Sela Class Estimate System
A comprehensive five-tier classification framework designed specifically for construction cost estimation, providing clear accuracy expectations and data requirements for each project phase.
Sela Estimation Standards
The Sela Class Estimate system provides a structured approach to construction cost estimation, aligning estimate accuracy with project maturity. The platform supports all five classification levels, automatically adjusting estimation methodology and data requirements based on project phase.
Accuracy Progression
Class 5
Capital Planning
Early-stage estimates for capital planning and feasibility assessment
Typical Uses
- •Capital budgeting
- •Feasibility studies
- •Initial project screening
- •Strategic planning
Required Data & Information
Conceptual drawings, 3D plans & perspective, Location plans
Class 4
Feasibility
Feasibility-level estimates with preliminary project requirements
Typical Uses
- •Project approval
- •Funding requests
- •Concept validation
- •Scope definition
Required Data & Information
Conceptual drawings, 3D plans & perspective, Location plans, Initial Project Requirements
Class 3
Budget Creation
Budget-level estimates based on partial construction documentation
Typical Uses
- •Budget authorization
- •Detailed planning
- •Procurement strategy
- •Resource allocation
Required Data & Information
Partial Construction set of Plans, 3D plans & perspective, Location plans, Project Requirements, Soil Investigation
Class 2
Bid / Tender
Bid-level estimates with complete construction documentation
Typical Uses
- •Competitive bidding
- •Contract negotiation
- •Tender submission
- •Cost control baseline
Required Data & Information
Complete Construction set of Plans, 3D plans & perspective, Location plans, Project Requirements, Technical Design Details, Project Specifications
Class 1
Detailed Estimate
Highly detailed estimates with complete project documentation and material specifications
Typical Uses
- •Final cost control
- •Change order assessment
- •Project execution
- •Detailed tracking
Required Data & Information
Complete Construction set of Plans, 3D plans & perspective, Location plans, Project Requirements, Technical Design Details, Project Specifications with specific material to be used, Detailed drawings for all discipline
Intelligent Classification
The Sela Estimation Platform automatically adapts its methodology based on the selected class, ensuring that estimation effort and detail are appropriate for the project stage. This intelligent approach:
Optimizes Resource Allocation
Matches estimation effort to project maturity, avoiding over-engineering early estimates or under-detailing final bids
Sets Clear Expectations
Stakeholders understand the accuracy range and confidence level appropriate for each project phase
Guides Data Collection
Platform prompts for the specific data and documentation required for each classification level
Enables Progressive Refinement
Estimates evolve naturally from Class 5 to Class 1 as project design matures and more information becomes available
Classification Best Practices
Match Class to Project Phase
Select the classification level that aligns with your current design completion and available data
Document Assumptions
Clearly record all assumptions, especially for Class 4 and 5 estimates where data is limited
Communicate Accuracy Range
Always present estimates with their expected accuracy range to set appropriate stakeholder expectations
Plan for Refinement
Budget time and resources to refine estimates as the project progresses through design phases