cost estimation which will give quantity and cost estimates of components from the ArchiCAD model.

In India this is very much required.

In India we grossly depend on “schedule of rates” prepared by government departments, and they are a good database and that they are backed by analysis of component quantities of the listed items of buildings.

Many software companies in India and abroad have created software that link building elements like walls, beams columns to the database items of the district schedule of rates from Revit. But it is sad that no one has developed such linking which Cigraph provided.

Now with the end of Cigraph, future of above-described estimation in detail from ArchiCAD faces a dead wall.

Someone from Graphisoft -Hong Kong office suggested me a software but that to had linking to Autodesk products only.

I remember Graphisoft had prepared a 6D estimation module sometime in 2006 which I presume was handed over to Vicco. Does it work with ArchiCAD in the original way? But I presume it is extremely expensive and hence un-affordable to small practices like ours. What is opinion of the fellow architects?

In short, Will someone guide me so that I can generate detailed quantity and cost estimates either from ArchiCAD or any other third-party software makers who can link data of ArchiCAD?

Architect Narendra Suryavanshi-ArchiCAD User, Designer and Owner

[Barry Kelly]

That was sent by Graphisoft Hong Kong so may have only gone to local Asia/Pacific users (I really don't know).

Will be interesting to see what they can cram into a 45 minute webinar.

Barry.

[mthd]

Yes that will certainly be interesting. The claim is made that you can get 5D Quantification in 30 mins inside AC. Well let’s see what they can do ?

Imagine being able to accurately estimate your building's materials, automate pricing calculations, and generate detailed BOQs even before the construction phase begins. With BIM technology, this dream becomes a reality. However, we understand that navigating the intricacies of the quantification process can be challenging and time-consuming, often leading to duplicated efforts and wasted resources. That's why we're here to show you how to leverage BIM and revolutionize your workflow.

Our expert – Eugenio Fontan will guide you through the seamless integration of Archicad's intuitive modelling tools and quantification capabilities, enabling you to generate accurate BOQs through automated processes effortlessly. But that's not all! During the live session, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic Q&A segment. Get your burning questions answered by our experienced BIM consultant and gain invaluable insights into maximizing the potential of BIM technology for your projects. Don't miss out on this game-changing event! Register today to unlock the power of BIM automation and take your construction projects to new heights. Say goodbye to resource-heavy and complex models – embrace the future of quantification with Archicad and revolutionize your workflow. Secure your spot now!

Who Should Attend?

Architects, Quantity Surveyors (QS), Contractors, Interior Designers, Owners, Architectural Technologists and Technicians Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, BIM Modelers AEC Professionals involved in conceptual design, quantification process and project bidding.

[Botonis]

How can I take part in this webinar? Is this only for Asian customers? 

[Barry Kelly]

Well, it is just an on-line webinar that is advertised on the Graphisoft Hong Kong website.

So, I guess if you have access to that website, and the webinar time suits you, you could register.

The worst that can happen is they refuse your registration.

https://graphisoft.com/hk/events/utilize-bim-for-efficient-5d-quantification?mkt_tok=MDc1LVhNTS0xODk...

I don't know if there is a limit to the number of places available (it says first 300 are free).

We were invited by e-mail but I assume it was only sent out to the Asia/Pacific region.

Hopefully I won't get in trouble for posting that.

Barry.

[mthd]

Hi, @Botonis I certainly hope that you can take part in this webinar as your experience would be of great help to GS. I am happy to watch a replay if one becomes available. You could reach out on here on the GSC.

[Narendra]

Dear All,

I have registered for that webinar. But it is still 1 month away.

I also curious to know what they are going to show in 45 minutes.

What I feel that all of us should keep discussing this issue here.

Narendra

[Botonis]

Just registered thanks to @Barry Kelly  but the announcmenet is not refferering to any addon or update.

It feels more like a workflow presentation.

"Our expert – Eugenio Fontan will guide you through the seamless integration of Archicad’s intuitive modelling tools and quantification capabilities, enabling you to generate accurate BOQs through automated processes effortlessly. "

If I take in consideration the exact wording of the above phrase and also the pictures which show schedules from Arhicad I wouldn't feel so optimistic for an ArchiquantPlus resurrection!.

Hope I am wrong

[Barry Kelly]

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@Botonis wrote:

If I take in consideration the exact wording of the above phrase and also the pictures which show schedules from Arhicad I wouldn't feel so optimistic for an ArchiquantPlus resurrection!.

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But if it can all be done inside of Archicad with no add-ons, isn't that better?

Getting the actual quantities I have no problem with.

But associating that to costs, I can't see how that will work unless linking to an external database.

I guess we will see.

Barry.

[Botonis]

That was exactly what Archiquant Plus was doing. You were able to link element costs to quantities of different Archicad elements, filtering all these the way you wanted and create custom formatted lists with cost or just quanitiies.  No limitations like the current scheduling process.

There are some videos on Youtube with Istvan showing the workflow. 

Even the UI fitted the Archcicad's UI. 

[Yves]

Hi,

Linkioo from Abvent (Now StudioBase2) has been around for about 2 years, which exists in French and English, but I have never tested it.
You recover data from model (Archicad, Revit, or any IFC file)
I think you just need to create an account to be able to test it.

https://linkioo.com/en/home/