ASTM E2168-10 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E2168-10(2023) — Standard Classification for Allowance, Contingency, and Reserve Sums in Building Construction Estimating. A concise classification and guidance document that defines and organizes monetary sums (allowances, contingencies, and reserves) used in construction, project, and program cost estimating and budgeting.

Abstract

This standard provides a standardized classification framework for monetary provisions included in construction cost estimates to address incomplete information, change, and risk. It defines the terms allowance, contingency, and reserve, describes sub‑classifications (specific vs. general), and gives guidance on proper application and presentation of these sums in cost budgeting, conceptual and design estimating, forecasting, and cost control.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved 2023)
• Publication date: 2010 (reapproved/issued as E2168-10(2023) in 2023 — reapproval date reported in 2023)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 91.010.20 (Contractual aspects / construction economics and estimating)
• Edition / version: E2168-10; designation E2168-10(2023) (2010 original, reapproved 2023)
• Number of pages: 9

Scope

This classification establishes a uniform taxonomy for allowance, contingency, and reserve sums used in construction, project, and program estimating for all forms of construction work. It is not an element‑based (physical) classification; instead it covers cost components common to estimates and is intended for use through planning, design, construction, and completion to improve clarity and comparability of cost forecasts and budgets.

Key topics and requirements

• Clear definitions of Allowance, Contingency, and Reserve and the distinctions between them (purpose, control, and accounting treatment).
• Sub‑classification into specific (identified) and general (non‑specific) sums and guidance on when to use each.
• Recommended uses and contexts: cost budgeting, conceptual/design/construction estimating, economic forecasting, investment analysis, and cost control.
• Requirement to present allowances/contingencies/reserves separately and to document assumptions behind each sum.
• Guidance on consistent classification to allow aggregation, reporting, and comparison across projects and programs.
• Cross‑reference to element classifications (e.g., E1557 / UNIFORMAT II) when calculating complete construction cost.

Typical use and users

Used by owners, developers, cost planners, estimators, architects and engineers, quantity surveyors, contractors, facilities and asset managers, financial officers, specification writers, and public‑sector procurement and program managers. Typical applications include preparing conceptual and detailed cost estimates, establishing project budgets, setting contingency policies, and producing forecast costs for investment approvals.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside other ASTM building and classification standards such as ASTM E1557 (Standard Classification for Building Elements and Related Sitework), ASTM E3008/E3008M (UNIFORMAT II transportation surface elements) and other ASTM guides and practice standards addressing cost estimating, risk, and project financial reporting. It also complements organizational cost control and estimating protocols.

Keywords

allowance, contingency, reserve, cost estimating, construction estimating, cost budgeting, classification, UNIFORMAT II, E1557, cost control, building economics, reserve sums

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2168-10(2023) is a classification standard that organizes and defines monetary sums (allowances, contingencies, reserves) used in building construction estimating to enable consistent presentation and use of those sums in cost forecasts and budgets.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, sub‑classifications (specific vs. general), recommended usage contexts (e.g., budgeting, conceptual/design/construction estimating, forecasting), and requirements for documenting and presenting allowance/contingency/reserve sums; it is not an element (physical) classification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Owners, developers, cost estimators and planners, architects and engineers, contractors, facilities managers, quantity surveyors, and financial/program managers involved in preparing or reviewing construction cost estimates and budgets.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard is active; the original E2168-10 text (2010) has been reapproved and carries the designation E2168-10(2023), indicating it was reaffirmed in 2023 rather than withdrawn or superseded.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM's suite of building classification and estimating standards under Committee E06 (Performance of Buildings), and is intended to be used in conjunction with element classification standards such as E1557 (and related UNIFORMAT classifications).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Allowance, contingency, reserve, cost estimating, construction estimating, classification, budgeting, UNIFORMAT II, building economics.